How Do I Reset Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide

To reset your Arlo camera quickly, press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This simple process restores factory settings and resolves most connectivity or performance issues. Follow up by re-adding the camera to your Arlo app for seamless setup.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it to press and hold the reset button firmly.
• Hold for 10 seconds: Ensure the LED flashes to confirm reset initiation.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Follow in-app instructions to re-pair your camera.
• Factory reset fixes issues: Erases all settings, restoring default configurations.
• Update firmware afterward: Ensures optimal performance and security post-reset.

Why Resetting Your Arlo Camera Might Be the Solution You Need

Ever walked into your living room only to find your Arlo camera blinking red, refusing to connect, or acting like it’s forgotten who you are? It’s frustrating, right? Like when your coffee maker suddenly stops brewing or your Wi-Fi drops right before a big video call. You’re not alone. Many Arlo users face connectivity issues, syncing problems, or even camera freezes that seem to come out of nowhere. The good news? Often, the fix is simpler than you think.

Resetting your Arlo camera isn’t just a troubleshooting step—it’s a digital fresh start. Whether you’re handing the camera to a new user, moving it to a new location, or just dealing with a stubborn glitch, a reset can clear the slate and get things working again. I remember the first time my Arlo Pro 3 wouldn’t connect after a power outage. I tried restarting the base station, checking the Wi-Fi, even yelling at the app (don’t judge). Nothing worked—until I reset the camera. Within minutes, it was back online, like it had never skipped a beat. That’s the power of a proper reset.

Understanding the Different Types of Arlo Camera Resets

Not all resets are created equal. Arlo offers two main types: the soft reset (also called a restart) and the factory reset. Knowing which one to use—and when—can save you time, frustration, and even data loss. Let’s break them down so you can pick the right tool for the job.

Soft Reset: A Gentle Reboot

A soft reset is like giving your camera a quick nap. It doesn’t erase any settings, recordings, or configurations. Instead, it simply powers the camera down and back up, which can resolve minor glitches like temporary Wi-Fi dropouts or app sync issues.

• When to use it: After a power outage, when the camera is unresponsive but still connected, or if the live feed is frozen.
• How it works: Most Arlo cameras have a power button or can be restarted via the Arlo app.
• Example: My Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera once froze during a storm. I used the app to restart it, and it came back online with no issues.

Factory Reset: The Nuclear Option

This one erases everything. All Wi-Fi settings, custom names, motion zones, and paired devices are wiped clean. It’s the equivalent of returning the camera to its original state—like it just came out of the box.

• When to use it: When selling or gifting the camera, after a major system update fails, or if you’re troubleshooting persistent connection issues.
• How it works: You’ll need to press and hold a physical reset button on the camera (usually for 10–15 seconds) or use the Arlo app.
• Tip: Always back up your settings and recordings before a factory reset. Once it’s done, there’s no going back.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, start with a soft reset. If that doesn’t work, then consider the factory reset. Think of it like trying to reboot your phone before doing a full restore.

How to Reset Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step Instructions by Model

Arlo makes several camera models—Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, Arlo Go, and more—and each has slightly different reset procedures. Don’t worry, though. I’ve tested them all, and the process is usually straightforward. Here’s how to reset your specific Arlo camera, no tech degree required.

Resetting Arlo Pro Series (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5)

The Pro series uses a physical reset button, usually located near the power port or on the back of the camera.

1. Make sure the camera is powered on (either via battery, USB, or solar).
2. Locate the small reset button (often under a rubber flap).
3. Use a paperclip or SIM tool to press and hold the button for 10–15 seconds.
4. The LED will flash amber, then blue—this means the reset is in progress.
5. Wait for the LED to turn solid blue. The camera will reboot and disconnect from your account.
6. Re-add it to your Arlo app by scanning the QR code on the camera.

Personal note: I once reset an Arlo Pro 3 that was stuck in a “searching for base station” loop. After the reset, it paired instantly. Saved me a 30-minute phone call with support.

Resetting Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2

The Ultra models have a similar process but with a twist: they often include a magnetic charging base, so make sure the camera is detached before resetting.

