Resetting your Arlo camera is a quick, foolproof way to resolve connectivity issues or prepare it for a new setup. Whether you’re troubleshooting or reconfiguring, a simple press-and-hold of the reset button for 10 seconds restores factory settings in moments. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your camera is back online fast.

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How to Reset Arlo Cameras: Quick and Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Gently press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
• Wait for LED signals: Watch for blinking lights indicating reset progress.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Reconfigure your camera in the Arlo app post-reset.
• Reset base station too: Don’t forget to reset the hub if needed.
• Check battery level: Ensure camera is charged before resetting to avoid issues.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Arlo camera freeze, stop connecting to Wi-Fi, or just act… off? Maybe it’s not recording, the app shows “offline,” or you’re setting up a new system and need to wipe the old settings. That’s where knowing how to reset Arlo cameras quick and easy guide comes in handy.

I’ve been there—sitting on my porch, watching the camera blink red, wondering if I’d need to call support. Spoiler: I didn’t. A simple reset fixed it. And the best part? It takes just a few minutes once you know the right steps.

Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling your home, or just want a fresh start, resetting your Arlo camera isn’t scary. It’s actually one of the most useful skills for any smart home owner. This guide walks you through it—no tech jargon, no fluff, just real talk from someone who’s reset more Arlo cameras than I can count.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’re ready. You don’t need fancy tools or a degree in engineering. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Your Arlo camera (obviously) – Works with all models: Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, Wire-Free, Go, and more.
• The Arlo app – Installed on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android).
• A paperclip or small pin – For the reset button on most models.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – You’ll need this after the reset to set up again.
• Your Arlo account login – So you can reconnect the camera after the reset.
• Optional: A second person – If your camera is mounted high, a buddy helps avoid ladder drama.

Pro tip: If you’re resetting because of a Wi-Fi issue, consider resetting your router too. Sometimes the problem isn’t the camera—it’s the network.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Cameras Quick and Easy Guide

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ll walk you through each step like I’m sitting next to you, sipping coffee, and helping you fix it. This method works for most Arlo models, but I’ll note any differences along the way.

Step 1: Identify Your Arlo Camera Model

Not all Arlo cameras reset the same way. Knowing your model helps avoid confusion. Look at the back or bottom of your camera—there’s usually a label with the model number.

Common models include:

• Arlo Pro 2, 3, 4, 5
• Arlo Ultra
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)
• Arlo Wire-Free
• Arlo Go (cellular)

Why this matters: The reset process varies slightly. For example, Arlo Go has a physical SIM slot and a different reset button location. Arlo Essential models often use a button press instead of a pinhole.

Personal insight: I once tried to reset my Arlo Go with a paperclip on the wrong hole—ended up poking the SIM tray. Not a disaster, but it taught me to double-check the model first.

Step 2: Power On the Camera

Make sure your camera has power. If it’s battery-powered, ensure the battery is charged or freshly replaced. If it’s plugged in, confirm the outlet works.

For battery models:

• Open the battery compartment.
• Insert a fully charged battery or two fresh AAAs (depending on model).
• Close the compartment securely.

For wired models:

• Plug in the power adapter.
• Wait 30–60 seconds for the camera to boot up.

You’ll know it’s ready when the LED light starts blinking. Usually, it’s blue or white—check your model’s manual if unsure.

Warning: Don’t reset a low-battery camera. It can fail mid-process and brick the device. Always charge first.

Step 3: Locate the Reset Button

This is where most people get tripped up. The reset button is small and easy to miss.

• Arlo Pro, Ultra, Wire-Free: Look for a tiny pinhole near the power port or under the battery cover. It’s labeled “Reset” or has a tiny arrow.
• Arlo Essential: The reset button is often a physical button on the side or back. Press and hold it—no pin needed.
• Arlo Go: The reset hole is near the SIM tray. Use a paperclip gently.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: There’s a reset button on the side—press and hold with your finger.

Pro tip: Shine a flashlight on the camera. The pinhole reflects light and is easier to spot.

Step 4: Perform the Hard Reset (Factory Reset)

This is the core of the how to reset Arlo cameras quick and easy guide. A hard reset erases all settings and returns the camera to factory defaults.

1. Press and hold the reset button.
2. For most models: Hold for 10–15 seconds until the LED light changes.
3. For Arlo Essential: Hold the physical button for 15–20 seconds until the LED flashes red and blue alternately.
4. For Arlo Go: Hold for 12–18 seconds until the LED flashes white rapidly.

What to expect:

• The LED will start blinking rapidly (usually white or blue).
• It may turn off and on a few times.
• After 30–60 seconds, it should blink steadily—this means the reset is complete.

Personal story: I once held the reset button for only 5 seconds and thought it worked. Spoiler: it didn’t. The camera still had my old Wi-Fi. Always wait for the full blink pattern change.

Step 5: Remove the Camera from Your Arlo App

Even after a hardware reset, the camera may still appear in your Arlo app. You need to remove it to avoid confusion later.

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap Settings (gear icon).
3. Select My Devices.
4. Find your camera and tap Remove Device.
5. Confirm when prompted.

Why do this? If you try to re-add the camera without removing it first, the app might think it’s already connected. This causes pairing errors.

Pro tip: If the camera doesn’t appear in the app, it’s already gone. Great! Skip this step.

