How to Reset a Zosi Camera

This guide walks you through how to reset a Zosi camera using both soft and hard reset methods. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity or preparing the camera for a new setup, these clear instructions ensure a smooth process.

Key Takeaways

• Soft resets restore basic settings: Use the Zosi app or web interface to reboot the camera without losing recordings.
• Hard resets restore factory defaults: Press and hold the reset button to erase all custom settings and start fresh.
• Resetting fixes common issues: Resets can resolve Wi-Fi drops, login problems, and unresponsive cameras.
• Always back up footage first: A hard reset deletes stored video, so save important clips before proceeding.
• Use the correct reset button: Most Zosi cameras have a small pinhole reset button on the back or bottom.
• Reconfigure after reset: You’ll need to reconnect the camera to your network and reapply settings.
• Contact support if issues persist: If the camera won’t reset or reconnect, reach out to Zosi customer service.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Tip/Question?

Can I reset my Zosi camera without the app?

Yes! Use the physical reset button or power cycle the camera by unplugging and replugging it.

Tip/Question?

Will resetting delete my recordings?

A hard reset may delete recordings stored on the camera’s SD card. Always back up important footage first.

Tip/Question?

How long should I hold the reset button?

Hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds, or until the LED lights flash rapidly.

Tip/Question?

What’s the default password after a reset?

Most Zosi cameras use admin/admin or admin/123456. Check your manual to confirm.

Tip/Question?

Can I reset multiple Zosi cameras at once?

Yes, if they’re connected to an NVR. Use the NVR’s web interface to reboot all cameras simultaneously.

How to Reset a Zosi Camera: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, your Zosi security camera isn’t responding, keeps disconnecting, or you just want to start fresh with a new setup. Don’t worry—resetting your Zosi camera is easier than you think. Whether you’re dealing with a glitchy feed, forgotten passwords, or preparing to sell or reinstall your system, knowing how to reset a Zosi camera can save you time and frustration.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method to reset your Zosi camera—from simple soft resets to full factory restores. We’ll cover both wired and wireless models, explain when to use each method, and offer troubleshooting tips to keep your security system running smoothly. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently reset your Zosi camera and get back to monitoring your home or business with confidence.

Let’s dive in.

Why Reset Your Zosi Camera?

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Resetting your Zosi camera isn’t just for tech emergencies—it’s a useful tool for routine maintenance and problem-solving. Here are the most common reasons people reset their Zosi cameras:

• Forgotten login credentials: Can’t remember your username or password? A reset restores default login info.
• Wi-Fi connection issues: If your camera keeps dropping offline, a reset can re-establish a stable connection.
• Unresponsive camera: When the camera freezes or stops streaming, a reboot often fixes it.
• Preparing for resale or relocation: Resetting ensures your personal data is erased before giving the camera to someone else.
• Software glitches: After a firmware update, a reset can clear bugs and improve performance.
• Changing network settings: Moving to a new router or changing Wi-Fi passwords may require a reset to reconnect properly.

Understanding why you’re resetting helps you choose the right method—soft reset for minor issues, hard reset for major problems.

Types of Zosi Camera Resets

Not all resets are the same. Zosi cameras support two main types of resets: soft reset and hard reset (also called a factory reset). Knowing the difference helps you avoid accidentally deleting important data.

Soft Reset (Reboot)

A soft reset is like restarting your phone or computer. It turns the camera off and back on without changing any settings. This is the safest option for minor glitches.

When to use a soft reset:

• Camera is frozen or lagging
• Live feed is choppy or buffering
• App shows “offline” but the camera has power
• After a power outage

What it does:

• Restarts the camera’s operating system
• Refreshes network connection
• Does NOT delete recordings or settings

Hard Reset (Factory Reset)

A hard reset wipes the camera back to its original factory settings. All custom configurations—like Wi-Fi passwords, motion zones, and recording schedules—are erased. This is more powerful but should be used carefully.

When to use a hard reset:

• You forgot the admin password
• Camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi after multiple attempts
• Preparing to sell or give away the camera
• Persistent software errors
• After a failed firmware update

What it does:

• Erases all user settings
• Restores default username and password (usually admin/admin or admin/123456)
• Deletes stored video footage (if the camera has internal storage)
• Resets network and time zone settings

Now that you know the difference, let’s walk through how to perform each type of reset.

How to Soft Reset a Zosi Camera

A soft reset is the quickest and safest way to refresh your Zosi camera. It’s ideal for temporary issues and doesn’t require physical access to the camera if you’re using the app.

Method 1: Soft Reset via the Zosi App

Most Zosi cameras are managed through the Zosi Smart app (available on iOS and Android). Here’s how to reboot your camera remotely:

1. Open the Zosi Smart app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Log in using your account credentials.
3. Tap on the camera you want to reset from the device list.
4. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon in the top-right corner).
5. Scroll down and select “Reboot” or “Restart.”
6. Confirm the action when prompted.

The camera will power down and restart automatically. This usually takes 30–60 seconds. Once it’s back online, check the live feed to confirm it’s working.

Tip: If the app doesn’t show a reboot option, your camera model may not support remote soft resets. Try the next method.

Method 2: Soft Reset via Power Cycle

If the app isn’t working or you don’t have access, you can manually restart the camera by cutting and restoring power.

1. Locate the power source. This could be a power adapter plugged into a wall outlet or a PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection.
2. Unplug the power cable from the camera or the outlet.
3. Wait 10–15 seconds. This ensures the internal capacitors discharge completely.
4. Plug the power back in.
5. Wait for the camera to boot up. You’ll usually see LED lights flash or hear a startup sound.

After the camera restarts, give it 1–2 minutes to reconnect to your network. Then open the app and check the live view.

