Reset your Hikvision PoE camera in just 5 simple steps to restore factory settings and resolve connectivity issues quickly. Locate the reset button, hold it for 10–15 seconds during power-up, and wait for the reboot—no technical expertise required. This method ensures a seamless reset for troubleshooting or reconfiguration.

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How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Power off the camera: Disconnect PoE before starting the reset process.
• Locate reset button: Find the recessed button near the camera’s base or side.
• Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10+ seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Allow 1–2 minutes for the camera to restart fully.
• Reconfigure settings: Reset erases all custom settings—prepare to re-setup.
• Use SADP tool: Scan and restore IP access post-reset if needed.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had a Hikvision PoE camera freeze up, stop recording, or refuse to connect to your network? It’s frustrating—especially when you need security footage or remote access. A simple How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps can often fix these issues without calling in an expert.

Whether you’re managing a home security system or overseeing a business surveillance setup, knowing how to reset your Hikvision PoE camera saves time, money, and stress. These cameras run on Power over Ethernet (PoE), which means they get both power and data through a single cable. But sometimes, software glitches, IP conflicts, or configuration errors cause them to go offline.

The good news? A reset—whether soft (reboot) or hard (factory reset)—can restore normal operation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to reset Hikvision camera Poe safely and effectively, with no tech jargon overload. No need to be an IT pro—just follow the steps, and you’ll have your camera back online in minutes.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand when to reset, how to do it, and what to watch out for. Plus, we’ll cover troubleshooting tips and answer common questions so you never feel stuck again.

What You Need

Before you start, gather these tools and materials. Most are already part of your setup, so this list is quick and practical.

• Hikvision PoE camera – obviously!
• PoE switch or PoE injector – to power the camera
• Ethernet cable (Cat5e or higher) – for connection
• Laptop or PC – to access camera settings or verify connection
• Hik-Connect app or SADP tool – free software from Hikvision to locate and manage cameras
• Paperclip or small pin – for physical reset (if needed)
• Router and internet connection – for network troubleshooting
• Notebook or sticky notes – to jot down IP addresses or settings (if you plan to reconfigure)

Pro tip: Always back up your camera’s current settings before a factory reset. Use the Hik-Connect app or web interface to export the configuration file. This way, if you reset accidentally, you can restore it later.

You don’t need special tools or software beyond what Hikvision provides. The How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps process uses built-in features—no third-party apps or risky hacks.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps

This guide covers both a soft reset (reboot) and a hard reset (factory reset). Choose the right one based on your issue. Most problems are fixed with a reboot, but a factory reset is needed for deeper glitches.

We’ll walk you through both methods, starting with the gentlest option. Each step is designed for clarity, safety, and success—even if you’re doing this for the first time.

Step 1: Perform a Soft Reset (Reboot) via Power Cycle

A soft reset—also called a power cycle—is the first thing you should try. It’s safe, quick, and often fixes connectivity issues caused by temporary software bugs.

Think of it like restarting your phone. The camera shuts down, clears memory, and boots up fresh.

• Turn off the PoE power source: Unplug the PoE switch or injector from the wall. If your camera is connected directly to a PoE switch, you can unplug just the Ethernet cable from the switch side.
• Wait 30 seconds: This gives the camera time to fully power down and reset its internal memory. Don’t rush this—skipping the wait can leave residual power that prevents a clean reboot.
• Reconnect power: Plug the PoE switch or cable back in. The camera will power up and begin its boot sequence (usually takes 60–90 seconds).
• Check the LED indicators: Most Hikvision cameras have status lights. Look for a steady green or blue light, indicating normal operation. A blinking red or amber light may signal a problem.
• Verify connectivity: Open the Hik-Connect app or your NVR. Check if the camera appears and streams video. If yes, your soft reset worked!

Warning: Don’t power cycle more than 2–3 times in a row. Repeated reboots can cause hardware stress. If the camera doesn’t respond after two attempts, move to a factory reset.

This step is part of the core How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps strategy—simple, non-invasive, and effective for most common issues.

Step 2: Use the Web Interface for a Reboot or Factory Reset

If the power cycle didn’t fix the problem, access the camera’s web interface. This method gives you more control and is ideal for users comfortable with basic network settings.

You’ll need to know the camera’s IP address. If you don’t, use the Hikvision SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) tool—it scans your network and lists all Hikvision devices.

