How Do I Restart My Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Restarting your Arlo camera is quick and simple—just press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then release to trigger a reboot. This resolves most connectivity and performance issues without needing a full reset. Wait for the camera to reconnect to the app (usually within 2 minutes) to confirm a successful restart.

Key Takeaways

• Restart via app: Use the Arlo app for instant camera reboots.
• Power cycle: Unplug, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect power.
• Check Wi-Fi: Ensure stable connection before restarting devices.
• Reset button: Press and hold for 10 seconds if frozen.
• Update firmware: Always install latest updates to avoid glitches.
• Factory reset: Only use as a last resort for persistent issues.

Why Restarting Your Arlo Camera Is Sometimes the Best Fix

Let’s be honest—tech glitches happen to everyone. You’re checking your Arlo camera feed to see if the mail carrier left your package, and suddenly, the app says “Camera Offline.” Or maybe the night vision isn’t working, the motion detection is acting up, or the live stream is frozen. Before you panic or start searching for a replacement, there’s a simple, often overlooked fix: restart your Arlo camera. It’s the digital equivalent of “have you tried turning it off and on again?”—and more often than not, it works.

I’ve been there. A few months ago, my Arlo Pro 4 wouldn’t connect after a power outage. I spent 20 minutes troubleshooting Wi-Fi settings, checking batteries, and even resetting the base station. Nothing worked. Then I remembered: restart the camera. I held the sync button, waited 10 seconds, released it, and—boom—back online. It felt like magic. But it’s not magic. It’s just good troubleshooting. Restarting your Arlo camera clears temporary glitches, refreshes the connection to your Wi-Fi, and re-syncs with the app. Whether you’re using an Arlo Essential, Arlo Pro 3, or even the newer Arlo Ultra 2, a restart is one of the fastest and most effective ways to resolve common issues.

Understanding When to Restart Your Arlo Camera

Not every problem requires a restart. But knowing when to restart can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary tech support calls. Think of it like restarting your phone—you don’t do it every day, but when it’s acting slow or apps are crashing, it’s the first thing you try.

Common Signs Your Arlo Camera Needs a Restart

• Camera is offline in the app: You can’t view live video, and the status shows “disconnected” or “unavailable.”
• Delayed or no motion alerts: Your camera sees movement, but the notification takes minutes to arrive—or never comes at all.
• Video feed is frozen or lagging: The stream buffers, freezes, or shows a black screen.
• Night vision not working: The camera stays in color mode or doesn’t switch to infrared at night.
• Syncing issues with the base station or Wi-Fi: The camera won’t connect after a power outage or network change.
• Battery drain or charging problems: The camera shows low battery even after a full charge.

For example, my neighbor’s Arlo Essential kept sending false motion alerts every 15 minutes. After a quick restart, the issue stopped. The camera had simply gotten stuck in a loop. A restart reset its internal logic and fixed the problem. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.

Why Restarting Works: A Quick Tech Explanation

When your Arlo camera runs continuously, it stores temporary data in its memory. Over time, this can cause software hiccups—like a computer running too many programs at once. Restarting clears that memory, resets the Wi-Fi connection, and re-establishes the link with your Arlo app or base station. It’s like giving your camera a fresh start.

Unlike a full factory reset (which erases all settings), a restart is non-destructive. You won’t lose your recording history, motion zones, or camera names. It’s safe, quick, and reversible.

How to Restart Arlo Cameras: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you know why you should restart, let’s talk about how. The process varies slightly depending on your Arlo model, but the core idea is the same: power cycle the device by forcing a shutdown and restart.

Restarting Wired Arlo Cameras (Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential Wired)

• Step 1: Unplug the power cable from the camera or the power adapter.
• Step 2: Wait at least 30 seconds. This gives the camera time to fully power down and reset its internal systems.
• Step 3: Plug the power cable back in.
• Step 4: Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to boot up and reconnect to Wi-Fi. The LED light will flash amber, then turn blue (or green, depending on model) when ready.

