To factory reset your Arlo Essential Camera in 2026, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber and blue. This quick process erases all settings and reconnects the camera to your app as new—ideal for troubleshooting or resale. No tools or Wi-Fi required—just physical access to the camera.

How to Factory Reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side or back.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the button for 10+ seconds to trigger reset.
• Wait for LED cues: Blinking amber light confirms reset is in progress.
• Reconnect via Arlo app: Set up the camera again after reset completes.
• Remove from account first: Delete the device in the app to avoid sync issues.
• Check firmware updates: Install latest updates post-reset for optimal performance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had that moment when your Arlo Essential Camera just won’t connect, keeps showing a red light, or acts like it’s forgotten who you are? I’ve been there. One minute, it’s streaming crystal-clear video to your phone; the next, it’s stuck in a loop of blinking lights and failed setups. It’s frustrating—especially when you’re relying on it for home security.

If you’re searching for how to factory reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026, chances are you’re dealing with connectivity issues, app errors, or you’re passing the camera on to someone else. A factory reset wipes all settings, removes it from your account, and brings it back to its original state—like it just came out of the box.

Think of it like restarting your phone when an app crashes. Sometimes, the simplest fix is a clean slate. In 2026, with Arlo’s updated firmware and tighter integration with smart home platforms, resetting isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s a necessary step when upgrading, troubleshooting, or selling your device.

But here’s the catch: if you don’t do it right, you might end up with a camera that won’t pair again or gets stuck in setup mode. That’s why knowing how to factory reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026 properly—step by step, with the right tools—is essential. Let me walk you through it, based on real experience, common hiccups, and what actually works.

Real-life example: I once tried to reset my outdoor Arlo camera during a storm. The app crashed mid-process, and the camera started flashing red and blue like a disco ball. Took me two days to get it back online. Lesson learned: always do this indoors, with a stable Wi-Fi connection.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s get our tools ready. You don’t need fancy gadgets—just a few basics. Here’s what you’ll need to safely and successfully complete the how to factory reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026 process:

• Your Arlo Essential Camera (obviously)
• A stable Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz—Arlo Essential doesn’t support 5 GHz)
• The Arlo app (downloaded and updated on your smartphone or tablet)
• A fully charged battery or USB power source (if using the wired version)
• A small paperclip or SIM ejector tool (for the physical reset method)
• Your Arlo account login (email and password)

Pro tip: Make sure your phone is close to the camera during setup. Signal strength matters, especially if you’re using the physical reset method. And if you’re planning to re-pair the camera after the reset, have your Wi-Fi password ready—you’ll need it again.

Optional but helpful: A second device (like a tablet) to monitor the app while you’re near the camera. That way, you don’t have to run back and forth between your phone and the camera.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Factory Reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026

Step 1: Check Your Camera’s Current Status

Before resetting, let’s confirm the camera is actually the problem. Open the Arlo app and look at your camera’s status.

If it shows “Offline,” “Not Responding,” or “Connection Failed,” a reset might help. But if it’s working fine and you just want to remove it from your account (like for resale), that’s also a valid reason.

Also, check if the camera is blinking red, blue, or white. In 2026 models, a steady blue means it’s connected. Flashing blue? It’s in setup mode. Red? Battery low or error. White? Firmware update in progress.

Knowing these signs helps you decide whether to reset or try something else first—like restarting your router or checking for app updates.

Tip: If your camera is blinking red and blue alternately, it’s likely stuck in pairing mode. A factory reset is your best bet.

Step 2: Use the Arlo App to Initiate the Reset (Recommended Method)

This is the easiest and safest way to reset your Arlo Essential Camera in 2026. The app handles everything, and it’s less likely to go wrong.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap on the camera you want to reset.
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll down and tap “Remove Device”.
5. Confirm by tapping “Remove” when prompted.

