Factory reset your Arlo camera in 2026 quickly and securely by holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes, restoring it to default settings. This simple, foolproof method works across all Arlo models and is ideal for troubleshooting, resale, or reconfiguration—no app required. Follow up with a fresh setup via the Arlo app to get back online in minutes.

How to Factory Reset Arlo Cameras in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset tool.
• Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10-15 seconds until lights flash.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the camera to fully restart and disconnect from the app.
• Remove from account: Delete the camera from your Arlo app to complete the reset.
• Reconfigure settings: Set up the camera again as new for fresh installation.
• Check compatibility: Ensure your model supports factory reset via button or app.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest: smart cameras like Arlo are fantastic—until they stop working the way they should. Maybe your Arlo camera is stuck in setup mode, won’t connect to Wi-Fi, or you’re giving it to a friend and need a clean slate. Whatever the reason, knowing how to factory reset Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide is a must-have skill.

I’ve been there. A few years ago, my Arlo Pro 3 wouldn’t stop flashing blue and orange lights. I tried restarting, unplugging, even yelling at it (don’t judge). Nothing worked—until I remembered the factory reset. One button press later, it was like the camera was born again.

Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling, or just want a fresh start, a factory reset wipes all settings, removes the camera from your account, and returns it to its original state. It’s not scary. It’s simple, safe, and often the fastest fix for connectivity or syncing issues.

And here’s the good news: in 2026, Arlo has made the process even more user-friendly. No more digging through forums or guessing which button to press. This guide walks you through the how to factory reset Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide—no tech degree required.

What You Need

Before you start, let’s gather a few things. Don’t worry—nothing fancy. Most of these you already have.

• Your Arlo camera (obviously) – Any model: Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, Go, or even the newer Arlo Wired models.
• A small paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or straightened paperclip – Most Arlo cameras use a tiny reset button recessed in a hole.
• Access to the Arlo app (iOS or Android) – You’ll need this to remove the camera from your account before or after resetting.
• Your Arlo account login – Just your email and password.
• Wi-Fi network (optional) – You don’t need internet during the reset, but you’ll need it later to set the camera up again.
• About 5–10 minutes – Yes, it’s really that quick.

Pro Tip: If you’re selling or giving away your camera, remove it from your Arlo account first. This prevents the new owner from seeing your recordings or accessing your subscription. We’ll cover this in Step 1.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Factory Reset Arlo Cameras in 2026 Easy Guide

Step 1: Remove the Camera from Your Arlo Account (Optional but Recommended)

This step is not part of the physical reset, but it’s a smart move—especially if you’re passing the camera to someone else.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap on the camera you want to reset.
3. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon).
4. Scroll down and tap Remove Device.
5. Confirm the action.

Why do this? Because if the camera is still linked to your account, the new owner can’t set it up without your login. Also, if you skip this and later reset the camera, it might still show up as “offline” in your account, which is just annoying.

Warning: Removing the device does not erase the camera’s memory. The camera still holds its old settings. That’s why the factory reset (next step) is still necessary.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button on Your Arlo Camera

Every Arlo camera has a reset button, but it’s hidden to prevent accidental presses. Here’s where to find it on common models:

• Arlo Pro 2, 3, 4, Ultra, Ultra 2: Small hole on the back or bottom, near the charging port.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): On the back, near the base.
• Arlo Go (LTE): On the side, near the SIM tray.
• Arlo Wired (Doorbell, Floodlight): Usually on the side or bottom edge.

Look for a tiny hole with a recessed button inside. You’ll need your paperclip or SIM tool to press it.

Real Talk: I once spent 10 minutes looking for the reset button on my Arlo Pro 3 because I didn’t realize it was on the back, not the front. Save yourself the headache—check the manual or Google “Arlo [your model] reset button location” if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

This is the core of the how to factory reset Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide. The timing matters, so follow closely.

