How Do You Reset an Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Steps

To reset an Arlo camera quickly, press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This simple hardware reset restores factory settings and resolves most connectivity or performance issues. After resetting, reconfigure your camera via the Arlo app to restore full functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip for 10 seconds.
• Wait for LED blink: Release when the LED flashes amber, confirming reset initiation.
• Reconnect to app: Re-add the camera in the Arlo app after reset completes.
• Check power source: Ensure camera is powered during reset to avoid interruptions.
• Update firmware: Install latest firmware post-reset for optimal performance.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Arlo Camera

Imagine this: You’re checking your Arlo camera feed on your phone, only to find it’s frozen, unresponsive, or just not connecting. You’ve tried turning it off and on, but nothing works. Frustrating, right? That’s when knowing how to reset your Arlo camera becomes a lifesaver. Whether you’re dealing with Wi-Fi connectivity issues, a forgotten password, or simply want to repurpose the device for a new setup, a reset can bring your camera back to its original factory settings—like it just came out of the box.

But here’s the thing: Resetting an Arlo camera isn’t just about pressing a button and hoping for the best. It’s a deliberate step that requires a bit of understanding. Done incorrectly, you could end up with a device that won’t reconnect to your network, or worse, one that’s stuck in a loop. That’s why it’s important to know *which* reset method to use and *when* to use it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from soft resets to full factory resets—so you can get your Arlo camera back in action without the stress.

Understanding the Types of Arlo Camera Resets

Not all resets are created equal. Arlo offers different reset options depending on your situation, and choosing the right one can save you time and headaches. Let’s break down the two main types: the soft reset (or restart) and the factory reset. Knowing the difference is key to solving your problem efficiently.

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

A soft reset is like giving your camera a quick nap. It restarts the device without erasing any of your settings, Wi-Fi passwords, or recordings. This is perfect if your camera is frozen, lagging, or temporarily glitching. Think of it as the digital equivalent of “turning it off and on again.”

A factory reset, on the other hand, is more like a full system wipe. It erases all your custom settings, removes the camera from your Arlo account, and returns it to its original state. This is ideal if you’re selling your camera, moving it to a new account, or troubleshooting persistent issues that a soft reset can’t fix.

When to Use Each Type

• Use a soft reset when:
  • The camera feed is frozen or lagging
  • The camera is responding slowly to commands
  • You’ve just updated the firmware and things feel “off”
• Use a factory reset when:
  • You can’t log in to your Arlo account
  • The camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi after multiple attempts
  • You’re preparing to give the camera to someone else
  • You’ve forgotten your Arlo account password and need to re-register

Pro tip: Always try a soft reset first. It’s quick, safe, and often solves minor glitches without losing your data. If that doesn’t work, then move on to a factory reset.

How to Perform a Soft Reset on Your Arlo Camera

Let’s start with the easiest method—the soft reset. This is your go-to fix for temporary hiccups, and it takes less than a minute. No tools, no apps, just a simple power cycle. I’ve used this trick more times than I can count, especially when my Arlo Pro 4 wouldn’t load the live feed during a storm.

Step-by-Step Guide for Battery-Powered Cameras

Most Arlo cameras—like the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential—are battery-powered and don’t have a traditional power button. Here’s how to soft reset them:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the back or bottom of the camera.
2. Use the included magnetic charging cable or a small tool to gently pop open the compartment.
3. Remove the battery for about 30 seconds.
4. Reinsert the battery and close the compartment securely.
5. Wait for the camera’s LED light to flash (usually blue or white), which means it’s powering back up.
6. Give it 1–2 minutes to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and Arlo app.

💡 Personal tip: I keep a spare battery handy just for this. Removing and reinserting the same battery works, but using a fresh one can help rule out power issues.

For Arlo Cameras with a Power Button (e.g., Arlo Go)

If you’re using an Arlo Go (a cellular-enabled camera), you can simply:

1. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds until the LED turns off.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Press the power button again to restart the camera.

After restarting, check your Arlo app. The camera should reconnect within a minute or two. If it doesn’t, don’t panic—just move on to the next step.

