---
title: "How to Reset an Action Camera"
canonical: "https://gadgetguides.org/how-to-reset-an-action-camera/"
author: "Arian"
published: "2026-09-04T18:17:37+00:00"
modified: "2026-09-04T18:17:37+00:00"
language: "en-US"
site: "Gadget Guides"
description: "If your action camera has frozen midshot or started acting buggy, knowing how to reset an action camera can save your day without a trip to the repair…"
categories: "Cameras & Drones"
attribution: "Gadget Guides (https://gadgetguides.org/)"
---

# How to Reset an Action Camera

If your action camera has frozen mid-shot or started acting buggy, knowing how to reset an action camera can save your day without a trip to the repair shop. A frozen screen, a boot loop, or unresponsive buttons are frustrating but usually fixable in minutes.

 

Manufacturer specifications indicate that over 80% of software-related glitches resolve with a simple power cycle or soft reset. The trick is matching the right reset method to your specific problem. That is what this guide covers step by step.

 

## Quick Answer

 

Most action cameras reset with a simple button hold. Start by removing the battery and SD card. Press and hold the power and shutter buttons together for 10 seconds.

 

Reinsert the battery and power on. That is the universal reset method.

 

If the camera has a sealed battery, locate the pinhole reset button. Use a paperclip or toothpick to press it for 10 seconds. This forces a hard reboot without data loss.

 

![how to reset an action camera](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/how-to-reset-an-action-camera-mtna0qw9.webp)

 

Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))

 

## When to Reset vs. When to Try Something Else First

 

A soft reset is safe, but a factory reset erases your custom settings. Pick the right one. Here is a simple decision guide for common scenarios.

 

**If the camera is frozen but the screen is on.** Try a soft reset first. Remove the battery for 30 seconds, then reinsert. If the battery is sealed, hold the power button for 15 seconds.

 

**If the camera won't turn on at all.** Check the battery charge first. A completely drained battery can look like a dead camera. Charge it for at least 30 minutes before trying a reset.

 

**If the screen is glitchy but functional.** Try a factory reset through the settings menu. This is safer than a forced hard reset because you can back up your settings first.

 

**If the camera is stuck in a boot loop.** This is a firmware issue. A hard reset or firmware reflash is usually required. Do not waste time on soft resets here.

 

**If the camera is acting weird after a drop.** Physical damage can mimic software problems. A reset might help temporarily, but internal damage likely needs professional repair.

 

**If the camera is water damaged.** Do not attempt any reset. Remove the battery immediately and let the camera dry completely. Powering on a wet camera can cause a short circuit.

 

Here is a quick reference table for common scenarios:

 

| Problem | First Action | Reset Type Needed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Frozen screen | Remove battery for 30 seconds | Soft reset |
| Won't power on | Charge battery fully | No reset needed |
| Boot loop | Hard reset via button combo | Hard reset |
| Glitchy settings | Factory reset via menu | Factory reset |
| After a drop | Check for physical damage | Possible repair |
| Water exposure | Remove battery, dry first | None until dry |

 

## The Three Types of Reset and Exactly When to Use Each

 

Once you know reset is needed, you need to pick the right type. Action cameras have three distinct reset methods. Each serves a different purpose.

 

Using the wrong one can cause unnecessary data loss or fail to fix the problem.

 

**Soft reset (power cycle).** This is the simplest method. You remove the battery or hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds. It clears the camera's temporary memory without affecting settings or footage.

 

Use this for a frozen screen or unresponsive buttons. It works about 80% of the time for minor glitches.

 

**Hard reset (forced reboot).** This involves a specific button combination or a pinhole reset button. It forces the camera to restart at the hardware level. It does not erase your settings or saved footage.

 

Use this when a soft reset fails or when the screen is completely black but the camera has power.

 

**Factory reset (full settings wipe).** This restores the camera to its original out-of-box state. It erases all custom settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and paired devices. It does not delete footage stored on the SD card if you remove the card first.

 

Use this for persistent software bugs, corrupted settings, or when selling the camera.

 

Here is a comparison table:

 

| Reset Type | Data Loss | Time Required | When to Use |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Soft reset | None | 30 seconds | Frozen screen, unresponsive buttons |
| Hard reset | None | 1-2 minutes | Soft reset fails, black screen |
| Factory reset | All settings | 2-5 minutes | Persistent bugs, selling camera |

 

## Step-by-Step Resets by Brand: GoPro, DJI, and Insta360

 

Each brand uses a slightly different reset method. Using the wrong button combo will not work and may waste time. Here is exactly what to do for the three most common action camera brands.

 

![GoPro (HERO series)](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/gopro-hero-series-mtna0tn3.webp)

 

Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit))

 

**GoPro HERO series (HERO8 through HERO13).** For a soft reset, remove the battery for 30 seconds. For a hard reset, press and hold the Mode button and the Shutter button simultaneously for 8 seconds. The camera will beep and restart.

 

For a factory reset, go to Preferences and select Reset Camera. If the screen is frozen, use the hard reset method.

 

**DJI Osmo Action series (Action 3, Action 4, Action 5).** For a soft reset, hold the power button for 10 seconds. For a hard reset, press and hold the power button and the Quick Switch (QS) button together for 10 seconds. The camera vibrates and restarts.

 

For a factory reset, open the settings menu and select System then Factory Reset. DJI cameras with sealed batteries require the button combo method.

 

**Insta360 (ONE R, X3, X4, Ace Pro).** For a soft reset, remove the battery core if possible. For models with a sealed battery, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds. For a hard reset, locate the pinhole reset button near the microSD slot.

 

Use a paperclip or toothpick to press it for 10 seconds. For a factory reset, open the settings menu and select Advanced Settings then Factory Reset.

 

**Universal method for any brand.** If you do not know the specific button combo, try this. Remove the battery and SD card. Wait 60 seconds.

 

Reinsert the battery only. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds. This is a reliable fallback.

 

## What to Do If the Reset Didn't Fix It — Your Next Moves

 

A reset does not solve every problem. If your camera still acts up after trying the right reset method, you have a few more options. Here is the logical next step.

 

**Check the SD card.** Per aggregate user reviews, a faulty SD card is the number one cause of recurring glitches. Remove the card and try powering on the camera without it. If the camera works fine without the card, reformat the card using the camera's format function.

 

Avoid using a computer to format the card for action cameras.

 

**Reinstall the firmware.** A corrupted firmware update can cause boot loops and random freezes. Per GoPro's official support documentation, reinstalling firmware is a standard troubleshooting step. Download the latest firmware from the manufacturer's official site.

 

Copy it to a freshly formatted SD card. Insert the card into the camera and power on. The camera should detect the firmware and reinstall it.

 

This process takes 3 to 10 minutes.

 

**Check the battery.** A swollen or old battery can cause all sorts of weird behavior. If the battery does not sit flat on a table, it is swollen and needs replacement. A battery that drains quickly or fails to hold a charge can also cause boot loops.

 

Replace the battery if it is more than two years old.

 

**Try a different power source.** Some cameras need a specific voltage to boot properly. Plug the camera into a wall charger using the original cable. Let it charge for 30 minutes, then try powering on.

 

A low-quality USB cable can prevent proper charging.

 

**If nothing works, contact support.** Most action camera manufacturers have a warranty period of one to two years. If your camera is still under warranty, do not attempt to open it yourself. Opening the case voids the warranty on most models.

 

Contact the manufacturer's support team for repair options. If you are troubleshooting other camera issues, you might need to properly diagnose the problem first.