How to Reset a Dome Security Camera: Troubleshooting Tips 

Sometimes, your dome security camera might stop working properly — it could freeze, lose connection, or fail to record motion. When that happens, a quick reset can often fix the problem. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple troubleshooting steps, from a soft reset to a full factory reset, so you can get your security system backup and running smoothly. 

When Should You Reset Your Dome Security Camera?

Here’s when you should reset your dome camera. 

Camera Isn’t Connecting

If your dome camera isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi or your NVR, it might be stuck trying to use old settings. A reset wipes out those old settings and lets you start fresh. This can help your system detect the camera properly and restore the live view or recording.

Forgot Your Password

If you’ve forgotten your camera’s login password and can’t access the settings or video feed, the only way to fix it is to do a factory reset. This will remove the old password and restore the default login, so you can set a new one and log in again.

In fact, 51% of users admit to resetting a password at least once a month because they can’t remember it. This shows the importance of having a straightforward method to reset your device and restore access.​

Camera Is Frozen or Stuck

Sometimes your camera may freeze, stop recording, or not respond when you try to move it or view the feed. This is often caused by a small software glitch. A quick reset refreshes the system and brings everything back to normal without needing to take the camera apart.

Poor Video Quality or Glitches

If your camera shows blurry footage, has flickering images, or random blackouts, the problem could be a software issue. Resetting can help clear temporary bugs and restore proper video quality. It’s like restarting your phone when it’s acting up — simple, but often effective.

You’re Changing Wi-Fi or Moving the Camera

If you’re moving the camera to another location or switching to a new Wi-Fi connection, resetting is the easiest way to erase the old network info. It helps the camera recognize the new connection quickly, so you can go through the setup process like you did the first time.

Settings Are All Messed Up

Sometimes settings like motion detection, alerts, or night vision don’t work right, especially if you’ve been changing things a lot. A reset puts all settings back to factory defaults, giving you a clean start to reconfigure the camera exactly the way you want without leftover errors.

You’re Selling or Giving It Away

Before selling or handing over your dome camera to someone else, it’s smart to reset it. This removes all your personal data, including passwords and Wi-Fi info. It also helps the new user set up the camera without running into your old settings or accounts getting in the way.

7 Steps to Reset a Dome Security Camera

Here’s how you can reset a dome security camera. 

Find the Reset Button

The first thing you need to do is locate the reset button on your dome security camera. It’s usually a small, hidden button found on the back, bottom, or inside the dome casing. Sometimes it’s labeled “Reset,” but not always. 

You need to remove the cover or use a flashlight to find it. Keep a paperclip or a pin ready — you’ll need it to press the button, since it’s often tucked inside a tiny hole. Always check your user manual or the brand’s website for the exact location based on your camera model.

Keep the Camera Powered On

Make sure the camera is plugged in and turned on before you try to reset it. The reset process won’t work if there’s no power going to the camera. For wired cameras, double-check the power adapter is connected properly. 

If it’s a PoE camera (powered through Ethernet), make sure the cable is working and connected to your NVR or router. For wireless models, confirm the battery is charged. Never try to reset a camera while it’s off, as it won’t register the reset command and you’ll just waste your time.

Press and Hold the Reset Button

Once the camera is powered on, use your pin or paperclip to press and hold the reset button. You usually need to hold it for about 10 to 15 seconds — sometimes up to 30 seconds depending on the brand. You might hear a beep, see a light flash, or both, which means the reset process has started. 

Don’t let go too early, or it won’t work. Keep pressing until you notice some kind of confirmation signal. If nothing happens, try again and make sure you’re pressing the correct button and applying enough pressure.

Wait for the Camera to Restart

After you release the reset button, give the camera some time to reboot. It might take a minute or two. During this time, you can see the camera’s lights flashing, the lens rotating, or it going completely dark before turning back on. This is totally normal — it just means the camera is clearing the old settings and going back to factory defaults. 

Avoid unplugging or powering it off during this step. Once the restart is complete, the camera will be just like it was when you first got it—ready for fresh setup.

