Rebooting your Arlo camera system in 2026 is quick and essential for resolving glitches or improving performance—simply press and hold the reset button on the base station or camera for 10 seconds until the LED flashes. This forces a full restart, reconnects devices, and restores optimal functionality without losing your settings or recordings when done correctly.

How to Reboot Arlo Camera System in 2026: A Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Power cycle first: Unplug and replug your Arlo base station to resolve minor glitches.
• Use the app: Reboot cameras remotely via the Arlo app’s device settings menu.
• Check firmware: Ensure all devices run the latest firmware before rebooting.
• Factory reset sparingly: Only use this for persistent issues, as it erases all settings.
• Sync after reboot: Re-pair cameras to the base station if connections fail post-reboot.
• Stable power matters: Use manufacturer-approved power adapters to avoid reboot failures.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than when your Arlo camera suddenly stops recording, shows a blank feed, or just flat-out disconnects from the app. I remember one time, I was away on vacation, and my backyard camera went offline. I spent an hour panicking, thinking a raccoon had chewed through the wires (spoiler: it was just a glitch). That’s when I learned how to reboot Arlo camera system in 2026—the right way.

Whether it’s a frozen live view, delayed alerts, or sync issues with your base station, a reboot is often the quickest fix. But here’s the catch: not all reboots are created equal. A simple app restart won’t cut it. You need to do a true system reboot—clearing temporary glitches, reestablishing Wi-Fi connections, and resetting communication between devices.

This guide walks you through how to reboot Arlo camera system in 2026—step by step, without technical jargon. We’ll cover everything from identifying when a reboot is needed to avoiding common pitfalls that make things worse. By the end, you’ll feel confident troubleshooting your setup like a pro, whether you’re using Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Essential, or a hybrid system.

And don’t worry—this isn’t about factory resets or losing your settings. We’re focusing on a soft reboot, which is safe, fast, and 90% effective for most connectivity and performance issues.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather your toolkit. The good news? You probably already have everything you need. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Your smartphone or tablet (with the Arlo app installed and logged in)
• Your Arlo base station or hub (if you have one—Pro, Ultra, or SmartHub models)
• All Arlo cameras that are part of your system
• A working power source (USB cables, power adapters, or solar panels)
• Your Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz recommended—Arlo cameras don’t support 5GHz)
• A stable internet connection (wired or strong wireless)
• A paperclip or small pin (for reset buttons, if needed)
• About 10–15 minutes (plus a little patience)

Pro Tip: Make sure your Arlo app is updated to the latest version. I once wasted 20 minutes troubleshooting only to realize my app was outdated. Check your app store—this small step saves headaches later.

Now, let’s get into the actual process. Whether you’re dealing with one camera or a whole home system, the reboot method stays consistent. The key is order and timing—we’ll reboot devices in a specific sequence to avoid sync issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reboot Arlo Camera System in 2026: A Quick Guide

Step 1: Identify the Problem and Decide If a Reboot Is Needed

Not every glitch requires a full reboot. Before you start unplugging things, take a moment to assess.

• Is one camera offline, or are all of them?
• Are you getting delayed alerts, or no alerts at all?
• Is the live feed frozen, or is the app crashing?

If only one camera is acting up, you might only need to reboot that single unit. But if the whole system is sluggish—especially the base station or app—then a full reboot is your best bet.

Warning: Don’t reboot if your cameras are currently recording an active event. Wait until the event ends, or you might lose footage. The Arlo app usually shows a red “Recording” indicator.

This step is crucial. Jumping into a reboot without diagnosing can actually make things worse, especially if the issue is network-related (like your router acting up). A targeted reboot saves time and keeps your system stable.

Step 2: Reboot Your Base Station or Hub (If You Have One)

Your base station is the brain of your Arlo system. If it’s glitching, your cameras won’t sync properly. So we start here.

1. Locate your Arlo base station. It’s usually a small box connected to your router via Ethernet.
2. Unplug the power cord from the back of the base station.
3. Wait 30 seconds—this clears temporary memory and forces a clean restart.
4. Plug the power back in.
5. Wait for the status light to turn solid green (this takes 1–2 minutes).

While it’s restarting, don’t touch the cameras yet. Let the base station fully reconnect to your Wi-Fi and the Arlo cloud. You’ll know it’s ready when the app shows “Online” under the base station.

