How Do You Reset Arlo Cameras A Quick Step by Step Guide

To reset Arlo cameras, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes—this restores factory settings and clears all configurations. Whether troubleshooting connectivity or preparing for resale, this quick fix ensures a clean start. Always re-pair the camera with your Arlo account afterward to resume monitoring.

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 signals: Watch for blinking lights indicating reset mode activation.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera via the Arlo app after resetting.
• Factory reset clears all: Removes settings, so reconfigure your camera afterward.
• Check power source: Ensure camera is powered during the reset process.

Why Resetting Your Arlo Camera Might Be the Fix You Need

Let’s be honest—smart home tech is awesome… until it isn’t. You’re checking your Arlo camera feed on your phone, only to find a black screen, a frozen image, or a camera that won’t connect to Wi-Fi. Maybe it keeps dropping offline, or the night vision suddenly stopped working. Sound familiar? Before you start thinking about tossing it out the window (we’ve all been there), there’s a simple, often overlooked fix: resetting your Arlo camera.

Resetting isn’t just a last-ditch effort. It’s a powerful troubleshooting step that can resolve connectivity issues, software glitches, and even improve performance after a firmware update gone sideways. Whether you’ve got an Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, or an older model, the reset process is more or less the same. But here’s the catch: there’s a *right* way and a *wrong* way to do it. Do it wrong, and you might lose your settings, waste time, or even damage the camera’s connection to your hub or base station.

Understanding What Resetting Actually Does (And When You Should Do It)

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

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clear up a common confusion: not all resets are the same. Arlo offers two main types—soft reset and factory reset—and knowing when to use each can save you a lot of headaches.

• Soft Reset (Restart): This is like turning your camera off and on again. It’s quick, doesn’t erase any data, and is perfect for minor glitches—like a camera that’s frozen or not responding. Think of it as a “refresh” button for your device.

< li>Factory Reset: This wipes the camera clean, removing all saved settings, Wi-Fi credentials, and pairing information. It’s used when you’re troubleshooting persistent issues, preparing to sell or gift the camera, or switching to a new base station. It’s the nuclear option—use it only when necessary.

For example, last winter, my Arlo Pro 4 kept disconnecting from the base station every few hours. I tried the soft reset first—just a quick power cycle—and it worked for a day. But when the issue came back, I knew it was time for a factory reset. After that, the camera paired smoothly and stayed online for weeks.

Common Signs You Need to Reset Your Arlo Camera

How do you know it’s time to reset? Look for these red flags:

• The camera appears offline in the Arlo app, even though it’s powered and nearby.
• Video feed is frozen or shows “No Signal” despite motion detection.
• Night vision or audio isn’t working, even after checking settings.
• Wi-Fi connection drops frequently or won’t reconnect after a router change.
• You’re setting up a used Arlo camera and it’s still linked to a previous account.

One of my neighbors, Sarah, had her Arlo Ultra suddenly stop recording clips. The app showed it as “online,” but no videos were saved. After a factory reset and re-pairing, it started working perfectly. Turns out, a recent firmware update had caused a sync issue that only a full reset could fix.

How to Soft Reset (Restart) Your Arlo Camera

Step-by-Step: Restarting Battery-Powered Arlo Cameras

Most Arlo cameras—like the Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential—are battery-powered. Restarting these is super simple and doesn’t require any tools.

1. Locate the power button: It’s usually on the top or back of the camera. On models like the Arlo Pro 4, it’s a small, recessed button you press with a paperclip or pen tip.
2. Press and hold for 5–10 seconds: You’ll see the LED light blink rapidly (usually amber or white). This means the camera is restarting.
3. Wait 1–2 minutes: The camera will power down and boot back up. The LED will return to its normal state (solid blue or green).
4. Check the Arlo app: Open the app and see if the camera is now responsive and streaming video.

Pro tip: If your camera is mounted high up, use a ladder with a friend holding it—safety first! I once tried to reset one on my own, dropped it, and ended up with a cracked lens. Not my finest moment.

Restarting Arlo Cameras with Wired Power (e.g., Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Go)

If your camera is plugged into a power source—like an Arlo Pro 2 with a power adapter or an Arlo Go with a solar panel—restarting means cutting and restoring power.

