How to Reset My Zosi Cameras

Resetting your Zosi camera can solve connection problems, restore factory settings, or prepare the device for a new setup. This guide walks you through multiple reset methods depending on your camera model and system type—whether it’s a standalone IP camera, part of a wired DVR system, or connected to an NVR.

Key Takeaways

• Different Zosi models require different reset methods: Hardwired DVR cameras, wireless IP cameras, and NVR-connected systems each have unique reset procedures.
• Use the physical reset button when possible: Most Zosi cameras have a small reset button that restores factory settings with a simple press and hold.
• Access the web interface for software-based resets: If you can connect to the camera via a browser, you can reset it through the settings menu.
• NVR/DVR systems may need a full system reset: Resetting individual cameras might not be enough—sometimes the entire recorder must be reset.
• Always back up recordings before resetting: A factory reset erases all settings and stored footage, so save important data first.
• Reconfigure network settings after a reset: Once reset, you’ll need to reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi or network and reapply custom settings.
• Troubleshooting tips can save time: If a reset doesn’t work, check power, firmware, or try a hard reboot before contacting support.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Tip/Question?

Can I reset my Zosi camera without the reset button?

Yes! If the physical button is inaccessible, you can reset the camera via the web interface or by resetting the entire DVR/NVR system.

Tip/Question?

Will resetting delete my recordings?

Resetting the camera itself won’t delete DVR/NVR recordings, but resetting the recorder will. Always back up important footage first.

Tip/Question?

How long should I hold the reset button?

Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. Some models may require up to 20 seconds—check your manual if unsure.

Tip/Question?

What if my camera still won’t connect after a reset?

Try power cycling the camera, checking your network, or updating the firmware. If problems persist, contact Zosi support.

Tip/Question?

Do I need to reset all cameras if one is acting up?

No, only reset the problematic camera. However, if the issue is with the DVR/NVR, a full system reset may be needed.

How to Reset My Zosi Cameras: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re having trouble with your Zosi security camera—whether it’s not connecting, acting glitchy, or you’re setting it up for a new user—resetting it is often the fastest fix. Resetting your Zosi camera restores it to its original factory settings, clears any configuration errors, and gives you a fresh start. But not all Zosi cameras are the same. Depending on whether you have a wired DVR system, a wireless IP camera, or a camera connected to an NVR, the reset process varies.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to reset your Zosi camera safely and effectively, no matter your setup. We’ll cover physical resets, software-based resets, and system-wide resets for DVRs and NVRs. You’ll also get practical tips, troubleshooting advice, and answers to common questions. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently reset your Zosi camera and get it back online in minutes.

Why Reset Your Zosi Camera?

Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why you might need to reset your Zosi camera. Common reasons include:

• Connection issues: The camera won’t connect to your network, app, or recorder.
• Login problems: You’ve forgotten the admin password or username.
• Performance glitches: The camera freezes, lags, or shows a black screen.
• Preparing for resale or reuse: You want to wipe all personal data before giving the camera to someone else.
• After a firmware update: Sometimes updates cause instability, and a reset helps stabilize the system.

A reset clears all custom settings—like motion detection zones, recording schedules, and network configurations—and returns the camera to its out-of-the-box state. That means you’ll need to set it up again, but it also means any hidden software bugs or misconfigurations are wiped clean.

Types of Zosi Camera Systems

Zosi offers a range of security camera systems, and the reset method depends on which type you have. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Wired DVR Systems: Cameras are connected via coaxial cables to a digital video recorder (DVR). These are common in home and small business setups.
• Wireless IP Cameras: Standalone cameras that connect to Wi-Fi and are managed through an app or web interface.
• NVR Systems: Network video recorders that work with IP cameras over Ethernet (PoE) or Wi-Fi. These offer higher resolution and more flexibility.
• Hybrid Systems: Some Zosi setups combine analog and IP cameras, requiring a mix of reset approaches.

