Understanding the Arduino reset process is essential for all programmers.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to perform an Arduino reset and its importance.
We will also help you address potential issues in projects and explore different hardware and software-based reset techniques.
Therefore, you can keep your Arduino functioning smoothly.
By understanding these methods, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot glitches, escape infinite loops, and diagnose malfunctions.
Table of Contents
Understanding the “Reset” Function in Arduino
Initiating the reset process for your Arduino circuit board involves disconnecting it momentarily.
Remember to do this before re-establishing the connection using a USB or power supply.
Upon resetting the Arduino, the initial line of code from the uploaded program commences, while the prior data in ROM becomes eradicated.
This action serves an analytical purpose and resembles rebooting your computer; it ceases current operations and commences the system anew.
The reset option for Arduino facilitates restarting the board by reinitializing the AVR microcontroller chip, a single-chip solution.

Blue PCB with microcontroller and communication module
The Necessity of Resetting the Arduino
Inevitably, complications may arise, and the reset function allows your Arduino to commence its program anew.
1. Exterminating Internal Glitches
If your Arduino harbors a bug, code execution may falter. Utilize the reset or automatic reset button to eliminate bugs and restore functionality.
2. Escaping Interminable Loops
If your Arduino board ceases to function during a program’s operation, it’s likely trapped within an unending cycle, unable to escape independently.
To resolve this issue, resetting the board is necessary, which is why individuals utilize the reset feature.
3. Diagnosing Malfunctions
Resetting the Arduino is a programmer’s initial troubleshooting step. Frequently, this action rectifies issues and restores proper operation.

An Arduino UNO board
Hardware-Assisted Arduino Reset
Utilize hardware, namely your Arduino board, to perform a reset. Follow these straightforward steps:
1. Reset Button Utilization
Observe the orange button on your Arduino UNO board. Simply press it to reset the device.
Alternatively, other boards may possess a diminutive built-in button for starting anew. Pressing this halts current tasks and reverts to the initial code line.
2. Employing the Reset Pin
- To begin with, link the Arduino’s Reset Pin to any digital pin; for example, you can connect it to Pin #4.
- Proceed to upload the following code to your Arduino board:
3. External Reset Button Configuration
Inaccessibility to your Arduino board’s reset button or an obstructing shield necessitates an external reset button.
Prepare a breadboard, push button, and jumper wires alongside your Arduino board.
Referring to the Arduino UNO datasheet, a low voltage lasting a minimum of 2 microseconds resets the device.
Employ the push button to supply the RESET pin with low voltage.
To achieve this, connect the normally open push button, linking one side to the RESET pin and the other to GND.
When you don’t press the button, the RESET pin is high.
However, when pressed, it connects to the GND pin and becomes low.
Software-Based Arduino Reset
Unable to access your Arduino board externally? Learn to reset it using the Arduino IDE and Arduino software.
4. Reset Function Utilization
The built-in reset function resetFunc(), found in Arduino libraries, offers a straightforward way to reset Arduino via programming.
Write the code and invoke the reset function at address space location 0.
This process will reboot your Arduino board, initiating the program from the initial line of code.
This uncomplicated approach requires no external circuits; calling the function is necessary to proceed.
5. Watchdog Timer Technique
The watchdog timer method presents another excellent approach for resetting your Arduino board.
This technique employs the watchdog library to reset Arduino if the program malfunctions.
The AVR chip manufacturer endorses this method, making it a top choice for Arduino resets.
To activate the watchdog timer, include the header file.
Next, switch on a timer, ranging from 15 milliseconds to 8 seconds, depending on your needs.
For instance, to establish a 30-second timer, write wdt enable(WDTO_30ms).
You can replace “30ms” with your desired duration. The timer resets the microcontroller if the program takes longer than expected.
Suppose the main program requires 40 ms; the watchdog timer is configured to reset the microcontroller if it exceeds 40 ms.
If the program functions correctly, the watchdog timer resets before hitting zero.
However, if the program becomes trapped in a loop and fails to reset the watchdog timer, the Arduino resets through an interrupt.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding Arduino reset is essential for troubleshooting and maintaining projects.
We have emphasized its importance and provided various techniques.
These include using the reset button, and reset pin, configuring an external button, resetFunc() function, and implementing a watchdog timer.
By familiarizing yourself with these methods, you can confidently address challenges while working with Arduino.
This knowledge ensures your projects’ longevity and success.