Guardzilla Camera Not Resetting? Here’s What To Do
A factory reset is a powerful tool for fixing a multitude of issues with your Guardzilla camera, from connectivity problems to general unresponsiveness. It's the go-to solution when you need to start fresh. But what happens when the reset process itself fails? This troubleshooting guide is designed to walk you through the steps to take when your Guardzilla camera won't reset.
The inability to reset can be a major roadblock, especially if you're trying to connect the camera to a new Wi-Fi network or resolve a persistent bug. The good news is that the cause is often simple, usually related to the power supply or the reset procedure itself.
Why Won't My Camera Reset?
There are a few common culprits when a Guardzilla camera fails to perform a factory reset:
- Insufficient Power: The reset sequence requires stable power to complete. Using a non-original cable or a faulty outlet can interrupt it.
- Incorrect Procedure: The timing of the reset is crucial. Not holding the button long enough is the most frequent mistake.
- Damaged Reset Button: While rare, the physical button inside the reset pinhole can become damaged or stuck.
- Firmware Glitch: In some cases, a temporary firmware glitch can make the camera unresponsive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Guardzilla
Follow these instructions in order to ensure you're performing the reset correctly and to rule out common problems.
1. Verify the Power Source
Before you even touch the reset button, confirm the camera is powered correctly.
- Use Original Equipment: Only use the power adapter and USB cable that were supplied with your Guardzilla camera.
- Connect Directly to a Wall Outlet: Do not use a USB port on a computer or a power strip. Plug the adapter directly into a wall socket that you know is working.
- Wait for Boot-Up: After plugging in the camera, wait at least one minute for it to fully boot up before you attempt a reset. The LED indicator should be in a stable state (e.g., solid green or blue, depending on the model).
2. Perform the Reset Correctly
The specific procedure can vary slightly between models (like the indoor, outdoor, or 360 models), but the general principle is the same.
- Keep the Camera Powered On: The reset must be performed while the device is on.
- Locate the Reset Button: This is usually a small pinhole on the back or bottom of the camera.
- Use an Appropriate Tool: You will need a paperclip or a SIM ejector tool. Do not use anything sharp like a tack or needle.
- Press and Hold Firmly: Insert the paperclip and press the button. You should feel a gentle click. Press and hold the button for a minimum of 15 seconds. This is the most critical part.
- Look for Confirmation: While holding the button, watch the LED light. After 10-15 seconds, it should flash or change colour. The camera may also emit a beep or a voice prompt.
- Release and Reboot: Once you see the confirmation signal, release the button. The camera will then begin its reboot process. This may take a couple of minutes.
- Ready for Setup: The reset is complete when the LED light begins flashing in the pattern that indicates it's in setup mode.
3. If It Still Fails: Power Cycle and Retry
If the above steps didn't work, try a hard power cycle first.
- Unplug the camera from the power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds. This allows the internal components to fully discharge.
- Plug the camera back in and wait for it to boot up completely.
- Attempt the reset procedure from Step 2 again.
This simple power cycle can often clear a temporary glitch that was preventing the reset from initiating. If your Guardzilla camera still fails to reset after following all these steps, there may be a more serious hardware issue. At this point, you should reach out to Guardzilla customer support for further professional assistance.