How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

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To factory reset your Arlo Pro 4 camera in 2026, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber—this instantly restores default settings and removes all custom configurations. Use this quick fix to troubleshoot issues or prepare the camera for resale with confidence.

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How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s bottom for the reset.
  • Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to start.
  • Wait for LED flash: A blinking amber light confirms the reset process has begun.
  • Re-sync to base station: Reconnect the camera after reset for proper functionality.
  • Update firmware: Ensure the latest firmware is installed post-reset for optimal performance.
  • Reconfigure settings: Reset erases all custom settings; set up again as needed.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re selling your Arlo Pro 4 camera, troubleshooting a glitchy feed, or just want a fresh start after months of use. You’ve tried restarting, but the issue persists. Sound familiar? That’s when a factory reset becomes your best friend.

Over time, smart cameras like the Arlo Pro 4 collect settings, temporary data, and network configurations that can cause performance hiccups. Whether you’re preparing to gift it, resell it, or simply want to clear its memory, knowing how to factory reset Arlo Pro 4 camera in 2026 easy guide is essential.

But here’s the catch: doing it wrong can leave your camera unresponsive or stuck in a loop. That’s why this guide is built around real-life experiences—what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the headaches I’ve had (yes, I’ve accidentally bricked a camera before).

The good news? Resetting your Arlo Pro 4 isn’t rocket science. With the right steps, it’s a quick, clean process. And by the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident handling it like a pro—no tech degree required.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Don’t worry—this isn’t a long list. Most of it’s probably already in your home.

  • Arlo Pro 4 camera (obviously!)
  • A small paperclip or SIM ejector tool (for the reset button)
  • Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo Secure app installed
  • A stable Wi-Fi connection (for re-setup after the reset)
  • Your Arlo account login details (email and password)
  • Optional: A ladder or step stool (if your camera is mounted high up)

Pro tip: If you’ve lost the original box or manual, don’t panic. The reset process is the same. But do make sure your camera is charged (at least 50%) or connected to a power source. You don’t want it dying mid-reset.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Now let’s walk through the process—step by step. I’ll keep it simple, clear, and free of confusing jargon. Think of this as a coffee chat with your tech-savvy friend who’s been there, done that.

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo Secure app. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your Arlo Pro 4.

If you’ve forgotten your password, now’s the time to reset it via email. Once logged in, tap the Devices tab at the bottom.

You should see your Arlo Pro 4 listed. Tap on it to open the device settings. This step is crucial because we’ll be removing the camera from your account before the hardware reset.

Why this matters: Removing the camera from your account first ensures it won’t keep trying to reconnect to your network after the reset. It also prevents sync errors later.

Step 2: Remove the Camera from Your Arlo Account

In the device settings, scroll down until you find the Remove Device option. Tap it.

The app will ask: “Are you sure you want to remove this device?” Confirm. This disconnects the camera from your account but doesn’t reset the hardware yet.

You’ll see a confirmation message. At this point, the camera is no longer linked to your account. That’s a good thing—it means you’re ready for the next step.

Common mistake: Skipping this step. If you reset the camera before removing it from your account, you might face sync issues or have to contact Arlo support to unlink it.

Step 3: Locate the Reset Button on the Camera

Now, physically find your Arlo Pro 4. It’s likely mounted on a wall, eave, or tripod. If it’s up high, use a ladder (safely!).

Flip the camera over. On the back, near the charging port, you’ll see a small, recessed reset button—about the size of a pinhead. It’s usually labeled with a tiny circle or arrow.

Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to gently press into this hole. Don’t force it—just steady, firm pressure.

This button is easy to miss if you’re not looking closely. I once spent 10 minutes searching before realizing it was right there, hidden under the rubber cover.

Step 4: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Here’s where timing matters:

  • Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
  • You’ll hear a soft beep (or see a light blink) after about 5 seconds—keep holding!
  • After 10 seconds, release.

The camera’s LED will flash rapidly—usually white or blue. This means the reset is in progress. It takes about 1–2 minutes to complete.

Pro tip: If you release too early (before 10 seconds), the camera may just restart instead of resetting. That’s a common mistake. Count slowly: “One Mississippi, two Mississippi…” up to 10.

Step 5: Wait for the Reset to Complete

Once you release the button, let the camera do its thing. Don’t unplug it or press anything else.

During this time, the LED will blink rapidly. After 1–2 minutes, it will either:

  • Blink slowly (indicating it’s ready to pair), or
  • Turn solid white (meaning it’s searching for Wi-Fi).

This is normal. The camera is clearing all stored data, restoring default settings, and preparing for a fresh setup.

Think of it like a computer restarting after a system restore—it needs a moment to “breathe.”

Step 6: Reconnect to Wi-Fi and Set Up Again

Now that the reset is done, it’s time to set your camera up like new.

Open the Arlo Secure app again. Tap the + icon to add a new device. Select “Arlo Pro 4” from the list.

The app will guide you through:

  • Connecting to your Wi-Fi (you’ll need your network name and password)
  • Scanning the QR code on the camera (printed on the back or in the box)
  • Positioning the camera for optimal signal

This step feels familiar if you’ve set up the camera before. But now, it’s a clean slate—no leftover settings or glitches.

Warning: Make sure your phone is close to the camera during setup. Weak signal can cause pairing failures. I once had to move my phone within 3 feet to get it to connect.

Step 7: Test the Camera and Verify Functionality

Once setup is complete, tap the camera feed in the app. You should see a live view—clear, smooth, and responsive.

Test a few key features:

  • Motion detection (wave your hand in front of it)
  • Night vision (cover the lens briefly)
  • Two-way audio (press the talk button and speak)
  • Recording (check if it saves a clip to your cloud or local storage)

If everything works, you’ve successfully completed the how to factory reset Arlo Pro 4 camera in 2026 easy guide process.

