Factory resetting your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and simple—just press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, then release to restore default settings. This erases all configurations, including Wi-Fi and paired devices, making it ideal for troubleshooting or preparing the camera for a new user. Follow up with the Arlo app to reconfigure and get back online in minutes.

How to Factory Reset an Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small pinhole on your Arlo camera for factory reset.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip for 10+ seconds.
• Wait for LED signals: Watch for blinking amber or blue lights indicating reset progress.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera in the Arlo app post-reset for setup.
• Reset via app: Use the Arlo app’s settings menu if hardware reset fails.
• Update firmware: Check for updates after reset to ensure optimal performance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—your Arlo camera isn’t just a gadget. It’s your peace of mind. Whether it’s watching over your front porch, keeping an eye on the backyard, or making sure the kids got home from school safely, you rely on it. But what happens when it starts acting up? Maybe it won’t connect to Wi-Fi, the app keeps saying “camera offline,” or it’s stuck in a reboot loop. That’s when you start thinking: Maybe it’s time for a factory reset.

You’re not alone. I’ve been there—frustrated, staring at a blinking LED, wondering if I should just toss the camera in the trash. But here’s the good news: most of these issues can be fixed with a simple how to factory reset an Arlo camera in 2026 easy steps. It’s not as scary as it sounds. In fact, it’s one of the most effective troubleshooting tools you’ve got.

A factory reset wipes the camera clean—like giving it a fresh start. It removes saved Wi-Fi networks, user settings, and any glitches that might’ve built up over time. Think of it like restarting your phone when it freezes, but way more thorough. And in 2026, with Arlo’s newer models like the Arlo Pro 5, Essential 2, and Arlo Wired Floodlight, the reset process is smoother than ever—once you know what to do.

But here’s the catch: if you do it wrong, you might end up with a camera that won’t pair again, or worse, one that’s bricked. So, whether you’re selling your camera, fixing connectivity issues, or just starting fresh, this guide walks you through how to factory reset an Arlo camera in 2026 easy steps—without the stress, confusion, or wasted time.

And don’t worry—this isn’t a tech manual. I’ll explain everything like we’re sitting on your couch, coffee in hand, and I’m helping you fix it together.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. The best part? You probably already have most of this.

• Your Arlo camera (any model: Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5, Essential, Ultra, etc.)
• A fully charged battery or USB power source – You don’t want it dying mid-reset.
• Access to the Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection – For re-pairing after the reset.
• A small paperclip, pin, or SIM ejector tool – For the reset button (on most models).
• Your Arlo account login details – You’ll need to log in again.
• Patience (optional but recommended) – This takes 5–10 minutes, not hours.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to resell or give away your camera, a factory reset is essential. It clears all your personal data, including saved video clips, motion zones, and Wi-Fi credentials. So, doing this the right way protects your privacy and makes setup easier for the next user.

Now, let’s get into the actual steps. I’ll cover multiple Arlo models, but the core process is similar. The key is knowing how to factory reset an Arlo camera in 2026 easy steps without missing a beat.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Factory Reset an Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Camera and App

First things first: make sure your camera is powered on. If it’s battery-powered, check that the battery is at least 50% charged. If it’s plugged in, ensure the USB cable is securely connected. A sudden power loss during a reset can cause issues—so don’t skip this.

Next, open the Arlo app on your phone. Log in to your account. If you’re using a shared account, make sure you have admin access. You’ll need it to remove the camera from your system.

Now, go to Devices and find your camera. Tap on it. Look for the Settings icon (usually a gear or three dots). Inside, you should see an option like “Remove from Account” or “Unpair Device.” This step is crucial—it tells Arlo’s servers the camera is no longer part of your system.

Tip: Removing the camera from your account before resetting it prevents “device already claimed” errors later. I learned this the hard way when my camera refused to pair again—because the old account was still claiming it.

Once you’ve removed it, close the app. We’ll reopen it after the hardware reset.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button (Model-Specific)

Here’s where it gets model-specific—but don’t worry, I’ll break it down.

Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5, Essential, and Ultra: These have a small, recessed reset button on the back or side. It’s usually next to the USB port or battery compartment. You’ll need a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press it.

Arlo Go (cellular model): The reset button is on the bottom, near the SIM tray.

Arlo Wired Doorbell & Floodlight: These don’t have a physical button. Instead, you reset them through the app (more on that later).