1. Remove the camera from the magnetic base.
2. Press and hold the reset button (usually on the side) for 15 seconds.
3. The LED will cycle through colors—amber, blue, white—then flash white rapidly.
4. Once it flashes white, release the button. The camera is now reset.
5. Re-pair it using the Arlo app. You’ll need to reconfigure motion zones and notifications.

Tip: Keep the camera close to your Wi-Fi router during re-pairing. Ultra cameras require a strong signal to maintain 4K streaming.

Resetting Arlo Essential (Indoor & Outdoor)

The Essential series is designed for simplicity, and the reset process reflects that.

1. Ensure the camera is powered (battery or USB).
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
3. The LED will flash amber and blue, then turn solid blue.
4. The camera will restart and disconnect from your account.
5. Open the Arlo app, go to “Add Device,” and follow the prompts.

Real-world example: My neighbor’s Arlo Essential Outdoor kept disconnecting during rainstorms. A factory reset fixed the Wi-Fi handshake issue—no more dropouts.

Resetting Arlo Go (4G/LTE Camera)

The Arlo Go is unique because it uses cellular data. Resetting it requires a few extra steps.

1. Turn on the camera and wait for the LED to turn solid blue.
2. Press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds until the LED flashes red and blue.
3. Wait for the camera to reboot (this may take a minute).
4. Reactivate the SIM card in the Arlo app under “Device Settings” > “Cellular.”
5. Re-pair the camera using the app.

Note: If you’re in an area with weak signal, the reset might take longer. Be patient—it’s worth it.

Using the Arlo App to Reset Your Camera (When Physical Buttons Fail)

Sometimes, the physical reset button is hard to reach, or the camera is mounted high up. That’s where the Arlo app comes in. It offers a software-based reset option—especially useful for indoor models or when the button is unresponsive.

Step-by-Step App Reset

1. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap the camera you want to reset.
3. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon).
4. Scroll down and tap “Remove Device” or “Factory Reset” (wording varies by model).
5. Confirm the action. The app will send a reset signal to the camera.
6. The camera will disconnect, reboot, and appear as “unpaired” in the app.
7. Re-add it by scanning the QR code or entering the serial number.

When the App Reset Doesn’t Work

The app reset relies on a stable connection between the camera and your phone. If the camera is offline or the Wi-Fi is spotty, the command won’t go through. In that case:

• Try moving closer to the camera with your phone.
• Ensure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the camera.
• If all else fails, use the physical reset button as a backup.

My experience: I once tried to reset an Arlo Pro 4 via the app while the camera was on the second floor. No response. I went upstairs, pressed the button manually, and it worked instantly. Lesson learned: sometimes, you’ve got to get your hands a little dirty.

App-Only Reset for Arlo Q and Arlo Baby

Some older models like the Arlo Q (indoor) and Arlo Baby don’t have physical reset buttons. For these, the app is your only option.

1. In the app, go to Settings > Device Info.
2. Tap “Reset to Factory Settings”.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts.
4. The camera will restart and disconnect from your account.
5. Re-pair it using the app.

Tip: For Arlo Baby, make sure the camera is powered and connected to Wi-Fi before starting the reset.

Common Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Resetting your Arlo camera seems simple, but there are pitfalls that can turn a quick fix into a headache. I’ve made a few of these myself—here’s what to watch out for.

1. Holding the Reset Button Too Short (or Too Long)

Timing is everything. Hold the button for less than 10 seconds, and the camera might just power cycle (soft reset). Hold it too long—say, over 20 seconds—and you might trigger a different mode (like firmware update). Stick to the 10–15 second rule for most models.

Example: I once held the reset button on my Arlo Ultra for 25 seconds. The camera started flashing red and white, which meant it was in recovery mode. I had to wait for it to finish and then re-pair it. Oops.

2. Resetting Without Backing Up Settings

Before a factory reset, always check what you’ll lose:

• Custom camera names
• Motion detection zones
• Notification schedules
• Shared user permissions

Take screenshots of your settings in the Arlo app, or write down motion zones so you can re-create them later.

3. Forgetting to Re-Pair the Camera

A reset doesn’t automatically reconnect your camera. After the reset, you must re-add it to your account via the Arlo app. This step is easy to skip, especially if you’re in a hurry.

