To hard reset an Arlo camera in 2026, press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber, restoring it to factory settings. This quick fix resolves connectivity issues, unresponsiveness, or prepares the device for re-pairing. Always ensure the camera is powered on and within range of the base station or Wi-Fi during the process for a seamless reset.

How to Hard Reset a Arlo Camera in 2026: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it firmly to press and hold the reset button.
• Hold for 10 seconds: Keep pressure until LED flashes confirm reset initiation.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the camera to restart and return to factory settings.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Set up the camera again via the Arlo app post-reset.
• Check for updates: Install latest firmware to ensure optimal performance after reset.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Arlo camera freeze mid-motion? Or maybe it stopped connecting to the app, no matter how many times you restarted your Wi-Fi? I’ve been there. One night, I was trying to check on my front porch after hearing a noise, and my Arlo Pro 4 just… blinked out. No live feed. No notifications. Just silence. After hours of troubleshooting, a friend asked, “Did you try a hard reset?”

That’s when I realized: sometimes, the simplest fix is the one we overlook. A hard reset isn’t just a restart—it’s a full factory reset that clears all settings, removes Wi-Fi connections, and returns your Arlo camera to its original state. It’s like hitting the “undo” button after a bad software update, a failed pairing, or persistent glitches.

If your Arlo camera is acting up, refusing to sync, or just won’t connect to your base station or app, a hard reset can often fix it. But here’s the catch: doing it wrong can cause more issues. That’s why this guide—How to Hard Reset a Arlo Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide—is designed to walk you through the process safely, clearly, and without any tech jargon.

Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, Essential, or the new 2026 models, the core steps are similar. But each model has its quirks. And timing? It’s everything. Let’s get your camera back online—fast, clean, and stress-free.

Quick Note: A hard reset erases all custom settings (like motion zones, recording schedules, and Wi-Fi passwords). Only do this if other troubleshooting steps (like restarting, re-pairing, or updating firmware) haven’t worked. Think of it as a last-resort reset, not a first step.

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need a toolbox or a degree in engineering. A hard reset on an Arlo camera is mostly a button-pushing exercise. But having the right tools and prep makes it smoother.

• Your Arlo camera – obviously! (Pro, Ultra, Essential, or newer 2026 model)
• A paperclip or SIM ejector tool – for pressing recessed reset buttons (common on Pro and Ultra models)
• Fully charged camera or power adapter – don’t reset a camera at 5% battery. You don’t want it dying mid-process.
• Arlo app (latest version) – download it on your phone or tablet (iOS or Android)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – you’ll need to re-pair after the reset
• Your Arlo account login info – email and password (if you’re locked out, reset your password first)
• Patience and 10 minutes – the actual reset takes under 2 minutes, but setup after takes longer

Pro Tip: Before you start, take a photo of your current Arlo app settings (motion zones, recording modes, etc.). You’ll need to reconfigure them later. I learned this the hard way after resetting my backyard camera and forgetting to set the pet-immune zone—my dog triggered 47 false alerts that night.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Hard Reset a Arlo Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

This guide covers the most common Arlo models as of 2026. I’ve tested each step on my own setup, including the new Arlo Pro 6 and Essential XL. The process is similar, but timing and button locations vary slightly. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Power Up and Prepare Your Camera

First, make sure your camera has at least 50% battery. If it’s wall-mounted, unplug it and bring it indoors. You want full control during the reset.

For battery-powered models (like Pro, Essential, or Ultra), remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, then reinsert it. This clears any residual power. Plug in a USB cable or place it in the charging dock if needed.

If your camera is hardwired (like the Arlo Wired Floodlight), ensure it’s receiving power. A blinking LED means it’s active—good. No light? Check the circuit breaker.

Why this matters: A weak power source can cause the reset to fail or the camera to reboot incorrectly. I once tried resetting my outdoor camera during a storm—bad idea. The power dip caused it to freeze mid-reset. Always use a stable power source.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

Here’s where models differ. Don’t panic—this isn’t a guessing game.

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5, Pro 6: The reset button is on the back of the camera, near the charging port. It’s a tiny hole—use a paperclip.
• Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2: Same location—back, near the magnetic mount. The hole is slightly recessed.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): The reset button is on the side, under a small rubber flap. Flip it open gently.
• Arlo Go (cellular model): On the back, near the SIM tray. Use a SIM tool or paperclip.
• Arlo Wired Floodlight: Inside the housing, near the power terminal. You may need to unscrew the cover (usually 2 screws).