Knowing your system type is the first step to choosing the right reset method. Most Zosi cameras—regardless of system—have a physical reset button, but the exact location and procedure can vary.

How to Reset a Zosi Camera with a Physical Reset Button

The most reliable way to reset a Zosi camera is using the physical reset button. This method works for most wired and wireless models, including those connected to DVRs and NVRs.

Step 1: Locate the Reset Button

The reset button is usually a small, recessed pinhole on the camera’s housing. Common locations include:

• On the back or bottom of the camera
• Near the power input or Ethernet port
• Inside a small compartment (on some dome cameras)

You’ll need a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or similar thin object to press the button. If you can’t find it, check your camera’s user manual or look for a tiny hole labeled “Reset” or “RST.”

Step 2: Power On the Camera

Make sure the camera is powered on before attempting the reset. For wired cameras, this means the DVR or NVR should be running. For wireless models, ensure the camera is connected to power and has booted up (usually indicated by a solid or blinking LED light).

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Insert your paperclip into the reset hole and press the button firmly. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds. You may see the camera’s LED light blink rapidly or change color during this time—this is normal.

Do not release the button too soon. If you let go before 10 seconds, the reset may not complete. Some models require up to 20 seconds, so check your manual if the first attempt doesn’t work.

Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Reboot

After releasing the button, the camera will restart. This can take 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The LED should return to a steady state (often green or blue), indicating the reset is complete.

Once rebooted, the camera will have default settings:
– Username: admin
– Password: admin or blank (depending on model)
– IP address: Usually assigned via DHCP (check your router for the new IP)

Step 5: Reconnect and Reconfigure

Now that the camera is reset, you’ll need to reconnect it to your system:

• For DVR/NVR systems: The camera should automatically appear in the recorder’s channel list. If not, go to the DVR/NVR menu and search for new devices.
• For wireless IP cameras: Use the Zosi app (like Zosi Security or XMEye) to add the camera again. Follow the in-app setup wizard.

Reapply any custom settings, such as motion detection, recording schedules, or alerts. Don’t forget to change the default password for security!

How to Reset a Zosi Camera via the Web Interface

If your Zosi camera is connected to a network and you can access its web interface, you can perform a software-based reset. This method is useful if the physical button is hard to reach or damaged.

Step 1: Find the Camera’s IP Address

To access the web interface, you need the camera’s IP address. Here’s how to find it:

• Check your router’s connected devices list: Log in to your router (usually via 192.168.1.1) and look for the camera by name or MAC address.
• Use the Zosi app: Open the app, go to device settings, and check the network info.
• Use an IP scanner tool: Tools like Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP Scanner can detect all devices on your network.

Once you have the IP, open a web browser and enter it in the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.1.108).

Step 2: Log In to the Camera

Enter the default credentials:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin or leave blank

If you’ve changed the password and forgotten it, you’ll need to use the physical reset button instead.

Step 3: Navigate to the Reset Option

Once logged in, look for a menu labeled System, Maintenance, or Settings. Inside, find an option like:

• “Restore to Factory Defaults”
• “Reset”
• “System Reset”

Click it, and confirm when prompted. The camera will reboot automatically.

Step 4: Reconnect After Reset

After the reset, the camera will return to default settings. Reconnect it to your network or recorder as described earlier. You may need to re-add it to the Zosi app or DVR/NVR interface.

Tip: Bookmark the camera’s IP address or assign it a static IP to avoid connection issues in the future.

How to Reset a Zosi DVR or NVR System

Sometimes, resetting individual cameras isn’t enough—you may need to reset the entire DVR or NVR. This is common when the recorder itself is malfunctioning or when you’re setting up a new system.

Step 1: Back Up Important Recordings

A full system reset erases all stored footage and settings. Before proceeding, back up any important recordings to a USB drive or external hard drive:

• Insert a USB drive into the DVR/NVR.
• Go to Playback or Backup in the menu.
• Select the footage and copy it to the USB.