Arlo Essential 2 (wired version): No reset button—reset is done via the app or power cycle method.

For cameras with a reset button: gently insert the paperclip and press. You don’t need to push hard—just firm enough to feel the click.

Warning: Don’t use a knife or anything sharp. You could damage the internal circuitry. A paperclip is perfect—it’s designed for this.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Now, the moment of truth. Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. I know—10 seconds feels like forever when you’re waiting. But timing matters.

Here’s what to watch for:

• The LED light will start flashing rapidly (usually white or blue).
• After 10 seconds, release the button.
• The camera will power cycle—turning off and back on.
• The LED will flash a different pattern (often amber or slow blue), indicating it’s in “setup mode.”

If nothing happens after 10 seconds, don’t panic. Try holding it for 15 seconds. Some models (like older Pro 3s) need a bit more time to respond. But don’t go beyond 20 seconds—that could cause a hard reset that’s harder to recover from.

Personal insight: I once held the reset button for 30 seconds because I thought it wasn’t working. The camera rebooted, but it took 3 tries to pair again. Stick to 10–15 seconds. Trust me.

Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Enter Setup Mode

Once the reset is triggered, the camera will restart and enter setup mode. This is your green light.

In setup mode, the camera:

• Broadcasts a temporary Wi-Fi network (like “Arlo-XXXX”).
• Resets all settings to default.
• Erases saved Wi-Fi credentials and user data.

You’ll know it’s working if the LED flashes slowly (usually blue or white). If it stays solid or flashes red, something’s wrong—check the power or try the reset again.

Wait about 1–2 minutes. The camera needs time to fully boot up and broadcast its network. Don’t rush this. I’ve seen people panic and restart the app too soon—only to miss the setup window.

Step 5: Reconnect via the Arlo App

Now, reopen the Arlo app. Tap Add Device or Set Up a New Camera (the exact wording depends on your app version).

The app will scan for nearby Arlo cameras in setup mode. Your reset camera should appear—likely with a name like “Arlo Camera” or “New Device.”

Tap on it. The app will guide you through:

• Connecting to the camera’s temporary Wi-Fi.
• Entering your home Wi-Fi network and password.
• Setting a new name for the camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).
• Updating firmware (if available).

This step is where how to factory reset an Arlo camera in 2026 easy steps really pays off. The camera acts like it’s brand new—no leftover settings, no glitches.

Tip: If your phone keeps switching back to your home Wi-Fi, go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and manually connect to the camera’s network first. Then open the Arlo app. It’s a small step, but it fixes 90% of pairing issues.

Step 6: Test and Reconfigure Settings

Once paired, give it a test. Check:

• Live view in the app.
• Motion detection (wave at it).
• Night vision (cover the camera briefly).
• Audio (if it has a mic/speaker).

If everything works, now’s the time to reconfigure your settings:

• Set up motion zones (to avoid false alerts from trees or cars).
• Adjust sensitivity.
• Enable cloud or local storage.
• Add to routines (if you use Alexa, Google Home, etc.).

Don’t forget to check for firmware updates. Arlo often releases updates after a reset to improve performance. Go to Device Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update and tap “Update Now” if available.

Step 7: Special Cases – No Reset Button Models

Not all Arlo cameras have a physical reset button. Here’s how to handle them:

Arlo Wired Doorbell & Floodlight:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Go to Devices > Select Camera > Settings > Remove from Account.
• Then go to Settings > Device Actions > Factory Reset.
• Confirm. The camera will restart and enter setup mode.

Arlo Essential 2 (wired):

• Unplug the camera.
• Wait 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in.
• Within 2 minutes, open the Arlo app and start setup.
• The app will detect the camera in reset mode and guide you through pairing.

Warning: The power cycle method only works if the camera is already removed from your account. If not, it will reconnect to the old settings—defeating the purpose.

Step 8: What If It Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes, the reset doesn’t take. Here are common fixes:

• LED not flashing after reset? Try a longer hold (15 seconds), or check the battery.
• App can’t find the camera? Restart your phone and router. Sometimes the temporary Wi-Fi signal is weak.
• “Device already claimed” error? Double-check you removed it from your account. If it’s still linked, log into the Arlo website and remove it from there.
• Firmware update fails? Try connecting to a stronger Wi-Fi signal. Updates need stable internet.