Pro tip: If your camera is mounted high up, use a ladder or pole to safely unplug and replug the cable. Avoid yanking the cord—this can damage the connector.

Restarting Battery-Powered Arlo Cameras (Arlo Pro 3, Essential, Go, etc.)

• Step 1: Locate the sync button on the side or back of the camera.
• Step 2: Press and hold the sync button for 10–15 seconds until the LED light flashes amber and then turns off.
• Step 3: Release the button. The camera will power down completely.
• Step 4: Wait 30 seconds, then press and release the sync button once to turn it back on.
• Step 5: Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to boot and reconnect. The LED will flash amber, then solid blue/green when connected.

Note: On some models (like Arlo Essential), holding the sync button for 10 seconds restarts the camera. On others (like Arlo Pro 4), holding it for 15 seconds may trigger a factory reset—so be precise. Always check your model’s manual.

Restarting Arlo Cameras via the App (Soft Restart)

Some newer Arlo models support a “soft restart” through the Arlo Secure app. This is useful if you can’t physically access the camera.

• Step 1: Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
• Step 2: Tap the camera you want to restart.
• Step 3: Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) or “Settings” icon.
• Step 4: Look for an option like “Restart Camera” or “Power Cycle” and tap it.
• Step 5: Confirm the restart. The camera will power off and back on remotely.

This feature is available on Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Pro 5, and some Arlo Essential models with firmware updates. If you don’t see the option, your model may not support it—stick to the physical restart method.

Restarting Arlo Cameras with a Base Station or SmartHub

If you’re using an Arlo system with a base station (like Arlo Pro 3 or Ultra), the restart process can involve the hub. This is important because the base station manages communication between your cameras and the cloud.

When to Restart the Base Station

Restart the base station if:

• Multiple cameras go offline at the same time.
• You’re having trouble syncing new cameras.
• The base station LED is flashing red or not lit at all.

Think of it like restarting your router—sometimes the hub itself needs a refresh.

How to Restart the Arlo Base Station

• Step 1: Unplug the base station from power and disconnect the Ethernet cable (if used).
• Step 2: Wait 60 seconds. This is longer than for cameras because the base station has more complex systems.
• Step 3: Plug the power back in. Wait for the LED to turn solid blue (or green).
• Step 4: Reconnect the Ethernet cable if you use wired internet.
• Step 5: Wait 2–3 minutes for the base station to reconnect to Wi-Fi and sync with your cameras.

Tip: After restarting the base station, check the Arlo app. Your cameras should reconnect automatically. If not, try restarting each camera individually.

Restarting Cameras Connected to a SmartHub

Arlo SmartHub (used with Arlo Pro 5S, for example) works similarly. The process is:

• Unplug the SmartHub for 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and wait for the LED to stabilize.
• Wait 3–5 minutes for cameras to reconnect.

SmartHubs often have better signal range and local storage, so a restart here can fix connection issues across your entire system.

Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting After a Restart

Sometimes, a restart isn’t enough. Or the problem returns after a few hours. Here’s how to go deeper and ensure a lasting fix.

Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Arlo cameras need a strong, stable Wi-Fi connection. A weak signal can cause disconnections even after a restart. Use the Arlo app to check signal strength:

• Open the app > tap the camera > look for “Signal Strength” in settings.
• Ideal: -50 to -60 dBm (excellent).
• Problematic: Below -70 dBm (weak).

If the signal is weak, consider:

• Moving the camera closer to your router.
• Using an Arlo Chime or SmartHub as a range extender.
• Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 if your router supports it.

My backyard camera used to drop offline every evening. After checking the signal, I realized it was -75 dBm. I moved the SmartHub to a central location, and the signal improved to -58 dBm. No more disconnections.

Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause bugs that a restart won’t fix. Arlo regularly releases updates to improve performance and security.