Pro Tip: If your base station has a battery backup, remove it before unplugging. This ensures a full power cycle. I learned this the hard way when my hub kept “remembering” a bad connection.

This step alone fixes about 60% of system-wide issues. If your base station was the culprit, you might not even need to reboot the cameras. But let’s keep going to make sure everything’s solid.

Step 3: Reboot Your Arlo Cameras (One by One)

Now it’s time to reboot each camera. Don’t do them all at once—this can overload your Wi-Fi and confuse the system. Go one at a time.

1. Open the Arlo app and tap on the camera you want to reboot.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select “Restart Camera.”
3. Wait for the camera to go offline and then come back online (usually 30–60 seconds).
4. Check the status: look for a green “Online” indicator and a stable Wi-Fi signal.
5. Repeat for each camera.

For battery-powered cameras (like Arlo Essential or Pro 4), you might need to manually power cycle:

• Turn the camera off using the power button.
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Turn it back on.

Common Mistake: Skipping the 10-second wait. I once rebooted a camera too fast and it entered pairing mode instead of reconnecting. A full power cycle is essential for a clean restart.

After each camera reboots, give it a minute to re-sync with the base station. You’ll see the status update in the app. If a camera stays offline, don’t panic—we’ll troubleshoot in the next step.

Step 4: Reboot Your Router (If Needed)

Sometimes, the issue isn’t your Arlo system—it’s your internet. If your cameras are showing “Offline” or “No Connection” even after rebooting, your router might be the problem.

1. Unplug your router and modem.
2. Wait 60 seconds (yes, a full minute—this resets the IP tables).
3. Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully boot (lights stabilize).
4. Then plug in the router.
5. Wait 2–3 minutes for the network to fully restore.

Once your Wi-Fi is back, check the Arlo app. All cameras should reconnect within 5 minutes. If they don’t, go back to Step 3 and reboot any stubborn cameras.

Pro Tip: Use a wired Ethernet connection for your base station if possible. Wi-Fi is convenient, but Ethernet is more stable. My system runs smoother since I switched—especially during storms when Wi-Fi drops.

This step is especially important if you’re using a mesh network or multiple access points. Arlo cameras prefer a strong, consistent signal from a single source.

Step 5: Force Close and Reopen the Arlo App

Even after rebooting hardware, the app itself can get stuck. This is like restarting your phone when an app crashes.

1. On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > Arlo.
2. Tap “Force Stop.”
3. Wait 10 seconds.
4. Reopen the Arlo app and log in.

On iOS, double-tap the home button (or swipe up and hold), find the Arlo app, and swipe it away to close it completely. Then reopen.

This clears the app’s cache and forces it to re-fetch the latest system status. I’ve seen cases where the app shows “Offline” even though the camera is working—just because the app wasn’t refreshing.

Real-Life Example: My neighbor thought his camera died after a storm. Turns out, the app was frozen. A force close fixed it in 20 seconds. Always check the app before assuming hardware failure.

Step 6: Verify System Sync and Test Functionality

Now that everything’s rebooted, let’s make sure it’s working as expected.

1. Check the Arlo app dashboard: all cameras should show “Online.”
2. Open each camera feed and watch for a few seconds. The live view should be smooth and responsive.
3. Test motion detection: walk in front of a camera and see if you get an alert.
4. Check cloud recording (if enabled): look for a new event in the “Library” tab.
5. Verify smart notifications (if you use them): make sure alerts go to your phone, email, or smart speaker.

If everything looks good, great! You’ve successfully rebooted your Arlo camera system. If not, don’t worry—we’ll cover fixes in the next section.

Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your working system. If issues return, you can compare the current status to the “good” one. Helps spot subtle changes, like a weak Wi-Fi signal.

Step 7: Optional—Reboot Smart Home Integrations (If Used)

If you use Arlo with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, these integrations might need a refresh too.

• Alexa: Say, “Alexa, discover devices.” Or go to the Alexa app > Devices > Discover.
• Google Home: Open the Google Home app, tap your Arlo device, and tap the three dots > “Reconnect account.”
• Apple Home: In the Home app, tap and hold the Arlo accessory, then tap “Remove Accessory.” Re-add it from the Arlo app.

This step isn’t always needed, but if your smart speaker says “I can’t find your camera,” it’s worth doing. Smart home systems cache data, and sometimes they need a fresh connection after a reboot.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve rebooted dozens of Arlo systems—for myself, family, and friends. Here are the hard-earned lessons that’ll save you time and frustration.

