How to Reset Amcrest 1080p Camera Poe in Minutes

Reset your Amcrest 1080p PoE camera in under 5 minutes by holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes, restoring factory settings instantly. This quick fix resolves connectivity issues, forgotten passwords, or glitches—no technical expertise required. Always ensure the camera is powered via PoE during the reset for a seamless process.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it to press and hold the reset button firmly.
• Hold for 10 seconds: Keep pressed until the LED light flashes red.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the camera to restart and reset fully.
• Reconfigure settings: Set up the camera again via Amcrest app or web.
• Check firmware: Update to the latest version for optimal performance.

How to Reset Amcrest 1080p Camera Poe in Minutes

Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, preparing your camera for a new network, or simply trying to regain access after a forgotten password, knowing how to reset an Amcrest 1080p PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera is an essential skill for any home or business security setup. Amcrest cameras are widely praised for their reliability, high-resolution video quality, and seamless integration with smart home systems. However, like any network-connected device, they can sometimes encounter glitches—ranging from login failures to IP conflicts or firmware corruption—that require a reset to restore functionality.

Resetting your Amcrest 1080p PoE camera doesn’t have to be a daunting or time-consuming task. In fact, with the right guidance, you can complete the process in just minutes, regardless of your technical background. This guide will walk you through every step, from understanding the types of resets available to executing them safely and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with a hard reset (factory default) or a soft reset (reboot), we’ll cover the tools, techniques, and troubleshooting tips you need. By the end of this article, you’ll have the confidence to reset your camera quickly, minimize downtime, and get your surveillance system back online with minimal hassle.

Understanding the Different Types of Amcrest Camera Resets

Soft Reset (Reboot) vs. Hard Reset (Factory Reset)

Before jumping into the reset process, it’s crucial to understand the difference between a soft reset and a hard reset, as each serves a unique purpose and has different consequences.

• Soft Reset (Reboot): This is a simple restart of the camera. It clears temporary glitches, refreshes network connections, and resolves minor software hiccups. A soft reset does not erase any saved settings, such as your IP address, motion detection zones, or user credentials. It’s ideal for quick fixes when the camera is unresponsive or lagging.
• Hard Reset (Factory Reset): This completely erases all custom configurations and restores the camera to its original factory state. After a hard reset, you’ll need to reconfigure the camera from scratch, including setting up a new admin password, network settings, and motion detection. Use this only when a soft reset fails or when you’re handing the camera over to someone else.

For example, if your Amcrest 1080p PoE camera is showing a “No Signal” error in the Amcrest View Pro app, a soft reset may resolve the issue. But if you’ve forgotten your password and can’t access the web interface, a hard reset is the only way to regain control.

When to Use Each Type of Reset

Choosing the right reset method depends on your specific issue:

• Use a soft reset if:
  • The camera is frozen or unresponsive in the app.
  • Video feed is lagging or dropping frames.
  • You recently changed network settings and need to refresh the connection.
• Use a hard reset if:
  • You’ve forgotten your admin password.
  • The camera is stuck in an error loop or won’t boot properly.
  • You’re selling or transferring ownership of the camera.
  • You suspect firmware corruption after a failed update.

Pro Tip: Always back up your camera’s configuration settings (if possible) before performing a hard reset. Some Amcrest models allow you to export settings via the web interface under System > Maintenance > Backup & Restore.

Preparing for the Reset: Tools and Precautions

Gather the Right Tools

Before starting the reset process, make sure you have the following items ready:

• Amcrest 1080p PoE camera (e.g., models like the Amcrest IP2M-841B, IP4M-1051B, or IP3M-HX2)
• PoE switch or PoE injector (to power the camera)
• Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or higher) for network and power delivery
• Laptop or computer with a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge recommended)
• Paperclip or small pin (for hard reset using the reset button)
• Stable power source (ensure the PoE switch/injector is properly powered)

Ensure your computer is on the same network as the camera. This is critical for accessing the camera’s web interface post-reset, especially after a factory reset when it reverts to a default IP address (typically 192.168.1.108).

