How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

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To factory reset your Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, ensuring a full wipe of settings and accounts. This quick fix resolves connectivity issues or prepares the device for resale. Always sync with the Arlo app afterward to restore functionality.

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How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side for the reset.
  • Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip for 10 seconds.
  • Wait for LED flash: Release when the LED blinks amber to confirm reset initiation.
  • Reconfigure Wi-Fi: Reconnect to your network via the Arlo app after resetting.
  • Re-add to base station: Sync the camera again if using a base station.
  • Update firmware: Ensure the latest firmware is installed post-reset for optimal performance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever felt like your Arlo Pro 2 camera has a mind of its own? Maybe it keeps disconnecting, won’t sync, or you’re prepping it to sell or gift to someone else. That’s when you need to know how to factory reset Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026.

Let’s be real—tech glitches happen. I once had a camera that refused to connect to Wi-Fi after a power surge. No amount of restarting helped. Then I remembered: a factory reset. It felt like giving the camera a fresh start—like a digital spring cleaning.

Whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or passing it on, resetting your Arlo Pro 2 erases all settings and returns it to its original state. This guide walks you through the process step by step, with real-world tips I’ve learned after resetting over a dozen Arlo cameras for friends and family.

And yes, even in 2026, the process is still simple—but there are a few gotchas you’ll want to avoid. Stick around, and I’ll show you how to do it safely, effectively, and without losing your mind.

What You Need

You don’t need a toolbox or a degree in tech. Just a few essentials:

How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

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  • Your Arlo Pro 2 camera (duh)
  • The Arlo base station (if you’re using one)
  • A paperclip or SIM ejector tool (for the reset button)
  • Access to the Arlo app (download it on your smartphone or tablet if you haven’t already)
  • A stable Wi-Fi connection (for re-pairing later)
  • Your Arlo account login (email and password)

Pro insight: I once tried resetting a camera without the base station plugged in. Big mistake. The camera wouldn’t re-sync. Always make sure your base station is powered and online before starting.

No base station? No problem. The Arlo Pro 2 can work in standalone mode via Wi-Fi, but having the base station gives you better range and battery life. Either way, the reset process is similar.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

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

Before you physically reset the camera, it’s smart to remove it from your Arlo app. This prevents syncing issues later.

How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Visual guide about how to factory reset arlo pro 2 camera

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  • Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
  • Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear) in the top-left corner.
  • Select My Devices, then tap your Arlo Pro 2 camera.
  • Scroll down and tap Remove Device.
  • Confirm when prompted.

This tells the Arlo cloud, “Hey, this camera is being reset. Don’t expect it to check in.” It’s like giving your system a heads-up before surgery.

Why do this? If you skip this, the app might still “see” the camera as active. When you reset it, it can cause confusion—like a ghost device lingering in your account. I’ve seen this cause false alerts and sync errors. Don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Power On the Camera and Base Station

Make sure both the camera and base station are powered and within range of each other.

  • Plug in the base station (if used) and wait for the LED to turn solid green.
  • Turn on the camera by pressing and holding the power button (on the side) for 3 seconds.
  • Wait for the camera’s LED to blink blue—this means it’s powered and ready.

If the camera doesn’t power on, check the battery. The Arlo Pro 2 uses a rechargeable battery, and if it’s been sitting idle, it might be drained. Plug it in for 10–15 minutes first.

Personal note: I once reset a camera that was nearly dead. The reset started, but the battery died mid-process. Result? A bricked camera for 24 hours. Not fun. Always ensure a full or near-full charge.

Step 3: Locate the Reset Button on the Camera

The reset button is a tiny hole on the side of the camera, near the power button. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking.

  • Flip the camera so the side with the power button is facing up.
  • Look for a small, recessed hole—this is the reset button.
  • Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to gently press inside.

Don’t use a pen—it can damage the internal switch. A paperclip is thin and stiff enough to do the job without force.

Step 4: Perform the Factory Reset (The Physical Button Press)

Now comes the main event: the actual reset.

  • Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
  • Watch the LED light. It will blink red and blue alternately during the reset.
  • After 10 seconds, release the button.
  • The LED will turn solid amber for a few seconds, then go dark.

That’s it. The camera is now resetting. This takes about 30–60 seconds. During this time, the camera is erasing its memory, clearing Wi-Fi settings, and removing any linked accounts.

Watch this: If the LED doesn’t blink red/blue, you didn’t hold it long enough. Try again. If it stays solid red, the camera may have a hardware issue. Try a full battery recharge and repeat.

Step 5: Reconnect the Camera to Your Arlo System

Now that the camera is reset, it’s like a brand-new device. You’ll need to add it back to your Arlo app.

  • Open the Arlo app.
  • Tap Add Device (usually a “+” icon on the home screen).
  • Select Arlo Pro 2 from the list.
  • Follow the in-app instructions to sync the camera with your base station or Wi-Fi.

If using a base station:

  • Press the Sync button on the base station (hold for 2 seconds until it blinks).
  • Press the Sync button on the camera (same one you used for power).
  • The app will detect the camera and guide you through setup.

