Locked Out? How to Deal with a Laview Camera That Won't Reset
A factory reset is the ultimate troubleshooting step. It's the go-to solution when your Laview camera is acting up, you've forgotten the password, or you want to set it up on a new network. But what happens when the one thing that's supposed to fix everything doesn't work? If you're pressing the reset button on your Laview camera and getting no response, this guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and hopefully resolve the problem.
## Step 1: The Fundamentals of a Correct Reset Procedure
Before assuming the camera is faulty, let's be certain we're performing the reset procedure correctly, as the exact method can vary slightly between Laview models.
### The Standard Reset Process
- Power On the Camera: The camera must be plugged in and fully powered on before you begin. A reset will not work if the camera is off. Wait a minute or two after plugging it in to ensure it has finished booting up.
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is usually a small, recessed button. You will need a paperclip, a SIM-eject tool, or a similar thin object to press it. It is often located near the SD card slot or the power input.
- Press and HOLD: With the camera powered on, press and hold the reset button firmly.
- Keep Holding: This is the crucial part. Do not just press and release. You must hold the button down for at least 15-20 seconds.
- Listen for the Cue: You should hear an audible cue, such as a chime, a beep, or a voice prompt like "Resetting camera". The camera's LED status light may also begin to flash rapidly. This is the signal that you can now release the button.
- Wait for the Reboot: The camera will then proceed to reboot, which can take a minute or two. Once it has restarted, it will be in its default, out-of-the-box state, ready for setup.
If you are not holding the button long enough, the reset will not initiate. Try the process again, counting to 20 slowly before releasing.
## Step 2: Troubleshooting the Power Supply
If the correct procedure yields no results, the next most likely culprit is power. The camera's processor needs stable power to execute the factory reset command from the firmware.
### Check Your Power Source
- Is the Camera Getting Power? Look for any status lights on the camera. If there are no lights at all, the camera may not be receiving power.
- Use the Original Adapter: Make sure you are using the official Laview power adapter and cable that came with the camera. A third-party adapter might not provide the correct voltage or amperage.
- Try a Different Outlet: Plug the camera into a different electrical socket that you know is working to rule out a faulty outlet.
- Inspect the Cable: Check the entire length of the power cable for any frays, kinks, or damage.
### The Hard Reboot
A hard reboot, or power cycle, can sometimes clear a temporary firmware crash that might be preventing the reset function from working.
- Unplug the camera from its power source.
- Leave it completely unplugged for at least 60 seconds. This ensures all internal components are fully discharged.
- Plug the camera back in and wait for it to fully boot up (about 2 minutes).
- Attempt the factory reset procedure again.
## Step 3: When the Button Itself Is the Problem
If you have confirmed the camera has power and the correct procedure still doesn't work, the reset button itself may be physically damaged or stuck.
- Feel for the 'Click': When you press the button with your paperclip, you should feel a slight tactile 'click'. If it feels mushy, or there's no feedback at all, the button may be broken.
- Check for Debris: In rare cases, dust or debris can get lodged in the small opening, preventing the button from being fully depressed. A can of compressed air might help to clear it.
## Step 4: Alternative Reset Methods
If the physical button is unresponsive, you may have another option.
- Reset via the Laview App: If your camera is still connected to your network and you can access it via the Laview app, there is often a "Factory Reset" or "Delete Device" option within the camera's settings menu. This performs the same function as the physical button. This is the best alternative if it is available to you.
If your camera is unresponsive, you cannot reset it via the button, and you cannot access it on the app, you may have a hardware fault that requires contacting Laview customer support for further assistance.