To factory reset your Axis Companion Bullet Camera in 2026, press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds until the LED flashes red, ensuring a complete wipe of all settings. This quick fix resolves glitches, clears configurations, and restores the camera to its original state—ideal for troubleshooting or prepping for resale. Always verify power stability during the process to avoid interruptions.

How to Factory Reset Axis Companion Bullet Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the recessed button on the camera’s housing.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 15+ seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Allow 2–3 minutes for the camera to restart fully.
• Verify reset success: Check for default IP and login credentials.
• Update firmware: Always install the latest version post-reset for security.
• Reconfigure settings: Restore custom settings manually after the reset completes.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Axis Companion Bullet Camera act up—frozen feed, login issues, or strange network behavior? You’re not alone. Whether you’re reassigning the camera, troubleshooting connectivity, or preparing it for resale, knowing how to factory reset Axis Companion Bullet Camera in 2026 is essential for maintaining security and performance.

Over time, cameras accumulate settings, firmware quirks, and cached data that can slow them down or cause conflicts. A factory reset wipes all custom configurations—like passwords, Wi-Fi settings, and motion zones—and returns the device to its original out-of-box state. This is especially important if you’re switching ownership or integrating the camera into a new network setup.

Unlike generic IP cameras, the Axis Companion series uses a streamlined interface and cloud-based management, which means the reset process isn’t always intuitive. That’s why this guide walks you through the exact steps to perform a reliable factory reset—whether you’re using a physical button, web interface, or mobile app.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently reset your camera and get it ready for a fresh start—safely, efficiently, and without losing critical data (like footage stored externally).

Pro Tip: A factory reset does not delete recorded footage stored on SD cards or cloud platforms like Axis Cloud. However, it will remove all local settings, including admin credentials and network configurations. Always back up important settings if needed!

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools and materials. Having everything ready ensures a smooth and error-free reset process.

• Axis Companion Bullet Camera (e.g., M3057-LVE, M3067-PVE, etc.) – Any model in the Companion series.
• Stable internet connection – Required if using the Axis Companion app or web interface.
• Smartphone or tablet – For using the Axis Companion mobile app (iOS/Android).
• Computer with web browser – For accessing the camera’s web interface (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge recommended).
• Ethernet cable (optional) – Helpful if Wi-Fi is unstable or you’re troubleshooting network issues.
• Pin or paperclip – For pressing the physical reset button (usually recessed).
• Access to your network (Wi-Fi name/password) – You’ll need to reconnect the camera after the reset.
• SD card (if used) – Remove it before resetting to avoid accidental formatting (some models auto-format during reset).

These items are common household or office tools—no special equipment required. The key is ensuring your camera is powered and reachable, whether via Wi-Fi or wired connection.

Warning: Never reset a camera while it’s actively recording to an SD card without ejecting it first. Some firmware versions may format the card during reset. Play it safe: remove the SD card before starting.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Factory Reset Axis Companion Bullet Camera in 2026

There are three proven methods to reset your camera, depending on your situation: physical reset, web interface, and mobile app. We’ll cover all three, so you can choose the best one for your needs.

Step 1: Prepare the Camera for Reset

Start by ensuring the camera is powered and accessible. Whether it’s mounted on a wall or ceiling, you’ll need to reach it—especially if using the physical reset button.

• Check that the camera’s status LED is on (usually solid green or blue).
• If using Wi-Fi, confirm it’s connected to your network. A blinking LED often indicates connection issues.
• Remove any SD card from the camera slot. This prevents accidental data loss or formatting.
• Note down any custom settings you might want to restore later (e.g., motion detection zones, privacy masks).

This prep step is critical. Rushing into a reset without checking connectivity or storage can lead to confusion later.

Real-life scenario: A homeowner once reset their camera without removing the SD card—only to realize all 30 days of recordings were gone. Don’t let this be you!

Step 2: Use the Physical Reset Button (Best for Offline or Unresponsive Cameras)

The physical reset method is ideal if your camera isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi, the app isn’t recognizing it, or the web interface is unresponsive. It’s also the fastest way when you have direct access.

