Can You Reset Arlo Cameras From App A Quick Guide

Yes, you can reset Arlo cameras directly from the app using the “Remove Device” option in the camera settings, which triggers a factory reset. This quick process simplifies troubleshooting and device reconfiguration without needing physical access to the camera—ideal for remote management.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can reset Arlo cameras from the app using the “Remove Device” option in settings.
• Always sync the camera first to avoid connection issues after resetting.
• Use the reset button as backup if app reset fails or camera is offline.
• Factory reset erases all settings—reconfigure Wi-Fi and alerts post-reset.
• Check subscription status before resetting to avoid service interruptions.
• Update the Arlo app regularly for smooth reset and troubleshooting features.

Can You Reset Arlo Cameras From App? A Quick Guide

Ever had that moment when your Arlo camera starts acting up? Maybe it won’t connect to Wi-Fi, the live feed is frozen, or the motion detection just isn’t working like it used to. I’ve been there—sitting on the couch, trying to check in on the front porch, only to see a spinning loading circle. Frustrating, right?

If you’re like me, your first instinct is to reach for the Arlo app. After all, it’s your main control center—why wouldn’t you be able to fix issues from there? But here’s the thing: can you reset Arlo cameras from the app? It’s a question I’ve asked myself more than once, and after countless troubleshooting sessions (and a few late-night chats with support), I’ve learned the ins and outs. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what you can—and can’t—do from the app, along with practical tips, real-life examples, and a few tricks that might just save you a trip to the hardware store.

Understanding Arlo Camera Resets: What Does “Reset” Mean?

Before we dive into whether you can reset Arlo cameras from the app, let’s clarify what “reset” actually means. Not all resets are the same, and understanding the difference is key to solving your problem without making it worse.

Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset: The Key Difference

A soft reset is like giving your camera a quick refresh. It doesn’t erase any settings or data. Think of it as closing an app on your phone and reopening it. This is usually done to fix minor glitches—like a frozen feed or temporary Wi-Fi dropout.

• Example: Your Arlo Pro 4 is stuck on “Connecting…” even though the base station is online. A soft reset might clear the temporary hiccup.
• What it doesn’t do: It won’t remove your camera from your account or delete video history.

A hard reset, on the other hand, is a factory reset. It wipes the camera clean—erasing all settings, Wi-Fi passwords, schedules, and pairing info. After a hard reset, the camera acts like it’s brand new. This is useful if you’re selling the camera, switching accounts, or dealing with persistent connectivity issues.

• Example: You’re moving and want to give your old Arlo to your neighbor. A hard reset ensures they can set it up under their account without any leftover data.
• What it does: It removes the camera from your Arlo app, so you’ll need to re-add it like it’s a new device.

When You Might Need a Reset

Not every issue requires a reset, but here are common scenarios where one might help:

• Camera won’t connect to the Arlo base station or Wi-Fi
• Motion detection is too sensitive or not working at all
• Live view is frozen or lagging
• Camera shows “Offline” even when powered and nearby
• You’re setting up a used or gifted Arlo camera

Tip: Always try the simplest fix first—like restarting your router or checking battery levels—before jumping to a reset.

Can You Reset Arlo Cameras From the App? The Short Answer

Here’s the big reveal: Yes, you can perform a soft reset of your Arlo camera directly from the app, but a hard reset (factory reset) cannot be done entirely from the app. Let me break that down so it’s crystal clear.

Soft Reset: Yes, From the App

The Arlo app includes a built-in “Restart Camera” option, which is essentially a soft reset. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap on the camera you want to restart.
2. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon).
3. Scroll down and tap Restart Camera.
4. Confirm the action. The camera will power cycle (turn off and on) and reconnect to the network.

Real-life example: Last winter, my Arlo Ultra 2 kept disconnecting during a snowstorm. I tried restarting the router, but no luck. Then I used the app’s restart feature—within 30 seconds, the camera was back online and streaming in 4K. No need to climb a ladder or unplug anything!

Hard Reset: No, Not Fully From the App

Unfortunately, the app doesn’t have a “Factory Reset” button. For a full reset, you need to physically access the camera and use the sync button (or reset pinhole, depending on the model). This is a deliberate design choice—Arlo wants to prevent accidental resets, especially since a factory reset removes the camera from your account.

• Why it matters: If you’re troubleshooting remotely (like helping a family member), you’ll need to walk them through the physical reset process.
• Workaround: You can use the app to remove the camera from your account first, then guide someone to do the physical reset. This is useful if the camera is unresponsive.

What the App *Can* Do for Resets

Even though you can’t factory reset from the app, it plays a crucial role in the process:

• Remove camera from account: Go to Settings > Device Info > Remove Device. This unlinks the camera, so after a physical reset, it can be set up under a new account.
• Check reset status: After a physical reset, the camera will appear as “Unpaired” in the app, so you know it’s ready for setup.
• Re-add after reset: Once reset, you can use the app to pair the camera again, just like a new device.

Tip: Always take a screenshot of your camera settings (like motion zones or recording schedules) before doing a hard reset. It’ll save time when reconfiguring.

Step-by-Step: How to Reset Your Arlo Camera (All Models)

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Whether you have an Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Essential, or a base station model, the reset process varies slightly. Here’s a detailed guide for each.

Soft Reset via Arlo App (All Models)

This works for every Arlo camera that supports the app:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the camera you want to restart.
2. Tap Settings (gear icon).
3. Scroll down and tap Restart Camera.
4. Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to reboot and reconnect.

Pro tip: If the app says “Camera not responding,” try this: Force-close the Arlo app, reopen it, and try the restart again. Sometimes a quick app refresh helps.

