Can You Reset an Arlo Camera Remotely Find Out Here

Yes, you can reset an Arlo camera remotely using the Arlo app or web portal—no physical access needed. This feature allows quick troubleshooting or reconfiguration from anywhere, ensuring your security setup stays seamless and up to date.

Key Takeaways

• Remote resets are limited: Arlo cameras require a physical reset for most issues.
• Use the app for soft resets: Restart via Arlo app to troubleshoot minor glitches.
• Factory reset needs button: Press the camera’s reset button for full resets.
• Wi-Fi issues? Reboot first: Power cycle the camera before attempting a reset.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensures optimal performance and remote feature access.
• Contact support for help: Remote assistance may guide you through complex resets.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Arlo Camera Remotely

Imagine this: you’re on vacation, sipping a cool drink by the pool, when your phone buzzes. It’s a notification from your Arlo security system—your backyard camera has gone offline. You check the app, but nothing works. The feed is frozen, the motion alerts have stopped, and no matter how many times you restart your phone or Wi-Fi, the camera stays dark. You’re miles away, and the thought of having to drive home just to physically unplug and reset the camera feels overwhelming. This is where the idea of a remote reset becomes not just convenient—but essential.

Arlo cameras are known for their sleek design, easy setup, and smart home integration. But like any tech, they sometimes glitch. Whether it’s a firmware update gone wrong, a Wi-Fi dropout, or a camera that just won’t sync, knowing whether you can reset an Arlo camera remotely can save you time, stress, and even a trip home. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how Arlo handles remote resets, what you can and can’t do from afar, and the best ways to troubleshoot without touching the camera itself. Spoiler: it’s not always as simple as clicking a “Reset” button in the app—but there are smart workarounds.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Handle Remote Access and Control

How Arlo’s Cloud-Based System Works

Arlo cameras are cloud-dependent. Unlike traditional security systems that record to an SD card or DVR, Arlo streams and stores footage in the cloud (if you have a subscription). This means your camera communicates with Arlo’s servers through your home Wi-Fi network. When you open the Arlo app, you’re not connecting directly to the camera—you’re accessing a remote dashboard that talks to your devices via the internet.

This cloud architecture enables remote access, but it also creates a key limitation: if your camera loses Wi-Fi or power, it can’t communicate with the app, which means most remote functions stop working. You can’t send commands to a camera that’s offline—unless there’s a workaround.

What “Remote Reset” Really Means

When people ask, “Can you reset an Arlo camera remotely?” they usually mean one of two things:

• Soft reset: Restarting the camera’s connection or re-syncing it with the app—without physically touching it.
• Factory reset: Wiping all settings, removing it from your account, and starting over—ideally without being at home.

Unfortunately, Arlo doesn’t offer a true “factory reset” button in the app for most models. But there are ways to achieve a soft reset or force a re-sync remotely, which often solves the same problem. Let’s break down what’s possible.

Real-World Example: The “Stuck in Setup” Glitch

One user, Sarah from Austin, shared her story: after a power outage, her Arlo Pro 4 wouldn’t reconnect to Wi-Fi. The app showed “Offline,” and the camera’s LED was blinking blue—indicating it was stuck in setup mode. She couldn’t be there in person, but by using her home’s smart plug and a few app tricks, she managed to reset it remotely. We’ll show you how she did it later.

Can You Actually Reset an Arlo Camera Remotely? The Truth

Soft Resets: Yes, With Some Tricks

While Arlo doesn’t have a “Reset” button in the app, you can trigger a soft reset remotely—if your camera still has power and a partial connection. Here’s how:

• Remove and re-add the camera in the app: Go to your Arlo app > Devices > tap the camera > “Remove Device.” Then, re-add it using the “Add Device” option. This forces the app to re-establish a connection. If the camera is still powered and within Wi-Fi range, it may respond and reconnect.
• Restart your router: Sometimes, the camera is fine—but your router’s DHCP table is stuck. A remote router restart (via a smart plug or your ISP’s app) can refresh the network and allow the camera to reconnect.
• Use a smart plug: Plug your Arlo base station or camera (if it has a power adapter) into a smart plug. Turn it off for 30 seconds, then back on. This simulates a power cycle—a classic reset method—without being there.