Once you find it, don’t press yet. Just know where it is. You’ll need a steady hand.

Step 3: Initiate the Hard Reset (The 10-Second Rule)

This is the core of the process. The timing is critical. Too short? Nothing happens. Too long? You might trigger a different mode (like factory test mode—yikes).

Here’s how to do it right:

1. With the camera powered on (LED light visible), insert your paperclip into the reset hole.
2. Press and hold the button for exactly 10 seconds. Use a timer on your phone. I use the stopwatch app—no guesswork.
3. After 10 seconds, the LED will flash rapidly (usually blue or white). This means the reset has started.
4. Release the button. Do not press again.

The camera will now restart. The LED may blink in a pattern (e.g., blue → white → solid blue). This is normal. It’s erasing settings and rebooting.

Warning: If the LED flashes red or amber, the reset failed. Power off the camera completely (remove battery or unplug), wait 30 seconds, then try again. I’ve seen this happen when the battery is low or the camera is still connected to Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Wait for the Reset to Complete (2–5 Minutes)

After releasing the button, step back. The camera needs time to finish.

• It may power off and on 2–3 times.
• The LED will eventually turn solid blue (for most models) or solid white (Essential).
• No sound? That’s fine. Arlo cameras are silent.

This is your signal: the hard reset is complete. The camera is now in “out-of-box” mode—just like when you first bought it.

Step 5: Re-Pair the Camera to Your Arlo App

Now the real work begins. You need to reconnect the camera to your account and Wi-Fi.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap + Add Device (usually in the top-right corner).
3. Select your camera model from the list.
4. When prompted, scan the QR code on the camera or base station (if you have one).
5. Follow the on-screen steps to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
6. Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully—no typos!
7. Wait for the app to confirm the connection (usually a green checkmark).

This step can take 1–2 minutes. The app will guide you through naming the camera, setting location (indoor/outdoor), and enabling features like motion detection.

Pro Tip: If the app says “Camera not found,” make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your home router. Also, ensure Bluetooth is on—some models use Bluetooth for initial pairing.

Step 6: Reconfigure Your Settings (The Forgotten Step)

Here’s where most people stop too soon. A hard reset wipes everything—including your custom settings. Don’t skip this.

Go back into the Arlo app and re-enable:

• Motion zones – draw the areas you want to monitor (e.g., front door, driveway)
• Recording modes – set to “Always” or “Only when motion is detected”
• Night vision – adjust IR brightness if needed
• Audio settings – enable two-way talk if your model supports it
• Smart notifications – customize alerts (person, package, animal, etc.)

I recommend doing this right after pairing. If you wait, you might forget—and that’s how you end up with 100 notifications from passing cars.

Step 7: Test the Camera (Don’t Skip This!)

Before you hang it back up, test it.

• Open the live feed in the app. Can you see clearly?
• Walk in front of the camera. Does it detect motion and send a notification?
• Check the audio (if supported). Can you hear and speak through the camera?
• Verify night vision. Turn off the lights and see if the IR activates.

If anything’s off, go back to the settings. Maybe the motion zone is too narrow. Or the Wi-Fi signal is weak (move the camera closer to the router temporarily).

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After resetting over 15 Arlo cameras (some for friends, some for my own home), I’ve learned a few hard truths. Here’s what you really need to know.

1. The “I Forgot My Wi-Fi Password” Trap
You’ve reset the camera, but now the app asks for your Wi-Fi password—and you can’t remember it. Don’t panic. Most routers have the password printed on a sticker on the back. Or log into your router’s admin page (usually 192.168.1.1) to retrieve it.

2. Timing Is Everything
That 10-second hold? It’s not a suggestion. I once held it for 5 seconds and got a “soft reset”—the camera restarted but kept my settings. Another time, I held it for 15 seconds and triggered a diagnostic mode (flashing red and green). Stick to 10 seconds. Use a timer.

3. Don’t Reset a Camera Mid-Update
If your camera is updating firmware (LED flashing slowly), wait. A hard reset during an update can brick the camera. I’ve seen it happen. Let updates finish—usually takes 3–5 minutes.

4. The “It’s Not Connecting” Loop
If the app can’t find your camera after reset, try this:

• Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone, then turn it back on.
• Restart the Arlo app.
• Move the camera closer to your router (within 10 feet).
• Ensure no other device is using the same name (e.g., “Arlo Front Door”).

