What to Do When Your Samsung Camera Won't Reset
A factory reset is a powerful troubleshooting step for fixing a Samsung or SmartThings camera that is offline, not connecting to Wi-Fi, or otherwise malfunctioning. Pressing the reset button should return the device to its original state, ready for a fresh setup. But what if the camera is so unresponsive that it won't even reset?
This guide will help you diagnose the problem and walk you through the steps to take when your Samsung camera is stuck and the reset process fails.
Why a Samsung Camera Fails to Reset
When a reset fails, it's almost always due to one of two things:
- Insufficient Power: The camera isn't receiving the stable power it needs to boot up and run the reset sequence. This is the most common cause.
- Firmware or Hardware Fault: The camera's internal software may be corrupted, or there could be a physical hardware failure preventing it from functioning.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Non-Resetting Samsung Camera
Let's begin with the most likely and easiest problems to solve.
1. Confirm the Power Source
You cannot reset a device that has no power. Don't assume the outlet is working; test it.
- Check the Power Outlet: Unplug the camera's power adapter and plug in another device you know works, like a lamp or phone charger, to confirm the outlet is active.
- Use the Original Cable and Adapter: Always use the power adapter and USB cable that came with your camera. A different adapter might not provide the correct voltage, preventing the camera from booting up properly.
- Inspect the Cable: Check the USB cable for any signs of damage, like kinks or frayed wires. Try a different compatible cable if you have one.
- Look for the LED: When you plug the camera in, you should see an LED light on the device turn on. It might be red, blue, or green. If you see no light at all, the issue is almost certainly with the power supply or the camera's hardware.
2. Use the Correct Reset Procedure
Different models have slightly different procedures. However, the general process is similar.
- Power On the Camera: Ensure the camera is plugged in and has been for at least a minute.
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is typically a small, recessed hole on the back or bottom of the camera. You will need a paperclip or a SIM ejector tool to press it.
- Press and Hold: Insert the paperclip into the hole and press down on the internal button. Hold it down firmly for 15-30 seconds.
- Watch for a Response: You should see the camera's LED light change colour, flash, or hear a chime or voice prompt indicating that the reset is starting.
- Release the Button: Once you see this response, you can release the button. The camera will then reboot into its factory default state.
If you only press the button for a second or two, it may just trigger a simple reboot, not a full factory reset. Holding it down is key.
3. Power Cycle Before Resetting
If the reset didn't work the first time, try a power cycle first. This can clear a temporary glitch in the camera's memory.
- Unplug the camera from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds. This allows the internal capacitors to fully discharge.
- Plug the camera back in and wait for it to boot up (this may take a minute or two).
- Once the LED light is stable, attempt the factory reset procedure again.
4. When to Contact Support
If you have followed all the steps above and your camera remains unresponsive, you have likely done all you can. Specifically, if you have:
- Confirmed the power outlet, adapter, and cable are all working.
- Observed that the camera's LED light turns on, indicating it has power.
- Held the reset button down with a paperclip for over 30 seconds with no response.
...then it is highly probable that the camera has a hardware or firmware fault. At this stage, you should contact Samsung or SmartThings official support. Provide them with your camera's model number and the troubleshooting steps you have already performed. They can guide you on any warranty or replacement options.