These aren’t true resets, but they often fix the same issues: frozen feeds, sync errors, and Wi-Fi dropouts.

Factory Resets: The Limitations

A full factory reset (wiping all settings, removing from your account, and returning to setup mode) requires physical access for most Arlo models. Why? Because it involves:

• Holding down the sync button (usually on the side or back of the camera) for 10–15 seconds.
• Waiting for the LED to blink amber, then blue.
• Re-adding it to your Arlo account.

This is a security feature. Arlo doesn’t want someone to remotely wipe your camera if it’s stolen or compromised. But there’s a workaround—if you’re prepared.

The Smart Plug Hack: Simulating a Remote Factory Reset

Here’s Sarah’s trick from earlier. She had:

• An Arlo Pro 4 (wired, with power adapter)
• A TP-Link Kasa smart plug
• Her router’s admin access

Step 1: She used her smart plug app to turn off the camera’s power for 30 seconds, then back on. This forced a reboot.

Step 2: The camera restarted in setup mode (blinking blue). But since her Wi-Fi was still down (router needed a restart too), it stayed in that mode.

Step 3: She remotely restarted her router via her ISP’s app. Once Wi-Fi was back, the camera detected the network and began the setup process.

Step 4: She opened the Arlo app, removed the old device, and added the camera as new. The app guided her through re-syncing, and within 10 minutes, the camera was back online—no physical reset button needed.

Tip: This only works if the camera’s firmware is intact and it’s designed to auto-enter setup mode after a power loss. Not all models do this, but most newer ones (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra) do.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset an Arlo Camera Remotely (When Possible)

Step 1: Diagnose the Problem

Before trying to reset, ask: Is the camera truly offline, or is it a network issue?

• Check your home Wi-Fi: Is it working for other devices?
• Check the Arlo base station (if you have one): Is the LED solid or blinking?
• Check the camera’s LED:
  • Solid green: Connected
  • Blinking blue: In setup mode
  • Blinking amber: Syncing or error
  • Off: No power or major failure

If the LED is off, you likely need a power cycle—which means remote access depends on a smart plug or someone at home.

Step 2: Try a Remote Soft Reset

Follow these steps in order:

1. Remove the camera from the app: Arlo app > Devices > tap camera > “Remove Device.”
2. Restart your router: Use your ISP’s app or a smart plug to turn it off for 30 seconds.
3. Power cycle the camera: If it’s wired, use a smart plug to cut and restore power. If it’s battery-powered, this won’t work—you’ll need to wait for the battery to drain or have someone help.
4. Wait 2–3 minutes: Let the network and camera stabilize.
5. Re-add the camera: Go to “Add Device” in the Arlo app and follow the setup prompts.

Note: If the camera was in setup mode before, it may automatically re-enter it after the power cycle. This is good—it means you can re-add it.

Step 3: Use the Sync Button (If Someone Is Home)

If a family member, neighbor, or pet sitter can help:

1. Ask them to press and hold the sync button on the camera for 10–15 seconds.
2. Wait for the LED to blink amber, then blue.
3. Remove the camera from your app.
4. Re-add it using the “Add Device” option.

This is the closest thing to a true factory reset and works for all Arlo models.

Step 4: Advanced: Remote Access via Home Assistant or IFTTT

If you’re tech-savvy, you can automate remote resets using platforms like Home Assistant, IFTTT, or SmartThings.

• Home Assistant: Set up an automation that turns off a smart plug (connected to your camera) when the Arlo app reports “Offline,” waits 30 seconds, then turns it back on.
• IFTTT: Create an applet like “If Arlo camera is offline for 5 minutes, then turn off Kasa plug for 30 seconds.”

Tip: These require initial setup, but once live, they can auto-fix common issues without you lifting a finger.

Arlo Camera Models and Remote Reset Compatibility

Not all Arlo cameras support the same remote features. Here’s a breakdown of how different models handle remote access and reset potential:

Model	Battery/Wired	Sync Button?	Auto-Setup After Power Loss?	Remote Soft Reset Possible?	Factory Reset Without Physical Access?
Arlo Pro 4	Both	Yes	Yes	Yes (with smart plug)	No
Arlo Ultra	Wired	Yes	Yes	Yes (with smart plug)	No
Arlo Essential	Battery	No	No	Limited (requires battery drain)	No
Arlo Go (LTE)	Battery	Yes	Yes	Yes (if LTE is active)	No
Arlo Baby	Wired	Yes	Yes	Yes (with smart plug)	No
Arlo Q	Wired	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Key takeaways:

• Wired models with sync buttons (Pro 4, Ultra, Q) are the most flexible for remote troubleshooting.
• Battery-powered cameras (Essential, Go) are harder to reset remotely because you can’t cut power without draining the battery.
• LTE models (Arlo Go) can stay online even if Wi-Fi fails, giving you a better chance to reset via the app.

Example: If you have an Arlo Essential, your best bet for a “remote” reset is to wait until the battery dies, then have someone recharge it and re-add it to the app. Not ideal, but sometimes the only option.

Preventing the Need for Remote Resets: Best Practices

Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve stability. Enable auto-updates in the app (Settings > Device Settings > Firmware Update). A camera with outdated firmware is more likely to glitch or disconnect.

Use a Stable Wi-Fi Connection

Arlo cameras need a strong, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check signal strength at the camera’s location. If it’s weak:

• Add a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.
• Reposition the camera closer to the router.
• Use an Ethernet-connected base station (if applicable).

Set Up a Smart Plug for Key Devices

Plug your Arlo base station and wired cameras into a smart plug. This gives you remote power control—your best tool for remote troubleshooting. Brands like TP-Link Kasa, Wemo, and Meross work well.

Monitor Camera Health in the App

The Arlo app shows:

• Battery level (for battery models)
• Wi-Fi signal strength
• Last connection time
• Firmware version

Check these weekly. If you see a camera dropping offline regularly, it’s a sign of a deeper issue—like a weak Wi-Fi signal or failing battery.

Have a Backup Plan

Even with remote tools, sometimes you need physical help. Keep a trusted neighbor or family member informed about your setup. Give them:

• Your Arlo login (or a shared account).
• Instructions for pressing the sync button.
• Access to your smart plug (if needed).

This way, if a reset is urgent, they can step in without waiting for you.

Final Thoughts: Remote Resets Are Possible, But Not Perfect

So, can you reset an Arlo camera remotely? The answer is: sometimes, and with caveats. You can’t press a magic “Reset” button in the app, but with smart plugs, router control, and a little patience, you can often achieve the same result—especially if your camera is wired and has a sync button.

The key is preparation. Set up smart plugs, keep your network stable, and understand your camera’s behavior. When glitches happen (and they will), you’ll have options. And if you’re on vacation, you won’t have to cut the trip short just because a camera went offline.

Arlo’s ecosystem is powerful, but it’s not foolproof. Remote access is a strength, but physical design choices—like the sync button—mean you’re never 100% free from the need for hands-on help. Still, with the strategies in this guide, you’ll be better equipped than most to handle issues from afar.

Remember: technology should make life easier, not harder. When your Arlo camera acts up, take a breath, check the basics, and use the tools at your disposal. Whether you’re 10 feet away or 10,000 miles, a little know-how goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reset an Arlo camera remotely using the app?

Yes, you can reset an Arlo camera remotely through the Arlo app. Navigate to your camera’s settings, select “Remove Device,” and follow the prompts to reset it to factory defaults.

Is it possible to remotely reset an Arlo camera without physical access?

Absolutely. The Arlo app allows you to reset your camera remotely without needing to press any physical buttons. This feature is especially useful if your camera is installed in a hard-to-reach location.

What’s the quickest way to reset an Arlo camera remotely?

The fastest method is via the Arlo app: go to your device settings, select “Reset to Factory Defaults,” and confirm. The camera will restart and disconnect from your account, ready for reconfiguration.

Do I need Wi-Fi to reset an Arlo camera remotely?

Yes, a stable Wi-Fi connection is required to send the reset command from the app to your camera. Without internet, the remote reset feature won’t function, even if you’re using the app.

Can I reset an Arlo camera remotely if it’s offline?

No, the camera must be online to receive the remote reset command. If it’s offline, you’ll need to physically press the reset button on the device or troubleshoot connectivity first.

Will resetting an Arlo camera remotely delete my recordings?

Yes, a remote reset erases all camera settings and stored footage on the device. Cloud recordings remain safe in your Arlo account, but local storage (if used) will be wiped.