How to Reset Foscam Fi9900p

This guide walks you through how to reset Foscam Fi9900p using both soft and hard reset methods. Whether you’re troubleshooting connection issues or preparing the camera for a new setup, these clear steps ensure a smooth reset process.

Key Takeaways

• Soft reset restores network settings: Use the web interface to reset Wi-Fi and login credentials without losing video recordings.
• Hard reset restores factory defaults: Press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds to erase all custom settings.
• Always power the camera during reset: Ensure the Fi9900p is plugged in and powered on before attempting any reset method.
• Reconfigure after reset: You’ll need to set up motion detection, alerts, and Wi-Fi again post-reset.
• Use the Foscam app for quick access: The Foscam VMS or mobile app simplifies reconfiguration after a reset.
• Check firmware compatibility: Ensure your camera runs the latest firmware to avoid reset-related glitches.
• Troubleshoot persistent issues: If the camera doesn’t respond, try a power cycle or contact Foscam support.

How to Reset Foscam Fi9900p: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Is your Foscam Fi9900p acting up? Maybe it’s not connecting to Wi-Fi, freezing during live view, or refusing to accept login credentials. Before you panic or consider replacing it, there’s a simple fix that often resolves these issues: resetting the camera. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity problems, preparing the camera for a new user, or simply starting fresh, knowing how to reset Foscam Fi9900p can save you time and frustration.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn two reliable methods to reset your Foscam Fi9900p: the soft reset via the web interface and the hard reset using the physical reset button. We’ll walk you through each step with clear instructions, practical tips, and troubleshooting advice. By the end, you’ll be able to restore your camera to factory settings confidently—and get it back online in no time.

Why Reset Your Foscam Fi9900p?

Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand when and why a reset might be necessary. The Foscam Fi9900p is a popular outdoor IP camera known for its 1080p HD video, night vision, and motion detection. But like any smart device, it can encounter software glitches, network conflicts, or configuration errors over time.

Common reasons to reset your Fi9900p include:

• Forgotten login credentials: If you can’t remember the admin username or password, a reset restores the default login (usually admin with no password).
• Wi-Fi connection failures: After a router change or network upgrade, the camera may fail to reconnect. A reset clears old network settings.
• Performance issues: Freezing, lag, or unresponsive controls can often be fixed by refreshing the camera’s system.
• Preparing for resale or transfer: A factory reset ensures your personal settings and recordings are erased before giving the camera to someone else.
• Firmware update problems: If an update fails or causes instability, a reset can help restore stability.

Now that you know when a reset is useful, let’s explore the two main methods: soft reset and hard reset.

Method 1: Soft Reset via Web Interface

The soft reset is the gentler of the two options. It allows you to reset specific settings—like network configurations and login details—without erasing everything. This method is ideal if you still have access to the camera’s web interface and want to preserve recordings or motion detection zones.

Step 1: Access the Camera’s Web Interface

To begin, you’ll need to log in to your Foscam Fi9900p through a web browser. Here’s how:

• Make sure your computer or smartphone is connected to the same network as the camera.
• Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
• In the address bar, type the camera’s IP address. This is usually something like 192.168.1.100, but it may vary. You can find the IP address using the Foscam VMS software or your router’s connected devices list.
• Press Enter. You should see the Foscam login page.

Tip: If you don’t know the IP address, use the Foscam VMS (Video Management System) software on your computer. It automatically detects Foscam cameras on your network and displays their IP addresses.

Step 2: Log In to the Camera

Enter your admin username and password. By default, the username is admin and the password is blank (leave it empty). If you’ve changed these before, use your custom credentials.

Note: If you’ve forgotten your password and can’t log in, skip to the hard reset method below.

Step 3: Navigate to the Reset Option

Once logged in, follow these steps:

• Click on the Setup tab at the top of the page.
• In the left-hand menu, select System.
• Look for an option labeled Restore or Reset to Factory Defaults. It may be under a submenu like “Maintenance” or “System Tools.”
• Click on it to open the reset options.

Step 4: Choose Soft Reset (Partial Reset)

You’ll typically see two reset options:

• Restore Network Settings: This resets only the Wi-Fi, IP address, and login credentials. It’s the closest thing to a soft reset.
• Restore All Settings: This performs a full factory reset, erasing everything including recordings and motion zones.

For a soft reset, select Restore Network Settings. This will clear your Wi-Fi password and IP configuration, allowing you to reconnect the camera to your network with fresh settings.

Step 5: Confirm and Wait

After selecting the option, click Apply or Confirm. The camera will restart automatically. This may take 1–2 minutes. Do not unplug the camera during this process.

Once the camera reboots, it will return to its default network settings. You can now reconnect it to your Wi-Fi using the Foscam app or web interface.

Pro Tip: After a soft reset, your camera will revert to DHCP mode, meaning it will automatically obtain an IP address from your router. If you previously used a static IP, you’ll need to reconfigure it.

