How to Reset CCTV Camera: Quick Steps

If your CCTV camera stops responding, won’t connect to Wi-Fi, or you’ve forgotten the password, a factory reset can restore it to working order. Resetting a CCTV camera wipes all custom settings—network info, passwords, motion alerts—and returns it to its original out-of-box state. This is often the fastest fix when troubleshooting fails. Whether you’re using a Hikvision, Reolink, Dahua, or eufy model, this guide covers every method: physical button, app-based reset, web interface, and advanced techniques. You’ll learn exactly how long to hold the reset button, what the LED should do, and how to set up the camera again—no guesswork, no dead ends.

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When to Reset Your CCTV Camera

Forgotten Admin Password

If you can’t log in because the password was changed or lost, a factory reset restores default credentials. Most cameras default to:
– Username: admin
– Password: 12345, admin, or blank

⚠️ Warning: This erases all access controls. Re-secure immediately after reset to prevent unauthorized access.

Wi-Fi or Network Connection Failure

After changing routers or passwords, cameras may fail to reconnect. A reset clears old network data so the camera can join your current network like a new device. This is especially useful if your camera shows as “offline” despite being powered.

Camera Freezing or Not Responding

If the live feed lags, settings won’t save, or the device appears offline despite power, a reset clears software glitches and reloads firmware cleanly. A hard reset can resolve unresponsive apps, frozen menus, or boot loops.

Suspected Hacking or Unauthorized Access

Strange behavior—panning on its own, unexpected recordings, login alerts—may mean your camera is compromised. A reset removes malware or backdoors and restores factory security settings.

Preparing for Resale or Relocation

Before selling or moving, reset to erase personal data: account links, video history, Wi-Fi passwords. This protects your privacy and ensures the new user starts fresh.

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Physical Reset Button Method (Most Common)

Most IP cameras have a small recessed reset button requiring a paperclip or SIM tool.

Locate the Reset Button

Check these spots:
– Back or bottom near power port
– Beside microSD card slot
– Under rubber cover or base cap
– On wireless models: near battery compartment

🔍 Visual cue: Look for a tiny hole labeled “Reset,” “RST,” or “Default.”

How to Perform a Hard Reset

1. Unplug the camera from power.
2. Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip.
3. Reconnect power while continuing to hold.
4. Hold for 10–20 seconds until the LED:
   – Blinks rapidly
   – Changes color (e.g., red → green)
   – Emits two beeps (e.g., eufy)
5. Release the button and wait 1–3 minutes for reboot.

✅ Success sign: The camera emits a startup chime or LED flashes in a recognizable pattern, indicating factory settings have been restored.

This method works even if you’re locked out. It bypasses software and forces a hardware-level reset.

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Brand-Specific Reset Instructions

Hikvision

1. Power on the camera.
2. Press and hold the reset button for 10+ seconds.
3. Wait for reboot.
4. Default IP: 192.168.1.64
5. Use SADP Tool to find and reconfigure.

📌 Pro Tip: If using Hik-Connect app, remove the device first before resetting to avoid sync issues.

Reolink

1. Hold reset button (near microSD slot) for 10 seconds during power-on.
2. LED blinks red/green rapidly when reset starts.
3. Reconnect via Reolink App using default login.

❗ No remote reset without access—physical button required if locked out.

Dahua

1. Hold reset button for 5 seconds to reboot.
2. Hold longer than 10 seconds for full factory reset.
3. Default IP: 192.168.1.108
4. Use Config Tool to detect post-reset.

🔄 After reset, refresh device list in the tool to see the camera reappear.

eufy

1. Press and hold the Sync button (not labeled “reset”) for 10 seconds.
2. Two beeps confirm reset initiation.
3. Wait for reboot and LED to pulse blue.

💡 After reset: Open eufy Security app → Settings → Remove Device if still listed to avoid conflicts.

