Reset your Arlo Doorbell Camera in minutes by pressing and holding the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings, allowing you to reconfigure the device for troubleshooting or resale with ease.

How to Reset Arlo Doorbell Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the side or back of the Arlo doorbell.
• Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10-15 seconds until lights flash.
• Wait for reboot: Allow 1-2 minutes for the device to fully restart and reconnect.
• Reconfigure settings: Reconnect to the Arlo app and re-enter Wi-Fi and preferences.
• Check firmware: Ensure the doorbell runs the latest firmware post-reset for optimal performance.
• Contact support: If issues persist, reach out to Arlo support with error details.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s face it: smart doorbells like the Arlo Doorbell Camera make life easier. They let you see who’s at the door, talk to delivery people, and even scare off porch pirates—all from your phone. But sometimes, things go sideways. Maybe your Arlo app keeps saying “offline,” the video is glitchy, or you’ve moved and need to reconnect it to a new Wi-Fi network.

That’s when you realize: “I need to reset this thing.” And if you’ve ever stared at the small reset button on the side of your Arlo doorbell, wondering if you’re about to break it, you’re not alone. The good news? How to Reset Arlo Doorbell Camera in Simple Steps isn’t as scary as it sounds. I’ve been there—fiddling with tech at 10 PM, coffee in one hand, phone in the other, just wanting it to work again. And after years of troubleshooting (and yes, a few facepalm moments), I’ve learned the right way to do it—without losing your mind or your footage.

Whether you’re dealing with connectivity issues, setting up a new home, or just doing a routine refresh, resetting your Arlo doorbell camera is a powerful fix. It clears glitches, refreshes the connection, and gives you a clean slate. But here’s the catch: not all resets are the same. Some just reboot the device. Others wipe it completely. Knowing the difference is key.

This guide walks you through how to reset Arlo doorbell camera in simple steps, so you can fix problems fast—without calling tech support or buying a new one. I’ll share what tools you need, what to watch out for, and the little tricks that actually work (not the ones that waste your time).

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything ready. You don’t need a toolbox full of gadgets—just a few essentials. Think of this as your “Arlo reset survival kit.”

• Your Arlo Doorbell Camera (obviously!) – Whether it’s the wired version or the battery-powered one, the reset process is similar.
• A smartphone or tablet – You’ll use the Arlo Secure app to manage the reset and re-pair.
• Access to your Wi-Fi network – You’ll need your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password to reconnect after the reset.
• A paperclip or small pin – This is for pressing the tiny reset button on the side. A bent paperclip works perfectly.
• Stable Wi-Fi signal – Your doorbell needs a strong connection. If your Wi-Fi is spotty near the front door, consider a range extender.
• Arlo base station (if applicable) – Some models (like the Arlo Pro series) connect through a base station. Make sure it’s powered on and online.
• Patience and a few minutes – The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on your setup.

Pro Insight: If your doorbell is wired, make sure your doorbell transformer is working. A dead power supply can mimic reset issues. Test it with a multimeter or check if your indoor chime still works.

Now that you’re set, let’s get into the real meat: how to reset Arlo doorbell camera in simple steps.

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

There are two main types of resets: a soft reset (reboot) and a factory reset (wipe everything). Most problems are fixed with a factory reset. But let’s start with the soft reset—it’s quick and often enough.

Step 1: Try a Soft Reset (Reboot) First

Sometimes, your Arlo doorbell just needs a quick nap. A soft reset restarts the device without erasing any settings. It’s like turning your TV off and on again—simple but effective.

1. Open the Arlo Secure app on your phone.
2. Go to your Devices tab and tap on your Arlo doorbell.
3. Look for the three-dot menu (usually in the top-right corner) and tap it.
4. Select “Restart Device” and confirm.
5. Wait 2–3 minutes. The doorbell will power down and reboot.
6. Check if it reconnects and appears online in the app.

If your doorbell shows “Online” and streams video normally, you’re done! No need for a full reset. But if it’s still glitchy, offline, or not responding, move to Step 2.

Why This Works: A soft reset clears temporary memory glitches and refreshes the Wi-Fi connection. I’ve fixed “stuck” doorbells this way—especially after a power outage.

Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset (Hard Reset)

This is the big reset. It erases all settings, removes the device from your account, and returns it to factory default. Use this when:

• The soft reset didn’t work.
• You’re selling or giving away the doorbell.
• You’re setting it up on a new Wi-Fi network.
• The app says “Device not responding” or “Offline for too long.”

Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Remove the doorbell from your Arlo account:
   • Open the Arlo Secure app.
   • Go to Devices, select your doorbell, tap the three-dot menu, and choose “Remove Device.”
   • Confirm. This removes it from your account and prevents sync issues later.
2. Press and hold the reset button:
   • Locate the small reset button on the side of your Arlo doorbell (usually under a tiny hole).
   • Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold it.
   • For wired models: Hold for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
   • For battery-powered models: Hold for 15–20 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
3. Wait for the reset to complete:
   • The LED will flash amber for about 30–60 seconds.
   • Then, it will turn solid white (or blue, depending on model) to indicate it’s ready to pair.

Warning: Don’t unplug or move the doorbell during this time. Interrupting the reset can “brick” the device. I once pulled the plug too early and had to wait 24 hours for it to recover. Learn from my mistake!

Step 3: Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network

Now that your doorbell is wiped clean, it’s time to set it up again—like the first day you got it.

