How to Reset Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen: Step-by-Step Guide
If your Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen is not working properly or you plan to give it away, a factory reset can clear its settings and remove it from your account. I’ll explain the reset options and when each one makes sense.
To factory reset the Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen, press and hold the setup button for about 20 seconds, release it, and wait for the camera to restart. You’ll need to set it up again in the Ring app after the reset.
I’ll also cover how to prepare the camera, find the setup button, fix common reset problems, and reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi network.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases the camera’s saved settings.
- The setup button starts the reset process.
- You must reconnect the camera in the Ring app.
Reset Options and When to Use Them
I use a restart for temporary problems, such as a frozen video feed or a failed connection. I use a factory reset only when troubleshooting does not solve the issue or when I need to remove the camera from its current setup.
Restarting the Camera
A restart turns the camera off and back on without deleting its settings. I use this option when the Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen stops responding, shows a delayed live view, or has a short-term Wi-Fi problem.
- Unplug the camera’s power cable from the outlet or the camera.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the cable back in and wait for the camera to start.
The camera may take a few minutes to reconnect to the Ring app. I check the app after the status light settles and confirm that live view works. A restart does not remove the camera, erase its Wi-Fi details, or require a full setup.
Performing a Factory Reset
A factory reset erases the camera’s stored setup and returns it to its original state. I use it before giving the camera to someone else, after repeated setup or connection failures, or when Ring Support instructs me to reset it.
I first locate the setup button on the camera. I press and hold it for about 20 seconds, then release it. The camera may restart, and its settings will be cleared. If it does not respond, I verify that it has power and repeat the process.
After the reset, I open the Ring app and select Set Up a Device. I scan the camera’s QR code, connect it to Wi-Fi, and follow the prompts. I may need to adjust motion settings and other preferences again.
Preparation Before Resetting
I check the camera’s power, Wi-Fi connection, and app access before starting. I also record any settings or details I may need when I add the camera again.
Confirming Power and Wi-Fi Availability
I first confirm that my Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) has power. I check that its power cable is firmly connected to the camera and the wall adapter, then test the outlet with another device if needed. A reset cannot finish properly if the camera loses power during the process.
I also check my Wi-Fi network before resetting. My phone should connect to the same network that I plan to use for the camera. I keep the Wi-Fi name and password available, and I place the camera near the router if the signal is weak.
I open the Ring app and check whether the camera appears online. If the app shows an outage or connection problem, I resolve that issue first when possible. After a factory reset, I may need to set up the camera again in the Ring app, and the camera may take several minutes to reboot and complete checks.
Saving Important Settings
I record settings that I want to restore after the reset. These may include motion zones, motion detection preferences, notification choices, recording settings, and the camera name or location. A factory reset removes the camera’s stored configuration, so I should not rely on those settings remaining in place.
I also note which Ring account manages the camera. I need access to that account and its sign-in details when I add the device again. If another person manages the Ring system, I confirm that I have the required account access before continuing.
I save any important video clips in the Ring app before resetting. I verify that the clips finish saving or downloading, because a reset is not a substitute for backing up recordings. I keep the camera’s setup information and Wi-Fi password nearby so I can complete re-setup without interruption.
Locating the Setup Button
I can identify the setup button by checking the camera’s rear panel and then use the status light to confirm that it responds. The button and light help me start the reset process without pressing the wrong control.
Identifying the Button Placement
I first unplug the Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) from its power outlet. I then turn the camera so I can see the back. The orange setup button sits on the rear of the camera, near the power cable connection.
I press this button only when I am ready to reset or set up the camera. I should not confuse it with the power connection or the camera’s mounting parts. The button may feel small, so I use a fingertip and press it firmly without using a sharp object.
For a factory reset, I hold the setup button for about 20 seconds. I release it when the status light begins flashing. This action removes the camera’s saved network and device settings, so I will need to set it up again in the Ring app.
Checking the Status Light
I watch the light on the front of the camera after pressing the setup button. The light shows whether the camera received my command and what state it has entered.
During a reset, the light may flash or change while the camera restarts. I wait several minutes before unplugging it or pressing the button again. Interrupting the restart can prevent the reset from completing.
If the light does not respond, I check that the power cable fits securely and that the outlet works. I then try the button again, holding it continuously for the full reset period. After the reset, I open the Ring app and select Set Up a Device to reconnect the camera.
Completing the Factory Reset
I remove the Indoor Cam 2nd Gen from power before starting, then reconnect it so the reset begins with a stable power supply. The process depends on holding the correct setup button and waiting for the camera’s light pattern to confirm completion.
Holding the Setup Button
I locate the orange setup button on the camera. On the Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen, it sits on the top of the device near the power cord connection.
I press and hold the button for about 20 seconds. I keep holding it if the light starts flashing during this time, because releasing the button too early may only start setup mode instead of completing the factory reset.
After I release the button, the camera clears its saved Wi-Fi details and settings. A factory reset also removes its connection to my Ring account, but I still remove the device from the Ring app if I plan to give it to someone else.
