How to reset Dahua IP camera without reset button

If you have lost or forgotten the password of your Dahua IP cameras, you can try to perform a hard reset on the camera. This guide includes the information of the reset operation and the location of reset button of the Dahua network IP cameras.

The operation of reset

The camera should be powered (via DC12V or PoE), keep the reset button pressed for at least 10 seconds until the camera restarts (usually you’ll hear a clicking sound).

After that, the camera will be restored to factory defaults. If there is a PWR indicator, you’ll see the indicator go off and on again.

If it’s a camera with an IR block, you’ll see the IR block turn off and then on (sort of blinking). For other situations, keep the reset operation long enough to make sure the camera did restart.

Types of Dahua cameras

Most of the reset operation can be done by pressing a button located on the camera’s board, however, in some models, there are terminals or cables that you need to short in order to reset the device. Some of the main camera types are shown below.

a) Box-type network camera. On these kinds of IP cameras, the reset button is always on the back panel of the camera, clearly labeled “RESET”.

Models: IPC-HF3500 series IPC-HF3300 series IPC-HF3301 series IPC-HF3200 series IPC-HF3211 series IPC-HF3100 series IPC-HF3110 series IPC-HF3101 series, or any camera that is similar to the one shown on the picture.

Dahua box-type network camera.Find the “RESET” button on the back panel.

b) IR box-type network camera. Some of these cameras (earlier models) were combined with Multiple-function combination Cable that you need to do a shortage to reset. Models: HFW3300 series HFW3110 series.

The picture below shows the pigtail of the camera; you need an extension cable to do the reset. Shortage the Blue wire (RESET) and the Orange wire (GND) for at least 10 seconds until the camera restarts.

Dahua IR box-type network camera.For this type you need to short the reset wires.

c) IR fixed network camera with integrated bracket. Models: IPC-HFW3300C IPC-HFW3200C IPC-HFW3202C IPC-HFW3100C IPC-HFW3101C. 

On these types of cameras, there will be a multiple-function combination cable coming out of the bottom of the bracket (called pigtail). One of those wires is the reset.

IR fixed network camera with integrated bracket.Press the reset button on the pigtail to factory default the camera.

d) Mini bullet-type network camera with integrated bracket. Models: IPC-HFW3200SP/N series IPC-HFW2100S series. The reset button is inside of the camera, open up the cap and you will find it.

Mini bullet-type network camera with integrated bracketThe reset button is located on the board.

e) Vandal-proof network dome camera (and in-ceiling models). Models: IPC-HD/HDW3100 series IPC-HD/HDW3200 series IPC-HDB/HDBW3202 series IPC-HDB/HDBW3101 series IPC-HDB/ HDBW5100 series IPC-HDB/ HDBW5200 series IPC-HDB/HDBW 3202-DI series (DI means in-ceiling model) IPC-HDB/HDBW 3200-DI series IPC-HDB/HDBW 3101-DI series IPC-HDB/HDBW 3100-DI series.

The reset button is inside of the camera, open the dome camera enclosure.

Open up the cover and locate the reset button.

f) Mini dome type network camera. Models: IPC-HDB3200C series IPC-HDB3100C series IPC-HD2100C series. The reset is inside the camera, open the dome camera enclosure and you can find it.

Mini dome type network camera.The reset button is located on the board.

h) Eyeball type network camera. Models：IPC-HDW2100-M IPC-HDW2100 Series IPC-HDW2200S IPC-HDW3300S. The reset button is inside of the camera, open the dome camera enclosure and will find it under the IR board.

Eyeball type network camera.Open the eyeball to locate the reset button.

Note: this guide works for Dahua and their OEMs sold under these brands: Activecam, Advidia, Amcrest, Ameta, Ascendent, Backstreet Surveillance, BV Security, CCTV Security Pros, CCTV Star, CP Plus (Orange Line), Dax Networks, eLine, ENS (formerly Eastern CCTV and SavvyTech), Expose, Lorex, GSS, Honeywell, IC Realtime, Ikegami, Impath Networks, Inaxsys, IndigoVision, Infinity CCTV, Innekt, Intelbras, KBVision, Lumixen, Maxron, Montavue, Oco, Optiview, Rhodium, RVI, Saxco, Security Camera King (Elite), Space Technology, Speco, ToughDog, Tyco Holis, Tyco Illustra Essentials, Unisight, VIP Vision, Watchnet, Winic, Zuum.

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