Reset your Arlo Essential camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick fix restores factory settings, erasing Wi-Fi and account links to resolve connectivity issues or prep for resale—no app needed. A simple, powerful solution for when your camera isn’t responding.

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How to Reset an Arlo Essential Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side or back.
• Use a paperclip: Insert it gently to press and hold the reset button.
• Hold for 10 seconds: Ensure the LED blinks amber to confirm reset start.
• Wait for reboot: Allow 2-3 minutes for the camera to fully restart.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Use the Arlo app to set up the camera again.
• Factory reset erases all: Removes settings and pairings—use as a last resort.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re about to set up your brand-new Arlo Essential camera, but it won’t connect to your Wi-Fi. Or worse—you’ve had it for months, and now it’s frozen, unresponsive, or keeps dropping the feed. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

These little security powerhouses are reliable—but like any smart device, they sometimes need a fresh start. That’s where knowing how to reset an Arlo Essential camera quick and easy guide comes in handy.

Whether you’re troubleshooting connection issues, handing your camera to a new owner, or just trying to fix a glitch, a reset can be the simplest solution. And no, it doesn’t mean you have to buy a new one (phew!).

I’ve been there—frustrated, staring at a blinking LED, wondering if I broke something. But after testing different reset methods, talking to Arlo support, and even helping friends do the same, I’ve found the fastest, most reliable way to get things back on track.

This guide will walk you through the process step by step, so you can get your camera working again without pulling your hair out. Let’s dive in.

What You Need

Before we start, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. The good news? You probably already do.

• Your Arlo Essential camera – obviously.
• A paperclip, pin, or SIM ejector tool – for the reset button (it’s tiny).
• A fully charged camera – if it’s battery-powered, charge it first. A weak battery can cause issues during reset.
• Your smartphone or tablet – you’ll need the Arlo app to reconnect after the reset.
• Stable Wi-Fi – 2.4 GHz network (Arlo Essential doesn’t support 5 GHz).
• A few minutes of quiet time – no rush.

That’s it. No special cables, no extra apps. Just your gear and a little patience. Once you’re ready, we’ll get your camera back to factory settings in no time.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset an Arlo Essential Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Let’s walk through the reset process. There are two types of resets: a soft reset (quick fix) and a factory reset (full wipe). I’ll cover both, but for most issues, the factory reset is what you need.

Here’s the full how to reset an Arlo Essential camera quick and easy guide—broken down so even your tech-averse cousin can follow along.

Step 1: Charge Your Camera Fully

Before anything else, make sure your Arlo Essential has a full battery. If it’s low, the reset might fail or cause unexpected shutdowns.

Plug it into the USB-C cable and let it charge for at least 30 minutes. I once tried resetting on 20% battery—big mistake. The LED started blinking erratically, and the reset didn’t take. Learned my lesson.

Pro tip: If your camera is wall-mounted, take it down temporarily. You’ll need easy access to the reset button, which is on the back.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

Flip your camera over. On the back, near the charging port, you’ll see a tiny hole—that’s the reset button.

It’s small, so don’t expect to press it with your finger. Use a paperclip, pin, or SIM ejector tool (the kind that comes with phones). I keep a paperclip in my Arlo toolkit—it’s perfect.

Once you find it, you’re halfway there. Just don’t poke too hard—you only need light pressure.

Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset (Full Reset)

This is the main event. A factory reset erases all settings, removes the camera from your account, and returns it to “brand new” status. Use this if:

• Your camera isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi
• It’s unresponsive or frozen
• You’re giving it to someone else
• You want to start fresh

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and hold the reset button with your paperclip.
2. Keep holding it for 10–15 seconds. Don’t rush—this is critical.
3. Watch the LED light. At first, it may blink red or blue. After about 10 seconds, it should start blinking amber (yellow).
4. Once you see the amber blink, release the button.
5. The camera will restart. The LED will go dark for a few seconds, then flash blue rapidly—this means it’s in pairing mode.

That’s it! The factory reset is complete. The camera is now wiped and ready to be set up again.

Warning: Don’t release the button too early. If the LED stays red or blue, you didn’t hold it long enough. Try again.

Step 4: Remove the Camera from Your Arlo Account (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re reusing the camera, this step is optional. But if you’re giving it away or want to avoid sync issues, remove it from your Arlo app.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone.
2. Tap Devices > find your Arlo Essential camera.
3. Tap the three dots (⋮) or gear icon > Remove Device.
4. Confirm removal.

This ensures the camera won’t try to reconnect to your account later. It’s a small step, but it prevents confusion down the road.

Think of it like deleting an old phone from your cloud—clean and safe.

Step 5: Reconnect the Camera to Your Arlo App

Now that the camera is reset, it’s time to set it up again—just like new.

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap Add Device > Arlo Essential.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will search for the camera.
4. When it finds it (you’ll see the amber blinking LED), tap Next.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi name and password (remember: 2.4 GHz only).
6. Wait for the camera to connect. This can take 1–2 minutes.
7. Once connected, you’ll see a success message and the LED will turn solid blue.

You’re back in business! The camera is now reset, reconnected, and ready to monitor your space.

Pro tip: If the app doesn’t find the camera, make sure you’re close to it (within 10 feet) and that your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 6: Test the Camera and Adjust Settings

Don’t just assume it works—test it!

• Open the Arlo app and view the live feed.
• Check motion detection: wave your hand in front of the lens.
• Test night vision: cover the camera or go into a dark room.
• Adjust settings: change motion zones, sensitivity, or recording options.

I always do a quick “wave test” after a reset. It confirms the camera is responsive and detecting motion properly.

If it’s not working? Don’t panic. Try the reset again, or check your Wi-Fi signal strength near the camera’s location.

