How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Quick Guide

To reset your Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE, press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes, restoring factory settings instantly. This quick fix resolves connectivity issues and erases custom configurations—ideal for troubleshooting or preparing the camera for reuse. Always verify power and network stability afterward to ensure seamless operation.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s base or side.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Allow 1-2 minutes for the camera to restart fully.
• Restore default settings: All custom configurations will be erased after reset.
• Reconfigure via web interface: Access the camera’s IP to set up again.
• Check power supply: Ensure stable POE connection before and after reset.

Why Resetting Your Sony IP Camera Might Be Necessary

Sony IP cameras, including the TS21B61-POE, are renowned for their high-quality imaging, robust construction, and seamless integration into modern security systems. However, like any advanced electronic device, they can encounter configuration issues, network conflicts, or forgotten login credentials over time. Whether you’ve inherited a camera from a previous owner, are troubleshooting connectivity problems, or simply want to start fresh with your setup, resetting the Sony IP camera TS21B61-POE is often the most effective solution. A reset clears all stored settings, restores factory defaults, and gives you a clean slate to reconfigure the device according to your specific needs.

This guide is designed to walk you through the entire reset process for the Sony TS21B61-POE—whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a homeowner setting up a security system for the first time. We’ll cover multiple reset methods, troubleshoot common issues, and provide practical tips to ensure a smooth, error-free experience. By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to reset your camera quickly and get it back online with minimal downtime. Let’s dive into the world of Sony IP camera resets and unlock the full potential of your TS21B61-POE.

Understanding the Sony TS21B61-POE: Key Features and Reset Implications

Before initiating a reset, it’s essential to understand the capabilities and architecture of the Sony TS21B61-POE. This camera is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled, full HD (1080p) IP camera designed for indoor and outdoor surveillance. It supports H.264 and MJPEG video compression, has a wide dynamic range (WDR), and offers advanced analytics such as motion detection and tamper alarms. It also integrates with ONVIF standards, making it compatible with a wide range of NVRs and VMS platforms.

What Gets Reset During a Factory Reset?

A factory reset on the TS21B61-POE erases all user-defined settings. This includes:

• Network settings: IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS, and VLAN configurations
• User accounts: All admin and user credentials are removed
• Video settings: Resolution, frame rate, compression, and streaming profiles
• Security features: HTTPS certificates, SSH keys, and authentication methods
• Analytics and events: Motion detection zones, privacy masks, and alarm triggers
• Time settings: NTP server, time zone, and daylight saving adjustments

Note: The reset does not affect firmware updates. If you’ve upgraded the firmware, it will remain intact after the reset. However, all configuration tied to the firmware (like custom profiles) will be lost.

When Should You Reset Your Sony TS21B61-POE?

Consider a reset in the following scenarios:

• You’ve forgotten the admin password and cannot access the web interface
• The camera is stuck in a boot loop or not responding to network requests
• You’re repurposing the camera in a new network environment
• There are persistent configuration errors after a firmware update
• You’re transferring ownership and need to clear all personal settings

A reset is not always the first troubleshooting step—try basic fixes like power cycling or checking network cables first. But when other methods fail, a reset becomes a reliable fallback.

Method 1: Hard Reset Using the Physical Reset Button (Recommended)

The most straightforward and reliable way to reset the Sony TS21B61-POE is using the built-in physical reset button. This method works even if the camera is unresponsive or you’ve lost network access.

Step-by-Step Guide to Physical Reset

1. Power off the camera: Disconnect the PoE cable or power adapter to ensure the camera is completely powered down.
2. Locate the reset button: On the TS21B61-POE, the reset button is typically found on the side or back panel, covered by a small rubber flap. Use a flashlight if needed.
3. Prepare a paperclip or SIM ejector tool: Straighten a paperclip or use a SIM ejector tool to press the recessed reset button.
4. Press and hold the button: While reconnecting the PoE cable (to power the camera), press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.
5. Wait for the LED indicator: The camera’s status LED will blink rapidly during the reset process. When it returns to a slow, steady blink (usually green), the reset is complete.
6. Power cycle: Wait 30 seconds after the LED stabilizes, then power off and on once more to ensure all systems initialize correctly.

