Resetting your Arlo camera is quick and easy—just press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes. This restores factory settings, erasing all custom configurations and allowing you to reconfigure the device from scratch. Ideal for troubleshooting or preparing the camera for a new user, this simple step ensures a seamless reset in under two minutes.

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How to Reset a Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

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 fully restart after resetting.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Reconfigure your camera’s network settings post-reset.
• Update firmware: Check for updates to ensure optimal performance after reset.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: Your Arlo camera’s acting up. It won’t connect, the app keeps freezing, or it’s stuck in setup mode. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve been there—late-night troubleshooting, coffee in hand, wondering if it’s time to toss the thing out the window.

Here’s the good news: Most issues can be fixed with a simple reset. No tech degree required. How to reset a Arlo camera in simple steps is one of the most searched fixes—and for good reason. Whether it’s a firmware glitch, Wi-Fi dropout, or just a camera that forgot its place, a reset often brings it back to life.

But here’s the catch: Not all resets are the same. A soft reset might clear a temporary hiccup, while a factory reset wipes everything clean. Knowing the difference saves time, frustration, and maybe even a few gray hairs.

What You Need

Before diving in, let’s gather the essentials. Nothing fancy—just a few basics you likely already have.

• Your Arlo camera (obviously)
• A small paperclip or pin (the reset button’s tiny)
• Access to your Wi-Fi network (you’ll reconnect after reset)
• The Arlo app (download it if you haven’t already)
• A smartphone or tablet (for app setup)
• A charged camera (low battery can mess with the process)

Pro tip: If you’re resetting a wired camera (like the Arlo Pro 4), make sure it’s plugged in during the process. Battery-powered ones? Charge ‘em above 50%.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset a Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

Step 1: Decide Which Reset You Need

Not all resets are equal. Think of it like restarting your phone vs. wiping it clean.

• Soft reset: Fixes minor glitches. Camera stays in your account. Great for connection hiccups.
• Factory reset: Wipes all settings, removes it from your account. Use when selling, gifting, or after major errors.

For most issues, start with a soft reset. If that doesn’t work? Move to factory. How to reset a Arlo camera in simple steps starts with picking the right tool for the job.

Step 2: Perform a Soft Reset (Quick Fix)

Perfect for cameras that are online but misbehaving—like not recording or showing a black screen.

• Open the Arlo app and tap your camera’s name.
• Look for “Restart Camera” or “Reset” in settings (varies by model).
• Tap it. Wait 1–2 minutes while the camera reboots.

The camera’s LED will flash blue, then solid blue when done. Check the app—it should reconnect automatically.

Warning: Don’t unplug or touch the camera during this. Interrupting a reboot can cause more issues.

Step 3: Factory Reset via Physical Button (For Major Issues)

When the app’s not helping, go old-school. This is the nuclear option—but it works.

• Locate the reset button on your camera. It’s a tiny hole, usually on the bottom or side.
• Grab your paperclip or pin. Gently insert it and press the button.
• Hold for 10–15 seconds. The LED will blink amber, then turn solid amber.
• Release. Wait 1–2 minutes. The camera will reboot and flash blue rapidly—that means it’s in setup mode.

This method works for all Arlo models: Pro, Ultra, Essential, Q, and more. It’s the go-to for how to reset a Arlo camera in simple steps when software fails.

Step 4: Remove from Arlo App (If Factory Resetting)

After a factory reset, the camera’s still linked to your account. You need to remove it to set it up fresh.

• Open the Arlo app. Go to Settings > My Devices.
• Find your camera. Tap the three dots (⋮) or “More.”
• Select “Remove Device”. Confirm when prompted.

Now it’s like brand new. You can add it back or let someone else set it up.

Pro tip: If you don’t remove it, the app will keep showing it as “offline.” Clean up your dashboard!

Step 5: Reconnect to Wi-Fi and Set Up

Time to bring your camera back online. Think of it as first-time setup.

• In the Arlo app, tap “Add Device” or “+”.
• Choose your camera model. Follow prompts to scan the QR code (on the camera or box).
• When it asks for Wi-Fi, pick your network and enter the password.
• Wait while it connects. The LED will turn solid blue.

For dual-band routers (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), use 2.4 GHz only. Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz. Using the wrong band? That’s a top reason setup fails.

Step 6: Update Firmware (Critical Step)

After reset, your camera might be running old firmware. Updates fix bugs, improve security, and add features.