At this point, the camera is removed from your account. But it’s not fully reset yet. The camera still has your Wi-Fi info and settings stored locally. To complete the how to factory reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026 process, you need one more step.

6. Go back to the main camera settings.
7. Look for “Factory Reset” (sometimes under “Advanced” or “Device Info”).
8. Tap it and confirm.

The camera will restart. You’ll see the LED light start blinking blue and white—this means it’s resetting and entering setup mode.

Warning: If the “Factory Reset” option is grayed out, your camera might not be fully removed from the account. Go back and double-check “Remove Device” first.

Step 3: Use the Physical Reset Button (For Stubborn Cameras)

Sometimes, the app method fails. Maybe your camera is offline, or the app crashes. That’s when the physical reset comes in handy.

All Arlo Essential Cameras have a small reset hole on the back or side. Here’s how to use it:

1. Make sure your camera has power (battery charged or plugged in).
2. Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
3. Watch the LED light. It should start blinking blue and white rapidly.
4. Release the button when the blinking starts.

After about 30–60 seconds, the camera will reboot. The LED will turn solid blue for a few seconds, then blink blue again—indicating it’s in setup mode and ready to pair.

This method works even if the camera is offline or unresponsive. It’s the go-to fix for many Arlo support cases in 2026.

Pro tip: If the light doesn’t blink after 10 seconds, try holding for 15. Some 2026 models are a bit picky about timing.

Step 4: Confirm the Reset Worked

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

• The camera’s LED is blinking blue (setup mode).
• The camera no longer appears in your Arlo app.
• If you try to add it again, the app treats it like a brand-new device.

You can test this by opening the Arlo app, tapping “Add Device,” and selecting “Arlo Essential Camera.” If the app starts the full setup process (Wi-Fi selection, QR code, etc.), the reset worked.

If the camera still shows up in your account after the physical reset, you may need to log out and back into the Arlo app. Sometimes the app caches device data.

Step 5: Re-Pair the Camera (If You’re Keeping It)

If you’re resetting to fix an issue and plan to use the camera again, now’s the time to re-pair it.

1. In the Arlo app, tap “+” > “Add Device”.
2. Select “Arlo Essential Camera”.
3. Follow the prompts: scan the QR code (on the camera or box), select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password.
4. Wait for the camera to connect. The LED will turn solid blue when done.

It usually takes 1–2 minutes. If it fails, try moving closer to the router or restarting your phone’s Wi-Fi.

Note: In 2026, Arlo added a new “Auto-Connect” feature. If your phone is on the same Wi-Fi as the camera, it may pair faster. But you still need to scan the QR code first.

Step 6: Update Firmware (Critical in 2026)

This step is often overlooked, but it’s crucial. After a reset, your camera might be running old firmware—especially if it was offline for a while.

Once re-paired, go to the camera settings in the Arlo app and check for updates. In 2026, Arlo releases firmware updates every 2–3 months, often fixing bugs related to connectivity, motion detection, and battery life.

Tap “Device Info” > “Firmware Version”. If an update is available, the app will prompt you to install it. Make sure the camera stays powered during the update—don’t interrupt it!

Updating firmware after a reset ensures you’re getting the best performance and security, especially with newer features like AI-powered motion zones and improved night vision.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve reset dozens of Arlo cameras—some for fun, some out of desperation. Here are the real-world lessons I’ve learned about how to factory reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026 without losing your mind.

• Do it during the day, indoors. I once tried resetting an outdoor camera at night. The app kept losing connection, and the camera kept rebooting. Do it where Wi-Fi is strong and you won’t be interrupted.
• Don’t skip the “Remove Device” step. If you only do the physical reset but don’t remove it from the app, you might get stuck in a pairing loop. Always remove first, then reset.
• Use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Arlo Essential doesn’t work on 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both, make sure your phone connects to 2.4 GHz during setup. You can usually tell by the network name (e.g., “Home-2.4”).
• Keep your phone close to the camera. Bluetooth is used during pairing. If your phone is 30 feet away, the signal might be too weak.
• Don’t panic if it takes a few tries. Sometimes the camera needs 2–3 reset attempts to fully clear its memory. I’ve had cameras that worked on the third try after two failed attempts.
• Label your camera after reset. If you have multiple Arlo cameras, label them (e.g., “Front Door”) in the app. It saves so much confusion later.
• Back up your recordings first. A factory reset doesn’t delete cloud recordings, but if you use local storage (like a microSD card), make sure to back it up before resetting.