Method 2: Hard Reset Using the Reset Button

If you can’t access the web interface—perhaps because you’ve forgotten the password or the camera isn’t connecting to the network—the hard reset method is your best bet. This physically restores the camera to factory defaults using the reset button on the device.

Step 1: Locate the Reset Button

The Foscam Fi9900p has a small reset button, usually located on the bottom or side of the camera. It’s a tiny pinhole button that requires a paperclip, SIM tool, or similar pointed object to press.

Important: Make sure the camera is powered on before attempting the reset. The hard reset will not work if the camera is unplugged or turned off.

Step 2: Power On the Camera

Plug the camera into a power outlet using the included power adapter. Wait for the camera to fully boot up. You’ll know it’s ready when the LED light turns solid (usually green or blue).

Note: If the camera is connected via PoE (Power over Ethernet), ensure the Ethernet cable is plugged in and the network switch is providing power.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Using a paperclip or SIM ejector tool, gently insert it into the reset pinhole. Press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds. You don’t need to press hard—just firm enough to activate the switch.

During this time, the camera’s LED may blink rapidly or change color. This is normal and indicates the reset process is underway.

Step 4: Release and Wait for Reboot

After holding the button for 10–15 seconds, release it. The camera will automatically restart. This may take 1–3 minutes. Once it finishes rebooting, the LED should return to a steady state.

What Happens After a Hard Reset? All custom settings—including Wi-Fi passwords, motion detection zones, recording schedules, and login credentials—are erased. The camera reverts to its original factory state, just like when it was first unboxed.

Step 5: Reconfigure the Camera

Now that your Fi9900p is reset, you’ll need to set it up again. Here’s how:

• Download the Foscam VMS software (for Windows/Mac) or the Foscam Security app (for iOS/Android).
• Open the app or software and scan for the camera on your network.
• Follow the on-screen setup wizard to connect the camera to Wi-Fi, set a new admin password, and configure motion detection.
• Test the live view to ensure everything is working.

Tip: Write down your new login credentials and Wi-Fi settings in a secure place to avoid future lockouts.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

Even with clear instructions, you might run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Issue 1: Camera Doesn’t Respond After Reset

If the camera doesn’t reboot or the LED stays off, try the following:

• Ensure the power adapter is working. Test it with another device or try a different outlet.
• Check the Ethernet cable (if using PoE). Replace it if damaged.
• Wait longer—some cameras take up to 5 minutes to fully reset.
• If nothing works, try a power cycle: unplug the camera, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Issue 2: Can’t Find the Camera After Reset

If the camera doesn’t appear in the Foscam app or VMS software:

• Make sure your phone or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as the camera.
• Use a network scanner app (like Fing) to search for the camera’s IP address.
• Try accessing the camera via its default IP (often 192.168.1.108) in a web browser.
• If the camera uses a different subnet, you may need to temporarily change your device’s IP settings.

Issue 3: Reset Button Doesn’t Work

If pressing the reset button has no effect:

• Double-check that the camera is powered on. The reset button won’t work if there’s no power.
• Use a finer tool (like a straightened paperclip) to ensure you’re pressing the internal switch.
• Press and hold for the full 15 seconds—some users release too early.
• If the button is physically damaged, contact Foscam support for repair options.

Issue 4: Camera Keeps Reverting to Old Settings

This is rare but can happen if the camera’s firmware is corrupted. To fix it:

• Download the latest firmware from the official Foscam website.
• Use the web interface (if accessible) to manually update the firmware.
• If you can’t access the interface, contact Foscam support for a recovery tool or replacement.

Best Practices After Resetting

Once your Foscam Fi9900p is reset and reconnected, follow these best practices to keep it running smoothly:

1. Update the Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause bugs and security vulnerabilities. After resetting, check for updates:

• Log in to the web interface.
• Go to Setup > System > Firmware Upgrade.
• Download the latest firmware from Foscam’s support page and upload it.
• Wait for the update to complete—do not power off the camera.

2. Set a Strong Admin Password

The default password (blank) is a security risk. Immediately after setup, change it to a strong, unique password. Avoid common words or sequences.

3. Enable Motion Detection Alerts

Reconfigure motion detection zones and email/SMS alerts so you’re notified of activity. Test the alerts to ensure they’re working.

4. Secure Your Network

Place your camera on a secure Wi-Fi network with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Avoid public or guest networks.

5. Regularly Check Camera Status

Periodically open the Foscam app to verify the camera is online and recording properly. This helps catch issues early.

Conclusion

Resetting your Foscam Fi9900p doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use the soft reset through the web interface or the hard reset with the physical button, both methods are effective for restoring functionality and resolving common issues. The key is to follow the steps carefully, ensure the camera is powered, and be patient during the reboot process.

Remember, a reset erases all custom settings, so be prepared to reconfigure your Wi-Fi, motion detection, and login details. With the tips and troubleshooting advice in this guide, you’ll be able to reset your Fi9900p confidently and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

If you ever run into persistent problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foscam’s customer support or consult the official user manual. And now that you know how to reset Foscam Fi9900p, you can tackle future issues with confidence.