Skip this step only if you’re okay with losing all recordings.

Step 2: Access the System Menu

Using the DVR/NVR remote or mouse, navigate to the main menu. Look for System Settings or Maintenance.

Step 3: Find the Reset Option

Inside the menu, locate an option like:

• “Restore to Factory Defaults”
• “System Reset”
• “Initialize System”

Select it and confirm. The system will reboot and return to factory settings.

Step 4: Reconfigure the System

After the reset, you’ll need to:

• Set the date and time
• Reconnect all cameras
• Configure recording schedules
• Set up network and remote access

All cameras connected to the DVR/NVR will also be reset to default settings, so you may need to reconfigure them individually.

How to Reset a Zosi Wireless IP Camera Without the App

If you can’t access the Zosi app or forgot your login details, you can still reset a wireless IP camera using the physical button or web interface.

Method 1: Physical Reset (Recommended)

Follow the same steps as above: locate the reset button, press and hold for 10–15 seconds, and wait for the camera to reboot. Afterward, use the app to re-add the camera using the default credentials.

Method 2: AP Mode Reset (For Wi-Fi Cameras)

Some Zosi wireless cameras support AP (Access Point) mode, which creates a temporary Wi-Fi network for setup:

• Power on the camera and wait for it to enter AP mode (LED blinks rapidly).
• On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the camera’s network (e.g., “Zosi_XXXX”).
• Open the Zosi app and follow the setup wizard to reset or reconfigure the camera.

This method is useful if the camera lost its Wi-Fi connection and won’t reconnect automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

Even with clear instructions, resetting a Zosi camera can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to fix common problems:

Camera Doesn’t Respond After Reset

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

• Check the power supply. Try a different cable or adapter.
• Ensure the DVR/NVR is powered on (for wired systems).
• Wait longer—some models take up to 3 minutes to fully reset.

Can’t Access the Web Interface

If you can’t log in via the browser:

• Verify the IP address is correct.
• Try a different browser or clear cache.
• Disable firewall or antivirus temporarily.
• Use the physical reset button instead.

Camera Doesn’t Appear in the App After Reset

If the Zosi app doesn’t detect the camera:

• Make sure the camera and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart the app and your phone.
• Manually add the camera using its UID (found on the label or in the web interface).

Reset Button Doesn’t Work

If pressing the reset button has no effect:

• Ensure you’re pressing it long enough (10–15 seconds).
• Try a different tool (some buttons require firm pressure).
• The button may be damaged—contact Zosi support for a replacement.

Forgot DVR/NVR Password

If you can’t log in to the recorder:

• Use the physical reset button on the DVR/NVR (if available).
• Contact Zosi support with your device’s serial number for a master password.
• Some models allow password recovery via email or security questions.

Best Practices After Resetting Your Zosi Camera

Once your camera is reset and back online, follow these tips to keep it running smoothly:

• Change the default password: Use a strong, unique password to prevent unauthorized access.
• Update the firmware: Check for updates in the camera’s settings or Zosi’s website.
• Assign a static IP: Prevent IP conflicts by setting a fixed IP address in your router.
• Test motion detection and alerts: Make sure notifications are working properly.
• Secure your network: Use WPA3 encryption and a strong Wi-Fi password.

Regular maintenance—like cleaning the lens and checking connections—can also prevent future issues.

Conclusion

Resetting your Zosi camera is a simple but powerful troubleshooting step that can resolve many common problems. Whether you’re dealing with a wired DVR system, a wireless IP camera, or an NVR setup, the process is straightforward once you know the right method. Use the physical reset button for the most reliable results, or access the web interface for a software-based reset. And don’t forget to back up your data before starting!

By following this guide, you’ll be able to reset your Zosi camera quickly and confidently, getting your security system back up and running in no time. If you run into persistent issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Zosi customer support—they’re there to help.

Now that you know how to reset your Zosi camera, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is secure, stable, and ready to protect what matters most.