How Do You Reset Arlo Camera A Step by Step Guide

Resetting your Arlo camera is quick and easy—just press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This restores factory settings and resolves most connectivity or performance issues. Follow up by re-adding the camera to your Arlo app to complete the setup process.

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 for 10 seconds to start.
• Wait for LED blink: Release when the LED flashes amber to confirm reset.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera in the Arlo app after resetting.
• Check power source: Ensure camera is powered during the entire reset process.
• Update firmware: Install latest updates post-reset for optimal performance.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Arlo Camera

Let’s face it—smart home tech is amazing, but it’s not perfect. One minute your Arlo camera is flawlessly capturing crisp 1080p footage of your front porch, and the next, it’s blinking red, refusing to connect, or stuck in a loop of disconnections. Sound familiar? I’ve been there. A few months ago, my Arlo Pro 4 wouldn’t sync with the base station no matter how many times I toggled Wi-Fi. After hours of frustration, a simple reset saved the day. That’s when I realized: resetting an Arlo camera isn’t just a last resort—it’s often the most efficient fix.

Whether you’re moving homes, troubleshooting connectivity, or prepping a camera for resale, knowing how to reset your Arlo camera can save you time, stress, and unnecessary calls to tech support. But here’s the catch: not all resets are the same. Some clear network settings, others wipe the device completely. Done wrong, you might lose custom settings or even brick the camera. That’s why I’ve put together this step-by-step guide to walk you through every type of reset, tailored to your specific Arlo model and situation. No fluff, no jargon—just real-world solutions.

Understanding the Types of Arlo Camera Resets

Before you press that reset button, it’s crucial to know which type of reset you actually need. Think of it like restarting your phone versus factory resetting it. One is a quick fix; the other wipes everything. Arlo cameras offer two main reset options: a soft reset (also called a network reset) and a hard reset (factory reset). Let’s break down the differences and when to use each.

Soft Reset: Fix Connectivity Without Losing Data

A soft reset is perfect for everyday issues like poor Wi-Fi signal, failed syncs, or motion detection glitches. This process resets the camera’s network settings but keeps your account, custom rules, and saved clips intact. It’s ideal if:

• Your camera shows “Offline” in the Arlo app
• You’ve changed your Wi-Fi network and need to re-pair
• The camera isn’t responding to motion alerts

Pro tip: I once had an Arlo Ultra that kept disconnecting during storms. A soft reset restored the connection in under 2 minutes—no need to redownload 6 months of saved videos.

Hard Reset: Start Fresh (Use Sparingly)

A hard reset erases everything: network settings, account link, firmware updates, and even custom names. Use this only when:

• You’re selling or giving away the camera
• You’re troubleshooting persistent hardware/software bugs
• A soft reset failed multiple times

⚠️ Warning: After a hard reset, you’ll need to reconfigure the camera from scratch. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally hard-reset my backyard camera—I had to re-pair it, re-enable geofencing, and re-download my favorite activity zones. Not fun.

Which Reset Do You Need?

Still unsure? Ask yourself: *Is this a connectivity issue or a full system failure?* If it’s just Wi-Fi or sync problems, start with a soft reset. If the camera is completely unresponsive or you’re preparing it for a new owner, go with a hard reset. Remember: soft reset first, hard reset as a last resort.

How to Soft Reset Arlo Cameras (Step-by-Step)

Soft resets are the bread and butter of Arlo troubleshooting. They’re quick, safe, and solve 80% of common issues. The exact steps vary slightly by model, but the core process is the same. Here’s how to do it for the most popular Arlo cameras.

Soft Reset for Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra

These wired and wire-free Pro models use a sync button on the camera for soft resets:

1. Locate the sync button: On most Pro models, it’s on the side or back of the camera (often under a rubber flap).
2. Press and hold for 2–3 seconds: Use a paperclip or pen tip. The LED will blink amber, then turn solid amber.
3. Release when solid amber: Wait 10 seconds. The LED will blink blue—this means it’s ready to sync.
4. Re-sync via the Arlo app: Open the app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the prompts to re-pair the camera.

Real-world example: My neighbor’s Arlo Pro 3 lost Wi-Fi after a router upgrade. We soft-reset it, and it reconnected in 90 seconds—no factory reset needed.

