Reset your Arlo camera to factory settings in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick fix erases all custom settings, making it ideal for troubleshooting, resale, or reconfiguration—just ensure the camera is powered on during the process.
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How to Reset Arlo Camera to Factory Settings Quick Guide
Key Takeaways
- Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
- Use a paperclip: Insert it to press and hold the reset button firmly.
- Hold for 10 seconds: Keep pressed until LED flashes to confirm reset.
- Wait for reboot: Allow camera to fully restart and return to default settings.
- Reconfigure Wi-Fi: Set up network again post-reset for continued use.
- Remove from app first: Unlink camera via Arlo app to avoid connection issues.
- Check firmware: Update after reset to ensure optimal performance and security.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Imagine this: You’re setting up a new Arlo camera, but it’s not connecting to Wi-Fi. Or maybe you bought a used one and can’t log in. Frustrating, right? That’s when knowing how to reset Arlo camera to factory settings quick guide becomes a lifesaver.
Factory resets wipe all custom settings—like Wi-Fi passwords, names, and schedules—returning your camera to its original state. It’s like hitting the “refresh” button on your device. Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling, or reusing a camera, this process is essential. But don’t worry—it’s simpler than you think.
Here’s the catch: Not all Arlo cameras reset the same way. Some use a physical button; others need the app. I’ve reset dozens over the years, and I’ll walk you through the fastest, most reliable methods—no tech jargon, just clear steps.
What You Need
Before diving in, gather these tools. Don’t skip this—having everything ready saves time and frustration.
Visual guide about how to reset arlo camera to factory settings
Image source: blogger.googleusercontent.com
- Your Arlo camera (obviously!).
- A paperclip, toothpick, or SIM ejector tool to press tiny reset buttons.
- The Arlo app (download it on iOS/Android if you don’t have it).
- Stable Wi-Fi (for post-reset setup).
- Patience (seriously—it takes 2–5 minutes).
Pro Tip: Charge your camera first. Low battery? The reset might fail mid-process. I learned this the hard way once—my Pro 3 reset halfway and took 3 tries to fix.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Camera to Factory Settings Quick Guide
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ll break this down by camera type. Most Arlo models (Pro, Ultra, Essential, etc.) follow similar steps, but there are key differences.
Step 1: Identify Your Camera Model
First things first: Check which Arlo camera you have. Look at the back or bottom—there’s usually a model number (e.g., “VMC4040P” for Pro 3). Why? The reset method varies slightly.
- Pro/Ultra Series: Use the app + physical button.
- Essential/Go/Wired: Physical button only.
- Doorbell Cameras: App-only (no physical button).
Warning: Don’t guess! I once reset a Pro 2 using the Essential method—it didn’t work, and I wasted 20 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the Camera from the Arlo App (For Pro/Ultra/Doorbell)
If you’re using the how to reset Arlo camera to factory settings quick guide for Pro, Ultra, or Doorbell models, start in the app. Why? This tells Arlo’s servers to “forget” the camera, preventing connection errors later.
- Open the Arlo app and log in.
- Tap the camera you want to reset.
- Go to Settings → Device Info → Remove Device.
- Confirm removal. The camera will disappear from your app.
Personal Insight: I skip this step when reusing my own cameras. But if you’re selling or giving it away, always remove it first. Otherwise, the new owner can’t set it up.
Step 3: Physically Reset the Camera (Pro/Ultra/Essential)
Now, the actual reset. This is where the magic happens.
- For Pro/Ultra Series (e.g., Pro 3, Ultra 2):
- Locate the small reset hole on the camera (usually near the base or back).
- Insert a paperclip and press firmly for 10–15 seconds.
- Watch the LED: It’ll flash amber, then blue. When it turns solid blue, release the button.
- Wait 1–2 minutes. The camera will reboot and chime.
- For Essential/Go/Wired Series:
- Find the reset button (on the back or under the battery cover).
- Press and hold for 15–20 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
- Release. The camera will reset and chime.
Pro Tip: Count aloud (“1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi…”). It’s easy to press too quickly. My Essential camera reset failed twice because I held for only 5 seconds.
Step 4: Reset via App (Doorbell Cameras)
Arlo Doorbells (e.g., Video Doorbell) don’t have physical buttons. Here’s how to reset them using the app:
- In the Arlo app, go to Settings → Device Info → Reset.
- Follow the prompts to confirm.
- The doorbell will chime and flash its LED.
- Wait 2–3 minutes for the reset to complete.
Warning: Doorbell resets require Wi-Fi. If your internet is down, you’ll need to wait. I once had to reset mine during a storm—took 3 tries because the signal kept dropping.