1. Unplug the power adapter: Remove the USB cable from the wall outlet or disconnect the solar panel.
2. Wait 30 seconds: This allows the camera to fully power down and clear its memory.
3. Reconnect the power: Plug it back in. The camera will boot up, and the LED will flash as it reconnects.
4. Verify in the app: Make sure the camera shows as “online” and streaming.

Note: Arlo Go (LTE model) may take longer to reconnect since it needs to establish a cellular connection. Be patient—it can take up to 5 minutes.

How to Factory Reset Your Arlo Camera (The Complete Guide)

Factory Reset for Battery-Powered Arlo Cameras (Pro, Ultra, Essential)

This is the most common scenario. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.

1. Remove the camera from your Arlo account: Open the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices, select your camera, and tap “Remove Device.” This is crucial—it clears the camera from your account before resetting it physically.
2. Locate the reset button: On most models, it’s a small hole next to the power button or on the side. Use a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or toothpick to press it.
3. Press and hold for 10–15 seconds: You’ll see the LED flash rapidly (usually amber or white). Keep holding until the light turns off and then back on in a steady pattern.
4. Wait for the reset to complete: The camera will reboot and enter setup mode (LED blinking blue).
5. Re-add the camera to your account: Go back to the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the setup process like it’s brand new.

Real-life example: My brother-in-law moved into a new house and inherited an old Arlo Pro 3. It was still linked to the previous owner’s account. He couldn’t pair it until he did a factory reset. Once reset, he added it to his own Arlo app in under 10 minutes.

Factory Reset for Wired or Hub-Connected Cameras (Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Baby, etc.)

If your camera connects via a base station or hub (like Arlo Pro 2 or Arlo Baby), the process is slightly different.

1. Remove the camera from the base station: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Base Station > Camera Settings, select the camera, and tap “Remove.”
2. Press the reset button on the camera: Same as above—hold for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes.
3. Wait for the base station to detect the reset: The base station LED will flash amber, indicating it’s ready to pair with the camera.
4. Re-pair the camera: Press the “Sync” button on the base station, then press the sync button on the camera. The base station will beep when successful.
5. Re-add to your account: The camera will now appear in the app for setup.

Tip: If the base station doesn’t detect the camera after reset, try powering the base station off and on. Sometimes it needs a fresh start too.

Special Case: Arlo Doorbell and Arlo Floodlight Cameras

These have slightly different reset methods due to their design.

• Arlo Doorbell: Remove from the app first. Then, press and hold the reset button (on the back or side) for 15 seconds. The LED will flash blue when ready to pair.
• Arlo Floodlight: Unmount the floodlight, locate the reset button (usually near the power terminals), and hold for 15 seconds. The light will flash rapidly, then turn off and on.

Note: For wired doorbells, make sure the power is still connected during the reset. If you’ve turned off the circuit breaker, the camera won’t reset properly.

Resetting the Arlo Base Station or Hub (When the Whole System Acts Up)

When You Should Reset the Base Station

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the camera—it’s with the base station. If multiple cameras are offline, or the hub itself is unresponsive, a base station reset might be the solution.

• All cameras show as “offline” despite being powered.
• The base station LED is flashing red or not lighting up.
• You’re getting error messages like “Base Station Not Connected.”
• You’re setting up a new base station and need to clear old settings.

One user in a Facebook group shared that her base station stopped connecting to Wi-Fi after a power outage. A factory reset fixed it in minutes.

How to Reset the Arlo Base Station

1. Power off the base station: Unplug it from the wall outlet.
2. Locate the reset button: Usually on the back or bottom. Use a paperclip to press it.
3. Press and hold while plugging in power: Keep holding the button for 15–20 seconds as you plug it back in. The LED will flash rapidly.
4. Wait for the reset to complete: The base station will reboot. The LED will turn solid blue when ready.
5. Re-pair your cameras: Press the sync button on the base station, then sync each camera one by one.

Important: After resetting the base station, you’ll need to reconfigure Wi-Fi, time zone, and other settings. Have your Wi-Fi password ready!

What to Do After Resetting: Re-Setup, Troubleshooting, and Tips

Re-Adding Your Camera to the Arlo App

Once reset, your camera is like new. Here’s how to get it back online fast:

• Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device.”
• Select your camera model and follow the on-screen instructions.
• When prompted, press the sync button on the camera (or base station).
• Enter your Wi-Fi details (SSID and password).
• Wait for the camera to connect—usually takes 1–2 minutes.