Important Precautions to Avoid Damage

Resetting a PoE camera involves power and network components, so taking precautions is essential to avoid hardware damage or data loss:

• Do not unplug the camera during a reset. Interrupting power during a firmware reset can corrupt the system.
• Use a surge protector. Power fluctuations can damage PoE devices. Plug your PoE switch or injector into a surge-protected outlet.
• Label your cables. If you have multiple cameras, label each Ethernet cable to avoid confusion after resetting.
• Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily. Some security software may block access to the camera’s web interface. Temporarily disable them if you encounter connection issues.
• Check firmware version. Visit Amcrest’s official firmware page to ensure your camera has the latest firmware. A failed update may require a reset.

Example: A user once attempted a hard reset on a camera connected to a low-quality PoE injector. The voltage fluctuated, causing the camera to reboot repeatedly. Switching to a certified 802.3af PoE switch resolved the issue and allowed the reset to complete successfully.

How to Perform a Soft Reset on Your Amcrest 1080p PoE Camera

Method 1: Reboot via Web Interface

This is the safest and most recommended method for a soft reset. It ensures the camera shuts down gracefully and reboots without losing any settings.

1. Open a web browser on your computer and enter the camera’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.108).
2. Log in using your admin username and password. If you’ve never changed them, the default is usually:
   • Username: admin
   • Password: admin (or the one set during initial setup)
3. Navigate to System > Maintenance > Reboot.
4. Click the Reboot button and confirm the action.
5. Wait 60–90 seconds for the camera to shut down and restart. The LED indicator will flash, then stabilize.

Tip: If the web interface is slow to load, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. Some older Amcrest firmware versions have compatibility issues with Chrome.

Method 2: Power Cycle (Unplug and Replug)

If the web interface is inaccessible, a power cycle acts as a physical soft reset.

1. Locate the PoE switch or injector powering the camera.
2. Unplug the power cord from the PoE device (not from the camera directly, as PoE delivers both power and data).
3. Wait 30 seconds to allow capacitors to discharge fully.
4. Reconnect the power.
5. Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to boot and reconnect to the network.

Important: Avoid unplugging the Ethernet cable from the camera. This can cause data corruption. Always disconnect power from the PoE source.

Method 3: Reboot via Amcrest View Pro App

For users managing multiple cameras, the Amcrest View Pro app offers a convenient reboot option.

1. Open the Amcrest View Pro app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap on the camera you want to reboot.
3. Go to Settings (gear icon) > System > Reboot.
4. Confirm the reboot.

Note: The app method only works if the camera is online and responsive. Use this when the camera is accessible but experiencing minor glitches.

How to Perform a Hard Reset (Factory Reset) on Your Amcrest 1080p PoE Camera

Method 1: Using the Physical Reset Button

This is the most reliable method for a factory reset, especially when you can’t access the web interface or app.

1. Ensure the camera is powered on (LED is solid or blinking).
2. Locate the reset button on the camera. It’s usually a small hole on the back or side, labeled “Reset” or “RST.”
3. Insert a paperclip or pin into the hole and press the button.
4. Hold the button for 10–15 seconds. Do not release early.
5. Observe the LED: it will flash rapidly for 30–60 seconds, then return to a steady pattern.
6. Wait 2–3 minutes for the camera to complete the reset and reboot.

Example: A business owner forgot the password to their Amcrest IP4M-1051B camera. After holding the reset button for 12 seconds, the camera rebooted, and they were able to access it using the default IP and login credentials.

Method 2: Factory Reset via Web Interface

If you can still log in, this method allows you to reset settings without physical access to the camera.

1. Log in to the camera’s web interface.
2. Go to System > Maintenance > Restore.
3. Select Restore to Default (not “Restore” which only resets network settings).
4. Click Apply and confirm.
5. The camera will reboot automatically. Wait 3–5 minutes.

Warning: This will erase all custom settings. After the reset, the camera will use the default IP address and login credentials (admin/admin).

Method 3: Hard Reset Using Amcrest Config Tool

The Amcrest Config Tool is a desktop utility that can discover and reset cameras on your network.

1. Download the Amcrest Config Tool from the official website.
2. Install and run the software on your computer.
3. Click Search to discover all Amcrest devices on the network.
4. Select your 1080p PoE camera from the list.
5. Click Restore and confirm the factory reset.
6. The tool will send a reset signal to the camera. Wait for the process to complete.

Tip: The Config Tool is especially useful in multi-camera setups where you need to reset several devices without accessing each one individually.

