FortiGate
FortiGate Next Generation Firewall utilizes purpose-built security processors and threat intelligence security services from FortiGuard labs to deliver top-rated protection and high performance, including encrypted traffic.
jangelis
Staff
Staff
Article Id 210343
Description

This article describes a method to modify the administrator account when the admin access is lost to the FortiGate. This method requires FortiGate Cloud access and the device must have a paid FortiGate Cloud subscription.

Scope FortiGate.
Solution

Note: The legacy method to reset password of the 'admin' account using the built-in 'maintainer' account to reset administrator password was removed in FortiOS v7.2.4 and later, see Technical Tip: Removal of maintainer account feature.

 

Requirements:

  1. The unit is configured to connect to FortiGate Cloud for central management, and Management Connectivity is UP.
  2. The unit has a valid FortiGate Cloud subscription, see FortiGate Cloud Administration Guide | Feature Comparison.

 

Select FortiGate Cloud -> Select the device -> Group Management -> Run script.

 

JxFIP1.png

 

See FortiGate Cloud Administration Guide | Script for instructions on running CLI scripts.

 

To add a new administrator account, create and execute a new script using the following syntax:

 

config system admin
    edit "name-of-new-admin"
        set accprofile "super_admin"
        set vdom "root"
        set password yourpassword
    next
end

 

If the FortiGate is running a multi-VDOM configuration, use the following syntax instead:

 

config global
    config system admin
        edit "name-of-new-admin"
            set accprofile "super_admin"
            set vdom "root"
            set password yourpassword
        next
    end

 

Alternatively, enabling the SSO FortiCloud administration access makes it possible to regain access to the FortiGate. Use the following syntax:

 

config system global

    set admin-forticloud-sso-login enable

    set admin-forticloud-sso-default-profile "super_admin"

end

 

If the unit is not yet added to the FortiGate Cloud, but there is physical access to the unit, it is possible to add it with the FortiCloud key: FortiGate Cloud Administration Guide | Deployment

A legacy method of FortiGate configuration management by making configuration changes directly in FortiGate Cloud is no longer supported as of in Q3 2024, see FortiGate Cloud 24.4a Administration Guide | Config.