Change the console port access after installation, in Controller mode

Updated: July 7, 2026

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This procedure changes the method for connecting to the console to access a Cisco CSR1000V or Cisco Catalyst 8000V software device.

The image used for deploying the Cisco CSR1000V or Cisco Catalyst 8000V software determines the default type of console access to use, which can be virtual or serial.

The procedure includes changing the mode from Controller to Autonomous, and then back to Controller, which is required for operation with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN. These mode changes cause the device to reload.

Before you begin

Before beginning this procedure, ensure that you have access to the Cisco CSR1000V or Cisco Catalyst 8000V router through the currently configured console access method.

Procedure

	1.	In EXEC mode, enter enable to enter privileged EXEC mode. `Router> enable`
	2.	Disable Controller mode. Enter the following command and follow the prompts to complete the command. `Device# controller-mode disable` Note This reboots the device in Autonomous mode.
	3.	After the device restarts, enter enable to enter privileged EXEC mode. `Router> enable`
	4.	Enter global configuration mode. `Device# configure terminal`
	5.	Use one of these options to configure the type of access: virtual: This option specifies that the device is accessed through the hypervisor virtual VGA console. serial: This option specifies that the device is accessed through the serial port on the virtual machine (VM). Note Use this option only if your hypervisor supports serial port console access. If the device configuration is stored as a Cisco SD-WAN Manager device template and is attached to the device using Cisco SD-WAN Manager, enter the platform console serial command to the CLI add-on profile or CLI add-on template. This helps prevent Cisco SD-WAN Manager from removing the serial port when the device template is attached to the device. `Device(config)# platform console serial` auto: (This option has been deprecated and is not recommended.) This option specifies that the device console is detected automatically. This is the default setting during the initial installation boot process.
	6.	Exit configuration mode. `Device(config)# end`
	7.	Save the configuration. `Device# write memory`
	8.	Copy the running configuration to the startup configuration. `Device# copy system:running-config nvram:startup-config`
	9.	Change the device back to Controller mode. Enter the following command and follow the prompts to complete the command. `Device# controller-mode enable` This step reboots the device in controller mode.

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