Reconnect to Wi-Fi or NVR

Now that your camera is reset, it won’t remember your old Wi-Fi or NVR settings. Open the camera’s app or software and go through the setup process again. If it’s a Wi-Fi camera, connect it to your network just like you did when you first installed it. 

For NVR setups, plug the Ethernet cable back in and let the system detect the camera. Follow the on-screen instructions, scan the QR code if needed, and finish the pairing. This step brings the camera back online and ready to start monitoring again.

Update Your Settings

Once the camera is connected again, it’s time to adjust your settings. The reset has wiped everything, so features like motion alerts, night vision, sensitivity levels, and storage preferences need to be set up again. 

Go into your camera app or dashboard and update each setting the way you want. If you had customized alerts, cloud backup, or detection zones, now’s the time to turn those back on. Take a few minutes to test your changes to make sure everything’s working properly before leaving the camera to monitor on its own.

How to Troubleshoot Reset Issues

Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems you might encounter when trying to reset your security camera.

Camera Won’t Reset

If your camera doesn’t respond to the reset process, first check if the reset button is functioning correctly. Some cameras require you to hold the button for a precise amount of time — too short or too long may not trigger the reset. 

If the button isn’t working, try using a different power source, as a weak or faulty power supply can sometimes prevent the camera from resetting.

For cameras that allow resetting through an app or NVR system, make sure your device is still connected before attempting the reset. If the software reset option isn’t working, try rebooting the camera first and then retrying the factory reset.

Still Not Connecting After Reset

After a reset, your dome security camera should reconnect to Wi-Fi or your NVR system. If it doesn’t, check if your Wi-Fi security camera reset settings are properly configured. Make sure you’re entering the correct network credentials and that your router is functioning correctly. 

Restarting your router can sometimes help establish a fresh connection.

For wired NVR cameras, ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged in and that the NVR system recognizes the device. If the camera still isn’t connecting, it may need a firmware update, which you can check for in the camera’s app or on the manufacturer’s website.

Forgot Admin Login After Reset

Since a factory reset security camera process erases all custom settings, the admin login will return to default. If you can’t log in after resetting, check the user manual or the camera’s label for the default username and password. 

If the default credentials don’t work, contact the manufacturer’s support team for assistance. Some cameras require setting up a new login immediately after a reset, so make sure to complete the setup properly.

Wrapping Up

Resetting your dome security camera is a quick and easy way to fix common problems — like connection issues or if you forgot the password. For small issues, a soft reset usually does the job. But if the camera is still acting up, a hard reset (also called a factory reset) can help start fresh.

After resetting, you’ll need to set it up again — connect it to Wi-Fi or your NVR system, turn motion alerts back on, and make sure to change the default password to keep it secure.

If the reset doesn’t work, double-check the power, press the right reset button, and make sure the Wi-Fi info is correct. Once done, your dome camera should be back to keeping things safe and running smoothly.

FAQs

Will resetting my dome camera delete all recordings?

A factory reset erases all settings but usually does not delete stored footage if your camera is connected to an NVR, DVR, or cloud storage. However, if the camera has internal storage, resetting may wipe locally saved recordings.

How often should I reset my security camera?

You should only reset your dome security camera when necessary, such as when experiencing connectivity issues, software glitches, or forgotten login credentials. Regular resets are not required unless troubleshooting a persistent problem.

My camera won’t reset — what should I do?

If your camera is not resetting, check if the reset button is functioning properly and hold it for the correct duration. Try using a different power source or resetting through the camera’s software if available. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer’s support team for assistance.

How do I find my camera’s default login after a reset?

Most security cameras revert to default login credentials after a factory reset. You can usually find the default username and password in the user manual or on a sticker located on the camera. If you cannot log in, check the manufacturer’s website for further instructions.

Can I reset my dome camera remotely?

Some dome cameras allow remote resets through their mobile app or NVR system. Check your camera’s settings to see if this option is available. If your camera is offline, a physical reset using the reset button may be required.