To reset your Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds using a paperclip until the LED flashes—this restores factory settings instantly. This quick fix resolves connectivity issues, forgotten passwords, or configuration errors without complex tools. Always ensure the camera is powered on during the reset for a seamless process.

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How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s base or side.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it firmly to press and hold the reset button.
• Hold for 10-15 seconds: Ensures the camera fully resets to factory settings.
• Wait for reboot: Allow 1-2 minutes for the camera to restart properly.
• Reconfigure settings: Set up network, password, and preferences post-reset.
• Check LED indicators: Confirm reset success via status light behavior.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever tried to access your Sony IP camera only to be greeted by a frozen screen, forgotten login, or a lost network connection? If you’re managing a security system, this can be more than annoying—it’s a real risk. The How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide is your go-to solution when your camera isn’t responding, has incorrect settings, or needs a fresh start after a firmware update gone wrong.

The Sony TS21B61-POE is a high-performance, PoE-enabled IP camera popular in both home and business surveillance setups. But like any smart device, it can get stuck. Maybe you changed the IP address and lost access, or a power surge corrupted the settings. Whatever the reason, a reset can restore functionality quickly and safely.

Resetting your camera isn’t just about hitting a button. It’s about doing it the right way—without bricking the device or losing critical configurations. This guide walks you through every detail, from identifying the reset type to reconfiguring your camera afterward. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned installer, mastering the How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide ensures your security system stays reliable and secure.

Did You Know? A factory reset erases all custom settings—including IP address, password, motion detection zones, and network configurations. Always back up your settings if possible before resetting.

What You Need

Before you begin, gather these tools and materials. Having them ready makes the process faster and prevents interruptions.

• Sony TS21B61-POE IP Camera – obviously!
• PoE Switch or PoE Injector – the camera uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). A standard wall adapter won’t work.
• Ethernet Cable (Cat5e or higher) – to connect the camera to your network or a dedicated laptop.
• Computer or Laptop – to access the camera’s web interface or use Sony’s setup tools.
• Paperclip or Small Pin – for pressing the physical reset button (recessed).
• Sony IP Utility or Web Browser (Chrome/Firefox/Edge) – Sony’s free IP Camera Utility helps discover cameras on your network.
• Optional: USB-to-Ethernet Adapter – if your laptop lacks an Ethernet port.
• Pen and Paper (or digital note) – to record the default IP address and login after reset.

Make sure your PoE source delivers at least 802.3af (15.4W). The TS21B61-POE needs stable power to avoid resets during the process. Also, disable any VPNs or firewalls temporarily—they can block camera discovery tools.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify the Type of Reset You Need

Not all resets are the same. Sony offers two types: Soft Reset (reboot) and Hard Reset (factory default). The How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide covers both, but you must choose the right one.

• Soft Reset: Restarts the camera without losing settings. Use this if the camera is frozen but you still have access via the web interface.
• Hard Reset: Erases all configurations and restores factory defaults. Use this if you forgot the password, changed the IP address incorrectly, or want a clean slate.

For this guide, we’ll focus on the Hard Reset—the most common and critical scenario. If you need a soft reset, log in and go to Maintenance > Reboot in the web interface.

Step 2: Power On the Camera and Connect to Your Network

Ensure your camera is powered via PoE. Connect the Ethernet cable from your PoE switch/injector to the camera’s RJ45 port. The LED on the back should blink green (network activity) and solid amber (power).

If the camera is already on, skip to Step 3. If it’s off, power it on and wait 60–90 seconds for it to boot fully. The camera needs time to initialize the network and firmware.

Warning: Never reset a camera while it’s updating firmware. Wait for the update to complete. Interrupting a firmware update can permanently damage the device.

Step 3: Locate and Press the Reset Button

The reset button is a small, recessed hole on the back panel of the TS21B61-POE. It’s labeled “RESET” (often in tiny print). Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold it.

Here’s how to do it correctly:

• Insert the paperclip straight into the hole.
• Press and hold for 10–15 seconds. Don’t release early.
• Watch the LEDs: The green network LED will blink rapidly, then turn off. The amber power LED stays on.
• After 15 seconds, release the button. The camera will restart automatically.

The camera will take 1–2 minutes to reboot. During this time, it erases all custom settings and restores factory defaults. The reset is complete when the green LED blinks steadily again.

Step 4: Discover the Camera on Your Network

After reset, the camera reverts to its default IP address: 192.168.0.100. But your computer might be on a different subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x). So you need to find it.

Download and install Sony IP Camera Utility (free from Sony’s support site). It scans your network for Sony cameras and lists their IP addresses.

1. Open the utility on your computer.
2. Click Search or Refresh.
3. Look for “TS21B61-POE” in the device list.
4. Note the IP address (should be 192.168.0.100 unless manually changed).

If the camera doesn’t appear, your computer and camera might be on different subnets. Temporarily change your computer’s IP address to 192.168.0.50 with subnet 255.255.255.0. Then try the utility again.

Step 5: Access the Camera’s Web Interface

Now that you know the IP address, open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) and type http://192.168.0.100 into the address bar.

