This article explains the difference between a regular reinstall and a factory reset, when each one is needed, and how to do both. Before doing either, check whether Sensor Swap might be the right approach instead: it replaces a sensor without losing any data or settings.
Which option do you need?
Wi-Fi changed
Your router name or password has changed, or you want to move the sensor to a different network.
Update Wi-Fi only (section 2)
Moving to a new unit
You are moving this sensor to a different rental unit in your account or a different organisation.
Reinstall (section 3)
Persistent issues
The sensor is offline, won’t connect, or behaving unexpectedly after other troubleshooting steps haven’t worked.
Reinstall first, factory reset if needed
Used or second-hand sensor
You have received a sensor that was previously installed on another account and needs to be cleared.
Factory reset (section 4)
Decommissioning
You are permanently removing the sensor from service and want to wipe it clean before disposing of or passing it on.
Factory reset (section 4)
Low battery swap
You want to swap a low battery sensor for a charged one without losing settings or data.
Use Sensor Swap instead
What happens | Reinstall | Factory reset |
Historical event data kept | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
Rental unit association kept | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
Sensor cleared for new account | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Can be done without the Minut app | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
Update Wi-Fi without reinstalling
If only your Wi-Fi name or password has changed, you do not need to fully reinstall or factory reset the sensor. Updating Wi-Fi settings preserves all your data and settings; it is the same as a reinstall but without going through the full setup flow.
Open the sensor in the app
Tap Properties → select the rental unit → tap the sensor to open its detail view.
Open Advanced settings
Tap the settings icon (⚙) → tap Advanced → tap Update Wi-Fi Settings.
Press the button on the back of the sensor
Hold the button until the sensor glows purple; this puts it into setup mode.
Select the new Wi-Fi network
Follow the same Wi-Fi connection flow as during initial installation. Select your 2.4 GHz network and enter the password.
No data is lost — all settings and history are preserved
Reinstall the sensor
A reinstall deletes the sensor from its current rental unit in the app and sets it up again from scratch either in the same unit or a different one. Your rental unit and its historical data remain in your account; only the sensor’s association with that unit is removed.
If you are moving a sensor to a different rental unit, consider using Sensor Swap instead. Sensor Swap transfers all settings and historical data to the new unit automatically, without a full reinstall.
Delete the sensor from the rental unit
Tap Properties → select the rental unit → tap the sensor → tap the settings icon (⚙) → scroll to Delete sensor → confirm. The sensor is removed from the unit. The rental unit itself is not affected.
This removes the sensor from the unit; the unit and its data remain in your account
Put the sensor into setup mode
Press and hold the button on the back of the sensor until it glows purple.
Purple = setup mode. Sensor is ready to install.
Install the sensor via the app
Open the rental unit you want to install it in → tap the + icon in the Sensors section → follow the standard installation flow.
Sensor won’t enter setup mode? Make sure the sensor has enough battery charge. Connect it via USB-C for a few minutes before trying again. If it still won’t respond, proceed to a factory reset.
Factory reset the sensor
A factory reset wipes the sensor completely removing all stored settings, Wi-Fi credentials, and account associations. Use this when a reinstall hasn’t resolved an issue, when you have received a used sensor that is still linked to another account, or when decommissioning a sensor permanently.
A factory reset cannot be undone. All data stored on the sensor is permanently erased. Any data previously recorded by this sensor that is stored in your Minut account is not affected; account-side data is only deleted if you delete the rental unit itself.
Restart your phone
Delete the sensor from the rental unit
Tap Properties → select the rental unit → tap the sensor → tap the settings icon (⚙) → scroll to Delete sensor → confirm. The sensor is removed from the unit. The rental unit itself is not affected.
This removes the sensor from the unit; the unit and its data remain in your account
Remove the sensor from the mounting plate
Take the sensor off the wall or ceiling. You need physical access to the button on the back.
Press and hold the back button
Hold the button on the back of the sensor continuously. After approximately 15 seconds the sensor will say “Factory reset in 3… 2… 1…”
Do not release the button when you hear the countdown — keep holding
Hold until red — then release
Continue holding the button until the sensor says “Factory reset” and the light turns red. Now release the button. The factory reset is complete.
Red light = factory reset successful
Wait for the sensor to restart
The sensor will power down briefly and restart. It is now wiped clean and ready to be installed as a new device.
You can watch all the M3 factory reset steps below:
The sensor has audio cues. The M3 speaks during the factory reset process; you will hear a voice count down from 3 and confirm “Factory reset”. If you don’t hear any audio, the sensor’s volume may be turned down or the battery may be too low. Charge the sensor and try again.
The sensor is now in the same state as a brand new sensor. Install it into the rental unit following the standard installation flow.
Received a sensor that was previously linked to someone else’s account? Factory reset it first before attempting installation. If the sensor was never deleted from their account, it may not be possible to install it on yours until they delete it from their side. Contact hello@minut.com if you’re unable to install a reset sensor.