How Do I Reset My Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide

To reset your Arlo Go camera quickly, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This simple step restores factory settings and resolves most connectivity issues without needing the app. Perfect for troubleshooting or preparing the camera for a new setup.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side for resetting.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it into the hole to press the reset button firmly.
• Hold for 10 seconds: Keep the button pressed until the LED flashes amber.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the camera to restart and reconnect to the network.
• Reconfigure settings: Set up the camera again via the Arlo app post-reset.
• Check battery: Ensure the camera is charged to avoid interruptions during reset.

Why Resetting Your Arlo Go Camera Might Be the Fix You Need

Imagine this: You’re checking in on your home via your Arlo Go camera, but the app keeps disconnecting. Or maybe the camera isn’t responding to commands, the LED lights are acting strange, or it’s stuck on a firmware update. If you’ve ever felt that quiet panic when your security camera just won’t cooperate, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—sitting at my kitchen table, phone in hand, wondering, “How do I reset my Arlo Go camera?” It’s one of those moments where tech that’s supposed to make life easier suddenly feels like a puzzle with missing pieces.

Resetting your Arlo Go camera isn’t just a troubleshooting step—it’s often the key to restoring peace of mind. Whether you’re moving the camera to a new location, troubleshooting connectivity issues, or preparing to hand it over to a new owner, a reset can wipe the slate clean. But here’s the thing: the process isn’t always intuitive. The Arlo Go is a bit different from other Arlo models, especially since it uses a SIM card for LTE connectivity. That’s why I’ve put together this guide—to walk you through the reset process step by step, with real-world tips, common pitfalls, and the empathy of someone who’s reset their own camera more than once (yes, I’ve accidentally factory reset mine twice).

Understanding the Arlo Go Camera and Why Resets Are Necessary

What Makes the Arlo Go Unique?

The Arlo Go is a standalone LTE-enabled security camera designed for areas without Wi-Fi—think remote cabins, construction sites, or even your backyard if your router signal doesn’t reach. Unlike Wi-Fi-only Arlo models, the Go uses a cellular connection (via a SIM card) to stream video and send alerts. It’s battery-powered, weather-resistant, and built for true mobility. But this flexibility comes with a catch: when things go wrong, the troubleshooting path is a little different.

Because it relies on both cellular data and the Arlo app ecosystem, issues can stem from network settings, account sync problems, or firmware glitches. A reset helps clear out corrupted data, reestablish connections, and return the camera to a known good state.

Common Scenarios That Call for a Reset

You might be asking, “How do I reset my Arlo Go camera?” if you’re dealing with any of these issues:

• Camera won’t connect to the Arlo app after setup.
• LED lights are blinking red or yellow (indicating connection or battery issues).
• Firmware update failed or is stuck during installation.
• You’re moving the camera to a new location with a different cellular carrier or SIM.
• You’re selling or gifting the camera and want to erase all personal data.
• You’ve changed your Arlo account and need to re-register the device.

Each of these situations benefits from a reset, but the type of reset (soft vs. factory) matters. Let’s break it down.

Soft Reset vs. Factory Reset: What’s the Difference?

A soft reset is like restarting your phone. It turns the camera off and on without erasing any data. It’s great for minor glitches—like a temporary freeze or brief disconnection.

A factory reset, on the other hand, wipes all settings, removes the camera from your account, and returns it to its original state—like it just came out of the box. This is what you need if you’re troubleshooting persistent issues or preparing to sell the camera.

Knowing which one to use saves time and prevents unnecessary data loss. For example, if your camera is just acting sluggish, try a soft reset first. But if it’s completely unresponsive or showing error codes, a factory reset is likely the answer.

How to Perform a Soft Reset on Your Arlo Go Camera

When to Use a Soft Reset

Let’s say your Arlo Go is live, but the app shows “camera offline” for a few minutes. Or maybe the video feed is choppy, but the camera’s LED is green. These are classic signs of a temporary hiccup. A soft reset can often fix this without disrupting your setup.