The first login screen will appear. Use the default credentials:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin

If the login fails, double-check the IP address and ensure no firewall is blocking port 80 (HTTP). Also, clear your browser cache—sometimes old sessions cause login issues.

Once logged in, you’ll see the camera’s live view and configuration menu. Congratulations—you’ve successfully reset the camera!

Step 6: Reconfigure Essential Settings

A reset erases everything. Now you must reconfigure the camera for your network. Follow these key steps:

1. Change the Password

• Go to User Management > User Settings.
• Change the admin password to something strong (12+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols).
• Save and log in with the new password.

2. Set a Static or Dynamic IP

• Go to Network > TCP/IP.
• Choose Static IP (recommended) or DHCP.
• If static, enter an IP address in your network’s range (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
• Set Subnet Mask (255.255.255.0), Gateway, and DNS.
• Save and wait for the camera to apply changes (may take 30 seconds).

3. Configure Date & Time

• Go to System > Date & Time.
• Enable NTP Sync and enter an NTP server (e.g., time.nist.gov).
• Set your time zone.

4. Enable Security Features

• Go to Security > HTTPS and enable SSL for encrypted connections.
• Set up email alerts under Event > Action > Email (if using motion detection).

Step 7: Test the Camera and Save Your Configuration

Before finishing, verify everything works:

• Check the live video stream for clarity and motion.
• Test motion detection by walking in front of the camera.
• Verify remote access (if using a mobile app or NVR).
• Reboot the camera once more to ensure settings stick.

Save Your Configuration

• Go to Maintenance > Configuration.
• Click Export to save a backup file (.cfg).
• Store this file safely. If the camera fails again, you can import it instead of reconfiguring manually.

Pro Tip: Label your camera with its IP address and password (securely, like in a locked drawer). Saves time during future troubleshooting.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a clear How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide, things can go wrong. Here’s what to watch for:

• Don’t skip the 10–15 second hold. Pressing for only 2–3 seconds may trigger a reboot, not a reset.
• Always use PoE. The camera won’t power on with a USB adapter or non-PoE switch.
• Check your subnet. If your network is 192.168.1.x, change your computer’s IP to match (192.168.0.x) before using the utility.
• Don’t ignore firmware updates. After reset, go to Maintenance > Firmware Update and install the latest version from Sony’s site. Old firmware can cause instability.
• Use a strong password. Default “admin” is a security risk. Change it immediately.
• Label your cables. In a multi-camera setup, know which cable goes where. Saves time during resets.
• Test after reconfiguration. A reset isn’t done until the camera works as expected.

Real-Life Scenario: A user reset their camera but couldn’t access it afterward. Turns out, their router assigned a new IP via DHCP, but they were still typing 192.168.0.100. Always use the IP Camera Utility to confirm the current address.

FAQs About How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Can I reset the camera remotely?
No. The physical reset button must be pressed manually. However, if you have access to the web interface, you can perform a soft reboot under Maintenance > Reboot. For a full reset, you need physical access.

2. What happens if I hold the reset button too long?
Holding for over 20 seconds won’t harm the camera. It will still reset to factory defaults. But don’t hold it for minutes—it’s unnecessary and could delay the process.

3. Why won’t the camera appear in the IP Camera Utility?
Common reasons: wrong subnet, firewall blocking discovery, or PoE power issues. Try changing your computer’s IP to 192.168.0.x, disable the firewall, or test the PoE switch with another camera.

4. Is there a way to reset without losing my settings?
Yes, if you have a configuration backup (.cfg file). After reset, go to Maintenance > Configuration > Import and upload your saved file. This restores settings without manual re-entry.

5. The camera resets but keeps reverting to old settings. Why?
This usually means the configuration file is corrupted. Perform a second reset, then manually reconfigure instead of importing the old file. Also, check for firmware bugs—update to the latest version.

6. Can I reset multiple cameras at once?
No. Each camera must be reset individually. But you can streamline the process by using the IP Camera Utility to discover all devices, then reset them one by one. Label each camera to avoid confusion.

7. What if the reset button is damaged or missing?
If the button is broken, contact Sony Support. They may provide a firmware-based reset method via a special configuration file. Never try to short-circuit the pins—this can damage the board.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Sony TS21B61-POE doesn’t have to be scary. With this How to Reset Sony IP Camera TS21B61-POE – Step-by-Step Guide, you’ve learned how to safely erase settings, restore defaults, and get your camera back online—quickly and confidently.

Remember: Always back up your configuration before resetting. Use the IP Camera Utility to avoid IP conflicts. And never rush the 10–15 second hold—patience prevents mistakes.

Now that your camera is reset, take 10 minutes to update the firmware and set a strong password. These small steps prevent future headaches. Whether you’re securing your home or monitoring a business, a well-maintained camera is your best ally.

Need to reset another device? Bookmark this guide. Share it with your team. And if you run into issues, don’t guess—refer back to the steps. Your security system deserves precision, not luck.

Stay safe, stay connected, and keep your cameras running smoothly.

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