Reset your Arlo camera in 2026 quickly and safely by holding the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, instantly restoring factory settings. This simple process erases all configurations, making it ideal for troubleshooting, reselling, or re-pairing your device with any base station. No app or Wi-Fi needed—just direct physical access for a reliable, hassle-free reset.

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How to Default an Arlo Camera in 2026: Easy Reset Guide

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 default.
• Wait for LED blink: Release when the LED flashes amber and green alternately.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Reconfigure camera settings via the Arlo app post-reset.
• Factory reset clears all: Removes saved networks, rules, and paired devices permanently.
• Update firmware after: Ensure latest software for optimal performance and security.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever set up a new Arlo camera only to realize it’s still connected to someone else’s account? Or maybe you’re handing yours down to a family member and want to wipe your data clean. That’s when knowing how to default an Arlo camera in 2026 becomes a lifesaver.

I’ve been there. A friend once bought a second-hand Arlo Pro 4, and the previous owner hadn’t removed it from their account. The camera wouldn’t connect, kept blinking red, and we were stuck in tech limbo. After an hour of troubleshooting, we found the solution: a factory reset.

Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, preparing to sell your camera, or just starting fresh, resetting to factory defaults clears all settings, removes Wi-Fi networks, and disconnects from the cloud. It’s like giving your Arlo a clean slate.

But here’s the catch: not all Arlo models reset the same way. The process varies slightly between the Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, and newer 2026 models with updated firmware. That’s why this easy reset guide is designed for today’s most common models—so you don’t waste time guessing.

Note: A factory reset doesn’t delete videos stored in the cloud (if you have Arlo Secure). But it does erase local settings, motion zones, and Wi-Fi credentials. Always back up important recordings before resetting.

What You Need

Before you start, gather these essentials. Nothing fancy—just a few basics to make the process smooth.

• Your Arlo camera (obviously) – any model from Arlo Pro 3 to Arlo Ultra 2, or 2026 models like Arlo Pro 5 or Arlo Essential XL.
• A paperclip or small pin – for pressing the reset button (most models have a tiny recessed hole).
• A stable Wi-Fi network – you’ll need to reconnect after the reset.
• The Arlo app – downloaded on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android).
• A power source – plug in your camera or ensure the battery is fully charged. Resetting during low power can cause issues.
• Patience (5–10 minutes) – the actual reset takes under 2 minutes, but setup afterward takes a little time.

No special tools required. Just make sure your phone and camera are within 10–15 feet during reconnection. I once tried resetting mine from the backyard—signal dropped mid-process, and I had to restart. Lesson learned.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Default an Arlo Camera in 2026: Easy Reset Guide

Step 1: Power On and Check Status

Start by making sure your Arlo camera is powered on and not in sleep mode. If it’s battery-operated, press the power button briefly to wake it up.

Look at the LED light on the front or side:

• Solid blue = connected and ready.
• Blinking blue = pairing mode (not reset mode).
• Blinking amber = low battery or connection issue.
• Solid amber or red = error or offline.

If the light is off or blinking red, charge or plug in the camera first. A reset won’t work if the camera can’t power up fully.

Pro insight: I once tried resetting a camera with a dying battery. It shut down mid-reset and took 20 minutes to recover. Always charge first.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

This is where things get model-specific. The reset button is usually a tiny hole on the back, bottom, or side of the camera.

Here’s where to find it on popular models:

• Arlo Pro 3/4/5: Small hole on the back, near the USB-C port.
• Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2: On the back, next to the magnetic charging port.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): On the bottom, covered by a rubber flap.
• Arlo Go 2 (LTE models): On the back, near the SIM tray.

Use a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or a straightened staple to press the button. Don’t use something too thick—it can damage the internal switch.

Tip: Shine a flashlight if the hole is hard to see. My Arlo Essential XL’s reset hole is tiny and blends into the black casing. A little light makes a big difference.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Now comes the actual reset. Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds.

You’ll know it’s working when:

• The LED light turns solid amber (or red on some models).
• After 10 seconds, it starts blinking amber rapidly.
• The camera may emit a soft beep or chime (on newer models with audio feedback).

Keep holding until the blinking starts. If you release too soon, the reset won’t trigger. I’ve made this mistake—pressed for 5 seconds, released, and nothing happened. Second try? Worked perfectly.

For Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 5 models (2026), the process is slightly different:

• Press and hold for 12 seconds.
• The LED turns purple during reset (a new visual cue for 2026 models).
• After 12 seconds, it blinks purple rapidly, then switches to blinking blue.

That purple light? It’s Arlo’s new way of confirming a factory reset is in progress. Pretty cool, right?

Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Reboot

Once the reset starts, let go and step back. The camera will:

1. Power down briefly (LED turns off).
2. Restart and enter pairing mode (blinking blue light).
3. Broadcast a temporary Wi-Fi signal named “Arlo-XXXX” (the X’s are random numbers).

This usually takes 60–90 seconds. Don’t panic if it takes a little longer—some cameras take up to 2 minutes, especially if they’re updating firmware.

During this phase, the camera is wiping all user data, clearing Wi-Fi networks, and resetting motion detection settings. It’s doing a full digital spring cleaning.

Warning: Don’t unplug or power off during reboot. I did this once, thinking it was stuck. It wasn’t. I just interrupted the process and had to reset again.

Step 5: Reconnect via the Arlo App

Now it’s time to re-pair your camera. Open the Arlo app and follow these steps:

1. Tap “Add Device” on the home screen.
2. Select your camera model (e.g., “Arlo Pro 5”).
3. Choose “Camera” as the device type.
4. The app will search for nearby Arlo devices. Look for the blinking blue camera.
5. Tap on it when it appears.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi network.