If all else fails, contact Arlo Support. They can remotely reset the camera or guide you through advanced troubleshooting. But in 95% of cases, the steps above work.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk real talk. I’ve reset over 20 Arlo cameras—some for friends, some for my own setup. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Pro Tip 1: Always remove the camera from your account before the physical reset. It’s like untying a boat before pushing it off the dock. Skip this, and you’re stuck.

Pro Tip 2: Use the same Wi-Fi network you used before. If you switch networks (e.g., from 2.4GHz to 5GHz), the camera might not connect. Arlo cameras are picky about Wi-Fi bands. Stick with 2.4GHz unless you’re using a newer model that supports 5GHz.

Pro Tip 3: Reset one camera at a time. If you have a multi-camera system, resetting all at once can confuse the app and router. Do it one by one, and test each before moving on.

Common Mistake 1: Holding the reset button too long. I’ve seen people hold it for 30+ seconds, thinking “more is better.” But that can trigger a hard reset that wipes firmware—requiring a full reflash. 10–15 seconds is enough.

Common Mistake 2: Forgetting to update firmware. After a reset, the camera might be running an old OS. Check for updates. It takes 2 minutes and can fix bugs, improve battery life, and add new features.

Common Mistake 3: Not testing motion detection. After re-pairing, the camera might have default motion zones that include the street or trees. Adjust them to avoid false alerts. I once got 50 notifications a day because the camera was watching the neighbor’s cat—reset fixed it, but I had to tweak the zones.

And here’s a personal story: I once tried to reset a camera while on a shaky Wi-Fi connection. The update failed, the camera got stuck in a loop, and I had to call support. Lesson learned: do this when your internet is strong.

Another thing: if you’re selling your camera, include a note saying it’s been factory reset. It builds trust and saves the buyer time. I bought a used Arlo once that wasn’t reset—took me 20 minutes to fix. Not fun.

FAQs About How to Factory Reset an Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Steps

Q: Will a factory reset delete my saved videos?

Yes—but only the ones stored locally on the camera (like on a microSD card). Cloud recordings (saved to Arlo Secure) remain in your account. But after resetting, the camera can’t access them until you re-pair it. So, download any important clips before resetting.

Q: How long does the reset process take?

About 5–10 minutes total. 1 minute to remove from the app, 2 minutes for the physical reset, 3–5 minutes for re-pairing, and 1–2 minutes for testing. Not bad for a fresh start.

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

Only if it has a physical reset button. You can trigger the reset manually, but you’ll still need the app to re-pair it. There’s no way around that. The app is essential for setup.

Q: What if my camera won’t enter setup mode?

Try these: (1) Ensure it’s fully charged or plugged in. (2) Hold the reset button for 15 seconds. (3) Power cycle it (unplug, wait 30 seconds, plug back in). (4) Move closer to your router—weak signal can prevent setup mode.

Q: Does a factory reset fix all Arlo issues?

Most of the time, yes. It fixes Wi-Fi disconnects, unresponsive cameras, and pairing problems. But if the hardware is broken (e.g., cracked lens, dead battery), a reset won’t help. It’s a software fix, not a hardware repair.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera remotely?

Yes—if you’re logged into the Arlo app and the camera is online. Go to Settings > Device Actions > Factory Reset. But if the camera is offline, you’ll need to do it manually.

Q: Is there a difference between “reset” and “reboot”?

Absolutely. A reboot is like restarting your phone—it fixes temporary glitches. A factory reset wipes everything and starts from scratch. Use reboot for quick fixes, reset for deeper issues.

Final Thoughts

Look, I get it. Tech problems are annoying. You just want your camera to work—so you can stop worrying and get back to life. And that’s exactly what how to factory reset an Arlo camera in 2026 easy steps gives you: a simple, reliable way to fix most issues.

It’s not magic. But it’s close. With a few minutes, a paperclip, and the Arlo app, you can wipe away glitches, restore connectivity, and start fresh. Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling, or just cleaning up your smart home, this process is a must-know.

Remember: remove the camera from your account first, hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds, and re-pair it like it’s new. Test it. Update it. Then enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a camera that actually works.

And if you ever get stuck? Take a breath. Check the steps. Or reach out to Arlo support. You’ve got this.

Now go reset that camera—and get your home security back on track.