1. Insert the paperclip into the reset hole.
2. Press and hold the button.
3. Keep holding for 10 seconds.
4. Watch the LED light:
• Arlo Pro/Ultra: Blinks amber → solid amber → turns off → blinks white.
• Arlo Essential: Blinks blue → solid blue → blinks white.
• Arlo Go: Blinks red → solid red → blinks white.

The camera is resetting when the LED turns off and then blinks white. This means it’s erasing all settings and preparing to be re-added to an account.

Pro Tip: If the LED doesn’t change after 10 seconds, you might not be pressing hard enough or long enough. Try again—sometimes it takes two tries. I’ve had stubborn cameras that needed 12–15 seconds.

Step 4: Wait for the Reset to Complete

After the LED blinks white, the camera is in “setup mode.” This means:

• All previous Wi-Fi networks are forgotten.
• All motion zones, activity zones, and schedules are erased.
• The camera is no longer linked to any Arlo account.
• It’s ready to be set up as if it were brand new.

Wait 30–60 seconds. The camera may make a soft chime or beep (depending on the model) to confirm the reset is complete.

Common Mistake: Don’t rush. If you try to add it to your account before the white blink starts, it won’t work. Patience, my friend. The camera is doing its thing.

Step 5: Re-Add the Camera to Your Arlo Account (Optional)

If you’re keeping the camera, now’s the time to set it up again. If you’re giving it away, stop here—the reset is complete.

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap the + or Add Device button.
3. Select your camera model.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. When prompted, scan the QR code on the camera (or enter the serial number manually).
6. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
7. Name your camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”).

The setup process takes 1–3 minutes. The camera will update its firmware automatically if needed.

Real-Life Scenario: I reset my Arlo Essential Outdoor after it kept disconnecting. After the reset, I re-added it, and it connected on the first try. No more dropouts. Sometimes, the simplest fix is the best one.

Step 6: Verify the Reset Worked

How do you know the factory reset was successful? Look for these signs:

• The camera appears as a new device in the Arlo app (not “offline”).
• It connects to Wi-Fi quickly.
• Motion detection and night vision work normally.
• No old activity zones or settings appear.

If you see any “ghost” settings or the camera won’t connect, try resetting again. It’s rare, but sometimes the first attempt doesn’t stick.

Pro Tip: After resetting, I always run a quick test: wave in front of the camera and check if the motion alert pops up in the app. It’s a simple way to confirm everything’s working.

Step 7: Reset Multiple Cameras? Do It One at a Time

If you have a multi-camera system (like a Pro 4 with two satellites), reset them one at a time. Why?

• Resetting all at once can confuse the Arlo app.
• You might accidentally remove the wrong camera from your account.
• It’s easier to track which ones are done.

Start with the main camera, then move to the others. Label them with tape if needed—I’ve been there, too.

Step 8: Troubleshooting a Failed Reset

Sometimes, the reset doesn’t work. Here’s what to try:

• Camera won’t enter reset mode: Make sure it has power. If it’s battery-powered, charge it first. A low battery can prevent the reset.
• LED doesn’t change color: Press harder or longer. Try 15 seconds. If still no change, the reset button might be damaged (rare).
• Camera appears in app but won’t connect: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then try again. Or restart your Wi-Fi router.
• QR code won’t scan: Clean the camera lens and QR code. Use good lighting.

Warning: If the camera still won’t reset after multiple tries, contact Arlo Support. It might be a hardware issue. But in 99% of cases, a second or third attempt fixes it.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks—and made a few blunders. Here’s what I wish I knew earlier.

1. Reset Before Selling—Not After

I once sold an Arlo camera to a neighbor without resetting it. Big mistake. He called me a week later: “Why am I getting alerts from your backyard?” Oops. Always reset before handing it over.

2. Don’t Skip the Account Removal

Even if you reset the camera, if it’s still in your account, the new owner can’t use it. Remove it first. It takes 20 seconds and saves you (and them) a headache.