Think of it like unplugging your router when the internet’s slow. It’s a quick, low-risk fix that refreshes the system.

Step-by-Step Soft Reset Instructions

1. Locate the power button on the side of the Arlo Go. It’s a small, recessed button (you’ll need a paperclip or SIM ejector tool).
2. Press and hold the power button for about 3–5 seconds until the LED light turns off.
3. Wait 10–15 seconds—this gives the internal system time to fully shut down.
4. Press and hold the power button again for 3–5 seconds to turn the camera back on.
5. Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to boot up and reconnect to the cellular network. The LED should flash green (connecting) and then turn solid green (connected).

After the reset, open the Arlo app and check if your camera appears online. If it does, great! If not, it might be time to try a factory reset.

Pro Tips for a Smoother Soft Reset

• Use a SIM ejector tool or straightened paperclip to press the power button—it’s easier than using your fingernail.
• Check your SIM card before resetting. A loose or damaged SIM can mimic connection issues.
• Ensure your battery is charged above 20%. A low battery can cause unexpected shutdowns.
• Wait for full signal bars in the app after the reset. LTE connections take time to stabilize.

I once had a soft reset fail because my SIM card was slightly misaligned. Once I removed and reinserted it, the camera came back online instantly. So don’t skip the basics—sometimes the simplest fix is the right one.

How to Factory Reset Your Arlo Go Camera (Step-by-Step)

When a Factory Reset Is the Right Choice

If a soft reset doesn’t work—or if you’re preparing to sell the camera—a factory reset is the way to go. This erases all network settings, removes the camera from your Arlo account, and clears any stored data (like motion zones or activity logs).

It’s also essential if:

• You’re switching cellular carriers.
• The camera is stuck in a boot loop.
• You’ve forgotten your Arlo account and can’t unregister the device.

Just remember: a factory reset is irreversible. Once it’s done, you’ll need to set up the camera from scratch.

Factory Reset Using the Arlo App (Recommended Method)

This is the easiest and most reliable way to reset your Arlo Go, especially if you still have access to the app.

1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
2. Tap on “Devices” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select your Arlo Go camera from the list.
4. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
5. Choose “Remove Device” and confirm when prompted.
6. Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to disconnect from the network.

After removal, the camera is technically reset. But to ensure it’s fully wiped, follow the hardware reset below.

Factory Reset Using the Hardware Button (For Unresponsive Cameras)

If the app doesn’t recognize your camera or you’re locked out of your account, use the physical reset method:

1. Ensure the camera is powered on (LED is lit).
2. Use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to press and hold the reset button (next to the power button) for 10–15 seconds.
3. Watch the LED lights:
   • First, it will turn off.
   • Then, it will flash yellow rapidly (resetting).
   • Finally, it will flash green slowly (ready for setup).
4. Release the button when the green flashing begins.
5. Wait 2–3 minutes for the reset to complete.

Once done, the camera will act like it’s brand new. You’ll need to set it up again using the Arlo app.

What to Do After a Factory Reset

After resetting, don’t rush to mount the camera. Instead:

• Reinsert your SIM card if it was removed.
• Charge the battery fully before setup.
• Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device” to begin setup.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your cellular plan and configure motion settings.

I once skipped reinserting the SIM after a reset and spent 20 minutes wondering why the camera wouldn’t connect. Lesson learned: double-check the SIM every time.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues and How to Fix Them

Camera Won’t Enter Reset Mode

If holding the reset button does nothing, the issue might be:

• Low battery: Charge the camera for at least 30 minutes before trying again.
• Faulty button: Try pressing harder or from a different angle.
• Firmware corruption: In rare cases, a failed update can brick the reset function. Contact Arlo Support if this happens.

Tip: If the LED doesn’t respond, try a soft reset first to wake up the system.

LED Lights Stay Off After Reset

This is rare but serious. Possible causes:

• Dead battery: The camera needs at least 10% charge to function.
• Damaged power circuit: If the camera has been dropped or exposed to water, internal components may be compromised.

