How to reset a Wi-Fi camera password: all methods (2026)

Forgot your Wi-Fi camera password and can't access the video stream? This problem is familiar to many users of smart video surveillance systems. Fortunately, there are several ways to restore access, from a simple reset via the mobile app to a hardware reset. The main thing is to proceed carefully to avoid losing important recordings or damaging the device.

In this article, we will look at all the current password reset methods for popular brands (TP-Link Tapo, Xiaomi Mi Home, Hikvision, Dahua and others), and we'll also tell you how to avoid being blocked in the future. We'll pay special attention to security nuances: why you shouldn't use standard passwords like admin/admin and how to protect the camera after access is restored.

If your camera is connected to a cloud service (for example, YooSee or Ezviz), the process may differ—we'll discuss that separately. And for those concerned about damaging their equipment, we've prepared a checklist with warnings and helpful tips from cybersecurity experts.

1. Password reset methods: which one to choose?

The method chosen depends on the camera model, its firmware, and its current state. Here are the main options, ranked from simplest to most radical:

• 📱 Via a mobile app - if the camera is linked to an account (for example, in Mi Home or Tapo). Suitable for 80% of modern devices.
• 🌐 Via the web interface - if the camera has a local IP address and you remember the login details for the router.
• 🔧 Hard reset (Reset button) — a universal method, but it resets all settings, including network ones.
• 🔐 Cloud Recovery - if the camera is linked to the manufacturer's service (for example, Ezviz Cloud).
• 💻 Specialized software — for professional cameras (Hikvision, Dahua) using utilities like SADP Tool.

Before you begin, please check:

1. Do you have access to the router the camera is connected to?
2. Is the camera linked to a cloud service account?
3. Do you have physical access to the device (for a hard reset)?

2. Reset your password via the mobile app

The safest and fastest way is to use the manufacturer's official app. Let's look at the process using popular brands as examples.

TP-Link Tapo

If the camera is linked to an account Tapo:

1. Open the app Tapo and go to the section Devices.
2. Select your camera and click ⚙ Settings → Device Management.
3. Tap Reset password and follow the instructions (you will need to enter the code from the SMS or email).

Xiaomi Mi Home

For cameras Xiaomi (series Mi Home Security Camera):

1. In the appendix Mi Home go to Profile → Settings → Devices.
2. Select the camera and click ⋮ → Reset password.
3. Confirm the action through the linked account (you may need to scan the QR code from the camera body).

What should I do if the app doesn't see the camera?

If the camera does not appear in the list of devices, check:

- Is it connected to the same Wi-Fi as your smartphone?

- Is your router's firewall blocking access to the cloud (try disabling it for 5 minutes).

- Is the camera firmware updated (in some cases, older versions do not support password recovery via the app).

⚠️ Attention: If the camera was purchased used and linked to someone else's account, resetting it through the app may not work. In this case, you'll need to perform a hard reset or contact the manufacturer's support with proof of purchase.

3. Reset via the camera's web interface

If the camera has a local IP address (eg. 192.168.1.100), you can access its settings through a browser. This method works for most IP cameras, including Hikvision, Dahua And Foscam.

Step 1: Find the camera's IP address

• 🔍 Check the list of connected devices in the router's web interface (section DHCP or Local area network).
• 🖥️ Use the utility Advanced IP Scanner (scans the network and shows all active devices).
• 📱 The camera's mobile app may indicate its IP (section Net or Device Information).

Step 2: Log in to your Control Panel

Enter the camera's IP address in the browser's address bar. The system will ask for your username and password. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations:

Step 3. Reset your password

If the standard data is not suitable, look for the section in the menu Maintenance (Maintenance) → Default (Reset) or Forgot Password (Forgot your password). In some models (Dahua) you will need to enter the serial number of the device, which is indicated on the case or packaging.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting via the web interface, the camera may lose its connection to the cloud service. You'll need to re-link it to your account in the mobile app.

4. Hard reset (Reset button)

If software methods don't help, there's a radical option: a full factory reset. There's a button on the camera body for this. Reset (sometimes hidden under a plug).

Step-by-step instructions:

After reset the camera:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (including network settings).
• 🔒 You will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi and link it to your account.
• ⚠️ May lose all local recordings (if they were stored on a memory card).

Where is the reset button?

• TP-Link Tapo C200/C210: small hole next to the MicroSD slot (paperclip required).
• Xiaomi Mi Home Camera: button on the bottom panel under the plug.
• Hikvision DS-2CD: button inside the memory card slot.
• Dahua IPC-HDW: hole next to the Ethernet connector.