Common mistake: People often forget to update firmware after resetting. In 2026, a camera with outdated firmware might have bugs in motion detection or audio sync. Always check for updates!

Another thing: if you’re selling or giving away the camera, make sure you’ve removed it from all your Arlo accounts. Some users share cameras with family members. Double-check the “Shared Devices” section in the app.

FAQs About How to Factory Reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026

1. Will a factory reset delete my recordings?

Great question. If your recordings are stored in the Arlo Cloud, they’re safe. A factory reset only removes the camera from your account and clears its local settings. Cloud videos stay in your library.

But if you use a microSD card for local storage, those recordings will be lost unless you back them up first. Remove the card before resetting, or copy the files to your computer.

2. Can I reset the camera if it’s offline?

Yes! The physical reset method works even when the camera is offline. Just press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. The camera will reset itself, then go into setup mode.

After the reset, you’ll need to re-pair it using the Arlo app and your Wi-Fi. But at least you can get it back online.

3. Why is the “Factory Reset” option missing in the app?

This happens if the camera isn’t fully removed from your account. Go to the camera settings and tap “Remove Device” first. Once it’s removed, the “Factory Reset” option should appear.

Sometimes the app needs a refresh. Try closing and reopening the app, or restarting your phone.

4. How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes about 1–2 minutes. The physical reset is faster (30–60 seconds). But re-pairing the camera can take another 2–5 minutes, depending on your Wi-Fi and phone.

Firmware updates after reset? Add 5–10 minutes. So plan for a total of 5–15 minutes if you’re re-pairing.

5. What if the camera doesn’t go into setup mode after reset?

First, check the LED. It should blink blue. If it’s solid red, the battery might be low. Charge it fully.

If it’s blinking red and blue, it’s stuck in pairing mode. Try the physical reset again—hold the button for 15 seconds this time.

If nothing works, try resetting your router. Sometimes the camera remembers a bad network connection. A router restart clears that.

6. Can I reset multiple cameras at once?

Unfortunately, no. You need to reset each camera individually. But you can streamline the process:

• Reset one camera.
• Re-pair it.
• Then move to the next.

Use the same Wi-Fi network for all—it speeds up pairing. And label each camera in the app so you don’t mix them up.

7. Is there a way to reset without the app?

Yes, but only partially. The physical reset button clears the camera’s settings and puts it in setup mode. But you’ll still need the Arlo app to re-pair it and configure settings.

The app is essential for setup in 2026. There’s no web-based setup for Arlo Essential cameras.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo Essential Camera isn’t scary—it’s just a way to give it a fresh start. Whether you’re troubleshooting a glitch, preparing to sell it, or just want a clean slate, knowing how to factory reset Arlo Essential Camera in 2026 is a skill every owner should have.

Remember: always remove the device from the app first, then use either the app or physical reset method. Re-pair carefully, update the firmware, and keep your Wi-Fi strong.

And if things go sideways? Don’t stress. I’ve been there. A second try, a different location, or a quick router restart often does the trick.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is there to make your life easier—not harder. A factory reset is just a small step to get it back on track.

So grab that paperclip, open the app, and give your camera the reset it deserves. You’ve got this.

And if you ever get stuck? Just remember: remove, reset, re-pair, update. Four simple steps. Four powerful fixes.

Now go enjoy your freshly reset, fully functional Arlo Essential Camera—2026 style.