What to Do If the Soft Reset Doesn’t Work

If your camera still isn’t connecting after a soft reset, it might be a Wi-Fi or network issue. Try the following:

• Check if other Arlo cameras are working. If yes, the problem is likely with this specific device.
• Move the camera closer to your router temporarily to rule out signal interference.
• Restart your router and modem—sometimes the issue is on the network side.
• Update the Arlo app to the latest version.

Still no luck? It’s time to consider a factory reset.

How to Perform a Factory Reset on Your Arlo Camera

A factory reset is more involved, but it’s often the only solution for stubborn connectivity issues or forgotten account settings. This process erases everything—your Wi-Fi password, motion zones, schedules, and even the camera’s link to your Arlo account. After the reset, you’ll need to set it up again from scratch.

Using the Reset Button (Most Arlo Models)

Most Arlo cameras—including the Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential—have a tiny reset button hidden behind the battery compartment. Here’s how to use it:

1. Remove the battery (as described in the soft reset section).
2. Look for a small hole next to the battery slot. That’s the reset button.
3. Use a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or a straightened paperclip to gently press and hold the button.
4. While holding the reset button, reinsert the battery.
5. Keep holding the button for 10–15 seconds until the LED light flashes amber and then blue (or white, depending on the model).
6. Release the button. The camera is now reset.

⚠️ Important: Do not release the button too soon. If the LED doesn’t change color, the reset hasn’t completed. Try again, holding for the full 15 seconds.

For Arlo Cameras Without a Reset Button (e.g., Arlo Q, Arlo Baby)

Some indoor models, like the Arlo Q and Arlo Baby, don’t have a physical reset button. Instead, you can reset them through the Arlo app:

1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
2. Tap the camera you want to reset.
3. Go to Settings > Remove Device.
4. Confirm the removal. This disconnects the camera from your account.
5. Unplug the camera from power for 30 seconds.
6. Plug it back in and wait for the LED to flash.
7. The camera is now in setup mode and ready to be re-added.

💡 Real-world example: My Arlo Q once wouldn’t connect after a power outage. I used the app method above, and within 5 minutes, it was back online. Much easier than digging around for a hidden button!

What Happens After the Factory Reset?

Once reset, your camera will:

• Forget all Wi-Fi networks and passwords
• Remove itself from your Arlo account
• Clear motion zones, schedules, and activity settings
• Enter setup mode (LED will flash blue or white)

Now you’ll need to set it up again using the Arlo app. We’ll cover that in the next section.

Re-Setting Up Your Arlo Camera After a Reset

Resetting your camera is only half the battle. The real work begins when you need to reconnect it to your network and customize your settings. But don’t worry—it’s actually pretty straightforward, especially if you’ve done it before.

Step-by-Step Re-Setup Using the Arlo App

1. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap the + icon to add a new device.
3. Select your camera model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential).
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will guide you through:
   • Scanning the QR code on the camera (usually on the bottom or back)
   • Connecting to your Wi-Fi network
   • Entering your Wi-Fi password
   • Waiting for the camera to update firmware (if needed)
5. Once connected, name your camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).
6. Customize settings like motion detection zones, alerts, and recording schedules.

💡 Pro tip: If your camera keeps failing to connect during setup, try placing it within 10 feet of your router. Wi-Fi signal strength is crucial during initial pairing.

Common Re-Setup Issues and Fixes

• Camera won’t scan QR code?

  Make sure the camera is powered on and the QR code is clean and undamaged. Try holding your phone 6–8 inches away.
• Wi-Fi password not accepted?

  Double-check for typos. Arlo doesn’t support Wi-Fi passwords with special characters like “&” or “#” in some older firmware versions. Try using only letters and numbers.

• Camera stuck on “connecting”?

  Restart your router, then try again. Also, ensure your Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz—Arlo cameras don’t work with 5 GHz networks (except Arlo Ultra 2, which supports dual-band).

Updating Firmware After Reset

After setup, check for firmware updates. Outdated firmware can cause bugs and security issues. To update:

1. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Version.
2. If an update is available, tap Update.
3. Wait for the camera to download and install the update (usually takes 2–5 minutes).

Never disconnect the camera during a firmware update—it could brick the device!

Preventing Future Issues: Best Practices for Arlo Camera Maintenance

Now that your Arlo camera is reset and working again, let’s talk about how to avoid these issues in the future. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your system running smoothly.