5. Recovery via cloud services

If the camera is linked to a cloud account (Ezviz, YooSee, Tuya Smart), you can reset your password through the web version of the service. This method works even without physical access to the device.

Instructions for Ezviz:

1. Go to the website ezvizlife.com and log in to your account.
2. In the section My Devices select the camera and press Forgot Password.
3. Confirm your identity via email or SMS.
4. Follow the reset wizard instructions (you may be asked to enter your serial number).

Instructions for Tuya Smart:

1. Open the app Tuya Smart or web version tuya.com.
2. Go to Devices → Device Settings → Reset Password.
3. Enter a new password and confirm it via email.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (eg Hikvision) require proof of ownership during a cloud reset. This may require a receipt or warranty card. Without these documents, access recovery will be impossible.

6. Resetting the password for professional cameras (Hikvision, Dahua)

Business-class CCTV cameras (eg Hikvision DS-2CD2xxx or Dahua IPC-HFWxxxx) often require special reset utilities. Let's look at two proven methods.

Method 1: Utility SADP Tool (For Hikvision)

Download the program SADP Tool from the official website Hikvision:

1. Connect the camera to the same network as your computer.
2. Launch SADP Tool - it will automatically find the camera.
3. Select the device from the list and click Forgot Password.
4. Follow the instructions (you will need to enter the serial number and activation code that will be sent to your email).

Method 2: TFTP Recovery (for Dahua)

If the camera Dahua locked, and the button Reset doesn't work:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the website Dahua.
2. Set up a TFTP server (for example, Tftpd64) on the computer.
3. Connect the camera to your computer via Ethernet and start the recovery process via ConfigTool.

Important: These methods require technical skills. Incorrect use of utilities may result in complete loss of camera functionality (brick). If you are not sure, contact the service center.

7. How to protect your camera after resetting your password

Once access is restored, be sure to set up security to prevent recurring issues. Here are the minimum security requirements:

• 🔐 Complex password: at least 12 characters with numbers, capital letters and special characters (for example, K7#pL9@mQ2$v).
• 🔄 Two-factor authentication: Enable it in your account settings (if supported).
• 📡 Separate network for cameras: Create guest Wi-Fi or VLAN for smart home devices.
• 🔄 Regular updates: Check your camera firmware every 2-3 months.
• 🚫 Remote access denied: If you don't need it, disable port forwarding on your router.

Typical user mistakes:

• ❌ Using the default password (admin/12345).
• ❌ Connecting the camera to the main network without isolation.
• ❌ Ignoring firmware updates (vulnerabilities in older versions are often exploited by hackers).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to reset the password without physical access to the camera?

Yes, if the camera is linked to a cloud account (for example, Ezviz or Tuya Smart). In this case, use the recovery feature via email or SMS. If the camera is local (without cloud access) and not linked to your router, it is impossible to restore access remotely.

The camera won't connect to Wi-Fi after a reset. What should I do?

Check:

1. Does the 2.4 GHz network work (many cameras do not support 5 GHz).
2. Is the Wi-Fi password entered correctly (case sensitive!).
3. Is your router blocking the new device (enable compatibility mode or disable MAC address filtering).

If the problem persists, try connecting the camera via cable (Ethernet) and updating the firmware.

I reset the camera, but it requires activation. What does this mean?

Some brands (Hikvision, Dahua) require device activation through the official service. To do this:

1. Find the serial number on the camera body.
2. Register your device on the manufacturer's website.
3. Enter the received activation code in the mobile app or web interface.

Without activation, the camera may operate with limited functionality (for example, without cloud notifications).

Is it possible to recover recordings from a memory card after a reset?

Depends on the model:

• 🔴 TP-Link Tapo, Xiaomi: The reset does not affect the memory card - the recordings will remain.
• 🟡 Hikvision, Dahua: During a hard reset, the card may be formatted (depending on the firmware).
• 🟢 Any camera: If the card is not formatted, connect it to the computer via a card reader and copy the files manually (usually they are in the folder DCIM or Record).

My used camera is linked to someone else's account. How do I unlink it?

The only reliable way is a hard reset. However, some brands (Ezviz, Tuya) block re-linking without the previous owner's consent. In this case:

1. Contact the manufacturer's support and provide proof of purchase (receipt, warranty).
2. If the seller has not unlinked the device, ask them to do so through their account.

⚠️ When buying a used camera, always check that it's unlinked from your previous account. Otherwise, you risk getting bricked.