How to Reset Ring and Nest Cameras: Complete Guide
Whether you're selling your camera, troubleshooting a stubborn issue, or setting up a device from a previous owner, knowing how to reset your Ring or Nest camera properly is essential. This guide covers every model with step-by-step instructions that actually work.
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Table of Contents
When You Need to Reset Your Camera
Not every problem requires a reset. But there are specific situations where resetting your Ring or Nest camera is the right solution:
Reasons to Reset Your Camera
- Selling or giving away the camera: A factory reset removes your account and all personal settings, allowing the new owner to set it up fresh
- You bought a used camera: If the previous owner didn't reset it, you'll need to factory reset before you can add it to your account
- Persistent connectivity issues: When your camera keeps going offline and basic troubleshooting hasn't worked
- Camera won't respond to app commands: If the camera is unresponsive or frozen
- Moving to a new home: Setting up on a new WiFi network sometimes works better after a reset
- Switching accounts: Moving the camera to a different Ring or Google account requires a factory reset
Before You Reset: Try these quick fixes first - they solve most problems without erasing your settings:
- Power cycle the camera (unplug or remove battery for 30 seconds)
- Restart your WiFi router
- Check for app updates
- Verify your subscription status
Soft Reset vs Factory Reset: Which Do You Need?
Understanding the difference between these two reset types will save you time and prevent unnecessary data loss:
| Feature | Soft Reset | Factory Reset |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Settings | Preserved | Erased |
| Account Link | Preserved | Removed |
| Motion Zones | Preserved | Erased |
| Custom Settings | Preserved | Erased |
| Cloud Recordings | Preserved | Preserved* |
| Setup Required | No | Yes - Full Setup |
| Best For | Fixing glitches | Selling/transferring |
*Cloud recordings remain in your account but are no longer accessible through the reset camera until you reconnect it.
Important: A factory reset does NOT automatically remove the camera from your Ring or Google account. You must manually remove the device from the app before or after resetting, especially if transferring ownership.
How to Reset Ring Camera (All Models)
Ring cameras have a setup button (usually orange or black) that's used for both initial setup and factory reset. The location and reset procedure varies by model:
Soft Reset (Power Cycle) - All Ring Cameras
Soft Reset Steps
This restarts your camera without erasing settings:
- 1Battery-powered cameras: Remove the battery, wait 30 seconds, reinsert
- 2Plug-in cameras: Unplug from power, wait 30 seconds, plug back in
- 3Hardwired cameras: Turn off at circuit breaker for 30 seconds, turn back on
- 4Wait 2-3 minutes for the camera to fully restart and reconnect
Factory Reset by Ring Camera Model
Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery, Plug-In, Elite)
- 1Locate the orange setup button on the back of the camera
- 2Press and hold the setup button for 20 seconds
- 3Release when the light on the front flashes
- 4Wait for the light to flash slowly - this indicates reset is complete
- 5The camera will enter setup mode (spinning blue light)
Button location: Back of the camera, near the battery compartment
Ring Indoor Cam (1st and 2nd Gen)
- 1Find the orange setup button on the back of the camera
- 2Press and hold for 20 seconds
- 3The light will flash, then the camera will restart
- 4When you see a spinning blue light, the reset is complete
Button location: Back of camera base
Ring Spotlight Cam (Battery, Wired, Mount, Plus, Pro)
- 1Locate the setup button on top of the camera (near the solar panel connector on battery models)
- 2Press and hold the setup button for 20 seconds
- 3Release when the light under the camera flashes
- 4The camera will restart and enter setup mode
Button location: Top of camera housing
Ring Floodlight Cam (Original, Plus, Pro)
- 1Find the setup button on top of the camera, between the two floodlights
- 2Press and hold for 30 seconds (longer than other Ring cameras)
- 3The light will turn off, then flash as the camera resets
- 4Wait for the camera to enter setup mode
Button location: Top of unit, may need a ladder to access
Ring Video Doorbell (All Models)
- 1Doorbell 1, 2, 3, 4: Press and hold the orange button on the back for 20 seconds
- 2Doorbell Pro, Pro 2: Hold the setup button on the right side for 15 seconds
- 3Doorbell Wired: Press and hold the orange button for 20 seconds
- 4Wait for the light to flash, indicating the reset is complete
Note: You may need to remove the doorbell from its mount to access the reset button
After Ring Factory Reset:
- Open the Ring app and go to Devices
- Remove the old device listing if it still appears
- Tap "Set Up a Device" to add the camera again
- Follow the in-app setup instructions
How to Reset Nest Camera (All Models)
Google Nest cameras have evolved over the years, and the reset procedure differs between older Nest Cam models and newer Google-branded versions:
Soft Reset (Power Cycle) - All Nest Cameras
Soft Reset Steps
- 1Wired Nest cameras: Unplug from power, wait 10 seconds, plug back in
- 2Battery Nest Cam: Press the button on the back to turn off, wait 10 seconds, press again to turn on
- 3Wait for the status light to indicate the camera is back online
Factory Reset by Nest Camera Model
Nest Cam (Battery) - 2021 and Later
- 1Locate the reset button on the back of the camera
- 2Press and hold the button for 10 seconds
- 3The status light will turn yellow, then flash
- 4Release when you hear a confirmation sound
- 5The camera will restart and the light will pulse white when ready for setup
Button location: Back of camera, small recessed button
