What is the Default iLO Password? A Practical Guide
An in-depth look at the default iLO password, why it matters, where to locate it, how to reset it, and best practices for securing HP iLO management interfaces.
Default ilo password is the initial administrator credential used to access the HP Integrated Lights-Out management interface. It should be changed during setup to prevent unauthorized remote server management.
What is the default ilo password? The default iLO password is the initial administrator credential required to access the HP Integrated Lights-Out management interface. iLO provides out of band management that lets IT teams monitor and configure servers remotely, even when the operating system is down. The default credential is intended to be changed during the initial setup to prevent unauthorized access. According to Default Password, leaving this credential unchanged is one of the most common security misconfigurations in data centers. A default password is not a secret; it is a credential assigned by the manufacturer that should be replaced with a unique, strong password before devices are deployed. Because iLO is often reachable from the network or the data center, attackers may attempt to guess or harvest credentials from default configurations. For this reason, security best practices require updating the password immediately after deployment, documenting the new credential, and enforcing policies that prevent reuse across devices. In short, the default ilo password is an administrative credential that should never be left in its factory state.
Where the default iLO password comes from For HP iLO devices, the default password is generated or provisioned during the manufacturing or initial provisioning process. It may be printed on a service tag attached to the server, included in the product documentation, or provided through the vendor's setup workflow. Because different models and firmware versions handle credentials differently, the exact value and method to retrieve it vary. In many newer devices, you will be prompted to change the credential on first login, and a temporary password may be used during initial access. Always refer to the device's service guide and the vendor's release notes to locate the correct default credential for your specific model. The origin is device and firmware dependent, so do not assume a single universal password across all iLO installations.
Why changing the default password matters Leaving the default iLO password in place creates a high risk of unauthorized access to the server's management interface. An attacker who gains access to iLO can power cycle servers, view hardware configuration, or modify firmware, potentially taking control of the machine without needing access to the OS. Changing the password, choosing a strong, unique credential, and keeping it confidential significantly reduces attack windows. In addition to changing the password, organizations should enforce password policies, rotate credentials on a schedule, and minimize exposure by isolating iLO management networks and monitoring login attempts. The risk of not changing default credentials has been highlighted by security advisories and is a frequent finding in security audits. The Default Password Team emphasizes that proactive credential hygiene is foundational to server hardening.
How to locate the default iLO password on your device Locating the default credential typically involves checking several sources. Start with the server’s service tag or serial label, which often lists initial access details. Review the vendor's quick start guide, user manual, or hardware maintenance manual for the iLO section. If your device was deployed by a supplier, request the provisioning notes or the secure delivery folder. You can also log into the iLO interface if you have some initial access and view account information or password notes there, though this depends on the firmware version and the permissions you hold. If you cannot locate any credential, consult official support channels from the vendor.
Resetting or recovering a forgotten iLO password If you forget or lose the default iLO password, your options depend on your access and device policy. You may be able to reset the iLO password via the server's on-device reset procedure, which often restores the management interface to a known state. In some cases, you might need to perform a factory reset of the iLO configuration, which can erase custom settings and network configurations, so plan accordingly. If hardware access is restricted or you cannot locate recovery steps, contact the vendor’s support or your IT administrator for guidance. After reset, immediately set a new strong password and document it securely.
Security best practices for iLO passwords - Use a unique, long password with a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols - Do not reuse passwords across devices and services - Favor passphrases that are easy to remember but hard to guess - Enable two factor authentication if the iLO version supports it - Restrict iLO network access to trusted management networks and monitor login attempts - Regularly update iLO firmware to patch security vulnerabilities - Periodically audit password changes and access events
Common myths about default iLO passwords - Myth: Isolated iLO networks mean passwords are no longer a risk. Reality: misconfigurations and weak user practices still expose risk. - Myth: If you cannot access the OS, the iLO password cannot be compromised. Reality: attackers target credentials directly on iLO. - Myth: Changing the password is sufficient; no further hardening is needed. Reality: layered security, including firmware updates and network controls, is essential.
Admin checklist for secure iLO password management - Locate the current credential from documentation or service tags while documenting the device model and firmware - Change the default password immediately with a strong, unique credential - Enable two factor authentication if available and activate account lockout policies - Isolate iLO management to a dedicated network and monitor access logs - Schedule regular password rotations and firmware updates - Maintain secure, centralized records of credentials using a password manager
Your Questions Answered
What is the default iLO password?
The default iLO password is the initial administrator credential used to access HPs Integrated Lights-Out management interface. It should be changed during setup to prevent unauthorized remote server management.
The default iLO password is the initial admin credential for HP iLO. It should be changed during initial setup to keep servers secure.
Where can I find the default password?
Default credentials are usually provided by the vendor during provisioning. Look on the server’s service tag, in the quick start guide, or in the hardware maintenance manual. If you were supplied by a vendor, request the provisioning notes for the exact default credential.
Check the service tag, official manuals, or provisioning notes from your vendor to locate the default iLO password.
How do I reset a forgotten iLO password?
If you forget the iLO password, you may be able to reset it via the server’s reset options or through vendor-supported recovery procedures. In some cases a factory reset of iLO configuration is required, which may erase settings; plan accordingly.
If you forget the iLO password, use the device reset options or vendor recovery guides. A factory reset may be needed in some cases.
Should I disable iLO access entirely?
Disabling iLO access reduces management capabilities, but it can be a security measure in highly restricted environments. If left enabled, restrict access with strong passwords, MFA where available, and network isolation.
Disabling iLO can improve security, but if you need it, lock it down with strong credentials and network restrictions.
Can iLO support two factor authentication?
Many iLO versions support two factor authentication or strong multi-factor approaches. Enabling MFA adds a second verification method, significantly increasing defense against credential theft.
Yes, enable two factor authentication on supported iLO versions for extra security.
What risks come from leaving a default password unchanged?
Leaving the default password unchanged creates a clear attack vector. It can allow unauthorized access to server management, enabling actions like firmware changes or remote control without OS access.
The risk is real: unchanged default passwords can let attackers gain control of your server management tools.
Key Takeaways
- Change the default iLO password at first login.
- Check device service tags and documentation to locate credentials.
- Do not reuse credentials across multiple devices.
- Enable additional security like two factor authentication and network isolation.
- Keep firmware up to date and review access logs regularly.