Regular Firmware Updates

Arlo releases firmware updates to fix bugs, improve security, and add new features. Make it a habit to check for updates every few months. You can enable automatic updates in the app under Settings > Device Info > Auto Update.

Wi-Fi Network Best Practices

Your camera is only as strong as your Wi-Fi signal. Here’s how to optimize it:

• Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system if your camera is far from the router.
• Place the router centrally in your home.
• Keep the camera at least 10 feet away from microwaves, cordless phones, and metal objects (they can interfere with signals).
• Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password (but avoid special characters that Arlo might not recognize).

Cleaning and Physical Care

Outdoor cameras collect dust, spiderwebs, and pollen. Clean them every 3–6 months:

1. Power off the camera (remove the battery).
2. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the lens and body.
3. For stubborn grime, lightly dampen the cloth with water—never use cleaning sprays or solvents.
4. Check the lens for scratches or fogging. A foggy lens can distort recordings.

Monitoring Battery and Storage

Battery-powered Arlo cameras can go months on a single charge, but it varies. To prevent sudden shutdowns:

• Check battery levels weekly in the Arlo app.
• Use Arlo’s solar panel (if available) for continuous charging.
• For cloud storage, ensure your subscription is active. For local storage, check your microSD card regularly.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Reset Methods by Model

Arlo Camera Model	Soft Reset Method	Factory Reset Method	Notes
Arlo Pro 4 / Pro 3	Remove battery for 30 sec	Press reset button while reinserting battery	Reset button inside battery compartment
Arlo Ultra 2 / Ultra	Remove battery for 30 sec	Press reset button while reinserting battery	LED flashes amber then blue
Arlo Essential	Remove battery for 30 sec	Press reset button while reinserting battery	Use paperclip for reset hole
Arlo Q / Arlo Q Plus	Unplug for 30 sec	Remove via Arlo app + unplug	No physical reset button
Arlo Baby	Unplug for 30 sec	Remove via Arlo app + unplug	Wi-Fi only; no battery
Arlo Go	Hold power button 5 sec	Hold reset button 10 sec (if available)	Cellular model; check SIM

Remember, the exact LED color and flash pattern may vary slightly between models, but the process remains consistent. Always refer to your camera’s user manual for model-specific details.

Final Thoughts: Resetting Your Arlo Camera Made Simple

Resetting an Arlo camera doesn’t have to be scary. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen feed, a forgotten password, or a camera that just won’t connect, knowing how to reset it—and when to do it—can save you hours of frustration. The key is understanding the difference between a soft reset (for quick fixes) and a factory reset (for deeper issues).

From my own experience, the most common mistake people make is jumping straight to a factory reset when a simple battery removal would’ve worked. Always start simple. And if you do need a full reset, don’t worry—Arlo’s app makes re-setting up surprisingly painless. Just keep your Wi-Fi password handy, stay patient, and follow the steps carefully.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is a tool to give you peace of mind. A quick reset can restore that sense of security in just minutes. So the next time your camera acts up, take a breath, grab a paperclip, and reset with confidence. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reset an Arlo camera to factory settings?

To reset an Arlo camera, press and hold the sync button (located on the side or back) for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks amber. This restores factory settings and disconnects the camera from your account, allowing for reconfiguration.

Can I reset my Arlo camera without the app?

Yes, you can reset your Arlo camera using only the physical sync button—no app required. Hold the button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes, then set it up again via the app or web portal.

How do you reset an Arlo camera if it’s not responding?

If your Arlo camera is unresponsive, perform a hard reset by holding the sync button for 15–20 seconds. Ensure the battery is charged or the device is powered during the process to avoid interruptions.

What does resetting an Arlo camera do?

Resetting an Arlo camera erases all custom settings, removes it from your account, and returns it to default mode. It’s useful for troubleshooting, selling, or reconfiguring the camera.

How often should you reset an Arlo camera?

Only reset your Arlo camera when troubleshooting connectivity issues, preparing to transfer ownership, or reconfiguring settings. Frequent resets aren’t necessary and may disrupt recordings or alerts.

How do you reset an Arlo camera after changing Wi-Fi?

After changing Wi-Fi, reset the Arlo camera by holding the sync button for 10–15 seconds, then re-pair it via the app using your new network credentials. This ensures a clean connection to the updated Wi-Fi.