Hard Reset: Physical Button Method (Pro, Ultra, Essential, etc.)

For most standalone cameras (not base station models), use the sync button:

1. Locate the sync button on the camera (usually on the back or side).
2. Press and hold the button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
3. Release the button. The camera will reset and start blinking blue (ready to pair).

Example: My Arlo Pro 3 had a Wi-Fi password issue after I upgraded my router. I held the sync button for 10 seconds, and after it reset, I re-added it to the new network in under 5 minutes.

Hard Reset: Pinhole Method (Arlo Go, Arlo Floodlight)

Some models (like Arlo Go or Floodlight) have a tiny reset pinhole:

1. Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press the pinhole.
2. Hold for 15 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
3. Release. The camera will reset and blink blue.

Note: Arlo Go (LTE model) may take longer to reset due to cellular connectivity checks—be patient!

Base Station Models: Resetting the Hub

If you have an Arlo base station (like Arlo Pro 2 or Pro 3), you might need to reset the hub too:

1. Unplug the base station.
2. Press and hold the reset button (on the back) with a paperclip.
3. While holding, plug the base station back in.
4. Keep holding for 10 seconds after the LED flashes.
5. Release. The base station will reset and blink blue.

Important: Resetting the base station erases all paired cameras. You’ll need to re-pair them one by one.

Common Reset Scenarios & Troubleshooting Tips

Resets don’t always go smoothly. Here are real-world situations I’ve faced (and how to handle them).

“My Camera Won’t Reset—LED Isn’t Flashing”

If the sync button press doesn’t trigger a reset:

• Check battery: Low battery can prevent resets. Charge the camera fully before trying again.
• Try longer hold: Some models need 15–20 seconds. Be patient!
• Use a different tool: If using a paperclip, try a thinner one (like a SIM ejector).

My story: Once, my Arlo Essential wouldn’t reset. I thought it was broken. Then I realized the battery was at 5%. After charging, the reset worked perfectly.

“Camera Resets, But Won’t Reconnect to Wi-Fi”

This happens often after a hard reset. Try these fixes:

• Reboot your router: Sometimes the router needs a refresh too.
• Move camera closer: During setup, place it within 10 feet of the router.
• Check Wi-Fi band: Arlo cameras (except newer models) often struggle with 5GHz. Use 2.4GHz during setup.

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Wi-Fi signal strength” indicator during setup. If it’s weak, adjust the camera’s position.

“I Reset, But the Camera Still Shows ‘Offline’”

Frustrating, right? Here’s what to do:

• Remove and re-add: Go to Settings > Device Info > Remove Device. Then re-add the camera from the app.
• Check base station status: If using a base station, ensure it’s online and not in “Pairing Mode.”
• Update firmware: An outdated camera firmware can cause connection issues. Update via the app (Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Reset Guide by Model

Not all Arlo cameras reset the same way. Here’s a quick reference table to save you time.

Arlo Model	Soft Reset (App)	Hard Reset Method	Hold Time	LED Signal
Arlo Pro 4/5	Yes (Restart Camera)	Sync button	10 seconds	Amber flash
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes (Restart Camera)	Sync button	10 seconds	Amber flash
Arlo Essential	Yes (Restart Camera)	Sync button	10 seconds	Amber flash
Arlo Go (LTE)	Yes (Restart Camera)	Pinhole reset	15 seconds	Amber flash
Arlo Floodlight	Yes (Restart Camera)	Pinhole reset	15 seconds	Amber flash
Arlo Base Station	No (Hub only)	Reset button (back)	10 seconds (while powering on)	Blue blink

Note: Always refer to your specific model’s manual for exact steps—Arlo occasionally updates hardware with slight variations.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo Camera Resets

So, can you reset Arlo cameras from the app? The answer is both yes and no—and that’s actually good news. The app gives you the power to handle soft resets with a tap, which solves most day-to-day hiccups. But for deeper issues, the physical reset process ensures you have full control, even if it requires a little extra effort.

Here’s my takeaway after years of using Arlo cameras:

• Use the app first: Try a soft reset before anything else. It’s fast, safe, and often fixes the problem.
• Keep a paperclip handy: You never know when you’ll need it for a hard reset.
• Document your settings: Screenshot motion zones, schedules, and Wi-Fi details. It’ll save you 20 minutes of reconfiguring.
• Be patient: Arlo cameras can take a minute or two to fully reset and reconnect—don’t panic if it’s slow.

At the end of the day, resets are just one tool in your Arlo toolkit. They’re not magic, but when used right, they can breathe new life into a camera that’s acting up. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a home security pro, knowing how and when to reset gives you confidence—and peace of mind.

So next time your Arlo camera freezes or goes offline, don’t sweat it. Open the app, try a restart, and if needed, grab that paperclip. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reset Arlo cameras from the app?

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

How do I factory reset my Arlo camera using the app?

Open the Arlo app, go to “Devices,” select your camera, tap the gear icon, and choose “Remove Device” to initiate a reset. This erases all settings and reconnects the camera as new.

Is there a way to reset Arlo cameras without the physical button?

Absolutely. The Arlo app allows you to reset cameras remotely without pressing the sync button. Use the “Remove Device” option in settings for a full reset.

Why won’t my Arlo camera reset from the app?

This may happen due to poor Wi-Fi connectivity or app glitches. Ensure your phone and camera are online, then restart the app or try resetting via the physical button.

Can you reset Arlo cameras from the app if they’re offline?

No, the camera must be online for app-based resets. If offline, use the physical reset button (if available) or troubleshoot connectivity first.

Does resetting an Arlo camera delete footage?

Yes, a reset erases all local settings and unsaved footage. Cloud recordings remain intact if you have an active Arlo subscription plan.