Factory reset your Arlo camera in 2026 quickly and securely using the Arlo app or physical reset button—ideal for troubleshooting, resale, or reconfiguration. Simply open the app, navigate to Device Settings, and select “Remove Device” to trigger a full reset, or press and hold the camera’s reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes. This erases all settings and restores factory defaults, ensuring a clean setup.

“`html

How to Factory Reset My Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it gently to press and hold the reset button.
• Hold for 10 seconds: Ensure the LED flashes to confirm reset initiation.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the camera to restart and return to factory settings.
• Reconfigure your camera: Set up again via the Arlo app post-reset.
• Check connectivity: Ensure Wi-Fi and app pairing succeed after resetting.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—technology can be a little dramatic sometimes. One day your Arlo camera is working perfectly, and the next, it’s acting like it’s been possessed. Maybe it’s not connecting to Wi-Fi, the app keeps freezing, or it won’t sync with your base station. Sound familiar?

When your Arlo camera starts glitching, a factory reset is often the fastest, most reliable fix. It wipes all settings, removes network connections, and returns the device to its original state—like it just came out of the box. But here’s the thing: if you’ve never done it before, it can feel a little intimidating. That’s exactly why this how to factory reset my Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide exists.

Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling your camera, or just starting fresh, a reset gives you a clean slate. And the good news? It’s easier than you think—no tech degree required. I’ve done it dozens of times (yes, including my own cameras and friends’), and I’ll walk you through it step by step, just like I would if we were chatting over coffee.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather a few things. Nothing fancy—just the essentials. Think of this as your “reset toolkit.”

• Your Arlo camera (obviously!)
• A small paperclip, pin, or SIM ejector tool (for the reset button)
• A charged battery or power source (if using a wired model)
• Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo Secure app installed and logged in
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (for re-pairing after the reset)
• About 10–15 minutes of quiet time (distraction-free zones work best)

Pro tip: If you’re resetting multiple cameras, do one at a time. Trust me—trying to reset three at once leads to confusion and frustration. I learned that the hard way during a home security upgrade.

You don’t need any special software or tools. The reset button is built into every Arlo camera, and the app does most of the heavy lifting. So, if you’ve got these basics, you’re ready to go. This how to factory reset my Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide is designed to work for all major Arlo models: Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, Arlo Go, and even the older Arlo Wire-Free and Arlo Q.

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

Step 1: Power On and Locate the Reset Button

First things first—make sure your camera has power. If it’s battery-powered, check that the battery is charged. For wired models, plug it in. You’ll need at least 30% battery to avoid interruptions.

Now, find the reset button. It’s usually a tiny, recessed hole on the side or back of the camera. On the Arlo Pro 3, it’s near the USB-C port. On the Arlo Essential, it’s on the bottom edge. Think of it like a secret trapdoor—small, but mighty.

Warning: Don’t use a metal paperclip that’s too thick. You could damage the internal contacts. A thin, flexible one works best. I once used a bent staple—lesson learned!

Once you’ve located it, you’re ready for the next step. This is the foundation of your how to factory reset my Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide—so take a breath and double-check.

Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Now comes the “magic” moment. Grab your paperclip or ejector tool and gently insert it into the reset hole. You’ll feel a small click or slight resistance—that’s normal.

Here’s the key: press and hold for 10 seconds. Not 5, not 15—10. I’ve seen people panic after 7 seconds and let go, only to find the reset didn’t work. Count slowly in your head: “One… two… three…”

After 10 seconds, the camera’s LED light will start blinking rapidly—usually blue, white, or amber, depending on your model. This is your signal: the reset has begun!

Real-life example: My neighbor once tried resetting her Arlo Pro 4 and only held it for 8 seconds. The light blinked once and went solid. She thought it worked… until the app still showed her old settings. The 10-second rule is non-negotiable.

Once the light blinks fast, release the button. The camera is now in “reset mode.” This is a critical step in your how to factory reset my Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide—don’t rush it.

Step 3: Wait for the Camera to Reboot

Now, be patient. The camera will shut down and restart on its own. This can take 1–2 minutes. You might see the LED flash in different patterns—blue, white, amber—or turn off and on again. That’s all part of the process.

Do not touch the camera during this time. No pressing buttons, no removing the battery. Let it do its thing. I once got impatient and unplugged mine mid-reset—big mistake. It took an extra 5 minutes to fully reset afterward.

When it’s done, the LED will either go solid or blink slowly. This means it’s ready to be set up again. You’ve officially wiped it clean!

Step 4: Remove the Camera from the Arlo App

Even though the camera is reset, it’s still listed in your Arlo Secure app. To avoid confusion (and prevent accidental re-pairing), remove it from your account.

1. Open the Arlo Secure app on your phone or tablet.
2. Go to Devices and find your camera.
3. Tap the three dots (⋮) or the gear icon next to the camera name.
4. Select Remove Device and confirm.

This step is crucial. If you skip it, you might see “Device already paired” errors later. I learned this after resetting a camera and trying to set it up for a friend—only to get stuck in a loop.

Removing it clears the digital slate, just like the physical reset cleared the hardware. This completes the full reset process in your how to factory reset my Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide.

Step 5: Re-Pair the Camera (Optional but Recommended)

Now that your camera is fresh and clean, you can set it up again—or leave it unpaired if you’re giving it away.

If you’re reusing it:

• Open the Arlo Secure app.
• Tap Add Device and follow the on-screen instructions.
• When it asks to scan the QR code, point your phone at the back of the camera (or enter the serial number manually).
• Connect to your Wi-Fi network and name your camera.

The whole setup takes about 3–5 minutes. The app will guide you through every step, including motion detection zones and recording settings.