• Open the Arlo app > tap “Settings” > “My Devices” > select your camera.
• Look for “Firmware Update” and tap “Update Now” if available.

Always restart the camera after updating firmware to apply changes fully.

Re-Sync the Camera

If the camera still won’t connect after a restart, it may need to be re-synced with the base station or Wi-Fi.

• On the camera, press and hold the sync button for 2–3 seconds (not the full 10–15 seconds).
• On the base station, press the sync button for 2 seconds.
• Wait for the camera to blink blue and the base station to acknowledge it.

This re-establishes the pairing without a factory reset.

Check for Physical Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t software—it’s hardware.

• Battery issues: If a battery-powered camera won’t turn on after a restart, try charging it for 30 minutes.
• Weather damage: If your camera is outside, check for water damage, cracked lenses, or loose mounts.
• Obstructions: Make sure the camera lens isn’t covered by leaves, dirt, or spiderwebs.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Restart Times and LED Indicators

Arlo Model	Restart Method	Hold Sync Button	Power Cycle Time	LED After Restart	Notes
Arlo Pro 3/4	Sync button or app	10 sec	30 sec off, 1–2 min boot	Flashing amber → solid blue	15 sec = factory reset
Arlo Essential	Sync button	10 sec	30 sec off, 1–2 min boot	Flashing amber → solid green	No app restart option
Arlo Ultra/2	App or sync button	10 sec	30 sec off, 2–3 min boot	Flashing amber → solid blue	Supports remote restart
Arlo Go	Sync button	10 sec	30 sec off, 2 min boot	Flashing amber → solid green	Requires LTE signal
Arlo Base Station	Unplug power	N/A	60 sec off, 3–5 min boot	Solid blue when ready	Sync cameras afterward

This table gives you a quick reference for every major Arlo model. Use it when you’re in a hurry or troubleshooting at night. The LED patterns are especially helpful—knowing what to expect saves time.

Final Thoughts: Make Restarting Part of Your Routine

Restarting your Arlo camera isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a skill every smart home owner should master. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen feed, missed alerts, or connection drops, a simple restart often gets things back on track—no tech support needed.

I’ve made it a habit to restart one camera every Sunday. It takes less than a minute, and it prevents small issues from becoming big problems. Think of it like brushing your teeth: a small daily effort that keeps everything healthy. Over time, you’ll notice fewer glitches, smoother performance, and more reliable alerts.

And remember: restarting is safe. It won’t delete your videos, change your settings, or void your warranty. It’s the first step in the Arlo troubleshooting ladder—before you dive into factory resets, network changes, or hardware replacements.

So the next time your Arlo camera acts up, don’t panic. Take a breath. Grab your ladder or open the app. And restart your Arlo camera. Chances are, it’ll be back online before you can say “motion detected.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I restart my Arlo camera when it’s not responding?

If your Arlo camera is frozen or unresponsive, press and hold the sync button on the device for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This forces a hard restart and typically resolves connectivity issues.

What’s the quickest way to restart an Arlo camera?

The fastest method is using the sync button: hold it for 10 seconds until the LED blinks, then wait 2–3 minutes for the camera to reconnect to the base station or Wi-Fi network.

Can I restart my Arlo camera remotely using the app?

Yes! Open the Arlo app, select your camera, tap the settings icon, and choose “Restart Device.” This restarts your Arlo camera without needing physical access, ideal for troubleshooting.

Why does my Arlo camera keep disconnecting, and should I restart it?

Frequent disconnections may stem from Wi-Fi interference or software glitches. Restarting the camera often refreshes its connection and resolves temporary bugs.

How long does it take to restart an Arlo camera completely?

A full restart (including reboot and reconnection) takes 2–5 minutes. The LED will turn solid blue or green when the Arlo camera restart process is complete.

Is restarting my Arlo camera the same as resetting it?

No. Restarting (power cycling) fixes minor issues without erasing settings, while a factory reset deletes all configurations. Only restart unless Arlo support advises otherwise.