How Do I Reset an Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Reset your Arlo camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button (or power button on select models) for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick fix erases all settings, making it ideal for troubleshooting, re-pairing, or preparing the device for a new user—just follow the setup process again via the Arlo app.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for manual resets.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to start the process.
• Wait for LED signals: Watch for blinking lights indicating reset mode activation.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera to your Arlo app after resetting.
• Factory reset fixes issues: Erase all settings to resolve connectivity or performance problems.
• Keep firmware updated: Ensure latest software post-reset for optimal functionality.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Arlo Camera (And When to Do It)

We’ve all been there. You’re checking your home security feed on your phone, and suddenly—nothing. The camera feed is frozen, the status light is blinking red, or the app keeps saying “Offline.” Maybe you’re trying to set up a new Arlo camera and the setup process just won’t finish. Or perhaps you’re moving to a new home and need to transfer ownership of your Arlo system to someone else. In all these cases, one solution keeps coming up: reset your Arlo camera.

Resetting an Arlo camera isn’t just a troubleshooting step—it’s often the key to unlocking a fresh start. Whether you’re dealing with connectivity issues, forgotten passwords, or preparing to resell your device, a reset can clear the slate. But it’s not as simple as just pressing a button and calling it a day. Different Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or Go) have slightly different reset methods, and doing it wrong can lead to more frustration. That’s why I’ve written this guide: to walk you through the process step by step, based on my own trial-and-error experiences and countless late-night troubleshooting sessions with my own Arlo cameras.

Understanding the Two Types of Arlo Resets: Soft vs. Factory

Before you dive into resetting your Arlo camera, it’s important to know that not all resets are created equal. There are two main types: the soft reset (also called a restart) and the factory reset (full wipe). Choosing the right one depends on your goal.

Soft Reset (Restart): A Quick Power Cycle

A soft reset is like restarting your phone. It refreshes the camera’s connection to your Wi-Fi and the Arlo app without erasing any data. This is perfect for:

• Cameras that are temporarily unresponsive
• Minor Wi-Fi connectivity glitches
• After a power outage or internet hiccup

How to do it: Simply unplug the camera (if it’s wired), wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. For battery-powered models, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, then reinsert. The camera will power on and reconnect automatically. This takes less than a minute and often fixes temporary hiccups.

Factory Reset: Wiping the Slate Clean

A factory reset erases all settings, including Wi-Fi credentials, motion zones, and paired accounts. It returns the camera to its original out-of-the-box state. Use this when:

• The camera is stuck in setup mode
• You’re transferring ownership to someone else
• You’ve forgotten the admin password
• You’re selling or donating the camera

Important note: A factory reset is irreversible. Once you do it, you’ll need to set up the camera again from scratch. Always back up any important recordings or settings before proceeding.

I once tried to fix a stubborn Arlo Pro 3 by doing a soft reset every day for a week. Spoiler: it didn’t work. Only after I finally did a factory reset and reconfigured it did the camera start behaving normally. Lesson learned: know when to go big.

Step-by-Step Guide to Factory Resetting Your Arlo Camera

Now that you understand the difference, let’s walk through the factory reset process. The exact steps vary slightly depending on your Arlo model, but the core principles are the same. I’ll cover the most common models: Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, and Go.

Method 1: Using the Reset Button (Most Models)

This is the most common and reliable way to reset Arlo cameras that have a physical reset button. Models like the Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential have this feature.

1. Locate the reset button. It’s usually a small hole on the back or bottom of the camera. You’ll need a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or thin needle.
2. Power on the camera. Make sure it’s connected to power or has a charged battery. The status LED should be lit.
3. Press and hold the reset button. Insert the tool and press firmly. Hold it for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks amber and blue rapidly.
4. Wait for the reset to complete. The camera will restart and show a solid blue light, indicating it’s ready for setup.

Pro tip: If the LED doesn’t change after 15 seconds, keep holding for up to 30 seconds. Some models take longer to respond.

Method 2: Via the Arlo App (Cameras with Wi-Fi)

Some newer models, like the Arlo Essential and Ultra, allow you to trigger a reset directly from the app. This is great if you can’t reach the camera physically.