Step 5: Reconnect to Wi-Fi (Post-Reset)
After resetting, your camera will act like it’s brand new. Time to set it up again!
- Open the Arlo app and tap Add Device.
- Select your camera model.
- Follow the app’s instructions to scan the QR code (on the camera or box).
- Connect to Wi-Fi. The camera will chime when it’s online.
Personal Insight: Use the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. 5 GHz is faster, but Arlo cameras connect more reliably to 2.4 GHz. My Ultra 2 kept failing on 5 GHz until I switched.
Step 6: Reconfigure Settings
The camera’s back online, but it’s a blank slate. Re-add:
- Name (e.g., “Backyard Camera”).
- Activity Zones (to reduce false alerts).
- Schedules (if you use them).
- Notifications (adjust sensitivity to avoid spam).
This takes 5–10 minutes. I like to do it while watching TV—multitasking!
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After resetting dozens of Arlo cameras, I’ve learned what not to do. Here are my hard-earned lessons:
Tip 1: Label Your Cameras Before Resetting
Resetting multiple cameras? Label them with tape or sticky notes. Otherwise, you’ll spend 20 minutes figuring out which is which. I once reset three Pro 3s for my parents—had to guess which was the “Front Door” one. Not fun.
Tip 2: Reset During Low-Usage Hours
Cameras need internet to reset. Do it when your Wi-Fi’s not overloaded (e.g., not during Zoom calls). My reset failed once because my kid was gaming on the same network.
Tip 3: Don’t Panic If It Takes Time
Resets take 2–5 minutes. If the LED flashes for over 10 minutes, wait. Forcing a power cycle can corrupt firmware. I learned this when my Ultra 2 froze mid-reset—had to wait 15 minutes before it recovered.
Mistake 1: Skipping the “Remove Device” Step (For Pro/Ultra)
Forgetting to remove the camera from the app? The reset won’t “stick.” The camera will reconnect to your old account. Always remove it first!
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Reset Method
Essential cameras use a 15-second hold; Pro/Ultra use 10 seconds. Hold too long? You might trigger a firmware update (which takes forever). Hold too short? Nothing happens. Stick to the times I listed.
Mistake 3: Resetting Without a Charged Battery
Wireless cameras (like Pro 3) need 50%+ battery. If it dies mid-reset, you’ll have to start over. Charge it fully first—or use a wired model (like the Wired Floodlight).
FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Camera to Factory Settings Quick Guide
Got questions? I’ve got answers—straight, no fluff.
Q: Why would I need to reset my Arlo camera?
Common reasons: Selling/gifting it, fixing Wi-Fi issues, or starting fresh. I reset mine every 6 months to clear glitches. It’s like a digital spring cleaning!
Q: Will resetting delete my recordings?
No. Recordings are stored in the cloud (if you have a subscription) or on an SD card. But resetting will erase settings like names, zones, and schedules. Back those up in the app if needed.
Q: My camera isn’t resetting. What’s wrong?
Check these:
- Is the battery charged?
- Are you pressing the reset button long enough?
- Did you remove the device from the app (for Pro/Ultra)?
- Is Wi-Fi stable?
If all else fails, contact Arlo Support. I’ve had one stubborn Pro 2 that needed a firmware update before resetting.
Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera without the app?
Yes—but only for Essential/Go/Wired models. Use the physical button. For Pro/Ultra/Doorbell, you need the app to remove the device first. No app? Borrow a friend’s phone or tablet.
Q: How often should I reset my Arlo camera?
Only when needed. I reset mine:
- Before selling/gifting.
- If it stops recording or connecting.
- Every 6–12 months for maintenance (like rebooting a router).
Don’t overdo it. Frequent resets can wear down the hardware.
Q: Will a factory reset improve my camera’s performance?
Sometimes. It clears software glitches, but won’t fix hardware issues (like a blurry lens). If your camera’s still slow after resetting, check Wi-Fi strength or upgrade to a newer model.
Q: What if I forget my Arlo account password?
No problem! Reset the camera first (using the steps above). Then, set it up with a new account. Just don’t try to reset it while logged into the old one—it won’t work.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your how to reset Arlo camera to factory settings quick guide in plain, simple terms. Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling, or just refreshing your system, this process is a must-know.
Remember: Remove the device from the app (if needed) → Press the reset button → Reconnect and reconfigure. Follow those steps, and you’ll be back up and running in minutes.
And hey—don’t stress if it doesn’t work the first time. I’ve reset cameras in rainstorms, at 2 AM, and even while holding a crying baby. If I can do it, so can you!
Now go reset that camera. And if you run into issues? Drop a comment below—I’m always happy to help a friend out.
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