How Do I Reset Arlo Pro Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Reset your Arlo Pro camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings, making it ideal for troubleshooting or preparing the device for a new setup—just ensure it’s powered on and connected during the process.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it gently to press the reset button for 10 seconds.
• Wait for LED flash: Release when the LED blinks amber, indicating reset initiation.
• Re-sync with base station: Follow app instructions to reconnect the camera post-reset.
• Update firmware: Ensure the latest version to avoid post-reset connectivity issues.

Why Resetting Your Arlo Pro Camera Might Be Necessary

We’ve all been there. You’re checking your home security feed on your phone, and suddenly—nothing. Your Arlo Pro camera isn’t responding. Maybe it’s frozen, won’t connect to Wi-Fi, or the app keeps crashing when you try to view the live stream. It’s frustrating, especially when you rely on your camera for peace of mind. I remember one night, I got a motion alert from my Arlo Pro, but when I tapped to view the footage, all I saw was a black screen. Panic set in for about 30 seconds before I remembered: resetting might be the fix.

Resetting your Arlo Pro camera isn’t just a last-resort tech trick—it’s often the most effective and quickest solution. Whether you’re setting up a new camera, troubleshooting connectivity, or handing the device to someone else, a reset clears the slate and gives you a fresh start. But how do you reset Arlo Pro camera without losing your settings or making things worse? That’s what this guide is all about. I’ve been through the process more times than I’d like to admit (thanks, curious toddlers and Wi-Fi hiccups), and I’ll walk you through every step with real-world tips and zero fluff.

Understanding the Types of Resets: Soft vs. Factory Reset

Soft Reset: The Gentle Reboot

Think of a soft reset like restarting your phone. It doesn’t erase any data—it just gives your Arlo Pro a quick refresh. This is perfect if your camera is unresponsive, lagging, or stuck in a loop. A soft reset often fixes minor glitches without the need to reconfigure your entire setup.

When to use it:

• Camera is frozen or not responding to the app
• Live stream is choppy or delayed
• Motion detection is acting up
• You just want to give it a quick refresh

How to do it:
1. Press and hold the Sync button on the camera for about 5 seconds.
2. Release when the LED light blinks amber and white.
3. Wait for the camera to reboot (this usually takes 1–2 minutes).
4. Once the LED turns solid blue, your camera is back online.

Tip: If your camera is mounted high up, use a long stick or grabber tool to press the Sync button. I once spent 10 minutes trying to balance on a chair—don’t be like me.

Factory Reset: The Full Wipe

A factory reset is more serious. It erases all settings, including Wi-Fi networks, schedules, and device pairings. Your camera will go back to its original state, just like when you first unboxed it. This is your go-to move if you’re selling the camera, moving it to a new location, or dealing with persistent issues that won’t go away.

When to use it:

• Camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi no matter what
• You’re giving the camera to someone else
• You suspect it’s been hacked or compromised
• You’re setting up a new Arlo account

How to do it:
1. Press and hold the Sync button for 10–15 seconds.
2. Release when the LED blinks amber rapidly.
3. Wait for the camera to restart (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Once the LED blinks blue slowly, the reset is complete.

Warning: After a factory reset, you’ll need to re-add the camera to your Arlo app and reconfigure all settings. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally factory reset a camera and had to redo my motion zones and notifications.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset Arlo Pro Camera

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Info

Before you hit that reset button, make sure you’re prepared. You’ll need:

• Your Arlo Pro camera (duh)
• A paperclip or small pin (for the Sync button)
• Your Wi-Fi network name and password
• Your Arlo account login details
• A smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed

Pro tip: Write down your Wi-Fi details on a sticky note. I once spent 20 minutes hunting for my router’s password during a reset—don’t repeat my mistake.

Step 2: Choose the Right Reset Type

Ask yourself: Is this a quick fix or a total overhaul?

• If it’s a minor glitch → soft reset
• If it’s a major issue or you’re starting fresh → factory reset

I once had a camera that kept disconnecting every night at 2 a.m. A soft reset didn’t help, but a factory reset followed by a fresh setup fixed it completely. Sometimes, the deeper clean is worth it.

Step 3: Perform the Reset

For Soft Reset (5 seconds):
1. Locate the Sync button on the back or side of your Arlo Pro.
2. Use a paperclip to press and hold it for 5 seconds.
3. Watch the LED: it should blink amber and white, then turn solid blue.
4. Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to reconnect to your base station or Wi-Fi.

For Factory Reset (10–15 seconds):
1. Press and hold the Sync button.
2. Count slowly to 15.
3. When the LED blinks amber rapidly, release.
4. Wait 2–3 minutes. The LED should start blinking blue slowly.

Note: If the LED doesn’t change, press harder or try a different paperclip. Sometimes the button is stiff, especially on older models.

Step 4: Reconnect to the Arlo App

After a factory reset, your camera will appear as “Unconfigured” in the Arlo app. Here’s how to re-add it:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap Add Device → Arlo Pro.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code on the camera.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi details when prompted.
5. Wait for the camera to connect (this can take up to 5 minutes).

Tip: Make sure your phone is close to the camera during setup. I once set up a camera in the backyard, but my phone was too far—resulting in a failed connection. Move closer, and it worked instantly.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

Issue 1: Camera Won’t Reset (LED Not Blinking)

If the LED doesn’t respond when you press the Sync button, try these fixes:

• Check the battery: Low power can prevent reset. Charge the battery fully or connect to AC power.
• Clean the button: Dust or grime might be blocking the button. Wipe with a dry cloth.
• Try a different tool: A thicker paperclip or needle might work better.
• Wait and retry: Sometimes the camera needs a moment to “wake up.” Wait 10 seconds and try again.