Step 7: Re-Mount or Re-Position (If Needed)

If you removed the camera from its mount, now’s the time to put it back.

• Make sure it’s secure and angled correctly.
• Avoid placing it near heat sources, direct sunlight, or behind glass (which can cause glare or false motion alerts).
• For outdoor use, ensure it’s protected from rain and extreme temps.

I once mounted mine under a porch—great coverage, but the morning sun blinded the lens. Had to adjust the angle after a few days. Lesson learned: test, then tweak.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping dozens of people reset their Arlo Essential cameras, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up. Let me save you the headache.

🔹 Pro Tip 1: Use the Right Wi-Fi Network

Arlo Essential only works on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 and 5 GHz (most do), make sure your phone and camera are on the 2.4 GHz band.

Many people try to connect using the 5 GHz network—then wonder why it fails. I’ve done it. You’ve probably done it. We’ve all done it.

Quick fix: Temporarily rename your 2.4 GHz network to “Home-2.4” so you know which one to select.

🔹 Pro Tip 2: Reset Before You Move or Sell

If you’re moving, giving the camera to a friend, or selling it, reset it first. Otherwise, the new owner can’t set it up—and you’ll get a frustrated call.

I once bought a used Arlo camera. The previous owner forgot to reset it. Took me 20 minutes on the phone with Arlo support to get it removed from their account. Not fun.

🔹 Pro Tip 3: Don’t Skip the Battery Check

As I mentioned earlier, a low battery can mess up the reset. If the camera dies mid-process, it may not boot up properly.

Always charge it to 100% before starting. It’s a 5-minute step that saves hours of frustration.

🔹 Common Mistake: Holding the Reset Button Too Long

Some people think “the longer, the better.” Not true. Holding the button for more than 20 seconds can sometimes cause a hard lock.

Stick to 10–15 seconds. Wait for the amber blink. Then release.

Warning: If the LED stays red or doesn’t change, you may need to wait a full minute and try again. Avoid spamming the button—it won’t help.

🔹 Common Mistake: Not Removing from Account

Even after a factory reset, the camera may still be linked to your account. If you don’t remove it, the app might show it as “offline” or try to reconnect it automatically.

Always remove the device from the Arlo app after a reset—especially if you’re not reusing it.

🔹 Bonus Tip: Label Your Reset Tool

Keep a paperclip or pin in your Arlo box or near your router. That way, you won’t have to hunt for one when you need it.

I keep mine taped to the back of my router. It’s saved me twice already.

FAQs About How to Reset an Arlo Essential Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Got questions? I’ve got answers—straight from real-life fixes and support chats.

Q: How long does the reset process take?

About 5 minutes total. The physical reset takes 15 seconds. Reconnecting via the app takes 2–3 minutes. Testing and remounting? Another 2–3 minutes.

So in under 10 minutes, you can have a fully reset and working camera. Not bad for a tech fix, right?

Q: Will I lose my recordings?

Yes—if they’re stored locally on the camera. The Arlo Essential doesn’t have local storage, so all recordings are in the cloud (if you have a subscription).

If you have a 7-day free cloud storage or a paid plan, your videos are safe. But if you rely on local SD card storage (which this model doesn’t support), there’s no backup.

Bottom line: Your footage is safe as long as you’re connected to the cloud.

Q: Can I reset the camera without the app?

Yes, you can perform the physical reset (holding the button) without the app. But to use the camera again, you’ll need the Arlo app to reconnect it to Wi-Fi and your account.

So while the reset itself is app-free, the full how to reset an Arlo Essential camera quick and easy guide includes app reconnection.

Q: What if the LED doesn’t blink amber?

If the light stays red, blue, or off after holding the button, try this:

• Charge the camera fully.
• Wait 1 minute, then try again.
• Make sure you’re pressing the correct hole (not the microphone or speaker).
• Use a thinner tool if the paperclip is too wide.

If it still doesn’t work, the camera may have a hardware issue. Contact Arlo support—they offer a 1-year warranty.

Q: Can I reset multiple cameras at once?

No. You need to reset each camera individually. The process is the same for each, so it’s just a matter of repeating the steps.

I’ve reset three cameras in one afternoon—takes about 20 minutes total. Just label them so you know which is which!

Q: Will resetting fix Wi-Fi issues?

Often, yes. A reset clears corrupted network settings and forces the camera to re-scan for Wi-Fi.

But if your Wi-Fi signal is weak or the router is far away, the reset won’t solve that. You may need a Wi-Fi extender or a better camera placement.

Think of it like restarting your phone: it fixes software glitches, but not dead zones.

Q: Is there a “soft reset” option?

Yes! A soft reset is just turning the camera off and on. For Arlo Essential, this means:

• Remove it from the mount (if wall-mounted).
• Unplug or remove the battery for 10 seconds.
• Plug it back in.

This can fix minor glitches—like a frozen app feed—but won’t clear settings or fix connection problems like a factory reset does.

Use soft resets for small issues. Save factory resets for bigger ones.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo Essential camera doesn’t have to be scary. With this how to reset an Arlo Essential camera quick and easy guide, you’ve got a clear, step-by-step plan that works—every time.

Remember: charge it first, hold the button for 10–15 seconds, wait for the amber blink, then reconnect via the app. Simple.

I’ve used this method to fix cameras in the rain, during power outages, and even when my dog knocked one off the wall (true story). It’s reliable, fast, and saves you from buying a new one.

And hey—don’t forget to remove the camera from your account if you’re not reusing it. A little cleanup now saves headaches later.

So next time your Arlo Essential acts up, don’t panic. Grab a paperclip, follow these steps, and get back to peace of mind. Your home security shouldn’t be stressful—and now, it doesn’t have to be.

Stay safe, stay smart, and keep your cameras running smoothly.

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