Soft Reset for Arlo Q and Q Plus (Indoor Wired)

These indoor cameras have a reset button on the back:

1. Unplug the camera: Power it off first for safety.
2. Press and hold the reset button: Use a paperclip for 10 seconds while plugging it back in.
3. Wait for blinking blue LED: The camera will restart and enter pairing mode.
4. Reconnect via app: The Arlo app will detect it automatically.

Tip: If the LED stays red, wait 2 minutes and try again. Sometimes the camera needs extra time to initialize.

Soft Reset for Arlo Essential (Wire-Free and Wired)

The Essential series uses a slightly different method:

1. Open the battery compartment: Slide the latch and remove the cover.
2. Press the reset button inside: Hold for 3 seconds until the LED blinks blue.
3. Re-pair in the app: The camera will appear as “New Device” in the Arlo app.

Note: For the Arlo Essential XL (with solar panel), you’ll need to disconnect the solar panel first—the reset button is under the battery.

Troubleshooting Soft Reset Issues

• LED won’t blink blue? Try holding the button longer (up to 10 seconds). Low battery can also cause this.
• App won’t detect the camera? Restart your phone and ensure Bluetooth is on.
• Still offline after reset? Check your router’s 2.4 GHz band—Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz.

How to Hard Reset Arlo Cameras (Factory Reset)

A hard reset is like giving your camera a fresh start. It’s powerful but should be used sparingly. Here’s how to do it safely across models.

Hard Reset for Arlo Pro Series (Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra)

1. Press and hold the sync button: Hold for 15–20 seconds (not 2–3 like a soft reset).
2. Watch the LED: It will blink amber, then turn solid amber, then blink blue rapidly.
3. Release when blinking blue: The camera will restart and enter setup mode.
4. Factory reset complete: The camera will no longer appear in your Arlo account.

Caution: If you release too early, you’ll only trigger a soft reset. I recommend using a timer app on your phone to ensure you hold it long enough.

Hard Reset for Arlo Q, Q Plus, and Arlo Baby

1. Unplug the camera.
2. Press and hold the reset button.
3. Plug it back in while holding the button for 30 seconds.
4. Release when the LED blinks blue rapidly.

Note: Arlo Baby has a hidden reset button under the base—you’ll need to remove the stand to access it.

Hard Reset for Arlo Essential (Wire-Free and Wired)

1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Press and hold the reset button for 20 seconds.
3. Wait for rapid blue blinking.
4. Reinstall batteries and close the compartment.

Pro tip: For the Essential XL with solar panel, you’ll need to disconnect the solar panel before opening the battery compartment. The reset button is on the battery tray.

After a Hard Reset: What to Expect

• The camera will appear as “New Device” in the Arlo app.
• All saved clips, activity zones, and schedules will be deleted.
• You’ll need to reconfigure motion sensitivity, alerts, and Wi-Fi.
• If using a base station (e.g., Arlo SmartHub), you’ll need to re-pair the camera to it.

💡 Bonus tip: Take a screenshot of your current settings (motion zones, schedules, etc.) before hard resetting. It’ll save you 15–20 minutes of reconfiguration later.

Resetting Arlo Cameras with a Base Station or SmartHub

If you’re using an Arlo base station (like the Arlo SmartHub VMB4000 or VMB5000), the reset process changes slightly. The base station acts as a bridge between your cameras and the cloud, so resetting it affects all connected devices.

Soft Reset: Camera + Base Station Sync

When a camera won’t sync with the base station, try this:

1. Soft reset the camera (as outlined in Section 3).
2. Press the sync button on the base station for 2 seconds.
3. Press the sync button on the camera within 2 minutes.
4. Wait for the base station LED to turn solid green.

Example: My Arlo Pro 4 kept disconnecting from the SmartHub. A camera soft reset + base station sync fixed it in 2 minutes.

Hard Reset: Base Station Factory Reset

To reset the base station itself (which erases all paired cameras):

1. Locate the reset button (usually on the back or bottom).
2. Press and hold for 10 seconds with a paperclip.
3. Wait for the LED to blink red/green (takes ~1 minute).
4. Re-pair cameras via the Arlo app.

Note: A base station reset is rare. Only do this if:

• The base station won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
• You’re moving and taking the base station to a new location.
• Multiple cameras are stuck in “Sync Failed” mode.