1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
2. Tap the camera you want to reset.
3. Go to Settings (gear icon) > Device Info > Reset to Factory Default.
4. Confirm the reset when prompted.

The camera will disconnect from your account and restart. You’ll see the status LED blink amber and blue, just like with the button method.

Method 3: For Arlo Go (Cellular Cameras)

The Arlo Go works on cellular networks, so resetting it requires a slightly different approach.

1. Power on the Arlo Go.
2. Press and hold the Sync button (on the side) for 10 seconds.
3. The LED will blink amber and blue.
4. Wait for the camera to restart. It may take a few minutes to reconnect to the cellular network.

Note: After a reset, the Arlo Go will need to re-register with the cellular network. Make sure it has a SIM card and active service plan.

What to Do After the Reset

Once your camera is reset, it’s ready for a fresh setup. Here’s what to do next:

• Open the Arlo app and follow the setup prompts.
• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi (or cellular, for Go models).
• Reconfigure motion zones, recording schedules, and notifications.
• Re-pair any base stations or smart hubs if needed.

I once forgot to re-enable motion alerts after a reset, and my camera recorded a package thief without sending me a notification. Lesson: always double-check your settings post-reset!

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems I’ve encountered—and how to solve them.

Issue 1: The Camera Won’t Reset

You’ve held the reset button for 30 seconds, but the LED stays solid blue or red. What now?

• Check the power source. A weak battery or unstable power supply can prevent a reset. Try charging the battery fully or using a different outlet.
• Try a different tool. A bent paperclip or dull needle might not press the button fully. Use a straight, thin object.
• Wait and try again. Sometimes the camera needs a full power cycle first. Unplug it for 1 minute, then try the reset again.

Issue 2: The Camera Resets but Won’t Reconnect to Wi-Fi

After the reset, the camera shows a solid blue light but won’t connect to your Wi-Fi during setup.

• Check your Wi-Fi network. Arlo cameras only support 2.4 GHz networks. If your router uses 5 GHz, temporarily switch to 2.4 GHz during setup.
• Move the camera closer to the router. Weak signal strength is a common culprit. Try setup within 10 feet of the router.
• Restart your router. A simple router reboot often fixes connectivity issues.

I once had an Arlo Pro 3 that refused to connect to Wi-Fi after a reset. Turns out my router was set to a 5 GHz-only mode. Switching to 2.4 GHz fixed it instantly.

Issue 3: The App Doesn’t Recognize the Reset Camera

You’ve reset the camera, but the Arlo app still shows it as “offline” or “owned by another account.”

• Log out and log back into the app. This refreshes your account connection.
• Remove the camera from your account first. In the app, go to Settings > Device Info > Remove Device. Then do the factory reset.
• Check for app updates. An outdated app version can cause sync issues.

Issue 4: The Camera Resets but Keeps Rebooting

The camera powers on, resets, and reboots in a loop. This is rare but frustrating.

• Update the camera firmware. Use the app to check for updates before resetting.
• Contact Arlo Support. This could indicate a hardware failure or firmware bug.

One reader told me their Arlo Ultra kept rebooting after a reset. Arlo Support sent a replacement unit—turns out it was a known issue with that batch.

Resetting Arlo Cameras with Smart Hubs or Base Stations

If you have an Arlo system with a base station (like the Arlo Pro 2 or Pro 3) or a Smart Hub (Arlo Ultra), the reset process gets a bit more complex. Here’s what you need to know.

Resetting a Camera Paired to a Base Station

Cameras connected to a base station don’t need Wi-Fi. Instead, they use a secure radio frequency (RF) link. To reset one:

1. Press the reset button on the camera for 10–15 seconds.
2. Wait for the camera LED to blink amber and blue.
3. On the base station, press and hold the Sync button for 10 seconds to reset it too (optional, but recommended).
4. Re-pair the camera to the base station by pressing the Sync button on both devices within 2 minutes.

Tip: If you’re resetting multiple cameras, do them one at a time to avoid confusion.