Pro Tip #1: Use a Label Maker for Cables
I once spent 15 minutes trying to find the right power cable in a tangled mess. Now, I label every cable: “Arlo Base Station,” “Front Door Cam,” etc. It makes reboots so much faster.

Pro Tip #2: Reboot at the Same Time Every Week (Preventative)
I reboot my system every Sunday night. It’s like a weekly tune-up. Prevents buildup of glitches and keeps everything running smoothly. Takes 10 minutes—well worth it.

Pro Tip #3: Check for Firmware Updates After Rebooting
A reboot can sometimes trigger a firmware update. Go to the Arlo app > Settings > Device > Firmware Update. An outdated firmware version can cause reboots to fail.

Now, let’s talk about what not to do:

• Don’t reboot during an active recording. You might corrupt the video file.
• Don’t skip the 30-second wait when power-cycling. I know it feels like an eternity, but it’s necessary.
• Don’t factory reset unless absolutely necessary. A reboot is not the same as a reset. A reset erases all settings and requires re-pairing. Only do this if the camera is unresponsive.
• Don’t ignore weak Wi-Fi signals. If a camera keeps dropping, it might be out of range. Use the Arlo app’s signal strength indicator (look for the Wi-Fi icon). Relocate or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Don’t forget to check your internet. A reboot won’t fix a downed ISP. Test other devices to confirm your internet is working.

Common Mistake: Rebooting the app before the hardware. I’ve seen people open the app, see “Offline,” and immediately restart it—only to have the same issue. Always reboot the hardware first. The app is just a viewer.

Also, remember that how to reboot Arlo camera system in 2026 isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about maintaining reliability. Think of it like changing the oil in your car. Regular reboots keep your system healthy.

FAQs About How to Reboot Arlo Camera System in 2026: A Quick Guide

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get—straight, no fluff.

Q: How often should I reboot my Arlo system?
A: I recommend a full reboot once a week. If you notice issues, do it more often. But don’t overdo it—every day is unnecessary. Think of it like stretching: regular, but not obsessive.

Q: Will rebooting delete my recordings?
A: No. A reboot doesn’t erase any data. Your cloud recordings, local storage (if using a microSD), and event history stay intact. Only a factory reset deletes data.

Q: My camera won’t reboot through the app. What now?
A: Try a manual power cycle. For battery cameras, remove and reinsert the battery. For wired models, unplug for 30 seconds. If it still won’t reboot, check for physical damage or low battery (under 20%).

Q: Why does my base station take so long to come back online?
A: It’s reconnecting to your Wi-Fi, the Arlo cloud, and all paired cameras. This can take 2–3 minutes. If it takes longer, check your internet speed. I’ve seen slow connections delay reboots by up to 10 minutes.

Q: Can I reboot my system remotely?
A: Yes! If you’re away and your app shows issues, you can reboot the base station via the Arlo app (Settings > Base Station > Restart). Cameras can also be restarted remotely through their settings. Just make sure your system is connected to the cloud.

Q: What if my system still doesn’t work after rebooting?
A: First, check your internet and Wi-Fi. Then, try a factory reset as a last resort. But before that, contact Arlo Support. They have diagnostic tools that can pinpoint issues we can’t see. Sometimes it’s a server-side problem.

Q: Does rebooting affect Arlo Secure subscriptions?
A: Not at all. Your subscription, cloud storage, and smart detection features remain active. A reboot only refreshes the connection—it doesn’t alter your account settings.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to reboot Arlo camera system in 2026 isn’t just a troubleshooting skill—it’s a way to take control of your home security. You don’t need to be a tech genius. You just need patience, the right order, and a few minutes.

Remember: start with the base station, then cameras, then the router and app. Go slow, one step at a time. And always verify that everything’s working before calling it a day.

I’ve used this method to fix frozen feeds, delayed alerts, and even cameras that wouldn’t pair after a power outage. It’s not magic—but it’s close.

So the next time your Arlo system acts up, don’t panic. Don’t call tech support. Just reboot it the right way. Keep this guide handy, maybe even bookmark it. And if you have a friend struggling with their system, send them this link. They’ll thank you.

Your home security should be reliable, not stressful. A simple reboot can make all the difference. Now go enjoy that peace of mind—you’ve earned it.