Reset or Resetted: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-04 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: If you are wondering whether to write reset or resetted, the answer is simple. The past tense of reset is reset, making the double-t version incorrect in standard English. This guide explains the rules behind this irregular verb and shows you how to use it confidently in your writing without falling into common traps.

The Short Answer

The correct past tense and past participle of the verb reset is simply reset, while resetted is not standard and should be avoided in formal writing. You should always stick to the unchanging form for all tenses.

People often confuse these forms because most English verbs add -ed to show the past, leading writers to assume reset should become resetted. However, this verb is irregular, meaning it does not follow the typical pattern of changing its spelling to indicate time.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
reset	Standard English	You need the present, past, or past participle form.
resetted	Non-standard	Never use this form in professional or academic writing.
to reset	Infinitive	You are discussing the action in a general sense.
resetting	Present Participle	You are describing an ongoing action or process.

Correct Example Sentences

I need to reset the alarm clock because it is running slow.
She reset the router to fix the intermittent internet connection issues.
The system automatically reset after the power outage last night.
You must reset your password every ninety days for security reasons.
He reset the game to try a different strategy from the start.
The manager asked us to reset the meeting room chairs for the guests.
After the error, we had to reset the entire software configuration.
Please reset the settings to their original factory defaults.
The athlete will reset his routine to prepare for the upcoming season.
We reset the timer and began the exercise program all over again.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I resetted the device yesterday.: I reset the device yesterday.
She has resetted her password twice.: She has reset her password twice.
The clock was resetted by the technician.: The clock was reset by the technician.
We need to resetted the system now.: We need to reset the system now.
Have you resetted the alarm yet?: Have you reset the alarm yet?
He resetted the board game pieces.: He reset the board game pieces.

A Quick Test You Can Use

To verify if you are using the right form, ask yourself whether the action happened in the past or is happening now. If the answer is yes, simply use the word reset for any time frame, ensuring your grammar remains consistent and professional without adding extra letters.

Related Word Pairs

Set vs. Sett: Set is correct; sett is a term for an animal den.
Put vs. Putted: Use put for all tenses; putted is only for golf.
Hit vs. Hitted: Hit is the correct form; hitted is incorrect.
Cut vs. Cutted: Cut is standard; cutted is not used in English.
Let vs. Letted: Let is correct; letted is a rare verb meaning to rent.

More Example Sentences

The technician reset the server to apply the latest security patches.
Please reset the thermostat to sixty-eight degrees before leaving the house.
After the crash, the car's computer will reset automatically once the ignition is cycled.
I had to reset my email preferences because the notification settings were incorrect.
The coach decided to reset the team's formation for the final quarter of the game.
You can reset the browser cache to resolve the loading errors on the website.
Remember to reset the combination lock to a new code every six months.
The artist reset the canvas position before applying the second layer of paint.
We need to reset the network router to restore connectivity to all devices.
She reset the metronome to a slower tempo for the beginner students.

Quick Practice

If the software freezes, you should the application and try again.

reset

After the power outage, the clock needed to be to the correct time.

reset

Did you the alarm before leaving for work this morning?

reset

The engineer will the database to restore the missing information.

reset

You must the device to clear the temporary storage files.

reset

We the timer to zero and started the race all over.

reset

Frequently Asked Questions

Is resetted ever acceptable in informal writing?

Even in casual texts or emails, it is best to avoid resetted because it looks like a typo to most readers who know the irregular verb rules.

Why is reset irregular while set is regular?

English verbs often have historical quirks. While set follows the -ed pattern in some contexts, reset behaves like other irregular verbs such as cut and put.

Can I use resetted as a noun?

No, resetted is not a recognized word in English. You should use reset as a noun when referring to the action of starting over.

How do I use resetting correctly?

Use resetting when the action is currently happening or ongoing, such as resetting the configuration, which shows the process is in progress.