• Install and open SADP: Download it free from the Hikvision website. Run it on your PC. It will detect your camera and show its IP, MAC address, and status.
• Note the IP address: Write it down. You’ll need it in the next step.
• Open a web browser: Chrome, Firefox, or Edge work best. Type the camera’s IP address into the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).
• Log in: Use the admin credentials. Default is usually admin for username and a blank password or 12345. If you’ve changed it, use your custom login.
• Navigate to Maintenance: Go to Configuration > System > Maintenance.
• Choose your reset type:
  • For a reboot: Click “Reboot” and confirm.
  • For a factory reset: Click “Restore” or “Restore Default.” Confirm when prompted. This erases all settings (IP, password, etc.).
• Wait for completion: The camera will shut down and restart. This takes 1–2 minutes. Don’t disconnect power during this time.
• Reconnect and verify: Once back online, the camera will have default settings. Reconfigure as needed using the web interface or app.

Pro tip: After a factory reset, the camera’s IP may revert to a default (like 192.168.1.64). Use SADP again to find it on your network.

This method is a key part of How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps—offering flexibility and precision for both minor and major issues.

Step 3: Use the Physical Reset Button (Hard Reset)

If the web interface isn’t accessible—maybe the camera isn’t connecting to the network or you’ve forgotten the password—use the physical reset button. It’s a last-resort method, but it works when software fails.

Most Hikvision PoE cameras have a small reset hole on the side or back, often near the Ethernet port. You’ll need a paperclip or pin to press it.

• Power on the camera: Make sure it’s connected to PoE and powered up. The reset button only works when the camera is on.
• Locate the reset hole: Look for a tiny hole labeled “Reset” or with a circular arrow icon. It’s usually on the side or bottom of the camera housing.
• Insert the paperclip: Straighten one end of a paperclip and gently insert it into the hole. Apply light pressure—don’t force it.
• Press and hold for 10–15 seconds: Keep the button pressed until the camera’s LED blinks rapidly (usually red or amber). This indicates the reset is in progress.
• Release and wait: Let go of the button. The camera will restart automatically (1–2 minutes).
• Confirm the reset: After reboot, the camera will have default settings. Use SADP to find its IP and log in with default credentials.

Warning: A physical reset erases all settings, including IP, password, and custom configurations. Only use this if software methods fail.

This step is essential in the How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps process—especially for locked-out cameras or network isolation issues.

Step 4: Reconfigure the Camera After Reset

After any factory reset, your camera is back to factory defaults. That means you’ll need to set it up again. Don’t skip this step—otherwise, the camera won’t work properly.

Reconfiguration includes setting the IP address, password, time zone, and connecting to your NVR or app.

• Find the camera on the network: Use SADP to locate the camera. It should appear with a default IP (e.g., 192.168.1.64).
• Assign a static IP (recommended): In the web interface, go to Configuration > Network > TCP/IP. Set a static IP within your router’s range (e.g., 192.168.1.101). Avoid DHCP unless your network handles it well.
• Set a strong password: Go to User Management and change the admin password. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Never leave it blank or use “12345.”
• Update firmware: Go to Maintenance > Upgrade and check for updates. Newer firmware fixes bugs and improves security.
• Set time and date: Go to System > Time Settings. Enable NTP (Network Time Protocol) to sync with an internet time server.
• Connect to Hik-Connect app: Open the app, add the camera using its IP or QR code (if supported), and follow the prompts.
• Test video and motion detection: Verify the camera streams video and responds to movement. Adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, and motion zones as needed.

Pro tip: Label your cameras (e.g., “Front Door”) in the app or NVR. It makes managing multiple units much easier.

Proper reconfiguration ensures your How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps process leads to a fully functional, secure camera.

Step 5: Troubleshoot Post-Reset Issues

Even after a reset, things can go wrong. Maybe the camera won’t connect, shows a black screen, or keeps rebooting. Here’s how to fix common post-reset problems.

• Camera not appearing on SADP: Check the Ethernet cable and PoE power. Try a different cable or PoE port. Ensure your PC is on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
• Black screen in web interface: The camera might need a firmware update. Download the correct firmware from Hikvision’s site and upload it via the web interface.
• “Device not found” in Hik-Connect: The camera’s IP might not be reachable. Double-check the IP and subnet mask. Disable firewall or antivirus temporarily.
• Camera keeps rebooting: This could be a power issue. PoE switches must deliver enough wattage (802.3af or 802.3at). Use a PoE tester or try a different injector.
• No audio or motion detection: Go to Video/Audio and Event settings. Enable audio input and motion detection. Adjust sensitivity if needed.
• Password not accepted: If you forgot the password after a reset, use the physical reset button again. Or, use Hikvision’s “Password Reset Tool” (available for some models).