Post-Reset Setup and Troubleshooting Common Issues

Reconfiguring Your Camera After a Factory Reset

After a hard reset, your camera will revert to factory defaults. Follow these steps to set it up again:

1. Connect your computer to the same network as the camera.
2. Use the Amcrest Config Tool or manually enter http://192.168.1.108 in your browser.
3. Log in with admin/admin.
4. Change the default password immediately for security.
5. Set a new IP address (static or DHCP) to avoid conflicts.
6. Configure motion detection, email alerts, and cloud storage (if applicable).
7. Update the firmware to the latest version under System > Maintenance > Upgrade.

Best Practice: Assign a static IP address to each camera to prevent IP conflicts in the future. For example, set Camera 1 to 192.168.1.101, Camera 2 to 192.168.1.102, etc.

Common Post-Reset Problems and Solutions

Even after a successful reset, you may encounter issues. Here’s how to fix them:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Camera not found on network	Default IP not reachable; network conflict	Use Amcrest Config Tool to discover the camera. Check subnet settings.
Web interface not loading	Browser cache, firewall blocking port 80	Clear cache, disable firewall temporarily, try incognito mode.
LED blinking red	Firmware corruption or hardware issue	Reflash firmware via Config Tool. Contact Amcrest support if persistent.
No video feed after reset	Incorrect resolution or stream settings	Check stream settings under Video > Video. Set to 1080p @ 30fps.
Password reset not working	Button not held long enough	Ensure you held the reset button for at least 10 seconds.

Pro Tip: If the camera still doesn’t respond after multiple resets, try connecting it to a different PoE switch or injector to rule out power supply issues.

Optimizing Performance After Reset

Once your camera is back online, optimize it for long-term reliability:

• Update firmware regularly. Check every 3–6 months for security patches.
• Enable HTTPS and strong passwords. Prevent unauthorized access.
• Set up NTP (Network Time Protocol). Ensures accurate timestamps for recordings.
• Test motion detection zones. Adjust sensitivity to reduce false alerts.

Conclusion

Resetting your Amcrest 1080p PoE camera doesn’t have to be a stressful or complicated process. Whether you’re performing a quick soft reset to resolve a minor glitch or a full factory reset to regain access or prepare for resale, the steps outlined in this guide will help you do so efficiently and safely. By understanding the differences between reset types, preparing the right tools, and following the correct procedures, you can restore your camera’s functionality in just minutes—minimizing downtime and ensuring your security system remains operational.

Remember, regular maintenance is just as important as knowing how to reset. Keep your firmware updated, assign static IPs, and periodically test your cameras to prevent issues before they arise. With the right knowledge and a few simple tools, you can keep your Amcrest 1080p PoE camera running smoothly for years to come. Don’t let a forgotten password or a frozen feed compromise your security—empower yourself with the confidence to reset, reconfigure, and reclaim control whenever needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Amcrest 1080p PoE camera to factory settings?

To reset your Amcrest 1080p PoE camera, locate the reset button (usually on the back or side). Press and hold it for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks red, then release. The camera will reboot to factory settings in under a minute.

Can I reset my Amcrest PoE camera remotely without physical access?

Yes, if your camera is connected to the Amcrest View app or web interface, log in and navigate to System > Maintenance > Restore. Select “Factory Reset” to restore default settings remotely. Note: This requires the camera to be online.

Why won’t my Amcrest 1080p camera reset properly?

If the reset fails, ensure you’re holding the button for at least 10 seconds and the camera is powered via PoE. A weak power supply or faulty cable can interrupt the reset process. Try using a different Ethernet cable or PoE injector.

How do I find the IP address of my Amcrest 1080p PoE camera after a reset?

After resetting, use the Amcrest IP Finder tool (downloadable from their website) to scan your network. The camera will appear with its default IP (often 192.168.1.108). Ensure your computer is on the same subnet.

Does resetting my Amcrest PoE camera delete recordings from the SD card?

No, a factory reset only clears network settings, passwords, and configurations. Footage stored on the microSD card remains intact unless manually deleted. However, always back up important videos before resetting.

What should I do after resetting my Amcrest 1080p PoE camera?

After resetting, reconfigure the camera via the Amcrest View app or web interface. Set a strong password, update firmware, and adjust motion detection or recording settings to restore full functionality.