Resetting the Base Station or Smart Hub Itself

Sometimes the issue isn’t the camera—it’s the base station. Here’s how to reset it:

1. Unplug the base station.
2. Press and hold the Sync button while plugging it back in.
3. Keep holding for 15 seconds until the LED blinks amber and blue.
4. Wait for it to restart and reconnect to your Wi-Fi.

After resetting the base station, all paired cameras will need to be re-synced. This is a good time to check for firmware updates on the base station via the Arlo app.

What If You Lose the Base Station?

Lost your base station? No problem. You can reset the camera and set it up as a standalone Wi-Fi device. Just follow the Wi-Fi setup process in the app. However, you’ll lose features like local storage and extended battery life (since the base station manages power and video buffering).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Reset Methods by Model

To make things easier, here’s a quick-reference table showing reset methods for popular Arlo models. This is based on Arlo’s official documentation and my own testing.

Arlo Model	Reset Button?	App Reset?	Base Station Required?	Notes
Arlo Pro 2	Yes (bottom)	No	Yes	Hold reset button 15 sec; re-sync with base station
Arlo Pro 3	Yes (back)	Yes	Yes	App reset available; base station reset recommended
Arlo Pro 4	Yes (back)	Yes	Yes	Supports Wi-Fi setup without base station
Arlo Ultra	Yes (back)	Yes	Yes (Smart Hub)	Smart Hub reset required for full system reset
Arlo Essential	Yes (side)	Yes	No	Wi-Fi only; no base station needed
Arlo Go	No (Sync button)	No	No	Hold Sync button 10 sec; cellular reconnection needed
Arlo Q	Yes (back)	No	No	Hold reset button 10 sec; Wi-Fi setup required

This table is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry. I keep a printed copy next to my router for quick reference. You can also take a screenshot on your phone.

Final Thoughts: Resetting Your Arlo Camera the Right Way

Resetting an Arlo camera isn’t something you do every day—but when you need to, it’s essential to get it right. Whether you’re troubleshooting a glitch, preparing to sell your home, or just starting fresh, a proper reset can save you hours of frustration.

Remember the key takeaways:

• Use a soft reset for minor issues and a factory reset for major problems or ownership changes.
• Always back up your settings before resetting.
• Know your model—some Arlo cameras have different reset methods.
• If you have a base station, reset it too for a clean start.
• After resetting, reconfigure your motion zones and alerts to avoid missing important events.

And if you’re still stuck? Don’t hesitate to contact Arlo Support. They’re surprisingly helpful, especially if you can provide your camera’s serial number and a clear description of the issue.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is there to give you peace of mind. A reset might feel like a setback, but it’s often the first step toward a smoother, more reliable security system. So take a deep breath, grab a paperclip, and hit that reset button. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset an Arlo camera to factory settings?

To reset an Arlo camera, press and hold the sync button on the device for about 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks amber. This will restore it to factory settings, erasing all custom configurations. Make sure the camera is powered on during this process.

Why would I need to reset my Arlo camera?

You may need to reset your Arlo camera if it’s unresponsive, not connecting to Wi-Fi, or you’re preparing to sell or transfer ownership. A reset clears all network and account settings, allowing for a fresh setup. It’s a common troubleshooting step recommended by Arlo support.

How do I reset an Arlo camera if I forgot my account password?

While you can’t reset the camera directly due to a forgotten password, you can reset the camera hardware and then use the Arlo app to reset your account password. First, perform a factory reset on the camera, then use the “Forgot Password” option in the app to regain access.

Does resetting an Arlo camera delete recordings?

Yes, resetting an Arlo camera erases all local settings and disassociates it from your account, but cloud recordings stored in your Arlo account remain safe. However, any local storage (like microSD cards) will need to be manually cleared if desired.

How do I reset an Arlo camera without the app?

You can reset an Arlo camera without the app by using the physical sync button—hold it for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. After the reset, you’ll need the Arlo app or web portal to reconfigure the camera and reconnect it to your network.

What should I do after I reset my Arlo camera?

After you reset your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app and follow the setup process to reconnect it to your Wi-Fi and account. Make sure to re-enable any desired features like motion alerts, activity zones, or smart home integrations during setup.