You’ll need your Wi-Fi name and password. The app will guide you through connecting the camera to your router.

Pro tip: If the app doesn’t find your camera, toggle your phone’s Wi-Fi off and on, then try again. Sometimes the phone’s Wi-Fi stack needs a refresh.

Step 6: Set Up Motion Zones and Notifications

Once connected, the app will prompt you to set up:

• Motion detection zones – draw areas where you want alerts (like your front porch).
• Notification preferences – choose which alerts you want (person, vehicle, animal).
• Recording settings – decide if you want continuous or event-based recording.

This is where you personalize your camera. I always exclude my driveway—cars trigger too many false alerts. Instead, I focus on the front door and side gate.

For 2026 models, Arlo has improved AI detection. The camera can now distinguish between pets, packages, and people with better accuracy. Take advantage of that!

Step 7: Test and Verify

Before calling it done, test your reset:

• Walk in front of the camera to trigger motion.
• Check if you get a push notification.
• Open the app and watch the live feed.
• Verify the camera name, battery level, and signal strength.

If everything works, congrats! You’ve successfully reset your Arlo camera.

If not, don’t worry. Try these quick fixes:

• Restart the Arlo app.
• Reboot your Wi-Fi router.
• Move the camera closer to the router (weak signal causes connection drops).

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Personal story: I once reset an Arlo Ultra 2 and forgot to reconnect it to my Arlo Secure plan. The camera worked, but I had no cloud storage. I lost a week of footage before noticing. Always re-enable your subscription post-reset!

Here are a few hard-earned lessons to save you time and frustration:

Tip 1: Label Your Cameras Before Resetting

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, label them with tape or a sticker before resetting. Otherwise, you’ll end up with three blinking blue cameras and no idea which is which.

I use masking tape with names like “Front Door,” “Backyard,” and “Garage.” It saves so much confusion during setup.

Tip 2: Update Firmware After Reset

Arlo often pushes updates during the first reconnection. The app will prompt you to install the latest firmware. Do it. Updates fix bugs, improve battery life, and add new features.

One update last year reduced false alerts by 40% on my Pro 4. Worth the 2-minute download.

Tip 3: Use the Correct Reset Time for Your Model

Holding the button for 5 seconds won’t cut it. Use these exact times:

• Arlo Pro 3/4: 10 seconds
• Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2: 10 seconds
• Arlo Pro 5 / Essential XL (2026): 12 seconds
• Arlo Go 2: 15 seconds (LTE models need longer)

Too short? Reset fails. Too long? No harm, but it’s unnecessary.

Tip 4: Reset One Camera at a Time

If you’re resetting multiple cameras, do one at a time. The Arlo app can only pair one device at a time. Trying to reset two at once causes pairing conflicts.

Learned this the hard way when I tried to reset my front and back cameras simultaneously. The app got confused, and I had to restart both.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to Remove from Account

Even after a hardware reset, the camera may still be linked to your Arlo account. To fully “default” it (especially if selling), you must:

1. Go to Settings > My Devices in the Arlo app.
2. Select the camera.
3. Tap “Remove Device”.

This removes it from your account and allows the new owner to pair it cleanly.

Otherwise, the new user will see “This device is already registered” and won’t be able to set it up.

Common Mistake: Not Charging Before Reset

Low battery = failed reset. Always charge to at least 50% before starting. I keep a USB-C charger handy for this reason.

FAQs About How to Default an Arlo Camera in 2026: Easy Reset Guide

Q: Will a factory reset delete my cloud videos?

No. Videos stored in your Arlo Secure cloud are safe. The reset only affects the camera’s local settings and Wi-Fi. Your recordings stay in the cloud—unless you manually delete them.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera without the app?

No. The hardware reset clears settings, but you need the app to reconnect and configure the camera. The app is essential for setup, even if you’re starting fresh.

Q: Why does my camera blink blue after reset?

Blinking blue means it’s in pairing mode and ready to connect. This is normal. If it blinks red or amber, there’s a hardware issue or low battery.

Q: What if the reset button doesn’t work?

Try these fixes:

• Use a different tool (thinner paperclip).
• Press harder—some buttons need firm pressure.
• Check if the camera is powered on.
• Contact Arlo Support—rarely, the button can fail.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera remotely?

Yes, but only if it’s still connected. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Remove Device. This performs a soft reset and removes it from your account. For a full hardware reset, you need physical access.

Q: Do I need an Arlo subscription to reset?

No. You can reset and use the camera with free features (live view, basic motion alerts). But cloud storage, advanced AI detection, and activity zones require Arlo Secure.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo camera?

Only when needed. Reset if:

• It won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
• You’re selling or giving it away.
• It’s acting glitchy or slow.

Don’t reset regularly—it’s unnecessary and erases your settings.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to default an Arlo camera in 2026 is a small skill with big benefits. It’s your go-to fix for connectivity issues, a clean start for new users, or a way to pass on your camera with peace of mind.

The process is simple once you know the steps: locate the button, hold it for the right time, wait for the reboot, and reconnect via the app. The 2026 models make it even easier with visual cues like the purple reset light.

Just remember: charge first, label your cameras, and remove them from your account if selling. And if you ever get stuck, don’t panic—resetting is a common fix, and Arlo’s support team is pretty responsive.

Now go ahead, give your Arlo a fresh start. Whether it’s your first reset or your fifth, you’ve got this. And if you run into a snag? You’ve got this guide to fall back on.

Happy resetting!

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