1. Locate the reset button—it’s usually a small hole on the side or bottom of the camera. Refer to your model’s manual if unsure.
2. Use a paperclip or pin to gently press and hold the reset button.
3. Hold for 10–15 seconds until the status LED flashes rapidly (typically amber or red).
4. Release the button and wait. The camera will reboot (30–60 seconds). The LED will cycle through colors and eventually show a steady green or blue.
5. Once rebooted, the camera is in factory default mode.

This method works regardless of network status. It’s the go-to for technicians in the field or users who’ve lost remote access.

Note: On some 2025–2026 Axis Companion models, the reset button may require a 20-second press. If the LED doesn’t flash after 15 seconds, try holding for 20.

Step 3: Reset via Axis Companion Mobile App (Easiest for App-Connected Cameras)

If your camera is already set up in the Axis Companion app, this is the simplest and safest method. It’s perfect for homeowners or small businesses managing one or two cameras.

1. Open the Axis Companion app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap on the camera you want to reset. Make sure it shows as “Online.”
3. Go to Settings (gear icon) > Camera Settings > Maintenance.
4. Look for the option: “Reset to factory default” or “Restore to factory settings.”
5. Tap it and confirm when prompted. The app will warn you that all settings will be erased.
6. Wait 1–2 minutes. The camera will restart and appear as a new, unconfigured device in the app.

This method is user-friendly and avoids physical access. It’s ideal if you’ve forgotten the admin password but still have app access.

Pro Tip: After reset, the camera will appear as “New Device” in the app. Re-add it using the onboarding wizard to set up Wi-Fi, name, and other preferences.

Step 4: Reset via Web Interface (For Advanced Users or Network Admins)

The web interface method gives you full control and is best if you’re managing multiple cameras or prefer browser-based tools. You’ll need the camera’s IP address.

1. Find the camera’s IP address:
   • Check your router’s connected devices list.
   • Use a network scanner like Fing or Angry IP Scanner.
   • Look at the Axis Companion app—camera details often show the IP.
2. Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and enter the IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).
3. Log in using the admin username and password. Default is often admin/admin, but this may have changed.
4. Navigate to Setup > System Options > Maintenance.
5. Click “Restore to factory default” or “Reset to factory settings.”
6. Confirm the action. The camera will reboot automatically (1–2 minutes).
7. After reboot, the web interface will show the initial setup page.

This method is powerful but requires basic networking knowledge. It’s commonly used by IT teams and installers.

Warning: If you can’t access the web interface, the camera may be using HTTPS (port 443). Try https://[IP] instead. Also, disable any pop-up blockers—some settings pages open in new windows.

Step 5: Reconnect and Reconfigure the Camera

After the reset, the camera is “naked”—no Wi-Fi, no password, no settings. Now it’s time to set it up again.

• Via App: Open the Axis Companion app. The camera should appear as “New Device.” Follow the onboarding steps: name, Wi-Fi, admin password, time zone.
• Via Web Interface: After reboot, go to the camera’s IP address. You’ll see the first-time setup wizard. Create a strong admin password, connect to Wi-Fi, and configure basic settings.
• Via Ethernet: If using wired connection, plug in the cable. The camera will get an IP via DHCP. Access it through the app or browser to complete setup.

Take your time during reconfiguration. Set up motion detection, privacy zones, and cloud sync (if using Axis Cloud) to match your original needs.

Real-life scenario: A business owner reset their camera but forgot to re-enable motion alerts. For a week, they missed deliveries and break-in attempts. Always double-check critical features after reset!

Step 6: Verify the Reset Was Successful

Don’t assume the reset worked. Confirm it by checking a few key indicators.

• The camera appears as a new, unnamed device in the Axis Companion app.
• The default admin login is admin/admin (if you didn’t set a new one).
• No custom settings (e.g., motion zones, privacy masks) are active.
• The camera connects to Wi-Fi and streams video without issues.
• You can access live feed from the app or web interface.

If any of these fail, repeat the reset process or try a different method (e.g., switch from app to physical reset).

