How to Reset a Camera's Network Settings to Default
- Administrator A
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Few things cause that sinking feeling in your stomach quite like staring at a login screen, typing in every possible combination of credentials you can think of, and being met with an "Access Denied" or "Incorrect Password" error. If you find yourself in this situation with a high-end Axis Communications device, you might be asking yourself: How to Reset Axis Camera Password: How to Reset a Camera's Network Settings to Default?
At Cleveland Security Cameras, we encounter this exact issue nearly every day during our on-site CCTV troubleshooting and commercial system upgrades across Northeast Ohio. Whether you are a business owner in downtown Cleveland inheriting a legacy surveillance network or a homeowner in Westlake trying to regain access to your smart home perimeter feeds, we have got you covered.
Let's break down the exact physics and steps to bypass a lost admin password, revert your camera's network configuration back to clean factory default settings, and safely deploy your devices on your network.
1. The Realities of Modern Axis Default Passwords in 2026
Before we pick up a single tool, let's establish an essential security fact. If you are searching online for a universal "Axis default password," the answer depends heavily on how old your hardware is.
Modern Axis Devices (AXIS OS 6.50+): There is no default password. Axis implemented a strict cybersecurity framework years ago. When you first boot up a new or factory-reset Axis camera, the operating system forces you to create a secure, unique password for the default administrator account (username: root).
Legacy Axis Devices (Pre-2018): On older, out-of-support hardware, the traditional factory defaults were typically:
Default Username: root
Default Password: pass
If you have inherited an older camera or forgot your custom password, a physical hard factory reset is your only way back in. A full factory default completely wipes all user configurations, custom applications, and security rules, returning the camera to its original "out-of-the-box" state.
2. Hardware Factory Reset: The Physical Button Method
If you are locked out of the camera's web interface, you must perform a physical hardware reset using the dedicated Control Button on the device. This process physically drains the memory and restores the base operating system.
Before You Start:
Locate the Button: The control button (sometimes labeled as "Control", "IO", or simply a small recessed circle) is typically located inside the camera dome casing, near the microSD card slot, or on the rear connection panel. You may need a paperclip or a small hex key to press it.
Safety Warning: Avoid staring directly into the camera's optical lenses or infrared illuminators while the device is powered up.
1.Disconnect the Power:Step 1.
Unplug the network cable carrying Power over Ethernet (PoE) from the camera, or disconnect the external 12V/24V power adapter. Verify that all LEDs on the camera body are completely dark.
2.Press and Hold the Control Button:Step 2.
Using a paperclip or a small, non-conductive tool, press and hold down the recessed Control Button. Do not let go of this button yet.
3.Reapply Power:Step 3.
While continuing to hold down the control button with your tool, plug the PoE cable or power adapter back into the camera.
4.Observe the Status LED:Step 4.
Keep the control button firmly pressed for roughly 15 to 30 seconds. Watch the camera's status LED indicator. Once the light begins to flash amber, you can safely release the button.
5.Wait for the Green Light:Step 5.
Allow the camera to run through its reboot sequence. The process is complete when the status LED indicator stops flashing and turns solid green. The camera is now completely reset to factory defaults with network settings cleared.
3. Software Factory Reset (When You Know the Password)
If you are carrying out standard maintenance, shifting a camera to a new IP subnet, or transferring your system to a new owner but still know the current password, you do not need to climb a ladder. You can perform a software reset using the device's web interface or the official AXIS Device Manager utility.
Via Web Interface:
Open a web browser and type the camera's current IP address into the address bar.
Log in using your admin credentials.
Navigate to Settings $\rightarrow$ System $\rightarrow$ Maintenance.
Under the maintenance menu, locate and click the Default (or Factory Default) button.
Confirm your action. The camera will automatically reboot with cleared configurations.
4. How to Find & Access the Reset Axis Camera
Once a camera has been factory reset, its old static IP address is gone. It now needs a way to talk to your network again. How it behaves depends on your local network configuration:
Network Scenario | Default IP Behavior | Recommended Action |
Active DHCP Router Present | The camera automatically requests and receives a fresh local IP address. | Use the free AXIS IP Utility or AXIS Device Manager to scan your local network and discover the newly assigned IP. |
No DHCP Server / Closed Network | The camera will fall back to its default static IP address: 192.168.0.90. | Change your computer's static IP to 192.168.0.100 with a subnet of 255.255.255.0 to access the camera directly via 192.168.0.90. |
Modern Link-Local Fallback | Some newer AXIS OS versions fall back to an auto-assigned link-local address starting with 169.254.x.x. | Use AXIS Device Manager on your computer. It can automatically detect and configure devices on link-local subnets without manually changing your PC settings. |
5. Re-Commissioning: Setting Up Your Camera Safely
Once you successfully find your camera's IP, open your web browser, enter the IP, and complete these vital configuration steps:
Create a Strong Root Password: Set a password of at least 8–12 characters utilizing lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Set a Static IP: To ensure your NVR or Video Management Software (VMS) never loses track of the camera, assign it a permanent static IP address outside of your router's automatic DHCP pool.
Confirm NDAA & Regulatory Compliance: If you are managing a commercial security camera installation in Cleveland, ensure your firmware is fully updated to match the latest security parameters. Axis devices are widely recognized as trusted, NDAA-compliant alternatives to restricted hardware brands.
Need Expert Help with Your Security Cameras in Cleveland?
Whether you’re locked out of your system, need a professional installation, want to upgrade to NDAA-compliant cameras, or require remote troubleshooting support — the team at Cleveland Security Cameras is here to help.
Our local experts can:
Install new security camera systems
Reset and recover access to existing cameras and NVRs
Upgrade or replace restricted/outdated equipment
Provide remote support and ongoing maintenance
Call us today at 2163338245
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio with reliable, professional security solutions.
Suggested Follow-Up Reading
How to Correctly Assign a Static IP to Your Security Camera
How to Use AXIS Device Manager to Configure Multiple IP Cameras in Seconds
Understanding NDAA Compliance: Is Your Cleveland Business CCTV System Up to Standard?
A Guide to Hardwiring Outdoor Security Cameras: Best Practices for Northeast Ohio Weather
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