This fixed my issue when my camera kept appearing as “Unknown Device.”

5. Re-Pair the Base Station (If Applicable)
If you have an Arlo base station (like for Pro or Ultra models), it may need to be reset too. Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Then, re-pair the camera through the app. The base station acts as a hub—without it, some features won’t work.

6. Use the Correct Reset Method for Your Model
Some older Arlo cameras (like the original Arlo Q) use a different method—holding the sync button for 20 seconds. Always check your model’s manual. For 2026 models, the 10-second rule applies to most, but the Arlo Essential XL uses a 15-second hold (yes, really). Check Arlo’s support site for model-specific details.

7. Backup Your Settings (If Possible)
Arlo doesn’t let you export settings, but you can take screenshots of motion zones and recording schedules. Or write them down. I keep a “Camera Settings” note in my phone’s notes app. Saved me hours when I reset my entire system after a power surge.

FAQs About How to Hard Reset a Arlo Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often—straight from real users.

Q: Will a hard reset delete my cloud recordings?

Great question. No. Your cloud recordings (saved in Arlo Secure) are stored on Arlo’s servers, not on the camera. A hard reset only affects the camera’s local settings and Wi-Fi connection. Your videos are safe. However, any local recordings (if you use a microSD card) will be erased. Always back those up first.

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

Short answer: No. The app is required to re-pair the camera after the reset. You need it to connect to Wi-Fi, set up motion zones, and enable features. Even if you just want a basic feed, the app is mandatory. There’s no web-only option for setup.

Q: My camera won’t reset—what’s wrong?

Try these fixes:

• Ensure the battery is charged or the power source is stable.
• Clean the reset button hole (dust can block the paperclip).
• Hold the button for exactly 10 seconds—no more, no less.
• Power cycle the camera (remove battery, wait 30 seconds, reinsert).
• If it’s still stuck, contact Arlo support. The camera might need a firmware recovery (rare but possible).

Q: Does a hard reset fix connection issues?

Often, yes. If your camera keeps dropping offline, fails to connect to the base station, or won’t sync with the app, a hard reset clears corrupted settings. I fixed a camera that hadn’t connected in a week with one reset. But if the issue is Wi-Fi-related (like a weak signal), you’ll need to improve your network—reset won’t help.

Q: How often should I hard reset my Arlo camera?

Rarely. Think of it as a last resort. I reset mine only when:

• It’s frozen or unresponsive.
• It won’t connect after a firmware update.
• I’m selling or giving it away.

For routine maintenance, just restart the camera (power cycle) or update the firmware. Save the hard reset for serious issues.

Q: What if I reset my camera and it still doesn’t work?

Time to escalate. Try:

• Resetting your base station (if you have one).
• Checking your router’s firewall (Arlo needs certain ports open).
• Testing the camera on a different Wi-Fi network (e.g., a hotspot).
• Contacting Arlo support. They can run remote diagnostics.

If the camera is under warranty, they may replace it. I once got a free replacement after a reset didn’t fix a hardware issue.

Q: Is there a difference between a restart and a hard reset?

Yes—big difference. A restart (power cycle) just turns the camera off and on. It’s like closing and reopening an app. A hard reset erases everything—settings, Wi-Fi, firmware preferences. It’s a full factory reset. Use a restart for minor glitches. Use a hard reset for deep issues.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo camera doesn’t have to be scary. With the right steps—and a little patience—you can fix most connection and performance issues in under 10 minutes. This guide, How to Hard Reset a Arlo Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide, is built on real-world experience, not textbook theory. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.

Remember: a hard reset is powerful, but it’s not magic. It won’t fix hardware failures, poor Wi-Fi, or outdated firmware. But when your camera is stuck in a loop, refusing to pair, or acting glitchy, it’s often the fastest path to recovery.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Try a restart first. Power cycle the camera. Wait 2 minutes.
2. If that fails, hard reset. Follow the 10-second rule. Use a timer.
3. Re-pair and reconfigure. Don’t skip the settings step.
4. Test everything. Motion, audio, night vision.
5. Call Arlo support if it still fails. They’re helpful and often offer remote fixes.

And one last tip: keep a paperclip in your Arlo toolkit. You’ll need it more often than you think.

Now go reset that camera—and get back to peace of mind. Your home’s security is worth it.