Example: If your Zosi camera is mounted outdoors and hard to reach, use a smart plug. Plug the camera into the smart plug, then use your phone to turn the plug off and on remotely.

Method 3: Soft Reset via Web Interface (For NVR Systems)

If your Zosi camera is connected to a Zosi NVR (Network Video Recorder), you can reboot it through the NVR’s web interface.

1. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the NVR.
2. Enter the NVR’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100). You can find this in the NVR’s network settings or user manual.
3. Log in with your NVR admin credentials.
4. Navigate to Device Management > Camera List.
5. Find your camera and click “Reboot.”
6. Confirm the action.

The camera will restart and reconnect to the NVR. This method is great for managing multiple cameras at once.

How to Hard Reset a Zosi Camera

A hard reset should be your last resort for major issues. It erases all settings, so only use it when necessary. Most Zosi cameras have a physical reset button for this purpose.

Step-by-Step Hard Reset Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to perform a factory reset:

1. Locate the reset button. It’s usually a small pinhole on the back or bottom of the camera. You’ll need a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or thin pin to press it.
2. Power on the camera. Make sure it’s connected to electricity and turned on. The LED should be lit.
3. Press and hold the reset button. Insert the tool into the pinhole and press firmly.
4. Hold for 10–15 seconds. Keep pressing until you see the LED lights flash rapidly or change color (usually from solid to blinking).
5. Release the button. The camera will restart automatically.
6. Wait for the reset to complete. This can take 1–3 minutes. The camera may reboot multiple times.
7. Check the LED status. A solid green or blue light usually means the reset was successful.

Once the reset is done, the camera will return to factory settings. The default username is typically admin and the default password is admin or 123456 (check your model’s manual to confirm).

What to Do After a Hard Reset

After resetting, you’ll need to reconfigure your camera. Here’s what to do next:

1. Reconnect to Wi-Fi. Open the Zosi Smart app, add the camera as a new device, and follow the setup wizard.
2. Set a new password. For security, change the default password immediately.
3. Adjust motion detection zones. Reconfigure areas where you want alerts.
4. Set recording schedules. Choose when the camera should record (e.g., 24/7 or only at night).
5. Update firmware. Check for updates in the app to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.

Tip: Take screenshots or write down your settings before resetting, so you can easily restore them later.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Camera Won’t Reset

If pressing the reset button doesn’t work:

• Check the power: Make sure the camera is powered on. A dead battery or loose cable can prevent a reset.
• Use the right tool: The reset button is tiny. Use a paperclip or SIM tool—not a pen, which might be too thick.
• Hold long enough: Some models require holding the button for up to 20 seconds. Be patient.
• Try a different reset method: If the physical button fails, try a soft reset via the app or power cycle.

Camera Resets but Won’t Reconnect to Wi-Fi

After a reset, the camera may struggle to reconnect. Try this:

• Move closer to the router: Weak signal can prevent pairing. Bring the camera near the router during setup.
• Use the 2.4 GHz band: Zosi cameras typically don’t support 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Make sure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz network.
• Re-enter Wi-Fi password carefully: Typos are common. Double-check capitalization and special characters.
• Restart your router: Sometimes the router needs a reboot to accept new devices.

Forgot Default Password After Reset

If you can’t log in after a reset:

• Check the manual: Default credentials vary by model. Look up your specific camera online.
• Try common defaults: admin/admin, admin/123456, or admin/password.
• Contact Zosi support: If defaults don’t work, the camera may have a unique setup. Support can help recover access.

Camera Shows “Offline” After Reset

If the camera appears offline in the app:

• Wait a few minutes: It can take time for the camera to reconnect after a reset.
• Check network settings: Ensure the camera and phone are on the same network.
• Re-add the camera: Remove it from the app and set it up as a new device.
• Reset the NVR (if applicable): For wired systems, the NVR may also need a reboot.

Tips for a Smooth Reset Experience

To make resetting your Zosi camera as easy as possible, follow these best practices:

• Back up recordings first: If your camera has SD card storage, copy important videos to a computer before resetting.
• Label your cameras: If you have multiple cameras, label them so you know which one you’re resetting.
• Keep the manual handy: Store your camera’s user guide in a safe place for quick reference.
• Update firmware regularly: New updates often fix bugs that cause reset issues.
• Use a stable power source: Power surges or brownouts can interfere with resets. Use a surge protector.

When to Contact Zosi Support

Most reset issues can be solved at home. But if you’ve tried everything and your camera still won’t reset or function properly, it’s time to reach out for help.

Contact Zosi customer support if:

• The reset button is physically damaged or missing
• The camera won’t power on at all
• You see error messages like “Camera Not Found” or “Connection Failed”
• The camera resets but immediately crashes or freezes
• You suspect a hardware defect (e.g., overheating, constant reboots)

You can contact Zosi support via:

• Email: support@zositech.com
• Phone: Check their website for regional numbers
• Live chat: Available on the Zosi website during business hours
• Support portal: Submit a ticket with your camera model and issue details

Be ready to provide your camera’s model number (e.g., Zosi C1080P, Zosi NVR-4108) and a description of the problem.

Conclusion

Resetting your Zosi camera doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re doing a quick soft reset to fix a glitch or a full factory reset to start over, the process is straightforward when you know the steps. Soft resets are great for everyday issues, while hard resets solve deeper problems like forgotten passwords or persistent connectivity errors.

Remember to back up your footage, use the right tools, and reconfigure your settings after a reset. And if you run into trouble, don’t hesitate to contact Zosi support—they’re there to help.

With this guide, you’re now equipped to reset your Zosi camera confidently and keep your security system running smoothly. Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is protected.