How do I reset a White-Rodgers thermostat?

The reset method depends on your model. For battery-powered models (1F series): remove the thermostat from the wall plate, remove batteries, wait 5 minutes, reinsert batteries. For the Sensi Smart: use the Sensi app > Device Settings > Remove Device, then re-setup. For hardwired models: turn off the HVAC breaker for 30 seconds, then back on. For a full factory reset on digital models, hold the Up and Down arrows simultaneously for 10 seconds.

Why is my White-Rodgers thermostat not working after a power outage?

After a power outage, your White-Rodgers thermostat may need a manual reset. Check the circuit breaker first — it may have tripped. For battery models, remove and reinsert the batteries to force a restart. For hardwired models, flip the HVAC breaker OFF, wait 30 seconds, then ON. You may also need to reset the clock and reprogram your schedule, as some models lose programming during power outages.

How do I access the White-Rodgers installer settings?

For digital 1F series models: with the thermostat on, press and hold both the Up and Down temperature arrows for about 5 seconds until you see the setup menu. For Sensi Touch: tap Menu > Settings > Advanced Setup. For older mechanical models (80 series): there's no electronic setup — adjust the heat anticipator dial inside for cycle rate. The installer menu lets you configure system type, fan settings, and temperature offset.

Is White-Rodgers the same as Emerson Sensi?

Yes. White-Rodgers is a brand of Emerson Electric. The Sensi Smart Thermostat and Sensi Touch are made by White-Rodgers/Emerson. In 2023, Copeland (formerly Emerson Climate Technologies) took over the Sensi brand. The same troubleshooting and reset procedures apply whether your device is branded White-Rodgers, Emerson, or Sensi.

My White-Rodgers thermostat display is blank. What should I do?

For battery models (most 1F series): replace the 2x AA batteries. For hardwired models: check the circuit breaker and the 3-5 amp fuse on the furnace control board. Also ensure the furnace door is fully closed (safety switch). If it's a Sensi model, check the C wire connection — without a C wire, the Sensi may not power on. Try charging the Sensi via the USB port on the back of the unit.

How do I reset a Sensi Smart Thermostat?

For a soft reset: remove the Sensi from its wall plate, wait 30 seconds, and reattach. For a full factory reset: remove from wall plate, press and hold the small reset button on the back with a paperclip for 5 seconds until the screen flashes. The Sensi will restart with factory settings. You'll need to re-pair it with the Sensi app afterward.

Reset Guide

White-Rodgers Thermostat Reset

How to reset every White-Rodgers and Emerson Sensi thermostat model. Soft reset, factory reset, and reconfiguration steps.

Last updated: February 2026

Safety Warning

Turn off the HVAC breaker before removing the thermostat from its wall plate. While thermostat wires are low-voltage (24V), accidental shorts can blow the furnace fuse or damage the control board.

Quick Reset by Model

1F78 / 1F80 / 1F83 / 1F85

Digital Programmable

Soft reset: Remove batteries, wait 5 minutes, reinsert

Factory reset: Hold Up + Down arrows for 10 seconds

1F86 / 1F87

Non-Programmable Digital

Soft reset: Remove batteries, wait 5 minutes, reinsert

Factory reset: Hold Up + Down arrows for 10 seconds

Sensi Smart (1F87U)

Wi-Fi Smart

Soft reset: Pull off wall plate, wait 30 seconds, reattach

Factory reset: Press reset button on back with paperclip for 5 seconds

Sensi Touch (ST75)

Wi-Fi Smart Touchscreen

Soft reset: Pull off wall plate, wait 30 seconds, reattach

Factory reset: Menu > Settings > Factory Reset

Sensi Lite (ST25)

Wi-Fi Basic

Soft reset: Pull off wall plate, wait 30 seconds, reattach

Factory reset: Press reset button on back with paperclip for 5 seconds

80 Series (mechanical)

Mechanical

Soft reset: Turn off HVAC breaker 30 seconds

Factory reset: No electronic reset (clean contacts with pencil eraser)

Step-by-Step Reset Guide

Identify your White-Rodgers model series

Check the model number on the back or bottom of your thermostat. White-Rodgers models fall into these categories: 1F series (1F78, 1F80, 1F83, 1F85, 1F86, 1F87) — digital programmable, 80 series (80, 87) — older mechanical, Sensi / Sensi Touch / Sensi Lite — smart Wi-Fi models. The model number determines which reset procedure to follow.