Pro Tip: After setup, update the firmware. Go to Maintenance > Firmware Upgrade in the web interface. This ensures you have the latest security patches and features for 2026 models.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve when learning how to factory reset Axis Companion Bullet Camera in 2026.

• Tip 1: Label your camera before resetting. If you have multiple cameras, write the model and location on a sticker. After reset, they all look the same!
• Tip 2: Use a strong, unique password post-reset. Never reuse old passwords. Consider a password manager.
• Tip 3: Test connectivity immediately. After setup, walk through the property to ensure the camera’s view isn’t obstructed.
• Tip 4: Keep firmware updated. Axis releases updates quarterly. An outdated camera is a security risk.
• Tip 5: Use the app for quick resets. The mobile app is faster and less error-prone than the web interface for most users.

Now, for the common mistakes:

• Mistake 1: Forgetting to remove the SD card. As mentioned, this can lead to data loss. Always eject first.
• Mistake 2: Holding the reset button too briefly. 10 seconds is the minimum. If the LED doesn’t flash, hold longer.
• Mistake 3: Not reconfiguring motion detection. Many users reset but forget to set up alerts. Check this first!
• Mistake 4: Using weak Wi-Fi after reset. A weak signal causes dropouts. Use Wi-Fi analyzers to find the best spot.
• Mistake 5: Skipping firmware updates. Older firmware may have bugs that affect reset behavior. Always update after reset.

Warning: If the camera doesn’t respond after multiple reset attempts, it may be bricked. Contact Axis Support. In rare cases, a firmware flash via TFTP is needed.

FAQs About How to Factory Reset Axis Companion Bullet Camera in 2026

Let’s tackle the most common questions users have about resetting their Axis Companion Bullet Cameras.

Q1: Will a factory reset delete my recorded footage?

No. A factory reset only erases camera settings, not stored footage. If your recordings are on an SD card or in Axis Cloud, they remain safe. However, some models may format the SD card during reset, so always remove it first as a precaution.

Q2: Can I reset the camera if I forgot the admin password?

Yes. The physical reset button method works even if you’re locked out. It bypasses the login and restores defaults. This is the best option for forgotten passwords.

Q3: How long does the factory reset process take?

The actual reset takes 1–2 minutes, but the full process (prep, reset, reconfigure) can take 10–20 minutes. The camera reboots automatically, and you’ll need time to re-add it to your network.

Q4: Does the camera need to be on Wi-Fi to reset?

No. The physical reset works without any network. The app and web methods require the camera to be connected, but you can use an Ethernet cable if Wi-Fi is down.

Q5: Can I reset multiple cameras at once?

Not simultaneously. Each camera must be reset individually. However, you can streamline the process by using the Axis Companion app’s bulk setup feature after individual resets.

Q6: What if the reset button doesn’t work?

Try holding it longer (20 seconds). If still no response, the camera may be in a firmware loop. Power cycle it (unplug for 30 seconds), then try again. As a last resort, contact Axis Support.

Q7: Is there a difference between “Restore” and “Reset” in the settings?

Sometimes. “Restore to factory default” fully erases all settings. “Reset” might only clear network or user settings. Always choose the full factory reset option when available.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to factory reset Axis Companion Bullet Camera in 2026 is a must-have skill for any camera owner. Whether you’re troubleshooting, reassigning, or just starting fresh, this process gives you a clean slate—without losing your valuable recordings.

We’ve covered three reliable methods: physical reset (best for offline cameras), app reset (easiest for beginners), and web interface (ideal for admins). Choose the one that fits your situation, and don’t skip the prep and verification steps.

Remember: Always remove the SD card first, hold the reset button long enough, and reconfigure critical settings like motion detection. A little extra care now prevents headaches later.

Now that you know the ins and outs, go ahead and reset your camera with confidence. And when in doubt, bookmark this guide—it’s your go-to resource for keeping your Axis Companion Bullet Camera running smoothly in 2026 and beyond.

Got a friend with a glitchy camera? Share this guide. A well-reset camera is a happy camera!