Canary Camera Not Resetting? Here’s the Solution
A factory reset is the ultimate troubleshooting step for a Canary camera that's acting up. Whether it's failing to connect to Wi-Fi, is unresponsive in the app, or you're preparing to give it to a new owner, a reset is the way to wipe its settings and start fresh. But what do you do when your Canary stubbornly refuses to reset?
This guide will walk you through the precise steps required to reset your Canary Pro, View, or Flex, and what to do if the device isn't responding as it should.
Understanding the Canary Reset Process
Unlike many other gadgets, the Canary camera (Pro/View/Flex) does not have a physical, pressable reset button. Instead, it uses a capacitive touch sensor on the top of the device. The reset process requires a very specific sequence of actions involving unplugging, touching, and plugging the device back in.
Getting this timing and sequence right is the key to a successful reset.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Canary
Follow these instructions exactly. This procedure will de-register the Canary from your account and put it back into pairing mode.
For Canary Pro, View, and Flex:
- Start with the Canary plugged in and powered on.
- Unplug the Canary from its power source (unplug the micro-USB cable from the back of the device).
- Place and hold one finger firmly on the top, centre of the Canary device. This is where the touch sensor is located.
- While continuing to hold your finger on top of the Canary, plug the micro-USB cable back into the device.
- DO NOT REMOVE YOUR FINGER YET. Continue holding it down. The light at the bottom will start to spin white. Keep holding.
- After a few seconds, the light will change from spinning white to a solid blue light.
- Once the light is solid blue, you can remove your finger.
The Canary will now boot up in pairing mode. The light will eventually start flashing blue, and the device is now ready to be set up again via the Canary app.
What to Do If Your Canary Still Won't Reset
If you've followed the steps above and the light at the bottom of the Canary never changes colour, the issue is almost certainly related to power. The reset process cannot begin if the device isn't receiving electricity correctly.
Problem: The light does not turn on at all when I plug it back in.
This is the most common failure point. If there's no light, the reset sequence can't be initiated.
- Solution 1: Check the Power Cable. The micro-USB cable itself may be faulty. Try using a different micro-USB cable that you know works (e.g., from another device).
- Solution 2: Check the Power Adapter. The USB power adapter that plugs into the wall could be the issue. Swap it with a different one, like your phone charger's adapter.
- Solution 3: Check the Power Outlet. Make sure the wall outlet is working by plugging something else into it, like a lamp.
Try the reset procedure again after you've confirmed each part of the power supply is working. A faulty cable is the most frequent reason a Canary appears "dead" and won't reset.
Problem: The light turns white but never turns blue.
If the light spins white but never progresses to solid blue, it means your finger may not have been detected properly on the touch sensor. Ensure your finger is placed flat on the very top centre of the device and that you hold it there consistently throughout the process until the light changes.
By following this guide, you can successfully troubleshoot and reset your Canary camera, resolving most common connectivity and performance issues.