Try charging with the original Arlo charger for 1 hour. If there’s still no response, contact Arlo Support or check your warranty.

Reset Works, But Camera Won’t Reconnect to the App

After a factory reset, the camera might not appear in the Arlo app due to:

• SIM card issues: Ensure the SIM is active and has data.
• Network congestion: Try moving the camera closer to a window for better LTE signal.
• App cache problems: Force close the Arlo app and restart your phone.
• Account sync delay: Wait up to 10 minutes for the system to update.

One user told me their camera took 8 minutes to appear after a reset—patience is key.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Arlo Go After a Reset

Keep Firmware Updated

After resetting, check for firmware updates in the Arlo app. Go to Device Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update. Install updates as soon as they’re available—they often include bug fixes that prevent future issues.

I once ignored an update for weeks and ended up with a camera that wouldn’t record. The update fixed it in minutes.

Optimize Battery and Signal

The Arlo Go’s performance depends on two things: battery life and LTE signal.

• Charge every 2–3 months (even if not in use).
• Use a signal booster if you’re in a low-coverage area.
• Adjust motion sensitivity to reduce false alerts and save power.

Secure Your SIM and Account

Since the Arlo Go uses cellular data:

• Keep your SIM card safe—lose it, and you lose connectivity.
• Use a strong Arlo account password to prevent unauthorized access.
• Enable two-factor authentication in the Arlo app settings.

Data Table: Arlo Go Reset Quick Reference

Issue	Recommended Reset Type	Time to Complete	What’s Erased?
Camera offline temporarily	Soft Reset	1–2 minutes	Nothing
Stuck firmware update	Factory Reset	5–10 minutes	All settings, account link
Selling or gifting camera	Factory Reset	5–10 minutes	All data, settings, account
LED blinking red/yellow	Try soft first, then factory	2–10 minutes	Only if factory reset

Final Thoughts: Resetting Your Arlo Go Is Easier Than You Think

When I first asked, “How do I reset my Arlo Go camera?”, I expected a complex, technical process. But the truth is, it’s surprisingly straightforward—especially once you know the difference between a soft and factory reset. The key is understanding why you’re resetting and choosing the right method for your situation.

Whether you’re fixing a connection issue, preparing to sell your camera, or just giving it a fresh start, a reset can breathe new life into your Arlo Go. And with the steps I’ve shared—from using the app to pressing that tiny reset button—you’re now equipped to handle it confidently.

Remember: tech glitches happen. But with a little patience, the right tools, and this guide, you can turn a moment of frustration into a quick win. So the next time your Arlo Go acts up, don’t panic. Just take a breath, grab your paperclip, and reset with confidence. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To reset your Arlo Go camera, press and hold the sync button on the device for about 10–15 seconds until the LED light flashes amber and blue. This will restore it to factory settings, allowing you to set it up again via the Arlo app.

What should I do if my Arlo Go camera isn’t connecting after a reset?

If your Arlo Go camera isn’t connecting post-reset, ensure you’ve fully reset it and that your mobile device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network during setup. Restart the Arlo app and reattempt the setup process.

How do I reset my Arlo Go camera without losing my SIM card data?

Resetting your Arlo Go camera doesn’t affect the SIM card data, as it only clears device settings. However, back up any critical configurations in the Arlo app before resetting to avoid reconfiguration hassles.

Why won’t my Arlo Go camera reset properly?

If your Arlo Go camera won’t reset, ensure the battery is charged or it’s connected to a power source. Hold the sync button firmly for the full duration (10–15 seconds) and check for LED confirmation.

Can I reset my Arlo Go camera remotely?

No, you must physically press the sync button on the Arlo Go camera to reset it. Remote resets aren’t supported due to security and connectivity limitations of the device.

How often should I reset my Arlo Go camera?

Only reset your Arlo Go camera when troubleshooting issues like connectivity problems or setup errors. Frequent resets aren’t necessary unless recommended by Arlo support for persistent issues.