SmartHub VMB5000: Special Considerations

The newer SmartHub has a built-in battery backup and local storage. If resetting:

• Local recordings will be deleted.
• Cloud recordings remain safe (stored on Arlo’s servers).
• You’ll need to re-enable local storage in the app after reset.

Tip: Back up local clips to a USB drive before resetting if needed.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Reset Methods by Model

Arlo Model	Soft Reset (Hold Sync Button)	Hard Reset (Factory Reset)	Reset Button Location	LED Signal
Arlo Pro / Pro 2 / Pro 3 / Pro 4 / Ultra	2–3 seconds	15–20 seconds	Side/back (under flap)	Blinks blue after reset
Arlo Q / Q Plus	10 seconds (while powering on)	30 seconds (while powering on)	Back panel	Blinks blue rapidly
Arlo Essential (Wire-Free)	3 seconds	20 seconds	Inside battery compartment	Blinks blue
Arlo Essential XL (Solar)	3 seconds	20 seconds	Under solar panel (battery tray)	Blinks blue
Arlo Baby	10 seconds (while powering on)	30 seconds (while powering on)	Under base (remove stand)	Blinks blue rapidly
Arlo SmartHub VMB4000/5000	2 seconds (sync)	10 seconds (factory reset)	Back/bottom	Solid green (sync), Blinks red/green (reset)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Resetting Arlo Cameras

Even simple resets can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are the top mistakes I’ve seen (and made)—and how to avoid them.

1. Confusing Soft and Hard Resets

Holding the sync button for 3 seconds vs. 20 seconds makes all the difference. Use a timer if you’re unsure. I once hard-reset a camera by accident because I thought I was doing a soft reset. Lesson learned.

2. Not Checking Battery or Power

Low battery can prevent resets. Before resetting a wire-free camera:

• Charge the battery fully (or replace it).
• For wired cameras, ensure the power adapter is connected.

Real story: A friend’s Arlo Essential wouldn’t reset. We discovered the battery was at 5%. After charging, the reset worked instantly.

3. Skipping the Arlo App Sync

After any reset, you must re-sync the camera via the Arlo app. Don’t assume it’ll reconnect automatically. Open the app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the prompts.

4. Forgetting to Update Firmware

Post-reset, check for firmware updates in the app. Outdated firmware can cause the same issues you were trying to fix. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Firmware Update.

5. Overlooking Network Issues

Resets won’t fix poor Wi-Fi. If your camera keeps disconnecting:

• Move the camera closer to the router (or use a Wi-Fi extender).
• Switch to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (Arlo doesn’t support 5 GHz).
• Reduce interference from microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls.

🔑 Key takeaway: A reset is a tool, not a cure-all. Use it wisely, and pair it with good network hygiene for best results.

Resetting your Arlo camera isn’t about pressing a button—it’s about understanding what’s happening under the hood. Whether you’re fixing a glitch or starting fresh, knowing the right reset method saves time and frustration. Remember: soft reset for connectivity, hard reset for fresh starts. And always, always check your battery, Wi-Fi, and firmware before diving in.

I hope this guide helped you feel more confident with your Arlo setup. The next time your camera acts up, don’t panic. Grab a paperclip, follow the steps, and get back to peace of mind. After all, that’s what smart home tech is all about—less hassle, more security. Happy resetting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reset an Arlo camera to factory settings?

To reset an Arlo 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 defaults, erasing all network and account connections. Ensure the camera is powered during the process.

Why would I need to reset my Arlo camera?

Resetting your Arlo camera is useful if you’re experiencing connectivity issues, changing Wi-Fi networks, or preparing to sell/gift the device. A reset clears all settings, allowing for a fresh setup via the Arlo app.

How do you reset an Arlo camera without the app?

You can reset your Arlo camera physically using the sync button—no app required. Hold the button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then release. The camera will reboot and disconnect from all accounts.

Can I reset my Arlo camera remotely?

No, Arlo cameras require a physical reset using the sync button on the device. Remote resets aren’t supported to prevent unauthorized access, so you’ll need to perform the steps in person.

How long does it take to reset an Arlo camera?

The reset process takes less than a minute—just hold the sync button for 10 seconds. After the LED blinks amber, wait for the camera to reboot (about 1–2 minutes) before reconfiguring it.

What to do after resetting your Arlo camera?

After resetting, use the Arlo app to reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi and account. Follow the in-app setup prompts to reconfigure settings like motion detection, notifications, and recording preferences.