EZVIZ

1. Press RESET button for 3 seconds while powered on.
2. LED flashes red/green.
3. Default login: admin / 12345

🔄 If app shows old camera: Force stop app → Clear cache → Log out/in.

Ring

• No physical reset button on most models.
• In Ring app: Device Settings → General Settings → Remove This Device
• Re-add as new after removal.

⚠️ Ring does not allow remote factory reset—must remove via app.

AXIS

1. Power off.
2. Press and hold control button.
3. Power on and hold until amber LED lights, then turns solid green.
4. Release—reset complete.

🛠 Requires 30 seconds max. Use only with official power adapter.

Mobotix

❌ No user-accessible reset.
– Must return to manufacturer.
– No firmware recovery via button or app.

📞 Contact support for RMA if unresponsive.

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Software-Based Reset Methods

Reset via Mobile App

Use this method if you still have login access.

Universal Steps:

1. Open the camera’s app (e.g., Reolink, Hik-Connect, eufy).
2. Tap the camera → Settings (gear icon).
3. Go to:
   – Device Settings > Advanced > Restore Factory Settings
   – Or System > Maintenance > Reset
4. Confirm action.
5. Wait 2 minutes for reboot.

✅ Best for wireless indoor cams with stable app connection.

Reolink App Example:

• Settings → Advanced → Tap “Restore” → Confirm “Yes”

Hikvision (Hik-Connect):

• Device Settings → System → Restore Default → Confirm

❌ Limitation: Cannot use if password is forgotten.

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Reset via Web Browser

Use when camera is connected via Ethernet or local Wi-Fi.

Find the Camera IP Address

1. Use manufacturer tool:
   – Hikvision: SADP
   – Dahua: Config Tool
   – Reolink: Search Tool
2. Or check router admin panel under connected devices.
3. Scan with Advanced IP Scanner (free tool).

Perform Web Reset

1. Open browser (Chrome, Edge).
2. Enter camera IP (e.g., http://192.168.1.64).
3. Log in with admin credentials.
4. Navigate to:
   – Settings > System > Restore Factory Defaults
   – Or Configuration > Upgrade & Maintenance > Default > Restore
5. Click Restore and confirm.

⚠️ Requires active login. If locked out, do physical reset first.

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Reset Using Desktop Software

Some brands offer PC tools for bulk or remote management.

Brand	Software Tool	Reset Path
Hikvision	Hik-Viewer, SADP	Right-click camera → Restore Factory Settings
Dahua	DSS, DSS Pro	Device Management → Maintenance → Factory Reset
Amcrest	Amcrest Camera Manager	Select device → System → Restore Default
Reolink	Reolink Client	System > Maintenance > Restore

Requirements:

• Computer on same network
• Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to camera
• Admin login

💻 Ideal for NVR-connected systems or multiple camera resets.

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Advanced Reset Techniques

Power Cycle with Extended Discharge

For cameras with no reset button or unresponsive buttons.

Steps:

1. Unplug camera for 10–15 minutes.
2. Reconnect power.
3. Immediately press and hold any physical button (Sync, Power) for 15 seconds.
4. Watch LED for change.

🔄 Works on some eufy and older wireless models.

UART Serial Reset (For Experts Only)

Used when camera is “bricked” and won’t boot.

What You Need:

• USB-to-TTL adapter
• Terminal software (PuTTY, Tera Term)
• Camera’s UART pinout (TX, RX, GND)
• Baud rate (often 115200 or 9600)

Steps:

1. Solder or connect adapter to UART pins.
2. Open terminal and connect.
3. Type command: factory_reset or erase_env
4. Reboot.

⚠️ Risk: Incorrect wiring or commands can permanently damage the camera.

Network Command Reset (Enterprise Models)

Some Hikvision or Dahua cameras support HTTP/ONVIF resets.

Example (Hikvision):

Send POST request to:
http://[camera-ip]/ISAPI/System/reboot

Use tools like Postman or curl: