Can You Reset Arlo Camera Here Is How to Do It Right

Yes, you can reset your Arlo camera—quickly and safely—using the reset button or the Arlo app. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or preparing to resell, a proper reset ensures your device returns to factory settings without data loss. Follow the correct steps to avoid permanent damage and maintain warranty coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Reset via button: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to restore defaults.
• Use Arlo app: Navigate to Settings > My Devices > Remove Device for a soft reset.
• Power cycle first: Always try unplugging and replugging the camera before resetting.
• Wi-Fi matters: Ensure stable internet to avoid reset failures during reconnection.
• Factory reset caution: This erases all settings; reconfigure via app afterward.
• Check battery: Low power can interrupt resets—charge fully before starting.
• Contact support: If stuck, Arlo’s customer service can guide complex resets.

Why Resetting Your Arlo Camera Might Be the Fix You Need

Let’s be honest: smart home devices like Arlo cameras are supposed to make life easier, not more stressful. But what happens when your camera starts acting up—blinking red, disconnecting from the app, or refusing to record? It’s frustrating, especially when you rely on it for security or peace of mind. I remember one evening when my Arlo Pro 3 suddenly went offline during a storm. I was halfway through a grocery run, and my phone buzzed with a “camera disconnected” alert. My first instinct? Panic. My second? Can you reset Arlo camera? That question led me down a rabbit hole of troubleshooting, trial, and—eventually—success. And that’s exactly what this guide is about: helping you reset your Arlo camera the right way, without the headache.

Whether you’re dealing with a frozen live stream, Wi-Fi dropouts, or you’re just passing your camera on to a friend, resetting is often the quickest fix. But here’s the catch: not all resets are the same. A soft reboot might solve a minor glitch, while a factory reset wipes everything clean. In this post, I’ll walk you through every method to reset your Arlo camera, explain when to use each, and share real-world tips to avoid common pitfalls. Think of it as your no-nonsense, friend-to-friend guide to getting your camera back in action—no tech jargon, no fluff.

Understanding Arlo Camera Resets: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clear up a common confusion: not all “resets” do the same thing. Think of it like your smartphone. A quick restart (soft reset) is like closing an app that’s acting up. A factory reset? That’s like erasing your entire phone and starting fresh. Arlo cameras work the same way. Here’s how to tell the difference—and why it matters.

Soft Reset vs. Factory Reset: The Basics

• Soft Reset: This is a simple restart. It turns your camera off and back on, which can fix minor issues like temporary Wi-Fi hiccups or app glitches. It doesn’t delete any data (like your settings or recordings). Think of it as a “quick nap” for your camera.

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• Factory Reset: This wipes the camera clean. All settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and customizations are erased. It’s like unboxing the camera for the first time. Use this if your camera is deeply glitchy, you’re selling it, or you’re troubleshooting a major connectivity problem.

Real-world example: Last month, my Arlo Ultra 2 kept freezing during live streams. A soft reset (holding the sync button for 5 seconds) fixed it instantly. But when my neighbor’s Arlo Q Plus refused to connect to their new router, a factory reset was the only solution. The key is knowing when to use which.

When to Choose Each Reset Type

• Use a soft reset if:
  • The camera is unresponsive but the LED is blinking normally.
  • You’re getting a “camera offline” alert but the base station is online.
  • The app freezes when you try to view the live feed.
• Use a factory reset if:
  • The camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi after a router change.
  • You’re passing the camera to someone else (e.g., a tenant or family member).
  • The camera is stuck in setup mode or keeps looping during pairing.
  • You suspect a software bug (e.g., firmware update failed).

Pro tip: Always try a soft reset first. It’s faster and safer. Only move to a factory reset if the problem persists or you’re preparing the camera for a new user.

How to Soft Reset Your Arlo Camera (Step-by-Step)

Let’s tackle the simplest fix first. A soft reset is your first line of defense for minor glitches. It’s quick, painless, and often works like magic. Here’s how to do it on most Arlo cameras, from the original Arlo to the latest Arlo Pro 5.

Method 1: The Sync Button Short Press (Most Cameras)

1. Locate the sync button: On most Arlo cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra), this is a small recessed button on the back or side. You’ll need a paperclip or SIM tool to press it.
2. Press and hold for 5 seconds: Don’t rush! The LED will flash amber, then turn off and back on. This means the reset started.
3. Wait 2–3 minutes: The camera will reboot and reconnect to the base station (if you have one). Check the Arlo app—your live feed should appear.

Example: My Arlo Pro 3 froze during a storm. I pressed the sync button, waited, and within 90 seconds, the camera was back online. No lost footage, no settings wiped.

Method 2: Power Cycle (Battery-Powered Cameras)

For cameras like the Arlo Essential or Arlo Go, which run on batteries:

1. Remove the battery: Twist or slide the battery cover off.
2. Wait 10 seconds: Let any residual power drain.
3. Reinsert the battery: The camera should power on automatically.
4. Wait for reconnection: The app may take a minute to detect the camera.

Tip: If the camera uses rechargeable batteries, charge them to 100% first. Low battery can mimic connectivity issues.

Method 3: Base Station Reset (For Wired Cameras)

If you have an Arlo base station (e.g., Arlo Pro 2, Arlo SmartHub):

1. Unplug the base station: Wait 30 seconds.
2. Plug it back in: The base station will reboot, and all connected cameras should follow.
3. Check the app: Look for the “Online” status on each camera.

Common mistake: People often hold the sync button too long (thinking it’s a factory reset). Remember: 5 seconds for a soft reset, 10+ seconds for factory. If you accidentally trigger a factory reset, don’t panic—I’ll cover how to recover from it later.

How to Factory Reset Your Arlo Camera (The Nuclear Option)

Now, let’s talk about the big guns: the factory reset. This is your go-to when a soft reset fails, or you’re preparing the camera for a new owner. Warning: this erases everything. So, back up any important recordings first!

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

• Download footage: In the Arlo app, go to Library, select clips, and tap Download. Save them to your phone or cloud storage.
• Note your settings: Write down your Wi-Fi name, camera name, and any custom rules (e.g., motion zones). You’ll need to re-enter these later.

Step 2: The Factory Reset Process

For most Arlo cameras (Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, etc.):

1. Press and hold the sync button: Use a paperclip. Hold it for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes blue, then amber.
2. Release the button: The LED will flash rapidly (usually blue or white) for 1–2 minutes.
3. Wait for the reset: The camera will power off and on. When the LED glows solid blue, the reset is complete.

Real-world tip: My friend’s Arlo Q Plus was stuck in a setup loop. After a factory reset, it paired with her new router in under 2 minutes. The key was holding the button exactly 12 seconds—no more, no less.

Step 3: Reconfigure Your Camera

1. Open the Arlo app: The camera will appear as “New Device.”
2. Follow the setup steps: Reconnect to Wi-Fi, name the camera, and re-enable features like motion detection.
3. Reinstall the camera: If it’s mounted, you may need to remove and re-pair it.

Special Cases: Arlo Doorbell & Floodlight

• Arlo Video Doorbell: Hold the sync button (next to the camera lens) for 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
• Arlo Floodlight: Press the sync button on the floodlight head for 15 seconds. The LED will flash white.

Pro tip: If the reset fails (e.g., LED stays red), try it again. Sometimes a second attempt works. If not, contact Arlo support—your camera may need a firmware update.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Problems (And How to Fix Them)

Even with perfect steps, things can go sideways. Here’s how to handle the most common reset hiccups—based on real user stories and my own mishaps.

Problem 1: The Camera Won’t Reset

• Symptoms: Holding the sync button does nothing. LED stays off or blinks red.
• Fix:
  • Check the battery: A dead battery can block resets. Charge it to 50%+ first.
  • Try a different tool: A worn-out paperclip might not reach the button. Use a SIM ejector tool.
  • Power cycle first: Remove the battery for 30 seconds, then try the reset.

Problem 2: The Camera Resets but Won’t Reconnect

• Symptoms: The LED flashes blue after a reset, but the app says “Camera offline.”
• Fix:
  • Restart the base station: Unplug it for 30 seconds if you have one.
  • Move closer to the router: Weak Wi-Fi signals can disrupt pairing. Bring the camera indoors temporarily.
  • Forget the Wi-Fi network: In your phone’s settings, “forget” the Wi-Fi network, then re-enter the password during setup.

Problem 3: Factory Reset Erased My Recordings

• Symptoms: Your Arlo app library is empty after a reset.
• Fix:
  • Check cloud storage: If you have Arlo Secure, recordings may still be in the cloud. Go to Library > Cloud.
  • Restore from backups: If you downloaded clips earlier, re-upload them via the app.
  • Contact support: In rare cases, Arlo can recover lost footage from their servers.

Problem 4: Reset Didn’t Fix the Issue

• Symptoms: The camera still freezes or disconnects after a reset.
• Fix:
  • Update firmware: Go to Device Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update.
  • Check interference: Other devices (microwaves, baby monitors) can disrupt Wi-Fi. Move the camera or router.
  • Reset the base station: For wired setups, a base station reset can resolve network conflicts.

Real-world story: My neighbor’s Arlo Ultra 2 kept disconnecting. We tried three factory resets, but the issue returned. Finally, we discovered a neighbor’s Wi-Fi network was causing interference. Switching to a 5GHz band fixed it. Moral: resets aren’t magic—sometimes the problem is environmental!

Advanced Tips: Resetting Without Losing Everything

What if you need a factory reset but don’t want to lose your settings or footage? Good news: there are workarounds. Here’s how to reset your Arlo camera without starting from scratch.

Save Your Settings First

• Use Arlo’s “Share Device” feature: In the app, go to Device Settings > Share Device. Add your own email. This creates a backup of your settings (camera name, motion zones, etc.).
• Take screenshots: Snap photos of your motion detection zones, activity zones, and notification settings.

Reuse Your Cloud Storage

If you have Arlo Secure or a subscription:

• Don’t cancel your plan: Your cloud recordings stay intact even after a reset.
• Re-pair with the same account: When setting up the camera post-reset, log in with your existing Arlo account. Your library will reappear.

Data Table: Reset Impact on Arlo Features

Feature	Soft Reset	Factory Reset
Wi-Fi Password	Retained	Erased
Camera Name	Retained	Erased
Motion Zones	Retained	Erased
Cloud Recordings	Retained	Retained (if account is reused)
Local SD Card Footage	Retained	Retained (but camera settings wiped)

Pro tip: For cameras with SD cards (e.g., Arlo Pro 3), format the card after a factory reset. This prevents file corruption from mixed settings.

Final Thoughts: Reset Smart, Not Hard

Resetting an Arlo camera isn’t just about pressing a button—it’s about understanding why you’re resetting and which method to use. I’ve learned this the hard way: once, I factory-reset a camera that just needed a 5-second soft reset. All because I panicked. Now, I follow a simple rule: soft reset first, factory reset only as a last resort. It saves time, data, and sanity.

Remember, every reset is a fresh start. Whether you’re fixing a glitch or passing your camera to a loved one, doing it right means balancing speed with caution. Back up your data, know your reset types, and don’t rush the process. And if you’re still stuck? Arlo’s support team is surprisingly helpful—just have your camera model and serial number ready.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is a tool for peace of mind. A well-timed reset can restore that peace in minutes. So next time your camera acts up, take a breath. Pull out this guide. And reset it—the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reset an Arlo camera to fix connectivity issues?

Yes, resetting your Arlo camera can resolve many connectivity problems. A factory reset clears network settings and restores default configurations, often fixing sync or Wi-Fi issues.

How do you reset an Arlo camera to factory settings?

To reset, press and hold the reset button (usually on the bottom or back) for 10 seconds until the LED blinks amber. The camera will restart and return to factory defaults, ready for re-setup.

Will resetting my Arlo camera delete recorded footage?

No, a reset only affects camera settings like Wi-Fi and sync data. Recorded videos stored in the cloud or local storage remain untouched unless manually deleted.

Can you reset an Arlo camera remotely?

No, physical access is required—you must press the reset button on the device. However, you can remove the camera from your Arlo app remotely before re-adding it after reset.

What to do after resetting an Arlo camera?

After reset, re-sync the camera to your base station or Wi-Fi via the Arlo app. Follow the setup prompts to restore your preferred settings and notifications.

Why won’t my Arlo camera reset properly?

If the reset fails, ensure you held the button long enough (10+ seconds) and check the battery or power source. If issues persist, contact Arlo support for firmware troubleshooting.