Waiting for Reset Confirmation
I wait while the camera processes the reset. The status light may flash during this step, and the camera can take several minutes to restart. I avoid unplugging it or pressing the setup button again during this time.
When the reset finishes, the camera enters setup mode. The light normally shows that the device is ready for a new connection. If the light does not respond after several minutes, I unplug the camera, reconnect it, and try the reset again.
I then open the Ring app and select Set Up a Device to add the camera again. I follow the prompts to connect it to Wi-Fi and assign it to the correct location.
Setting Up the Camera Again
After a factory reset, I add the camera as a new device in the Ring app. I then restore settings such as motion alerts, recording options, and connections with other services.
Adding the Device in the Ring App
I first connect the Indoor Cam to power and wait for its status light. In the Ring app, I tap Devices, select Add Device, choose Security Cameras, and follow the setup instructions. I scan the QR code on the camera or its packaging when the app requests it.
I connect my phone to the temporary Ring setup network, then select my home Wi-Fi network. I enter the Wi-Fi password carefully and keep the camera near the router during setup. After the app confirms the connection, I give the camera a clear name, such as Living Room, so I can identify it easily.
I check the live video before moving the camera. I also install any available firmware update and confirm that the camera appears online in the device list.
Restoring Preferences and Integrations
I restore my preferred settings after the camera reconnects. I review Motion Settings, adjust the motion zones, and choose the areas I want the camera to monitor. I set motion sensitivity and confirm the recording and notification options that match my Ring subscription.
I also check Device Settings for the camera name, video settings, audio options, and privacy controls. If I use shared access, I confirm the correct users still have permission to view the device.
I reconnect integrations through Linked Accounts or the relevant smart-home app. I test each connection, such as a voice assistant or Ring Chime, instead of assuming it restored correctly. Finally, I test live view, motion alerts, two-way talk, and night vision.
Troubleshooting Reset Problems
A failed reset usually comes from an incomplete button press, a power problem, or a weak Wi-Fi connection. I check the camera’s status light, power supply, reset timing, and Ring app settings before repeating setup.
Camera Does Not Enter Setup Mode
I first confirm that the Indoor Cam 2nd Gen has steady power. Unplug the USB-C cable, wait at least 20 seconds, and plug it back in. I also check that the cable fits firmly and that the power adapter works.
To factory reset the camera, I press and hold the setup button for about 20 seconds. I release it when the status light changes or the camera announces that it is resetting. The button sits on the top of the camera. A factory reset removes its saved settings, so I wait for the reset to finish before trying setup again.
If the camera does not respond, I repeat the process without releasing the button early. I keep the camera near my router during setup and avoid switching between power sources. If the light stays off, the problem may involve the outlet, adapter, or cable rather than the reset process.
Resolving Ring App Connection Issues
I open the Ring app and confirm that I use the correct Ring account. I select Set Up a Device, choose the camera category, and follow the prompts. If the camera does not appear, I close and reopen the app, then check for updates.
I also verify that my phone has Bluetooth, location access, and local network access enabled for the Ring app. I connect my phone to the same Wi-Fi network that I want the camera to use. During setup, I keep the camera within a few feet of the router.
If setup still fails, I restart my phone and router. I avoid using a guest network, VPN, or network with a sign-in page. After a factory reset, I enter the Wi-Fi password again because the camera no longer retains its previous network settings.
Frequently asked questions
Will resetting my Ring Indoor Cam delete my videos?
No. A factory reset removes the camera’s settings and disconnects it from your Ring account. Videos already saved in your Ring account remain available according to your subscription and storage settings.
How do I reset the Indoor Cam 2nd Gen?
I first unplug the camera. Then I press and hold the setup button while reconnecting the power cable. I keep holding the button until the light flashes or the camera announces that it is resetting. The exact timing may vary, so I follow the current Ring instructions for my model.
Where is the setup button?
I find the setup button on the camera body, near the power connection. I check the camera carefully before pressing it because the button can be small and difficult to see.
What happens after a factory reset?
The camera returns to its original settings. I must add it to the Ring app again, connect it to Wi-Fi, and create any preferred settings.
Should I reset or restart the camera?
I restart the camera when I want to fix a temporary issue without removing its settings. I use a factory reset when I need to erase the setup or prepare the camera for a new owner.
What if the reset does not work?
I confirm that the camera has power and hold the setup button for the required time. If the problem continues, I check Ring’s support instructions for the Indoor Cam 2nd Gen.
Conclusion
I use a factory reset when my Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) needs a fresh setup, has serious connection problems, or will move to a new owner. A reset removes the camera’s current settings, so I make sure I have my Wi-Fi details ready before I begin.
After the reset, I open the Ring app and select Set Up a Device. I follow the on-screen steps to connect the camera to Wi-Fi and assign it to the correct location.
If the camera does not respond, I check that it has power and that I press the setup button correctly. I also allow the reset process to finish before unplugging or moving the camera.
A successful reset should leave the camera ready for setup again. If setup still fails, I check the Ring app for error messages and contact Ring Support if needed.