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Factory Reset Procedure

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Written by Jonathan Bolduc

The Factory Reset function allows you to restore your HelloHacker device to its factory default configuration. This is particularly useful when the device has lost internet connectivity due to incorrect configuration settings, for example.

Device IP Address Information

By default:

All devices are configured for DHCP.

If no DHCP server is available, each device will automatically use a predefined static IP address:

  • Device 1 → 192.168.100.1

  • Device 2 → 192.168.100.2

  • Device 3 → 192.168.100.3

  • Device 4 → 192.168.100.4

  • Device 5 → 192.168.100.5

When to Use Factory Reset

Use the Factory Reset procedure when:

  • You've misconfigured network settings in the local configuration portal

  • The device cannot connect to the internet after configuration changes

  • The device shows persistent network error LED patterns

  • You need to completely reconfigure the device's network settings

  • The device is not accessible through the web interface

What Factory Reset Does

The Factory Reset procedure will:

  • Restore factory network settings (IP configuration, DNS, etc.)

  • Clear custom network configurations entered through the portal

  • Reset device personalities to factory defaults

  • Maintain device identity and registration (device won't need re-registration)

  • Preserve MAC address (hardware identifier remains unchanged)

  • Keep firmware version (no firmware changes)

Factory Reset Procedure

Step 1: Locate the Reset Button

  • The reset button is located on the back panel of the device

  • You'll need a thin object such as:

    • Toothpick

    • Paperclip

    • Small screwdriver

    • Pen tip

Step 2: Disconnect Ethernet Cable

  • Important: Ensure the Ethernet cable is disconnected from the device

  • The factory reset function only works when no Ethernet connection is detected

Step 3: Perform the Reset

  1. Press and hold the back button using your thin object

  2. Keep holding for 11-20 seconds

  3. Watch the LEDs during this process:

    • Red LED will blink 2 times repeatedly while you hold the button

    • Both LEDs will turn solid ON when the reset process begins

Step 4: Wait for Completion

  • Keep the button pressed until both LEDs are solid ON

  • Release the button once you see both LEDs continuously ON

  • The device will automatically complete the reset process

  • Wait approximately 2-3 minutes for the process to finish

Step 5: Verification

  • Reconnect the Ethernet cable

  • The device should obtain a new IP address from your network (or use its predefined static IP)

  • Green LED should turn solid ON when the device is operational

  • Access the device through the new IP address or wait for normal operation

LED Indicators During Factory Reset

LED State

Meaning

Red LED blinks 2 times (repeating)

Waiting for reset command (button held, no Ethernet)

Both LEDs solid ON

Factory reset in progress

Green LED solid ON

Reset completed, device operational

After Factory Reset

Once the factory reset is complete:

  1. Find the device IP address using your router's admin interface or network scanner (or check predefined static IPs above)

  2. Access the configuration portal at http://[device-ip]:3000

  3. Reconfigure network settings as needed

  4. Reconfigure device personalities as needed

  5. Test connectivity to ensure proper operation

Important Notes

  • Timing is critical: Hold the button for 11-20 seconds (not shorter or longer)

  • No Ethernet required: The reset only works when Ethernet is disconnected

  • Device identity preserved: The device will maintain its cloud registration

  • MAC address unchanged: The hardware identifier remains the same

  • Personalities reset: All device personalities will be restored to factory defaults

  • No log data loss: Captured network data and logs are not affected

Troubleshooting Factory Reset

Problem: LEDs don't change when holding the button

  • Solution: Ensure Ethernet cable is disconnected and hold button for full 11-20 seconds

Problem: Reset doesn't seem to work

  • Solution: Make sure you're using the back button and holding for the correct duration

Problem: Device doesn't come back online

  • Solution: Wait 5 minutes, then power cycle the device

Problem: Can't reach the button

  • Solution: Use a thinner object like a toothpick or straightened paperclip

Alternative: Soft Reset

If you only need to reset network configuration without full factory reset, consider using the Soft Reset procedure during the first 30 seconds after device boot (when Ethernet is disconnected and using the front button).

Contact Support

If the Factory Reset procedure doesn't resolve your connectivity issues, contact HelloHacker support with:

  • LED pattern observed during reset attempt

  • Network configuration details

  • Error messages from the configuration portal


Warning: Only perform Factory Reset when necessary, as it will erase your custom network configurations and device personalities, requiring complete reconfiguration.

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