Pro tip: If the camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try moving it closer to the router during setup. Once connected, you can move it back to its original spot.

Common Post-Reset Issues and How to Fix Them

• Camera won’t sync with the app: Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the camera during setup. Also, check that the camera LED is blinking blue (setup mode).
• No video after reset: Ensure the SD card (if used) is properly inserted. For cloud cameras, verify your subscription is active.
• Night vision not working: Check that “Night Vision” is enabled in the app under Settings > Video Settings.
• Battery drains fast: After a reset, the camera may run diagnostics, which uses extra power. This should normalize in 24–48 hours.

I once reset an Arlo Essential and it wouldn’t connect. Turned out the Wi-Fi password had special characters the camera couldn’t read. I changed it to a simpler one, and it worked instantly.

Preventing Future Issues: Maintenance Tips

• Update firmware regularly: Go to Settings > Firmware Update and enable auto-updates.
• Clean the lens monthly: Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime.
• Check battery health: Replace rechargeable batteries every 1–2 years.
• Keep the base station in a central location: Avoid metal walls or appliances that cause interference.

Quick Reference: Arlo Reset Guide by Model

Camera Model	Reset Button Location	Hold Time	LED Indicator	Special Notes
Arlo Pro 4	Top (recessed)	10–15 seconds	Amber flash → solid blue	Remove from app first
Arlo Ultra	Side (small hole)	15 seconds	White flash → blinking blue	Sync with base station after
Arlo Essential	Back (under cover)	10 seconds	Blue flash → solid blue	Wi-Fi only—no hub
Arlo Pro 2	Top (next to power)	15 seconds	Amber flash → base station sync	Requires base station
Arlo Doorbell	Back panel	15 seconds	Blue blink	Ensure power is on
Arlo Base Station	Back (small hole)	15–20 seconds (while powering on)	Red → solid blue	Re-pair all cameras

Final Thoughts: Resetting Is Your Secret Weapon

Resetting your Arlo camera isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of smart troubleshooting. Whether it’s a quick soft reset to fix a freeze or a full factory reset to solve a deeper issue, this simple step can save you hours of frustration, unnecessary tech support calls, or even the cost of a replacement.

Think of it like restarting your phone when an app crashes. It’s not magic, but it works. And now that you know how to do it the right way—whether you’ve got a battery-powered Pro 4, a wired Pro 2, or a base station that’s acting up—you’re equipped to handle almost any Arlo hiccup that comes your way.

So the next time your Arlo goes dark or starts acting weird, don’t panic. Grab a paperclip, follow these steps, and give your camera a fresh start. You’ll be back to checking your porch, backyard, or baby’s room in no time. And hey—maybe even save yourself a trip to the store.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reset Arlo cameras to factory settings?

To reset Arlo cameras, press and hold the sync button on the camera for about 10-15 seconds until the LED blinks amber. This will restore the camera to its original factory settings, removing all network configurations. Make sure the camera is powered on during this process.

Can I reset my Arlo camera using the app?

Yes, you can reset your Arlo camera using the Arlo app by navigating to the device settings and selecting “Remove Device.” This will reset the camera to factory defaults. After removal, you can re-add it as a new device if needed.

What should I do if my Arlo camera isn’t responding to a reset?

If your Arlo camera doesn’t respond to the reset, ensure it’s fully charged or connected to a power source. Try holding the sync button for a longer duration (up to 20 seconds) and check if the LED blinks as expected. If issues persist, contact Arlo support for further troubleshooting.

How do you reset Arlo cameras when moving to a new Wi-Fi network?

To reset Arlo cameras for a new Wi-Fi network, first remove the camera from the app, then hold the sync button for 10-15 seconds. After resetting, set up the camera again and connect it to the new Wi-Fi during the reconfiguration process.

Does resetting an Arlo camera delete cloud recordings?

No, resetting an Arlo camera does not delete your cloud recordings stored in your Arlo account. However, local recordings (if saved on a microSD card) may be erased. Always back up important footage before resetting the device.

How long does it take to reset Arlo cameras?

The physical reset process takes about 10-20 seconds of holding the sync button. However, full reconfiguration, including Wi-Fi setup and syncing with the base station or app, may take an additional 1-2 minutes depending on your network speed.