This article explains the difference between a regular reinstall and a factory reset for the M2 sensor, when each one is needed, and how to perform both. Before doing either, check whether Sensor Swap might be the right approach; 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
Moving to a new unit
You are moving this sensor to a different rental unit in your account or a different organisation.
Reinstall
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
Decommissioning
You are permanently removing the sensor from service and want to wipe it clean before disposing of or passing it on.
Factory reset
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 |
How the M2 reset differs from the M3
The factory reset method on the M2 is quite different from the M3. If you have used both sensors, do not follow the M3 reset procedure for an M2; the physical controls are different.
Factory reset M2 vs M3 comparison
M2 sensor: Uses a recessed reset hole on the back (marked with two arrows). Press with a pointy object. Short press = regular reset. Hold = factory reset confirmed with orange flash. No audio cue. White circling light during reset; complete when white stops.
M3 sensor: Uses the back button (not a recessed hole). Hold for ~15 seconds. Audio countdown: “Factory reset in 3, 2, 1”. Keep holding until sensor says “Factory reset” and turns red.
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.
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. The M2 factory reset uses a recessed reset button on the back of the sensor, accessible with a pointy object such as a SIM card tool, a straightened paperclip, or a toothpick.
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.
The M2 must be switched ON. The power switch on the back must be set to ON for the factory reset to work. If the switch is OFF, nothing will happen when you press the reset button.
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.
Locate the reset hole
On the back of the sensor, find the small recessed hole marked with two arrows. This is the factory reset button separate from the power switch and charging port. You will need a pointy object such as a SIM card ejector, a straightened paperclip, or a toothpick to press it.
Press and hold the back button
Insert the pointy object into the reset hole and hold it in continuously. After a few seconds the sensor will flash orange. This confirms the factory reset has been triggered.
Keep holding until you see the orange flash; releasing too early triggers only a regular reset
Wait for the white circling light to stop
After the orange flash, the sensor will show a circling white light while the factory reset is in progress. This takes a few minutes. Do not turn the sensor off during this process. Once the white light stops, the factory reset is complete.
White light stopped = factory reset complete
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.