If using Wi-Fi directly (no base station):

  • Connect your phone to the camera’s temporary Wi-Fi network (e.g., “Arlo-XXXX”).
  • Back in the app, select your home Wi-Fi and enter the password.
  • Wait for the camera to connect (LED turns solid blue).

Pro tip: Use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The Arlo Pro 2 doesn’t support 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both, make sure your phone is on 2.4 GHz during setup.

Step 6: Reconfigure Your Camera Settings

Now that the camera is back online, it’s time to set it up like you want.

  • Name the camera (e.g., “Backyard,” “Front Door”).
  • Set motion detection zones (to avoid false alerts from trees or cars).
  • Adjust sensitivity (I keep mine at 60–70% to balance alerts and battery).
  • Enable cloud or local recording (if you have a subscription or USB drive).
  • Check the live view to ensure the angle and focus are correct.

This is also a good time to test the two-way audio. Say “Hi” and see if you hear it clearly. I once had a camera with a muffled mic—resetting didn’t fix it, but it helped me realize it was a hardware issue, not software.

Step 7: Update Firmware (If Available)

After setup, check for firmware updates. Arlo often releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance—especially important in 2026.

  • In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera].
  • Tap Firmware Update if available.
  • Let it install. This can take 5–10 minutes. Don’t move or power off the camera.

Why update? A friend once reset a camera but skipped the update. It kept freezing. After updating, it worked flawlessly. Think of firmware like a software tune-up—it keeps your camera running smoothly.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t rush the reset: I once pressed the button for only 5 seconds. The camera blinked but didn’t fully reset. It still showed old settings. Always count to 10.

Label your cameras: If you have multiple, label them before resetting. I’ve accidentally reset the wrong camera and had to reconfigure the whole setup.

Keep your Arlo app updated: Older app versions sometimes don’t recognize reset cameras. Update the app before starting.

Use the base station for better sync: Wi-Fi-only setups can be finicky. If you have a base station, use it. It’s more reliable, especially in large homes.

Don’t forget cloud recordings: If you’re resetting to sell the camera, know that cloud recordings are tied to your account, not the camera. You can’t transfer them. Download any important footage first.

Test after reset: Don’t assume it’s working. Walk in front of the camera, check the app, and verify motion alerts. I once thought it was fine—only to realize the night vision wasn’t working until I tested it at dusk.

One last thing: how to factory reset Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 isn’t just for tech issues. It’s also a security step. If you’re giving the camera away, resetting ensures the new owner can’t access your old footage or settings.

FAQs About How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Q: How long does a factory reset take?
A: The physical reset takes about 1 minute. Reconnecting and reconfiguring can take 5–10 minutes, depending on your Wi-Fi and how many settings you customize. I usually set aside 15 minutes to do it right.

Q: Will I lose my cloud recordings?
A: No. Your cloud recordings are stored on Arlo’s servers, linked to your account. Resetting the camera doesn’t delete them. But if you remove the camera from your account, you’ll need to re-add it to access those recordings again. Pro tip: Download any critical clips before removing the camera.

Q: Can I reset the camera without the Arlo app?
A: You can physically reset it with the button, but you’ll still need the app to re-pair it. The app is essential for setup, Wi-Fi configuration, and updates. Think of the app as the camera’s remote control.

Q: What if the camera doesn’t sync after reset?
A: First, check the battery. Then, ensure the base station is on and within 30 feet. If using Wi-Fi, make sure you’re on 2.4 GHz. Still no luck? Power cycle the base station and router, then try again. I’ve had this happen once—unplugging everything for 30 seconds fixed it.

Q: Does resetting fix all camera problems?
A: Not always. If the camera has a hardware issue (like a broken lens or mic), resetting won’t help. But for software glitches, Wi-Fi drops, or sync errors, it’s often the fix. I’ve used it to solve 90% of my Arlo issues over the years.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo Pro 2 without removing it from the app first?
A: Technically yes, but it’s riskier. The app might still think the camera is active, causing confusion. I’ve seen it lead to duplicate devices or failed syncs. Do yourself a favor—remove it first.

Q: Is the process the same for Arlo Pro 2 vs. Pro 3 or Pro 4?
A: Close, but not identical. The Pro 3 and Pro 4 use a different reset method (often a longer button press or app-only reset). Always check Arlo’s official guide for your model. But for the Arlo Pro 2, the 10-second button press is the gold standard—even in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to factory reset Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 is one of those quiet superpowers every smart home user should have. It’s simple, fast, and solves a ton of issues—from stubborn Wi-Fi drops to prepping for resale.

I’ve used this method for everything: fixing a camera after a storm, clearing settings before gifting, and even reviving a device that hadn’t been used in years. It’s like giving your camera a clean slate.

Remember: remove the camera from the app, power it up, press the reset button for 10 seconds, then re-sync. Take your time, test everything, and update the firmware. And if you run into a snag? Don’t panic. I’ve been there. A full battery, a stable Wi-Fi, and patience go a long way.

So the next time your Arlo Pro 2 acts up, don’t replace it. Reset it. You’ll save time, money, and a trip to the electronics store. And honestly? There’s something satisfying about watching a glitchy camera come back to life after a simple reset.

Now go reset with confidence. Your camera’s waiting for its fresh start.

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