Try a soft reset first

For any White-Rodgers model, start with a soft reset. Battery models: pull the thermostat off the wall plate, remove batteries, wait 30 seconds, reinsert batteries, reattach to wall plate. Hardwired models: turn off the HVAC breaker for 30 seconds, then back on. Sensi models: pull off the wall plate, wait 30 seconds, reattach. A soft reset clears temporary glitches without erasing your settings.

Perform a factory reset (if needed)

If the soft reset didn't fix the problem: For 1F series digital models: press and hold the Up and Down arrows simultaneously for 10 seconds. The display will flash and reset to factory defaults. For Sensi Smart: use a paperclip to press the reset button on the back for 5 seconds. For Sensi Touch: go to Menu > Settings > Factory Reset. Note: factory reset erases all schedules, Wi-Fi settings, and preferences.

Reconfigure system settings

After a factory reset, you'll need to reconfigure: (1) System type — gas, electric, or heat pump. Access installer setup by holding Up + Down arrows for 5 seconds. Set the system type to match your HVAC. (2) For Sensi models, re-pair with the Sensi app: download the app > Add Device > follow the pairing wizard. The app will walk through system configuration, Wi-Fi, and scheduling.

Set the clock and schedule

Set the correct day and time — press the "Day" or "Clock" button and use the arrows to adjust. Then reprogram your schedule. For 1F series: press "Program" > set 4 time periods per day (Wake, Leave, Return, Sleep) with desired temperatures. For Sensi: set the schedule in the Sensi app > Schedule tab. If you don't want a schedule, press "Hold" to maintain a constant temperature.

Test all HVAC modes

After resetting and configuring, test each mode: (1) Set to Heat, raise temp 5 degrees above room temp — listen for furnace to start. (2) Set to Cool, lower temp 5 degrees below room temp — listen for AC (wait up to 5 minutes for compressor delay). (3) Set fan to "On" — blower should run continuously. (4) Set back to "Auto" fan and your desired temperature. If any mode fails, the issue is likely wiring or equipment, not the thermostat settings.

If these steps resolved your issue, your thermostat should now be working correctly.

Pro Tip

Before doing a factory reset, take a photo of your current settings and schedule. This makes it much easier to reprogram after the reset. For Sensi models, the app retains your schedule in the cloud — you just need to re-pair the device.

When You Need to Reset Your White-Rodgers

Screen frozen or unresponsive

Soft reset first, factory if stuck

After a power outage

Soft reset (breaker OFF/ON)

Wrong HVAC system type configured

Factory reset + reconfigure

Selling your home

Factory reset (removes Wi-Fi/personal data)

Installing in a new home

Factory reset + fresh configuration

Schedule won't save

Soft reset, check batteries if issues persist

Replacement Options

Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat

$169

The best White-Rodgers upgrade. Touchscreen display, geofencing, and works with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit.

4.4/5

Color touchscreen
Works without C wire
HomeKit support
Easy Sensi app setup

Check Price on Amazon

Emerson Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat

$79

Budget smart thermostat from Emerson. Wi-Fi control without the touchscreen. Great for basic needs.

4.2/5

Wi-Fi app control
Works without C wire
Simple button interface
Alexa & Google compatible

Check Price on Amazon

Related Guides

Thermostat Not Working

General troubleshooting

Thermostat Wiring

Wiring reference guide

C Wire Guide

For Sensi power issues

Replacement Cost

Pricing guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

ThermostatFixer Editorial Team

Our team of HVAC enthusiasts and DIY experts creates detailed thermostat troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, and repair tips to help homeowners fix common thermostat issues without calling a technician.