Nest Cam (Wired, Indoor) - 2021 and Later
- 1Find the reset button on the back of the camera
- 2Press and hold for 10 seconds while the camera is plugged in
- 3The light will turn yellow and then begin to pulse
- 4Release when you hear the chime
- 5Wait for the pulsing white light indicating setup mode
Button location: Back of the camera base
Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor (Original, 2015-2020)
- 1Locate the reset button on the bottom or back of the camera
- 2Press and hold the button for 10 seconds
- 3The status light will turn off and then flash blue
- 4Release the button
- 5Wait for the camera to restart with a blinking green light
Button location: Back of camera head or bottom of base (varies by model)
Nest Cam IQ (Indoor and Outdoor)
- 1Find the reset button on the bottom of the camera
- 2Press and hold for 12 seconds
- 3The light ring will flash yellow, then turn off
- 4Release and wait for the camera to restart
- 5A pulsing blue light indicates the camera is ready for setup
Button location: Bottom of camera (use a paperclip to press)
Nest Doorbell (Battery and Wired)
- 1Battery version: Remove from mount, find the reset pinhole on the back
- 2Wired version: Locate the reset pinhole on the back
- 3Insert a paperclip and hold for 10 seconds
- 4The light will turn yellow, then the doorbell will chime
- 5Release and wait for the pulsing white light
Note: You'll need a paperclip or SIM eject tool for the recessed button
Nest Cam with Floodlight
- 1Find the reset button on the back of the camera head
- 2Press and hold for 10 seconds
- 3The status light will flash yellow
- 4Wait for the chime and pulsing white light
Button location: Back of camera module (may need ladder)
After Nest Factory Reset:
- Open the Google Home app
- Remove the old camera from your home if it still appears (tap device > Settings > Remove device)
- Tap the + icon and select "Set up device"
- Choose "New device" and follow the setup flow
What Happens After a Reset
Understanding what a factory reset affects will help you prepare for the re-setup process:
What Gets Erased
- WiFi network settings: You'll need to reconnect to your network
- Account association: The camera is unlinked from your Ring/Google account
- Custom motion zones: Any zones you've configured will be deleted
- Device name and location: Reset to defaults
- Notification preferences: All custom alert settings
- Linked automations: Any smart home routines involving this camera
What Stays Intact
- Cloud video history: Your recordings remain in your account (Ring Protect or Nest Aware subscription)
- Firmware: The camera keeps its current software version
- Hardware settings: Physical adjustments like lens angle aren't affected
Transferring Ownership: If you're selling or giving away your camera, make sure to remove the device from your app AFTER factory resetting. This fully releases the camera so the new owner can add it to their account.
Re-Setup Checklist
Before setting up again, have these ready:
- WiFi network name and password
- Ring app or Google Home app updated to latest version
- Camera fully charged (battery models) or plugged in
- Phone or tablet with Bluetooth enabled
- A few minutes without interruption - setup typically takes 5-10 minutes
Troubleshooting: Reset Not Working
Sometimes the reset process doesn't go as planned. Here's how to handle common issues:
Camera Won't Enter Setup Mode After Reset
You've held the button, but the camera doesn't show the expected light pattern.
Try These Fixes:
- Hold longer: Try holding the reset button for 30+ seconds - some cameras need more time
- Check power: Ensure the camera is powered on during the reset attempt
- Try multiple times: Repeat the reset process 2-3 times
- Battery check: For battery cameras, ensure at least 20% charge
- Let it sit: After attempting reset, leave the camera unplugged for 5 minutes, then try again
Camera Still Shows in App After Reset
You've factory reset, but the camera still appears in your Ring or Google Home app.
Solution:
- Open your Ring or Google Home app
- Find the camera in your device list
- Tap on the camera, then go to Settings
- Select "Remove Device" or "Remove this device"
- Confirm removal
This is normal - factory reset only clears the camera's settings, not your app data.
Can't Add Used Camera to Your Account
You bought a used camera and it won't let you set it up because it's linked to someone else's account.
Options:
- Contact the seller: Ask them to remove the device from their app
- Ring cameras: Contact Ring Support with proof of purchase - they can unlink it
- Nest cameras: Contact Google Support with purchase receipt
- Factory reset again: Try the reset process after the previous owner removes it
Camera Keeps Resetting or Won't Stay Connected
After reset, the camera won't maintain a stable connection.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check WiFi strength: Move closer to router during setup or add a WiFi extender
- Verify network type: Most cameras require 2.4GHz WiFi
- Router restart: Power cycle your router before attempting setup
- Firmware update: Allow the camera to fully update after initial connection
- Different network: Try a mobile hotspot to rule out router issues
When to Contact Support
If you've tried everything above without success, it's time to reach out:
Ring Support:
- Phone: 1-800-656-1918 (24/7)
- Chat: Available in the Ring app
- Web: support.ring.com
Google Nest Support:
- Phone: 1-855-469-6378
- Chat: Available at support.google.com/googlenest
- Web: Google Home app > Help & feedback
Related Guides
- Ring Camera Troubleshooting Guide - Fix common Ring problems
- Ring Camera Setup & Installation - Complete installation guide
- Nest Cam vs Ring Camera - Which system is right for you?
Need More Help?
Check our complete troubleshooting guide for solutions to common camera problems.
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