If there is no reset button, try replacing the battery and then test the temperature in the ice water to see if the reading is now correct. What happens if you don't calibrate a thermometer? Over time and with use, thermometers can "drift," meaning they may start to vary by a degree or more in their readings. Calibrating thermometers ensures that readings remain accurate, which makes calibration an important maintenance step. Can you make a digital thermometer read higher? Digital thermometers can be tweaked a bit intentionally to display readings that are slightly lower or higher. For example, you can hold it very tightly in your hand to make it read higher than body temperature because the palm of the hand can get very hot and sweaty without air. The thermometer should read 32 degrees F, which is freezing temperature. If it does not, you can now seriously doubt the accuracy of the device. Can you reset a digital thermometer?

If you don't know your digital thermometer is accurate, it's pretty difficult to judge whether or not you have a fever. Test the thermometer's reading by making a glass of ice water. If your digital thermometer is giving incorrect readings, there are a couple of ways you can reset it. Place the thermometer in ice water, which should give a temperature reading of 32 degrees F. If the thermometer has a dial, adjust this by turning the hex nut until the temperature does read 32 degrees. Since a single-point test can only ensure that your thermometer is correctly calibrated for one temperature, it is best to conduct at least two different tests using the measuring points above for the most accurate calibration. Calibrate a Digital Thermometer FAQ Why is my digital thermometer inaccurate?Inaccurate readings can also indicate that the probe itself on the thermometer is wearing out, or could indicate that the battery is dead or losing strength. Sometimes, the thermometer simply needs to be reset and will display incorrect readings until this is done. How do I make sure my digital thermometer is accurate? Most of the time, the thermometer will have a reset button. Press and hold this while the thermometer is in the water and it should now read an accurate 32 degrees. Swirl the ice around for a few moments to get the water uniformly cold and place the thermometer in the water in the glass for about 30 seconds. Don't touch the bottom or sides of the glass with the thermometer. A digital thermometer should always return accurate readings. Whether you use it for cooking, for measuring body temperature, atmospheric temperature, or any other relevant use, a thermometer should always be made to provide the correct temperature. From time to time, digital thermometers will require recalibrating. This is, fortunately, a very simple task. Here are some easy steps to follow. Step 1 – Know When to Calibrate

Many different variables can affect the accuracy of a digital thermometer, including radiant heat, direct sunlight and a simple draft of air. If the thermometer is used on a person who has been wearing a head wrap, a headband or a hairpiece, or even if they have sweat or dirt on their forehead, the reading may also be inaccurate.