I had a camera that wouldn’t reset because the battery was at 5%. Once I charged it, the reset worked perfectly. Always check power first.

Issue 2: Camera Reconnects but App Shows “Offline”

This is common after a factory reset. Try these steps:

• Restart your router: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Move the camera closer to the router or base station: Weak signal = no connection.
• Update the Arlo app: Go to your app store and check for updates.
• Check for firmware updates: In the Arlo app, go to Settings → My Devices → Firmware Update.

One time, my camera kept going offline after a reset. I realized my router was on the other side of the house. Moving the base station to a central location fixed it.

Issue 3: Wi-Fi Password Not Accepted

Arlo is picky about Wi-Fi passwords. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Special characters: Arlo doesn’t support passwords with symbols like !, @, #, or $.
• Long passwords: Keep it under 32 characters.
• Spaces at the start/end: Trim any accidental spaces.

Workaround: If your password is complex, create a guest Wi-Fi network with a simple password (e.g., “HomeGuest123”) and connect the camera to that.

Data Table: Arlo Pro Reset Scenarios and Solutions

Issue	Reset Type	Solution	Time Required
Camera frozen or unresponsive	Soft Reset (5 sec)	Hold Sync button for 5 sec	2–3 minutes
Wi-Fi connection lost	Factory Reset (10–15 sec)	Reset + reconfigure in Arlo app	10–15 minutes
LED not responding	Soft/Factory Reset	Check battery, clean button, retry	5 minutes
App shows “Offline” after reset	Factory Reset	Restart router, move camera closer	10 minutes
Wi-Fi password rejected	Factory Reset	Use simpler password or guest network	5–10 minutes
Motion detection not working	Soft Reset	Reset + recheck motion zones in app	5 minutes

Advanced Tips: Resetting Multiple Cameras and Base Stations

Resetting Multiple Arlo Pro Cameras

If you have a multi-camera setup, resetting each one individually can be tedious. Here’s how to streamline it:

• Label your cameras: Use colored tape or stickers to identify each camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).
• Reset one at a time: Don’t reset all cameras at once. This prevents Wi-Fi congestion and app errors.
• Use the same Wi-Fi network: Ensure all cameras are on the same network to avoid confusion.
• Re-add in order: Reconnect cameras to the app in the order they’re used (e.g., front door first, then backyard).

I once reset 4 cameras at the same time and ended up with a jumbled mess in the app. Now I reset one, wait for it to connect, then move to the next. It’s slower, but way less stressful.

Resetting the Arlo Base Station

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

1. Unplug the base station from power.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug it back in.
4. Wait for the LED to turn solid green (about 2 minutes).
5. Reconnect cameras one by one.

For a factory reset of the base station:
1. Press and hold the Reset button (usually on the back) for 10 seconds.
2. Wait for the LED to blink amber.
3. Set up the base station again in the Arlo app.

Note: Resetting the base station will erase all camera pairings. You’ll need to re-add every camera.

When to Contact Arlo Support

Most reset issues can be fixed at home, but sometimes you need backup. Contact Arlo support if:

• The camera still won’t reset after multiple attempts
• The LED stays solid red (indicates hardware failure)
• You’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and the camera remains offline
• You suspect a firmware bug

Arlo’s support team is pretty responsive—they helped me fix a camera with a faulty sensor last year. Be ready to provide your camera’s serial number (found on the bottom) and a description of the issue.

Final Thoughts: Resetting Arlo Pro Cameras Made Simple

Resetting your Arlo Pro camera doesn’t have to be scary. Whether you’re doing a quick soft reset or a full factory wipe, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. I’ve reset my cameras more times than I can count—sometimes out of necessity, sometimes out of curiosity—and I’ve learned that preparation is key. Have your Wi-Fi info ready, know which reset type you need, and don’t rush the reconnection process.

Remember, a reset isn’t a failure—it’s a fresh start. It’s like giving your camera a clean slate to work with. And if you’re ever unsure, refer back to this guide. I’ve included the most common scenarios, real-life tips, and even a handy table to help you pick the right solution. The next time your Arlo Pro acts up, don’t panic. Just take a breath, grab a paperclip, and reset with confidence. Your peace of mind is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Arlo Pro camera to factory settings?

To reset your Arlo Pro camera, press and hold the sync button on the device for about 10 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 Pro camera?

You may need to reset your Arlo Pro camera if it’s malfunctioning, not connecting to the app, or you’re preparing to transfer ownership. A reset clears all saved data and reverts the device to its original state. It’s a common troubleshooting step for connectivity issues.

How do I reset my Arlo Pro camera without the app?

You can reset your Arlo Pro camera without the app by using the physical sync button on the device. Hold it down for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, indicating a successful reset. This method works even if the app isn’t accessible.

Will resetting my Arlo Pro camera delete my recordings?

Yes, resetting your Arlo Pro camera will erase all local settings and configurations, but cloud recordings stored in your Arlo account remain safe. However, any unsaved clips on the camera’s SD card (if used) may be lost. Always back up important footage first.

How do I reset my Arlo Pro camera if the sync button isn’t working?

If the sync button fails, ensure the camera is fully charged or connected to power, then try a second reset attempt. If issues persist, use the Arlo app to remove the camera from your account first, then attempt a manual reset again.

How long does it take to reset an Arlo Pro camera?

The physical reset process takes about 10–15 seconds of holding the sync button, but full reinitialization (including LED changes) may take up to a minute. After the reset, re-pair the camera via the Arlo app to complete setup.