Warning: Never use a PoE injector with lower wattage than your camera requires. Underpowered cameras can reboot randomly or fail to start.

Troubleshooting is the final step in How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps—ensuring you don’t just reset, but actually fix the issue.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced users make mistakes. Here are insider tips and pitfalls to avoid when resetting your Hikvision PoE camera.

• Always back up first: Export your camera’s config file before any reset. If you mess up, you can restore it in seconds.
• Use SADP regularly: It’s not just for resets. Use it weekly to check camera status, IP conflicts, and firmware versions.
• Label your cables: In multi-camera setups, label each PoE cable with the camera name. Saves hours of troubleshooting.
• Don’t skip the 30-second wait: Power cycling too quickly doesn’t clear the camera’s memory fully. Patience pays.
• Avoid public IPs for local cameras: Unless you need remote access, keep cameras on your local network. It’s safer and faster.
• Check PoE switch capacity: If you’re resetting multiple cameras, your switch might be overloaded. Upgrade to a higher-wattage PoE switch if needed.

Common mistakes include:

• Forgetting to reconfigure: After a reset, the camera won’t work without setup. Don’t assume it’s “fixed” just because it powers on.
• Using weak passwords: Default or simple passwords invite hackers. Change them immediately after reset.
• Ignoring firmware updates: Outdated firmware causes bugs and security holes. Update after every reset.
• Resetting unnecessarily: Try a soft reset first. Factory resets are time-consuming and erase everything.
• Not checking power: A failing PoE injector or cable can mimic software issues. Test with another device if in doubt.

Real-life example: A user reset their camera but couldn’t connect. The issue? They used a 100 Mbps PoE switch with a 4K camera. The camera kept rebooting due to insufficient bandwidth. Upgrading to a Gigabit PoE switch fixed it instantly.

These tips ensure your How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps process is smooth, safe, and successful.

FAQs About How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here are the most common concerns users have when resetting their Hikvision PoE cameras.

1. How often should I reset my Hikvision PoE camera?

Only reset when necessary—like after a freeze, network error, or password loss. Regular resets aren’t needed. Think of it like restarting a computer: only when it’s acting up.

For maintenance, update firmware every 6–12 months and check connections quarterly.

2. Will a reset delete my recorded footage?

No. A reset only affects the camera’s settings, not the stored video. Footage is saved on your NVR or SD card (if equipped). However, if you reset the NVR, it may affect recordings.

Always back up important footage before any system changes.

3. Can I reset a camera without internet?

Yes. All reset methods work offline. You just need a local network (router or PoE switch) and a PC. The web interface and SADP tool don’t require internet access.

Remote access (like Hik-Connect) needs internet, but resetting doesn’t.

4. What if I forgot my password and can’t access the web interface?

Use the physical reset button. It bypasses login and restores defaults. Or, if your model supports it, use Hikvision’s “Password Reset Tool” with a USB drive.

Never leave cameras with default passwords—change them immediately after reset.

5. Why does my camera keep resetting itself?

This is usually a power or network issue. Check:

• PoE injector/switch wattage
• Ethernet cable quality (use Cat6 for 4K)
• Network congestion or IP conflicts
• Firmware bugs (update to latest version)

A faulty power supply is the #1 cause of auto-resets.

6. Can I reset a camera remotely?

Yes, if it’s connected to your network. Use the web interface via a browser or the Hik-Connect app. But physical resets require being on-site.

For remote teams, use Hik-Connect’s “Remote Maintenance” feature (if enabled).

7. Is there a difference between “Restore” and “Reboot” in the web interface?

Yes. “Reboot” just restarts the camera. “Restore” erases all settings (factory reset). Use “Reboot” for minor issues, “Restore” for major ones.

Always back up before clicking “Restore.”

Final Thoughts

Knowing How to Reset Hikvision Camera Poe in 5 Simple Steps is a must-have skill for anyone using these reliable security cameras. Whether it’s a quick reboot or a full factory reset, the process is straightforward—once you know the right steps.

Start with a power cycle. If that fails, use the web interface. For locked-out cameras, the physical reset button is your friend. Always reconfigure afterward, and troubleshoot any lingering issues.

Remember: reset only when needed, back up your settings, and keep firmware updated. These habits prevent problems before they start.

You don’t need to be a tech expert. With this guide, you’re equipped to handle camera glitches with confidence. So next time your Hikvision camera acts up, don’t panic—just follow these five simple steps, and you’ll be back in control.

Now go reset that camera and get back to peace of mind.

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