Why a Unifi Camera Factory Reset Might Fail
A factory reset is a powerful troubleshooting step for any Unifi device. It wipes the device's configuration, unmanages it from its current controller, and returns it to a "factory fresh" state, ready to be adopted by a new controller. This process is essential when you're moving a camera to a new system, if it has become unresponsive, or if you've forgotten its password.
However, sometimes the reset process itself fails. You might press the reset button, but the camera simply reboots with its old settings intact. This failure can be caused by several factors, including an incorrect reset procedure, a faulty power supply, or even a physical issue with the reset button itself. This guide provides the solutions for when your Unifi camera refuses to reset.
Common Symptoms of a Failed Reset
When a factory reset doesn't work as expected, you will notice one of the following outcomes:
- No Change in Settings: After performing the reset procedure and letting the camera reboot, it reconnects to its old controller with all its previous settings, including its name and IP address.
- Reset Button is Unresponsive: Pressing and holding the reset button causes no change in the camera's behaviour. The LED status light does not flash or change, and the device does not reboot.
- Device Reboots but Doesn't Reset: The camera restarts after you hold the button, but it does not enter the "ready for adoption" state (usually indicated by a solid white LED).
- Stuck in a Boot Loop: Attempting a reset puts the device into an endless cycle of rebooting without ever coming online or becoming adoptable.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Reset
If your initial attempts to reset the camera have failed, follow these more detailed steps.
1. Ensure the Correct Reset Procedure
The most common reason for failure is not performing the reset correctly. Timing is crucial.
- Power On the Camera: The device must be fully powered on and booted up before you attempt the reset.
- Locate the Reset Button: This is usually a small, recessed button near the Ethernet port or under a weatherproof cover. You will need a paperclip or a similar thin object to press it.
- Press and HOLD: Insert the paperclip and press the button firmly. You must hold the button down for 10 seconds or more.
- Watch the LED: While holding the button, watch the camera's status LED. After about 10 seconds, it should change its state or flash, indicating that the reset has been initiated.
- Release the Button: Once you see the LED change, you can release the button. The camera will then proceed to reboot. This process can take several minutes. Do not unplug it during this time.
Holding the button for only a few seconds will typically just trigger a simple reboot, not a factory reset.
2. Verify the Power Source (PoE)
An unstable or insufficient power supply can prevent the camera from completing the reset process.
- Use a Reliable PoE Source: Ensure the camera is connected to a known-good Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch port or a dedicated Unifi PoE injector.
- Check the Standard: Verify that your PoE source meets the power requirements (e.g., 802.3af, 802.3at, or 24V passive PoE) for your specific camera model.
- Try a Different Port/Injector: If you suspect a power issue, connect the camera to a different PoE port on your switch or use a different PoE injector to rule out a faulty power supply.
3. Alternative Method: Reset via SSH
If the physical button is unresponsive but the camera is still on the network and you know its credentials, you can reset it via the command line.
- Find the Camera's IP Address: Locate the camera's IP address from your Unifi Protect controller or your DHCP server's client list.
- Connect via SSH: Use an SSH client (like PuTTY on Windows) to connect to the camera's IP address. The default username is usually
ubntorroot, and the password is the one found in your controller's settings or the one you set manually. - Issue the Reset Command: Once you are logged in, type the following command and press Enter:
set-default - The camera will then execute the factory reset process and reboot.
If all of these methods fail, it may indicate a more serious hardware fault with the camera, and you should seek further support from Ubiquiti's community forums or official support channels.