Trail cameras are built to take a beating outdoors, but sometimes, they need a little reset to get back on track. Maybe it’s not saving photos. Maybe the menu’s frozen. Or maybe you’ve just bought a second-hand one and want to start fresh.
Whatever the case, knowing how to reset a trail camera can save you a lot of time (and frustration). In this trail cam reset guide, we’ll show you how to do it properly and safely, with a few handy tips to keep things running smoothly.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your Trail Cam
There are a few common reasons people reset their trail cameras:
- The settings are messed up or not responding
- You’ve forgotten your password or login
- You want to clear old data and start clean
- It’s glitching or behaving strangely
- You’re repurposing the camera for a new location or project
A reset can clear out any old or corrupted settings and give the camera a clean slate. Think of it like a fresh start.
How to Reset Trail Camera Settings
Every trail cam is a little different, but most follow the same general process. Here's how to reset your trail camera settings like a pro:
1. Turn it off
Start by powering down the camera completely.
2. Take out the batteries and SD card
Remove the power and memory sources. Wait about 30 seconds to let any stored energy drain out.
3. Find the reset option
Some trail cams have a small reset button, usually inside the battery area or near the screen. Others offer a reset in the menu under “Settings” or “System.”
4. Do the reset
- If it’s a button, hold it down for about 10–15 seconds.
- If it’s in the menu, just select “Factory Reset” or “Restore Defaults” and confirm.
You should see a message or reboot that confirms the reset worked.
5. Reinsert the batteries and SD card
Put everything back in and turn the camera back on.
6. Set it up again
Your trail cam will now be back to its original settings. Go through and update the time, resolution, motion detection, and any other preferences.
A Few Handy Reset Tips
- Back up your photos/videos first.
- Format the SD card after resetting, especially if you’re using a new one.
- Check for firmware updates on the manufacturer’s website. Sometimes a glitch isn’t fixed with a reset alone.
- Label your camera if you use a few different ones, which makes future setup easier.
- Use fresh batteries to avoid errors during setup.
What if My Camera Doesn’t Have a Reset Button?
Some simpler or older trail cams don’t have a reset option. If that’s the case, removing the batteries and SD card for a few minutes can act as a soft reset. If that doesn’t work, check the manual or reach out to the manufacturer’s support team.
Still having trouble? Sometimes it’s just time for a newer model. Browse our trail cam range from Pro’s Choice – they’re built for Aussie conditions and easy to use, even when things go wrong.
Reset Still Not Working?
If your trail cam still won’t behave after trying to reset trail camera settings, it might be time for an upgrade.
At Pro’s Choice, we stock reliable and easy-to-use trail cameras designed for Australian conditions, with local support, fast delivery, and genuine warranties.
Not sure what to choose? Our Sydney team is here to help. No tech jargon, just honest and practical advice to get you sorted.