What to Expect After the Physical Reset

Once reset:

• The camera will boot with a default IP address (usually 192.168.0.10 or 192.168.1.10, depending on firmware version)
• The default username is admin, and the default password is admin (or blank, depending on region and firmware)
• All network and video settings revert to factory defaults

Tip: After reset, connect the camera directly to your PC using a PoE injector or switch to avoid IP conflicts. Use Sony’s Sony IP Camera Finder tool (available for Windows) to discover the camera on the network.

Troubleshooting Physical Reset Failures

If the reset doesn’t work:

• Ensure you’re holding the button for at least 15 seconds—some units require a longer press
• Check that the PoE power is stable (use a PoE tester if available)
• Try the reset in a different network environment (e.g., isolated LAN)
• Verify the reset button isn’t physically damaged or stuck

Method 2: Soft Reset via Web Interface (When Access is Available)

If you still have access to the camera’s web interface, a soft reset is a less disruptive option. This method is ideal when you want to preserve some settings (like firmware) but clear others.

Accessing the Web Interface

To access the web interface:

1. Connect your PC to the same network as the camera (or use a direct PoE connection)
2. Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge recommended)
3. Enter the camera’s current IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100)
4. Log in with your admin credentials

Note: If you don’t know the IP, use network scanning tools like Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP Scanner to locate the camera.

Performing a Factory Reset in the Web UI

1. Navigate to Setup > Maintenance > Factory Reset
2. Review the warning message: “This will restore all settings to factory defaults.”
3. Click Reset and confirm when prompted
4. Wait for the camera to reboot (usually 1–2 minutes)
5. Log in again using default credentials

Advantages and Limitations of the Web Reset

Advantages:

• No physical access required
• Can be done remotely over the network
• Preserves firmware version

Limitations:

• Only works if you have valid login credentials
• May fail if the web server is unresponsive due to configuration errors
• Not suitable for cameras with corrupted network stacks

Pro Tip: Before resetting, export a configuration backup via Setup > Maintenance > Backup/Restore. This allows you to reimport custom settings later if needed.

Post-Reset Configuration: Setting Up Your Sony TS21B61-POE

After a successful reset, your camera is ready for reconfiguration. Here’s how to set it up securely and efficiently.

Step 1: Assign a Static IP Address

Avoid relying on DHCP, which can lead to IP changes and connectivity issues. Instead:

1. Go to Setup > Network > TCP/IP
2. Select Manual (Static IP)
3. Enter:
   • IP Address: e.g., 192.168.1.101
   • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
   • DNS: Use your ISP’s DNS or Google’s (8.8.8.8)
4. Click Apply and reboot

Step 2: Update Firmware (Critical Security Step)

Outdated firmware can expose your camera to vulnerabilities. To update:

1. Visit the Sony Professional Support website
2. Search for “TS21B61-POE firmware”
3. Download the latest firmware (e.g., V2.10)
4. Go to Setup > Maintenance > Firmware Update
5. Upload the firmware file and follow prompts

Warning: Do not power off the camera during the update. Interruption can brick the device.

Step 3: Configure Video and Streaming Settings

Optimize for your environment:

• Set resolution to 1920×1080 (Full HD)
• Adjust frame rate (e.g., 15 fps for low bandwidth, 30 fps for smooth motion)
• Enable H.264 for efficient compression
• Set up dual streaming: Main stream (high quality), sub-stream (mobile/backup)

Step 4: Secure Your Camera

Protect against unauthorized access:

• Change the default admin password to a strong, unique one
• Disable Anonymous Access and UPnP
• Enable HTTPS and disable HTTP (port 80)
• Set up a firewall rule to restrict access to trusted IPs

Common Issues and Troubleshooting After Reset

Even after a reset, you might encounter issues. Here’s how to resolve them.

