How to Reset a Lorex Camera to Factory Default (2026 Guide)

To factory-reset most Lorex IP cameras: make sure the camera is powered and connected to the NVR, press and hold the reset button (on the base, back, or inside the housing), then — while holding — unplug and replug the Ethernet cable, keep holding for about 15–30 seconds until you hear a click or see a flashing light, and release. For Wi-Fi cameras, hold the reset button ~10 seconds until the chime sounds. The camera reboots to factory settings and must be re-added to the Lorex app.

A factory reset wipes your Lorex camera back to its out-of-the-box state — clearing a forgotten password, fixing connection glitches, or preparing it for a new owner. This guide covers when to reset, the exact steps for IP and Wi-Fi models, and what to do afterward.

A factory reset is a powerful troubleshooting step. Common reasons:

• Forgotten password: a reset clears the old password so you can set a new one.
• Network / connection issues: restores original network settings if the camera won’t connect.
• Glitches: freezing, not recording, or other bugs often clear after a reset.
• Selling or transferring: wipes your settings so the new owner starts fresh.
• Tampered settings: restores a known-good default if you suspect changes.

A soft reboot (power off/on) refreshes the system without erasing anything — try it first for minor glitches. A factory reset wipes all custom settings (Wi-Fi, passwords, motion zones, accounts) and returns the camera to its original state. Use a full reset only when a reboot doesn’t fix the problem.

1. Keep it powered. Make sure the camera is connected to the NVR via its Ethernet cable and powered on.
2. Find the reset button. It’s on the base or back of the camera — you may need to open the housing to reach it.
3. Press and hold. Hold the reset button down with a finger or a pin.
4. Reconnect the cable. While still holding, disconnect the Ethernet cable and reconnect it.
5. Keep holding ~15–30 seconds. Wait for a click or status-light change, then release.
6. Let it reboot. The camera restarts to factory settings (this can take a few minutes). Close the housing.

Wi-Fi models (e.g. W261, W281 series) use a simpler button reset:

• Locate the reset button. Depending on the model it’s below the lens, on the back, or on top. For some, unplug first to protect the PTZ motor

• Hold ~10 seconds. Press and hold until you hear the chime.

• Watch for the flashing light. A flashing green light below the lens means the reset worked. A solid light means it didn’t — repeat.

• Re-pair in the app. Add the camera back to the Lorex Home app and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Watch the video here to see each step in action. This will help you follow along and reset your Lorex IP Camera correctly.

• Reconnect to your network and re-add the camera to the NVR or Lorex app.
• Update the firmware via the app or Lorex website for best performance and security.
• Set a strong new password (don’t reuse the old default).
• If it still won’t reset, check power, try again, or contact Lorex support with your model number.

Resetting a single home camera is simple, but business camera systems with many cameras, an NVR, and recorded evidence need more care — a wrong reset can wipe important footage or take cameras offline. Spotter Security installs, configures, and maintains business security camera systems across Canada, so your system stays online and your footage is protected.

For a wired IP camera, keep it powered and connected to the NVR, press and hold the reset button, disconnect and reconnect the Ethernet cable while holding, keep holding about 15 to 30 seconds until you hear a click, then release. For a Wi-Fi camera, hold the reset button about 10 seconds until the chime sounds.

It varies by model. On IP cameras it is usually on the base or back, sometimes inside the housing. On Wi-Fi cameras it may be below the lens, on the back, or on top. Check your model’s manual if you cannot find it.

A camera reset clears the camera’s settings, not footage stored on the NVR. However, you should back up important recordings before any reset, and note that resetting or reformatting an NVR will erase stored video.

Yes. A factory reset clears the existing password so you can set a new one. On some recorders you can also recover the password using the device ID and date through Lorex support.

A reboot simply powers the camera off and on and keeps all settings, which often fixes minor glitches. A factory reset erases all custom settings and returns the camera to its original state, so try a reboot first.

Yes. After a factory reset you must reconnect the camera to your network, re-add it to the NVR or Lorex app, and reconfigure your settings, since the reset removes everything.

Spotter Security designs, installs, and maintains business security camera systems and 24/7 monitoring across Canada, with over 20 years of experience. Contact us for a free assessment.