Rollback conditions and recovery actions

Updated: August 1, 2026

Want to summarize with AI?

Details the conditions under which rollback operations must be performed, including device and image states, and outlines the corresponding rollback and recovery actions based on various scenarios.

This topic enables users to identify rollback conditions and apply appropriate recovery actions based on device and image states to ensure system stability and successful rollback processes.

Table 1. Rollback conditions and recovery actions
Current device or image state	Description	Recovery action
New image state is `I`	Image is added, but not active	Remove it only if the change is canceled
New image state is `U`	Image is active, but not committed	Abort before the rollback timer expires
New image state is `C`	Image is active and committed	Use a saved rollback point or reinstall an approved previous image
SMU is `U` or `D`	SMU change is not committed	Return to the last committed package state
System image is a `.bin` file	Switch is using direct image boot	Restore the verified previous `.bin` boot entry and reload the device
Device prompt is in `switch:` mode	IOS XE did not boot	Boot a valid `packages.conf` or known-good image

Need help?

Open a support case

(Requires a Cisco Service Contract)

The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.