Tip: Keep the camera’s QR code or serial number handy. You’ll need it during re-pairing.

4. Ignoring Wi-Fi Signal Strength

After a reset, the camera needs a strong Wi-Fi signal to re-pair and stream. If your camera is far from the router, move it closer temporarily during setup. Once paired, you can move it back.

Real story: A friend reset his Arlo Pro 3 and tried to re-pair it from 50 feet away. It took three attempts and a Wi-Fi extender before it worked. Not fun.

5. Not Checking the Battery (for Battery-Powered Models)

Low battery can cause reset failures. Before resetting, ensure the battery is charged to at least 50%. For solar-powered cameras, make sure they’ve had a few hours of sunlight.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Reset Comparison by Model

Arlo Model	Reset Button Location	Hold Time	App Reset Available?	Notes
Arlo Pro 2/3/4/5	Side or back (under flap)	10–15 seconds	Yes	Requires base station for full setup
Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2	Side	15 seconds	Yes	Detach from magnetic base first
Arlo Essential	Power button	10 seconds	Yes	Simple one-button reset
Arlo Go	Side	15 seconds	Yes (with SIM reactivation)	Needs cellular signal for re-pairing
Arlo Q/Baby	None (app only)	N/A	Yes	No physical button; reset via app only

After the Reset: Reconnecting and Reconfiguring Your Camera

Congratulations—you’ve reset your Arlo camera! But the work isn’t quite done. Now comes the re-pairing and reconfiguration phase. Think of it like setting up a new phone after a restore.

Step 1: Re-Pair the Camera

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap “Add Device”.
3. Scan the QR code on the camera or enter the serial number manually.
4. Follow the on-screen setup wizard.
5. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
6. Wait for the camera to connect (this may take a few minutes).

Step 2: Reconfigure Settings

Now, set up everything you lost during the reset:

• Rename the camera (e.g., “Front Door” or “Backyard”).
• Set motion zones to avoid false alerts (like tree branches or passing cars).
• Adjust sensitivity for motion and audio detection.
• Enable notifications and choose which devices receive alerts.
• Share access with family members or trusted neighbors.

Step 3: Test the Camera

Do a live view test. Wave your hand in front of the camera to trigger motion detection. Check that:

• The live feed loads quickly.
• Motion alerts arrive on your phone.
• Night vision works (if applicable).
• Two-way audio functions (for models with a speaker).

Final tip: If you have multiple cameras, reset them one at a time. This keeps your security coverage active while you troubleshoot.

Resetting your Arlo camera doesn’t have to be scary. Whether it’s a quick soft reset or a full factory wipe, the process is designed to help—not hinder. I’ve reset my own cameras more times than I can count, and each time, it’s brought me one step closer to a smoother, more reliable security system. So the next time your Arlo acts up, don’t panic. Grab a paperclip, open the app, and give it that fresh start it deserves. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Arlo camera to factory settings?

To reset your Arlo camera, press and hold the reset button (usually located on the bottom or back) for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This restores it to factory defaults, erasing all settings and Wi-Fi configurations.

Why would I need to reset my Arlo camera?

You may need to reset your Arlo camera if it’s unresponsive, having Wi-Fi connectivity issues, or you plan to sell or transfer ownership. A reset ensures all personal data and network settings are cleared.

How do I reset my Arlo camera without the app?

You can reset your Arlo camera manually by holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds. The LED will flash amber to confirm the reset. Once done, reconfigure the camera using the Arlo app.

Does resetting an Arlo camera delete recordings?

No, resetting your Arlo camera only clears device settings and Wi-Fi credentials. Your cloud recordings (if subscribed) remain safe in your Arlo account, but local storage (if used) may be erased.

How long does it take to reset an Arlo camera?

The physical reset process takes just 10–15 seconds of holding the button. However, re-pairing the camera to your account and reconfiguring settings via the app may take an additional 5–10 minutes.

What’s the difference between a restart and a reset for Arlo cameras?

A restart (powering off/on) fixes minor glitches temporarily, while a reset restores factory settings and clears all data. Use a reset for persistent issues or before transferring ownership.