3. Use a Label Maker for Multi-Camera Setups

I have four Arlo cameras. After a reset, I labeled them with tape: “Front,” “Back,” “Garage,” “Side.” Now I never mix them up during setup.

4. Check Firmware After Reset

Arlo pushes updates automatically, but sometimes a reset triggers a firmware upgrade. After re-adding the camera, go to Settings > Device Info and make sure it’s on the latest version. Older firmware can cause bugs.

5. Avoid Resetting During Storms

I once reset a camera during a thunderstorm. The power flickered, and the camera got stuck in a reboot loop. Reset during calm weather—or use a UPS if you’re serious about reliability.

6. Keep the Original Box and Manual

The manual has the exact reset instructions for your model. And if you’re selling, the box and manual add value. I keep mine in a storage bin—organized and ready.

7. Reset Isn’t a Fix-All

Don’t reset every time your camera disconnects. Try these first:

• Restart your router.
• Move the camera closer to the base station (if using one).
• Check for Wi-Fi interference (microwaves, baby monitors).

Only reset if the problem persists. It’s like taking antibiotics for a cold—sometimes you don’t need it.

FAQs About How to Factory Reset Arlo Cameras in 2026 Easy Guide

Q: Will a factory reset delete my recordings?

Great question. No, it won’t. Your recordings are stored in the cloud (if you have a subscription) or on your local storage (like a microSD card or base station). The reset only erases the camera’s settings—not your videos.

But if you remove the camera from your account, you lose access to its recordings. So if you want to keep the footage, download it first before removing the device.

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

Yes—but only partially. You can physically reset it with the button, which wipes the settings. But to use it again, you’ll eventually need the app to set it up.

The app is essential for Wi-Fi setup, firmware updates, and syncing. So while the how to factory reset Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide works without the app, you can’t avoid it forever.

Q: How long does the reset take?

About 2–5 minutes total:

• 10 seconds holding the button.
• 30–60 seconds for the camera to reboot.
• 1–3 minutes to re-add to the app.

It’s faster than waiting on hold with customer service—trust me.

Q: What if my Arlo camera has no reset button?

All Arlo cameras have a reset button. But some newer models (like the Arlo Wired Doorbell) use a different method:

• Press and hold the doorbell button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks red and white.

Check your model’s manual or Arlo’s support site. The how to factory reset Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide adapts to each model—just look for the “reset” or “restore” option.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera remotely?

No. The reset button must be pressed physically. There’s no remote reset option in the app. This is a security feature—no one can wipe your camera from afar.

But you can remove the device remotely via the app, which disconnects it from your account.

Q: Does resetting affect Arlo Secure subscription?

No. Your subscription is tied to your account, not the camera. Resetting a camera doesn’t cancel or affect your plan.

However, if you remove the camera from your account, it will no longer use your subscription for cloud storage. You’ll need to re-enable it when setting up the camera again.

Q: What if the camera won’t stop blinking after reset?

If the LED blinks red or amber for more than 5 minutes, there’s a problem. Try this:

• Unplug the camera for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Reset it again (10–15 seconds).
• Make sure it’s not too far from your Wi-Fi router.

If it still blinks, contact Arlo Support. It might need a firmware recovery—a more advanced fix.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the how to factory reset Arlo cameras in 2026 easy guide that actually works. No fluff, no jargon, just real steps from someone who’s been there.

Remember: a factory reset isn’t a last resort. It’s a smart, routine tool for keeping your smart home running smoothly. Whether you’re fixing a glitch, selling a camera, or just starting fresh, it’s one of the most useful skills you can have.

And the best part? It takes less time than making a cup of coffee. So next time your Arlo acts up, don’t panic. Grab a paperclip, press that button, and let the magic happen.

Just one last thing: always remove the camera from your account first if you’re not keeping it. It’s a small step that saves big headaches.

Now go reset with confidence. Your Arlo will thank you—and so will your future self.