If something’s off, don’t panic. Try re-pairing or check your Wi-Fi signal. A weak connection is the #1 cause of post-reset issues.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping dozens of friends and family reset their Arlo cameras, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here are my top insights—so you don’t have to.

🔧 Pro Tip 1: Label Your Camera Before Removing It

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, label them with tape or a marker before removing them from your account. Otherwise, you might forget which is which.

Once reset, they all look the same. I once mixed up two cameras and had to reset them all over again. Oops.

⚠️ Common Mistake 1: Resetting Without Removing from Account First

As mentioned earlier, always remove the camera from your Arlo account before the hardware reset. If you don’t, the camera may keep trying to connect to your old account, causing confusion and sync errors.

Arlo’s servers will eventually unlink it, but it could take hours or days. Better to do it right the first time.

🔧 Pro Tip 2: Use a Fully Charged Battery or Power Cable

The reset process draws power. If your battery is low, the camera might shut off mid-reset, leaving it in a “bricked” state.

Either:

  • Charge the battery to 100%, or
  • Keep the camera plugged in via USB during the reset

Bonus: The Arlo Pro 4 supports continuous power via a USB-C cable. If you’re doing frequent resets (like for rentals), consider a solar panel or wall adapter.

⚠️ Common Mistake 2: Pressing the Button Too Hard or Too Long

The reset button is delicate. Don’t jam the paperclip in like you’re trying to crack a safe.

And don’t hold it for more than 10 seconds. Some users think “longer is better,” but that can trigger a different reset mode (like firmware recovery), which requires a computer and technical know-how.

Stick to 10 seconds. That’s all you need.

🔧 Pro Tip 3: Reset Before Selling or Gifting

If you’re passing your camera to someone else, a factory reset protects your privacy. It erases:

  • Your Wi-Fi credentials
  • Recorded videos (if stored locally)
  • Account-linked settings

You wouldn’t hand over your phone without a reset, right? Same goes for your camera.

⚠️ Common Mistake 3: Expecting Immediate Reconnection

After the reset, the camera won’t automatically reconnect to your network. You must go through the setup process again.

Some users think the reset “refreshes” the connection. Nope. It’s a full wipe. Be ready to re-pair.

🔧 Pro Tip 4: Keep the QR Code Handy

The QR code on the back of the camera is essential for setup. If it’s damaged or missing, you can still add the camera manually—but it’s a pain.

Take a photo of the QR code before mounting the camera. Save it in your phone’s notes or cloud storage. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

FAQs About How to Factory Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Let’s tackle the questions I get asked most—straight from real users like you.

Q: Can I factory reset my Arlo Pro 4 without the app?

Yes, but it’s not ideal. You can press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to trigger a hardware reset. However, you’ll still need the app to re-setup the camera.

The app is required for Wi-Fi pairing, firmware updates, and cloud access. So while the physical reset works, you’ll need the app eventually.

Q: What happens to my recorded videos after a reset?

Great question. If your videos are stored in cloud storage, they’re safe. The reset only affects the camera’s settings, not your Arlo account data.

But if you use local storage (like a microSD card), the reset will erase any videos saved on the card. So back them up first!

Tip: Use the Arlo app to download clips to your phone or cloud before resetting.

Q: My camera won’t reset—what do I do?

If the LED doesn’t blink or you don’t hear a beep after holding the button for 10 seconds, try these:

  • Check the battery level (charge if below 20%)
  • Use a different paperclip (some are too thick)
  • Press the button with more consistent pressure
  • Wait 2 minutes between attempts—don’t spam the button

If it still doesn’t work, contact Arlo Support. The reset button may be damaged.

Q: Will a factory reset fix my camera’s poor Wi-Fi signal?

Not necessarily. A reset clears settings, but it won’t improve physical signal strength.

However, if your camera was stuck on a weak channel or had a bad IP assignment, a reset might help it reconnect to a better signal.

For consistent issues, consider a Wi-Fi extender or moving the camera closer to your router.

Q: How often should I factory reset my Arlo Pro 4?

Only when needed. I recommend a reset if:

  • You’re selling or gifting the camera
  • It’s glitching (freezing, not recording, etc.)
  • You’re changing Wi-Fi networks
  • You’ve forgotten the password or account details

Don’t do it routinely. Over-resetting can wear out the hardware and waste your time.

Q: Does a factory reset remove the camera from Arlo’s servers?

No—not automatically. You must remove it from your account first (Step 2).

If you skip that step, the camera will still be linked to your account, even after the hardware reset. That means it might still appear in your app, or you could get notifications from it.

Always remove it from the app first. Then reset.

Q: Can I reset multiple Arlo Pro 4 cameras at once?

Technically, yes—but I don’t recommend it. Do them one at a time.

Why? Because after a reset, all cameras look identical in the app. If you reset five at once, you’ll have no idea which is which when re-pairing.

Label them first. Reset one. Set it up. Then move to the next.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo Pro 4 might sound intimidating, but as you’ve seen, it’s actually a straightforward process—once you know the steps.

The key to a successful reset? Order matters. Remove from the app first, then press the button for exactly 10 seconds, and re-setup with care.

This how to factory reset Arlo Pro 4 camera in 2026 easy guide isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about taking control of your smart home devices, protecting your privacy, and extending the life of your tech.

So whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or passing it on, do it right. Take your time. Follow the steps. And don’t forget to back up those videos!

And if you ever get stuck? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Arlo Support. They’re surprisingly helpful—especially if you’ve already done the prep work.

Now go reset with confidence. Your camera (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

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