How To Reset Your Outdoor Security Cameras: A Step-By-Step Guide

Outdoor security cameras can help keep your home safe, but I couldn’t stop working due to power issues, Internet problems, or even software glitches. When this happens resetting your camera is often the quickest fix. 

The guide that we are going to walk you through has different ways to reset your outdoor cameras, whether they are wired, battery powered, or connected to a security system. 

When should you reset your outdoor camera? 

You might need to reset your outdoor camera if.

• The camera is stopped connecting to Wi-Fi.
• The video feed is lagging, blurry or frozen.
• Washing detection or alerts aren’t working.
• You’ve changed your Wi-Fi password or router.
• The camera isn’t responding to the app.

Types of camera resets

The two main ways to reset an outdoor security camera.

• Soft, reset reboot a quick restart that doesn’t erase your settings.
• Hard reset factory reset restored the camera to its original, this erases any saved preferences.

How to do a soft reset to your outdoor camera

Soft reset is the first step to try when your camera isn’t working properly. The method won’t erase any settings, but it will fix the minor issues.

Soft reset steps

• Unplug or power down the camera it’s the camera is wired, unplug it from the power source. For battery powered cameras remove the battery.
• Wait, 30 seconds this allows the camera to completely power off.
• Reconnected to Wi-Fi it’s a camera isn’t reconnecting automatically, check your security app for network settings.

If the soft reset doesn’t fix the issue, try a hard reset.

How to hard reset your outdoor camera? (factory reset)

A factory reset restores the camera to it original settings. Use this method if.

• The software reset didn’t work.
• You’re switching to a new Wi-Fi network.
• The camera is completely unresponsive.

Hard reset steps

• Find the reset button most cameras have a small reset button that is often located on the back or the bottom of the device.
• Press and hold the button use a paper clip or a small tool the press and hold the reset button for about 10 to 30 seconds.
• Wait for the camera to reboot the camera will turn off and restart. Some models will flash a light or make a sound to confirm the reset.
• Set up the camera again open the security app, reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure your settings.

Troubleshooting common camera reset issues

If your camera isn’t resetting properly, try these fixes.

• Check the power source ensure the camera is plugged in or the battery is charged.
• Test the Wi-Fi connection signals from the front the camera for reconnecting after a reset.
• Use the security app some cameras require you to reset them through an app and instead of using a button.
• Update the firmware if the camera isn’t responding, check the manufacturers website for a software update.

Final thoughts

Resetting your outdoor security camera is a simple but essential skill that can help you fix any common issues without calling for support. Whether you need a quick reboot or a full factory reset, following these steps will get you your camera back up and running.

If the camera isn’t working after I reset, it might be time to call a professional. Contact us for troubleshooting set up, and expert security camera installation.