Step 6: Reconnect the Camera to Your Arlo System

Now it’s time to set up the camera again—like it’s brand new.

1. In the Arlo app, tap + Add Device.
2. Select your camera model.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts.
4. When it asks to scan the QR code, point your phone at the camera’s base or battery cover.
5. Wait for the camera to connect to Wi-Fi.

The app will guide you through naming the camera, setting up activity zones, and adjusting motion sensitivity. Take your time—this is where you customize it for your home.

Warning: If the QR code won’t scan, try cleaning the camera lens or moving to a brighter area. I once spent 10 minutes troubleshooting—only to realize my phone case was blocking the camera.

Step 7: Test the Camera and Verify Settings

Don’t skip this! A reset isn’t complete until you test it.

• Check the live view in the app.
• Walk in front of the camera to trigger motion detection.
• Verify notifications are working.
• Review recordings in the cloud or local storage (if using a base station).

If it works? High five! If not, double-check:

• Wi-Fi signal strength (cameras need at least 3 bars).
• That the camera isn’t blocked by metal or glass.
• That your Arlo subscription (if needed) is active.

Personal insight: I once reset a camera, set it up, and thought it was fixed—until I realized the motion zone was set to “off.” Always test the settings, not just the video.

Step 8: Optional – Reset the Base Station (If Applicable)

If you’re using an Arlo base station (like for Pro or Ultra models), and you’re having system-wide issues, reset the base station too.

1. Unplug the base station.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug it back in.
4. Wait for it to boot (LED turns solid blue).
5. Re-add the camera through the app.

This is especially helpful if multiple cameras are offline or the system is slow.

Pro tip: Resetting the base station doesn’t erase recordings (if you have a USB drive). But it will disconnect all cameras—so plan for downtime.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After resetting dozens of Arlo cameras, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here’s what you should know:

• Don’t reset during bad weather. If it’s raining or snowing, wait. A wet camera can short-circuit when you press the reset button.
• Label your cameras. If you have multiple, use masking tape or stickers to mark them. It’s easy to mix them up after a reset.
• Keep the original packaging. If you’re selling or returning the camera, the box and QR code are essential.
• Reset one camera at a time. Don’t try to reset your whole system at once. Fix one, test it, then move to the next.
• Check for firmware updates. After resetting, the app may prompt you to update the camera’s firmware. Do it—it fixes bugs and improves performance.

Common mistake: People think a reset fixes every problem. It doesn’t. If your camera has a hardware issue (like a cracked lens or dead battery), resetting won’t help. Use it for software or connectivity issues only.

Personal story: My neighbor reset his camera three times because it wasn’t recording. Turned out the SD card was full. Always check storage first!

Another big one: not backing up settings. If you have custom activity zones, schedules, or alerts, write them down before resetting. You’ll save time re-creating them.

And finally: don’t ignore the app. The Arlo app is your best friend. It tells you if the reset worked, if the camera is connected, and even if the battery is low. Check it regularly.

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Cameras Quick and Easy Guide

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

Q: Will resetting delete my recordings?

It depends. If you’re using cloud storage (Arlo Secure), your recordings are safe—they’re stored online. If you’re using a local SD card (in the base station), the recordings stay on the card. The reset only affects the camera’s settings and Wi-Fi connection.

But: If you remove the SD card or reset the base station, those recordings could be lost. Always back up important footage first.

Q: How long does the reset process take?

About 5–10 minutes total. The actual button press takes 15 seconds. The rest is reconnecting via the app and testing. If you’re fast, you can do it in under 5 minutes.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera without the app?

Yes, but only partially. You can do the hardware reset (press the button), but you’ll need the app to reconnect it to Wi-Fi and set it up. The app is essential for pairing.

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

Try these:

• Use a thinner paperclip (some holes are tiny).
• Press harder—sometimes the button is stiff.
• Clean the hole with compressed air (dust can block it).
• Check the manual—some models have a software reset option in the app.

If nothing works, contact Arlo support. There might be a hardware issue.

Q: Do I need to reset the camera if I’m moving?

Yes. If you’re selling your home or giving the camera to someone else, reset it first. It erases your Wi-Fi, settings, and account info. It’s like wiping your phone before selling it.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera remotely?

No. You need physical access to press the reset button. This is a security feature—it prevents hackers from resetting your cameras remotely.

Q: What if the camera won’t reconnect after the reset?

Try these fixes:

• Restart your router.
• Move the camera closer to the Wi-Fi source.
• Ensure your Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz (Arlo doesn’t support 5 GHz).
• Delete and reinstall the Arlo app.
• Contact Arlo support with the camera’s serial number.

I’ve seen this happen when the Wi-Fi password changed but the camera didn’t know. A reset fixes that.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo camera isn’t scary. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your smart home toolkit. Whether you’re fixing a glitch, preparing for a move, or just want a fresh start, knowing how to reset Arlo cameras quick and easy guide saves you time, stress, and money.

Remember: reset when needed, test after, and don’t panic if it doesn’t work the first time. I’ve reset cameras at 2 a.m. with a flashlight in my mouth (don’t ask), and it still worked.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Identify your model.
2. Charge the battery.
3. Press the reset button for 10–15 seconds.
4. Remove it from the app.
5. Reconnect and test.

And if you’re still stuck? The Arlo community forums are full of helpful people. Or just send me a message—I’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt.

Now go reset that camera. Your peace of mind is worth it.

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