# Restart or reset the controller

> Choose between restarting, forgetting Wi-Fi, resetting app pairing and factory resetting your Serin Controller.

Source: https://serin-labs.com/controller/reset.html
Last updated: 2026-10-27

For a new network or home, use [Change Wi-Fi](https://serin-labs.com/controller/wifi.html) or [Manage app pairings](https://serin-labs.com/controller/pairing.html). Use [USB recovery](https://serin-labs.com/controller/recovery.html) for an unreachable controller.

## What each action erases

On HomeKit-compatible and Matter-compatible firmware, “other settings” includes the name, modes and temperature ranges, room sensors and paired Serin Link.

Scroll sideways to read all columns.

| Action | Wi-Fi network | App pairing | Other settings |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Change Network…** | Replaced | Kept | Kept |
| **Forget Wi-Fi…** · or a 10-second button hold | Erased | Kept | Kept |
| **Reset HomeKit Pairing** | Kept | Erased | Kept |
| **Reset Matter Pairing** | Kept | Erased | Kept |
| **Factory Reset…** | Erased | Erased | Erased |
| USB update of HomeKit-compatible or Matter-compatible firmware | Kept | Kept | Kept |
| USB install with · **Erase everything first** | Erased | Erased | Erased |

ESPHome has no factory reset in its web interface. Reinstalling ESPHome over USB erases saved settings; use [USB recovery](https://serin-labs.com/controller/recovery.html#reset) when you need a clean setup.

## Restart without erasing settings

In the [web interface](https://serin-labs.com/controller/web-interface.html), select **Firmware** > **Restart Device**. A restart keeps the network, pairings and settings.

## Factory reset

Warning

**Factory reset erases your setup.** The saved Wi-Fi network, all app pairings, paired Serin Link, and controller settings are removed. An exported settings file does not contain Wi-Fi details or app pairings; you will need to connect and pair again.

HomeKit-compatible and Matter-compatible firmware can reset from the web interface while the controller stays in the indoor unit.

1. Remove the thermostat from your smart-home app.
2. [Back up settings](https://serin-labs.com/controller/backups.html#export): **Device** > **Export Settings**.
3. Select **Device** > **Advanced** > **Factory Reset…**. Type `ERASE` and confirm.

[![Lower part of the Device section with Save Settings, Export Settings and Import Settings buttons, and the Advanced area open showing Poll Interval, the factory reset warning, and a Factory Reset button](https://serin-labs.com/assets/content/860/media/webui-device-advanced.png.06196187368d.webp)](https://serin-labs.com/assets/media/webui-device-advanced.png)

[View full-size reset controls](https://serin-labs.com/assets/media/webui-device-advanced.png).

The board button cannot do a factory reset; its longest hold erases only the saved Wi-Fi network. If the web interface is unreachable, use [USB recovery](https://serin-labs.com/controller/recovery.html#reset) with **Erase everything first**.

Warning

**USB recovery erases saved settings.** For a clean ESPHome installation, select **Erase everything first** in the [USB recovery procedure](https://serin-labs.com/controller/recovery.html#reset), then set up the controller again.

## Verify the result

After a factory reset or USB reinstall, follow [the quick start](https://serin-labs.com/setup.html) from network and app setup. Select any room sensors, pair Serin Link again, and confirm that the indoor unit responds to a command.