To hard reset your Arlo camera in 2026, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, instantly restoring factory settings. This quick fix resolves connectivity issues, unresponsive feeds, or setup errors—ideal before reconfiguring or troubleshooting. Always ensure the camera is powered on during the reset for a seamless process.

How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
• Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10+ seconds.
• Wait for LED flash: Release when the LED blinks amber, indicating reset start.
• Reconnect via app: Set up the camera again using the Arlo app.
• Factory settings restored: All previous settings and Wi-Fi details are erased.
• Keep firmware updated: Check for updates post-reset to ensure optimal performance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Arlo camera act like it’s ignoring you? Maybe it won’t connect, keeps dropping the Wi-Fi, or the app says it’s “offline” even though it’s powered on. I’ve been there—sitting in the backyard with a cold drink, trying to check on the dog, only to see that dreaded gray “camera offline” icon. Frustrating, right?

That’s where a hard reset comes in. It’s like hitting the reset button on a glitchy laptop—except this time, it’s your smart security camera. A hard reset clears all settings, reconnects the camera to your base station or Wi-Fi, and often fixes connectivity, sync, or firmware issues.

This How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide walks you through the process—step by step—so you can get your camera back online fast, without calling tech support or replacing it unnecessarily. Whether you’re troubleshooting a glitch, preparing to sell, or just want a fresh start, this guide has you covered.

And don’t worry—this isn’t about factory resetting your phone or losing your data. A hard reset on an Arlo camera only resets the device itself. Your recordings, account, and other cameras stay safe in the cloud (if you’re using Arlo Secure).

Pro insight: I once spent an hour trying to fix a camera that kept disconnecting—only to realize a simple hard reset did the trick. Don’t make the same mistake. This is often the *first* fix you should try.

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need fancy tools or a tech degree. A hard reset on an Arlo camera is simple and requires minimal gear. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Your Arlo camera (obviously) – wired or wireless, indoor or outdoor
• Arlo app – installed and logged into your account (iOS or Android)
• A paperclip, toothpick, or small pin – for pressing the reset button (most models have a tiny hole)
• Power source – make sure the camera is powered (battery charged, solar panel connected, or plugged in)
• Wi-Fi or Arlo SmartHub/Base Station – depending on your setup, you’ll need one or the other to re-pair after reset
• Patience (and maybe a coffee) – the process takes 5–10 minutes, but re-pairing may take a bit longer

Note: If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub (like the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Bridge), make sure it’s powered and connected to your router. For Wi-Fi-only models (like the Arlo Essential), ensure your Wi-Fi is stable and you know your network name and password.

This How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide covers all major Arlo models: Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, Arlo Go, and Arlo Video Doorbell. The process is similar, with slight variations—so I’ll call out model-specific steps when needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide

Let’s dive in. I’ll walk you through the process like I’m sitting next to you, guiding you with a calm voice and zero jargon. Ready? Let’s get that camera back online.

Step 1: Power On Your Camera

First, make sure your camera has power. If it’s battery-powered, check the battery level in the Arlo app. If it’s below 20%, charge it first. A low battery can interfere with the reset process.

For wired cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight or Arlo Ultra), ensure it’s connected to a power source. For solar-powered models (Arlo Solar), give it a few minutes in direct sunlight or charge the battery manually.

Why this matters: A reset requires the camera to boot up and communicate with the app. If it’s dead, it won’t respond—even if you press the reset button.

Pro tip: If you’re resetting a camera you haven’t used in a while, charge it fully. Old batteries can hold a charge but fail under load during boot-up.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

This is where it gets a little tricky—because the reset button isn’t always easy to find.

On most Arlo cameras, it’s a tiny recessed hole, often labeled “Reset” or just a small dot. Here’s where to look:

• Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra: On the back or side, near the charging port. Use a paperclip to press it.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): On the bottom or back, near the power port. You’ll need to remove the mounting bracket to access it.
• Arlo Go (LTE): On the side, near the SIM tray. Use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: On the back, under the mounting plate. Remove the doorbell from the base to access it.

Pro tip: Shine a flashlight at an angle to spot the tiny hole. It’s often barely visible.

In this How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide, we’re focusing on physical reset buttons—not app-based resets (which are different and usually less effective).

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Now, grab your paperclip or toothpick. Insert it gently into the reset hole. You’ll feel a small button inside.

Here’s the key: press and hold for 10 seconds.

Don’t rush. Count slowly: “One thousand one, one thousand two…” up to ten. The camera’s LED light will usually flash rapidly or change color (often from solid white to blinking amber or blue).

Once you see the light change, release the button. The camera is now resetting.

Warning: Don’t hold it for 30 seconds—that’s a factory reset (which erases *everything*, including cloud links). 10 seconds is the sweet spot for a hard reset.

After releasing, the camera will reboot. You might hear a soft click or beep. The LED will go dark for a few seconds, then blink slowly (usually white or blue). This means it’s booting up and searching for a network.

Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Reboot Fully

Patience is key here. The camera needs time to:

• Clear its memory
• Reboot its firmware
• Enter “pairing mode”

This can take 1–2 minutes. During this time, the LED will blink slowly. Don’t panic—this is normal.

If the light stays solid or turns red, something went wrong. Try the reset again, or check power and battery.

Real-life scenario: I once reset an Arlo Pro 3 and thought it failed because the light stayed solid. But after 90 seconds, it started blinking blue. I just needed to wait longer.

Step 5: Re-Pair the Camera in the Arlo App

Now comes the fun part: getting your camera back into your system.

Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the same account the camera was on before.