• Open the Arlo app. Go to your camera’s settings.
• Look for “Firmware Update”. If an update’s available, tap “Update Now”.
• Let it finish—don’t interrupt! This can take 5–10 minutes.

Pro tip: Set your camera to auto-update in settings. Future you will thank you.

Step 7: Test Everything

Don’t assume it’s fixed. Verify it works.

• Check live view in the app. Is the feed clear?
• Trigger a motion alert. Do you get a notification?
• Test night vision (if applicable). Shine a flashlight at it—should switch to infrared.
• Review a recording. Audio and video sync?

If anything’s off, repeat the reset or contact Arlo support. But in 90% of cases? You’re golden.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After resetting dozens of Arlo cameras (mine and friends’), I’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t.

Pro Tip 1: Label your cameras. If you have multiple, a reset can make them indistinguishable. Use names like “Front Door” or “Backyard” in the app.

Pro Tip 2: Reset one camera at a time. Don’t try to fix three at once. It’s like herding cats.

Pro Tip 3: Check your Wi-Fi signal. A weak connection? Reset won’t help. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to test strength at the camera’s location.

Common Mistake 1: Forgetting to remove the old device from the app. It clutters your dashboard and can cause sync issues.

Common Mistake 2: Using a 5 GHz network. Arlo cameras need 2.4 GHz. If your router’s dual-band, make sure it broadcasts a separate 2.4 GHz network name (SSID).

Common Mistake 3: Rushing the firmware update. It takes time. Let it finish. I once unplugged mid-update—ended up with a bricked camera. Not fun.

Common Mistake 4: Not charging the camera fully. Low battery can cause reset failures. Charge to 100% before starting.

One more thing: If you’re resetting to fix a “Camera Offline” error, check your router’s settings. Some block Arlo’s connection. Whitelist arlo.netgear.com in your firewall.

FAQs About How to Reset a Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo camera?

Only when needed! I reset mine maybe once a year—usually after a firmware update or if it starts acting weird. Don’t do it “just because.” It’s not a phone that needs daily restarts. But if you’re troubleshooting, a reset is a safe first step.

Q: Will a reset delete my recordings?

It depends. Cloud recordings? Safe. They’re stored on Arlo’s servers. Local storage (SD card)? Gone. The reset wipes the card. Back up important footage first. And no—resetting won’t affect your Arlo subscription.

Q: My camera’s LED isn’t blinking after the reset. What now?

First, check power. Is it charged or plugged in? Next, try the reset button again—sometimes you need to press harder. If it’s still dead, hold the button for 30 seconds. Still nothing? Contact Arlo support. Could be a hardware issue.

Q: Can I reset a stolen or lost camera?

Yes—but not physically. Log into your Arlo account on a web browser. Go to Settings > My Devices. Find the camera and select “Remove Device.” This removes it from your account and disables access. It won’t help you recover it, but it stops someone else from using it.

Q: Why does my camera keep disconnecting after reset?

Usually a Wi-Fi issue. Check signal strength at the camera’s location. Move the router closer or add an extender. Also, avoid placing cameras near microwaves, cordless phones, or metal objects—they block signals. And remember: 2.4 GHz only!

Q: Is there a way to reset without the app?

Yes—the physical reset button works independently. But you’ll need the app to set it up again. The button only wipes settings; it doesn’t reconnect to Wi-Fi. So you still need the app for the final steps.

Q: My camera’s model isn’t listed in the app. Can I still reset it?

Yes. The physical reset works for all models. After reset, the app should auto-detect it. If not, manually add it by selecting “Other Arlo Device” and following prompts. Older models like Arlo Go (cellular) might need extra steps—check Arlo’s support site.

Final Thoughts

Look, resetting a Arlo camera isn’t rocket science. But it’s easy to overcomplicate. The key? Start simple. Try a soft reset first. If that fails, go nuclear with the factory reset. And always—always—remove the old device from the app afterward.

Remember: How to reset a Arlo camera in simple steps isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about taking control. You don’t need to call support for every glitch. With these steps, you’re the expert now.

One last thing: Keep a paperclip in your camera toolkit. You’ll use it more than you think. And when your neighbor’s Arlo acts up? You’ll be the one they call.

Now go forth. Reset with confidence. And if you hit a snag? Take a breath. It’s just a camera. You’ve got this.

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