Pro tip: Use the same Wi-Fi network you used before. If you’re switching to a new router, do that first. I once reset a camera and tried to pair it to a new Wi-Fi—ended up with “Connection Failed” three times in a row. Lesson? One change at a time.

Once paired, your camera will be fully functional, just like new. You’ve completed the reset—congrats!

Step 6: Test the Reset (Don’t Skip This!)

Before you call it a day, test your work. Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app and check if the camera appears in your device list.
• Tap to view the live feed. You should see real-time video (or a prompt to enable it).
• Walk in front of the camera to test motion detection.
• Check notifications: do you get alerts when motion is detected?

If everything works, great! If not, don’t panic. Try re-pairing or check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Sometimes a weak signal causes delays or disconnections.

This final check ensures your how to factory reset my Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide didn’t just look good—it actually worked.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After resetting over 20 Arlo cameras (for myself, family, and even a small business), I’ve picked up a few hard-earned lessons. Here’s what I wish I knew when I started:

🔹 Use a Dedicated Wi-Fi Network (If Possible)

If you have a lot of smart devices, consider a separate 2.4GHz network just for cameras. Arlo cameras don’t work well on 5GHz-only networks. I once had a camera that kept disconnecting until I realized it was trying to connect to a 5GHz band. Switching to 2.4GHz fixed it instantly.

🔹 Label Your Cameras Before Resetting

If you have multiple Arlo cameras (like front door, backyard, garage), label them with masking tape or a tag before resetting. It’s easy to mix them up, especially if they’re the same model. I once reset two identical Arlo Pro 4s and forgot which was which. Took me 20 minutes to figure out the right placement.

🔹 Don’t Reset While Charging (For Battery Models)

Some Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3) can be reset while charging, but others (like the Arlo Essential) may behave unpredictably. I recommend removing the battery or unplugging before resetting. Better safe than stuck in a loop.

🔹 Avoid Resetting During a Storm

Power surges can interrupt the reset process. If you’re resetting during a thunderstorm, do it during a lull—or wait until it passes. I once reset a camera during a lightning storm, and the power flickered mid-process. The camera didn’t brick, but it took an extra 10 minutes to reboot.

🔹 Keep Firmware Updated After Reset

Once your camera is reset and re-paired, the app will usually prompt you to update the firmware. Do it. Newer firmware fixes bugs, improves battery life, and adds features. Skipping it is like cleaning your house but leaving the fridge full of old food.

Common Mistakes:

• Pressing the reset button too short: 10 seconds is the sweet spot. Less than that? No reset.
• Forgetting to remove from the app: Leads to pairing conflicts later.
• Using a damaged paperclip: Bent or rusted tools can scratch the reset hole.
• Resetting without Wi-Fi: You can reset offline, but re-pairing needs internet.
• Assuming “reset” means “delete footage”: A factory reset doesn’t erase cloud recordings. Those stay in your Arlo account unless you delete them manually.

My biggest mistake: I once reset a camera and immediately tried to set it up on a new Wi-Fi network with a different password. The app kept failing. I spent 30 minutes troubleshooting—until I realized I had a typo in the password. Always double-check your network details.

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

Q: Will resetting delete my videos?

Great question! A factory reset only affects the camera’s settings and Wi-Fi connection. Your cloud recordings (if you have an Arlo Secure plan) stay safe in your account. However, if you’re using local storage (like a microSD card), those videos will be erased. So, back them up first!

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

Yes, you can physically reset the camera using the button (Steps 1–3 above). But to set it up again, you’ll need the Arlo Secure app. The app is required for pairing, Wi-Fi setup, and firmware updates. There’s no “offline mode” for full functionality.

Q: Why does my camera keep blinking after the reset?

Fast blinking usually means it’s in pairing mode. Slow blinking means it’s trying to connect to Wi-Fi. If it’s solid or off, it might not have power. Check the battery or power source. If it blinks in a repeating pattern (like 3 flashes, pause, repeat), consult the Arlo support site for error codes.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera remotely?

No, you need physical access to press the reset button. This is a security feature—no one can wipe your camera from afar. If your camera is outside or on a high wall, you might need a ladder or extension pole. I use a selfie stick with a paperclip taped to it!

Q: What if the reset doesn’t work?

If the camera doesn’t blink or respond after 10 seconds, try these:

• Ensure the battery is charged.
• Press the button for 12–15 seconds (sometimes it takes longer).
• Try a different paperclip or tool.
• Contact Arlo Support—they can guide you through a “hard reset” or check for hardware issues.

Most “failed” resets are due to low power or short hold time.

Q: Is resetting safe for older Arlo models?

Absolutely. I’ve reset Arlo Wire-Free cameras from 2016, and they worked perfectly. The reset process is consistent across models. Just be extra careful with older units—their reset buttons can be more fragile.

Q: Should I reset before selling my Arlo camera?

Yes, 100%. It removes your Wi-Fi, account, and any saved settings. It’s like giving the buyer a brand-new camera. Plus, it protects your privacy. I always reset mine before selling or donating—it’s the digital equivalent of cleaning out your drawers.

Final Thoughts

Look, resetting your Arlo camera isn’t rocket science. It’s one of those things that sounds complicated but is actually pretty simple—especially when you have a clear how to factory reset my Arlo camera in 2026 easy guide like this one.

Whether you’re fixing a glitch, upgrading your system, or passing it on, a factory reset gives you peace of mind. It’s like hitting the “refresh” button on your security setup.

My advice? Don’t wait for problems to pile up. If your camera is acting weird, reset it now. It takes 15 minutes, costs nothing, and can save you hours of frustration. And remember: take it step by step. Power on, press for 10 seconds, wait, remove from the app, and test.

You’ve got this. And if you ever get stuck? Just come back to this guide. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m rooting for you.

Now go reset that camera—and enjoy your fresh, glitch-free Arlo experience.

“`