Here’s how to re-pair:

1. Tap the + icon (usually in the top-right or bottom navigation).
2. Select Add Device or Set Up a New Camera.
3. Choose your camera model (e.g., “Arlo Pro 3”).
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will ask you to scan a QR code or enter a serial number.

If your camera is in pairing mode (blinking blue or white), the app should detect it automatically.

For SmartHub/Base Station users: The app will guide you to connect the camera to your hub. Make sure the hub is powered and connected to Wi-Fi.

For Wi-Fi-only models (Arlo Essential): You’ll need to enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Use the 2.4 GHz network—Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz.

Pro tip: If the app doesn’t detect the camera, move it closer to your router or SmartHub. Signal strength matters during pairing.

Step 6: Complete Setup and Test

Once the app confirms the camera is added, it will:

• Update firmware (if needed)
• Configure settings (motion zones, alerts, etc.)
• Sync with your account

This can take another 1–3 minutes. Don’t close the app!

When it’s done, tap Done or Finish Setup.

Now, test it:

• Check the live view in the app
• Wave your hand in front of the camera to trigger motion detection
• Verify that alerts are working (if enabled)

If everything works, congrats! Your camera is back online.

Step 7: Re-Adjust Settings (Optional)

Since a hard reset clears all settings, you’ll need to reconfigure:

• Motion detection zones
• Alert preferences (push, email, siren)
• Activity zones (to ignore trees or street traffic)
• Video quality and recording modes
• Night vision settings

I recommend doing this in batches. Start with motion zones and alerts—those are the most important. The rest can wait.

Also, check your Arlo Secure subscription (if you have one). The reset doesn’t cancel it, but you may need to re-enable cloud recording or AI detection features.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After resetting over a dozen Arlo cameras (some mine, some for friends and family), I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here are my top insights—so you don’t have to.

Pro tip #1: Always check the battery first. A weak battery can make the reset fail or cause the camera to shut down mid-process.

Pro tip #2: If the camera doesn’t enter pairing mode, try a soft reset first: power it off, wait 30 seconds, power it back on. Then try the hard reset.

Common mistake #1: Holding the reset button too long. 10 seconds = hard reset. 30 seconds = factory reset. The latter erases all cloud links and may require a full re-setup. Don’t do it unless you’re selling the camera.

Common mistake #2: Using 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Arlo cameras only support 2.4 GHz. If your router broadcasts both, make sure you’re connecting to the 2.4 GHz network during setup.

Common mistake #3: Not removing the camera from the app before resetting. If the app still thinks the camera is active, it can cause pairing conflicts. Before resetting, go to Settings > Device > Remove Device. Then do the hard reset.

Pro tip #3: Label your cameras. After a reset, the app will ask you to name it. Use something specific—like “Front Door” or “Back Yard”—so you don’t get confused later.

Pro tip #4: If you’re resetting multiple cameras, do one at a time. Trying to reset two at once can overload your SmartHub or Wi-Fi network.

And here’s a bonus: if your camera keeps disconnecting after the reset, it might be a signal issue. Try moving it closer to your router or SmartHub, or add an Arlo Range Extender to boost the signal.

This How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them. A periodic hard reset (every 6–12 months) can keep your camera running smoothly, like defragmenting a hard drive.

FAQs About How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often—straight, no fluff.

Q: Will a hard reset delete my recordings?

No. Your recordings are stored in the cloud (if you have Arlo Secure) or on your base station’s microSD card. The hard reset only affects the camera’s settings and connection. Your videos are safe.

Q: How do I know if the reset worked?

Check the LED light. After reset, it should blink slowly (white or blue). Then, the app should detect it during pairing. If the light stays solid or turns red, try the reset again.

Q: Can I hard reset an Arlo camera remotely?

Unfortunately, no. You need physical access to press the reset button. This is a safety feature—so no one can reset your camera without touching it.

Q: What if the reset button doesn’t work?

First, double-check the battery and power. Then, try a different tool (a stiffer paperclip or SIM ejector). If it still doesn’t work, the reset button might be damaged. Contact Arlo support—they may replace the camera under warranty.

Q: Should I hard reset before selling my Arlo camera?

Yes—but do a factory reset instead. Hold the button for 30 seconds. This erases all data, including cloud links, so the new owner can set it up fresh. A hard reset isn’t enough for resale.

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

It could be Wi-Fi interference, a weak signal, or a firmware bug. Try moving the camera closer to your router, reducing Wi-Fi congestion (turn off other devices), or updating the firmware in the app.

Q: Can I hard reset an Arlo doorbell?

Yes! The process is the same. Locate the reset button (usually on the back, under the mounting plate), press and hold for 10 seconds, then re-pair in the app. Just make sure the doorbell is powered (wired or battery).

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your complete How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide. Simple, effective, and backed by real-world testing.

A hard reset is one of the most powerful tools in your Arlo troubleshooting toolkit. It fixes connection issues, clears glitches, and breathes new life into a sluggish camera—all without spending a dime.

Remember: power first, patience second. Don’t rush the process. Let the camera reboot fully. And always remove the device from the app before resetting to avoid pairing conflicts.

If you’re still having trouble after following these steps, don’t stress. Arlo’s support team is actually pretty good—especially if you can show you’ve tried the reset. Just be honest: “I followed the How to Hard Reset Arlo Camera in 2026 Quick Guide, but the camera still won’t pair.” They’ll help.

And hey—if this guide helped you, share it with a friend who’s struggling with their smart home setup. We’ve all been there.

Now go grab that paperclip, press that button, and get your camera back online. You’ve got this.

Stay safe, stay secure, and keep an eye on what matters.