Camera Not Appearing on Network

Symptoms: Cannot ping or access web interface

Solutions:

• Verify PoE power (use a PoE tester or connect to a known-good PoE switch)
• Check network cables and ports for damage
• Use Sony IP Camera Finder to scan the local subnet
• Try a different network segment (e.g., connect directly to a laptop)

Web Interface Not Loading

Symptoms: Browser shows “Connection Timed Out” or “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED”

Solutions:

• Ensure the camera and PC are on the same subnet
• Disable firewall/antivirus temporarily
• Clear browser cache or try a different browser
• Reset TCP/IP stack on your PC: Run netsh int ip reset in Command Prompt (Admin)

Login Loop or “Invalid Credentials” Error

Symptoms: Login page refreshes or shows error

Solutions:

• Ensure Caps Lock is off
• Try default credentials: admin/admin or admin/[blank]
• Wait 2 minutes after reset—some cameras delay login availability
• Perform a second physical reset to ensure full initialization

Data Table: Common Post-Reset Issues and Fixes

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
No network connection	PoE failure, cable damage, or IP conflict	Test PoE, replace cable, assign static IP
Web interface unresponsive	Firewall blocking, browser cache, or IP mismatch	Disable firewall, clear cache, verify IP
Login failure	Incorrect credentials or delayed initialization	Use defaults, wait, or re-reset
Video stream not working	Incorrect streaming settings or port blocked	Check resolution, enable sub-stream, open port 554 (RTSP)
Camera reboots repeatedly	Firmware corruption or power instability	Update firmware, use stable PoE source

Best Practices for Managing Sony IP Cameras Long-Term

A reset is just one part of a comprehensive camera management strategy. To ensure reliability and security, follow these best practices.

Maintain a Configuration Backup

After setup, always export a configuration file:

• Go to Setup > Maintenance > Backup/Restore
• Save the file to a secure, offline location
• Label it with the date and camera model (e.g., TS21B61-POE_Config_20241005.cfg)

This allows you to restore settings after future resets or hardware swaps.

Schedule Regular Firmware Updates

Sony releases updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security flaws. Check for updates every 3–6 months.

Monitor Network and Power Stability

Use a managed PoE switch with power monitoring. Consider a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to prevent outages from causing resets.

Document Your Setup

Create a network map that includes:

• Camera IP addresses
• Physical locations
• User access levels
• Maintenance schedules

This is invaluable during troubleshooting or system audits.

Use VMS for Centralized Management

For multiple cameras, use a Video Management System (VMS) like Milestone XProtect, Genetec, or Blue Iris. These platforms allow bulk configuration, remote resets, and health monitoring.

Resetting your Sony IP camera TS21B61-POE doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you choose the physical reset button for guaranteed results or the web interface for convenience, the process is manageable with the right guidance. By understanding what gets reset, following the correct steps, and properly reconfiguring your camera afterward, you can restore full functionality and enhance your surveillance system’s reliability. Remember to prioritize security—change default passwords, update firmware, and use HTTPS to protect your network. With regular maintenance and proper documentation, your Sony TS21B61-POE will deliver high-performance monitoring for years to come. Don’t let a forgotten password or misconfiguration hold you back—reset with confidence and get back to securing what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE to factory settings?

To reset your Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE, locate the reset button (usually on the back or side). Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the LED blinks, then release. The camera will reboot with default settings.

Where is the reset button on the Sony TS21B61-POE camera?

The reset button is typically a small pinhole on the camera’s base or rear panel. Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press it. Refer to the user manual for the exact location for your model.

Can I reset the Sony TS21B61-POE remotely via software?

Yes, if you have access to the camera’s web interface, navigate to System > Maintenance > Reset and select “Factory Reset.” This method requires login credentials and a stable network connection.

How long does a Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE reset take?

The physical reset process takes about 10-15 seconds to initiate, but the full reboot and restoration to factory settings may take 1-2 minutes. Wait until the LED stabilizes before reconfiguring.

Will resetting my Sony TS21B61-POE delete all my settings?

Yes, a factory reset erases all custom configurations, including Wi-Fi passwords, motion detection zones, and user accounts. Back up critical settings before proceeding with the reset.

What should I do if the Sony TS21B61-POE reset doesn’t work?

If the reset fails, ensure you’re holding the button long enough (at least 10 seconds) and that the camera is powered via PoE. If issues persist, contact Sony support for firmware troubleshooting.