1. Open the Arlo Secure app and tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
2. Select “Doorbell” and follow the prompts.
3. When asked, scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell (or enter the serial number manually).
4. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
5. Wait for the app to connect. This can take 1–2 minutes.
6. The doorbell will chime when it’s ready.

If you have a base station (like Arlo Pro), make sure it’s powered on and connected to the same network. The doorbell will pair through it.

Pro Tip: If the app says “Connection failed,” try moving your phone closer to the doorbell during setup. Wi-Fi signals are weak near metal doors or brick walls. I once had to stand outside with my phone for 3 minutes—worth it!

Step 4: Test the Doorbell & Adjust Settings

Once it’s connected, don’t just assume it’s working. Test it thoroughly.

• Ring the doorbell: Press the button. Does the chime sound? Does the app show a live feed?
• Check motion alerts: Walk in front of the camera. Do you get a notification?
• Verify audio: Talk through the app. Can the person at the door hear you clearly?
• Adjust motion zones: In the app, go to Settings > Motion Detection and customize zones to avoid false alerts (like trees or cars).
• Enable 24/7 recording (if you have a subscription): This ensures you never miss a moment.

If everything works, great! You’ve successfully completed how to reset Arlo doorbell camera in simple steps.

Step 5: Reinstall (If It Was Removed)

If you removed the doorbell from the mount during the reset, now’s the time to put it back.

• For wired models: Make sure the wires are secure and the power is on. The doorbell should light up.
• For battery-powered models: Insert a fully charged battery. The LED should glow.
• Snap the doorbell back into the mounting bracket.
• Use the Arlo app to confirm it’s online and streaming.

Real Talk: I once skipped this step and thought my doorbell was broken—only to realize I’d forgotten to snap it in place. The camera was on, but the button wasn’t registering. Always double-check the physical install!

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you’ve done the reset, let’s talk about the little things that make or break your success. These are the insights I’ve picked up after resetting dozens of Arlo doorbells—for myself, family, and even neighbors.

1. Don’t Skip the “Remove Device” Step

It’s tempting to just press the reset button and call it a day. But if you don’t remove the device from your Arlo account first, you’ll get stuck in a “device already registered” loop. The app will refuse to pair it again. Always remove it first.

My Story: I learned this the hard way when helping my mom reset her doorbell. We spent 20 minutes troubleshooting before realizing it was still linked to her account. Lesson learned: remove before reset.

2. Use the Right Reset Button Duration

Wired vs. battery-powered models have different reset times. Pressing for 5 seconds won’t cut it. Use 10 seconds (wired) or 15–20 seconds (battery). The amber flash is your confirmation.

3. Avoid Resetting During a Power Outage

If your power goes out, wait until it’s restored. A reset during low power can corrupt the firmware. I once reset a doorbell during a storm—bad idea. It took 3 days to recover.

4. Keep Your Phone Close During Setup

The Arlo app uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to pair. If your phone is too far away, the connection fails. Stand within 3–5 feet of the doorbell during the initial setup.

5. Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Arlo doorbells need at least 2–3 bars of Wi-Fi. If your front door is far from the router, consider a Wi-Fi extender. I installed a mesh system and my doorbell’s performance improved instantly.

6. Update the App and Firmware

Before resetting, make sure the Arlo Secure app is updated. After reset, the doorbell will automatically download the latest firmware. This prevents compatibility issues.

7. Label Your Wires (For Wired Models)

If you’re removing a wired doorbell, take a photo of the wiring before you disconnect. Label the wires with tape if needed. It saves a ton of time during reinstall.

8. Don’t Panic If It Doesn’t Work the First Time

Sometimes, the reset doesn’t take on the first try. Wait 2–3 minutes, then try again. If it still fails, contact Arlo support. They can remotely diagnose firmware issues.

Remember: how to reset Arlo doorbell camera in simple steps isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Every home, network, and model is a little different. Stay calm, follow the steps, and don’t rush.

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Doorbell Camera in Simple Steps

Let’s tackle the questions I get asked most often—because chances are, you’re wondering the same things.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo doorbell?

Only when needed. I reset mine once a year during spring cleaning, or if I notice lag, disconnections, or false alerts. Regular resets aren’t necessary—but they’re great for troubleshooting.

Q: Will a reset delete my recorded videos?

Yes, if you remove the device from your account. But if you have an Arlo Smart subscription, your cloud recordings are saved for 30 days (or more, depending on plan). Just don’t cancel the subscription before the reset.

Q: Can I reset the doorbell without removing it from the app?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. The reset button alone won’t clear the account link. You’ll get pairing errors. Always remove first—it’s cleaner and safer.

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

Check if the doorbell has power. For wired models, test the transformer. For battery models, replace the battery. If it’s still unresponsive, contact Arlo support. The button might be faulty.

Q: How do I reset an Arlo doorbell that’s not showing in the app?

If it’s offline for too long, the app might not let you remove it. Try this:

• Go to Settings > Devices and look for it under “Offline.”
• If it doesn’t appear, press the reset button physically (10–20 seconds).
• Once it flashes, it will appear as a new device in the app.

Q: Can I reset multiple Arlo doorbells at once?

No. Reset them one at a time. If you reset two simultaneously, the app might get confused and pair the wrong device. Take your time.

Q: Is there a difference between a reset and a reboot?

Absolutely. A reboot (soft reset) just restarts the device. A reset (factory reset) wipes all settings and removes it from your account. Use reboots for minor glitches, resets for major issues.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo doorbell camera doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you know how to reset Arlo doorbell camera in simple steps, it becomes a handy tool—not a tech nightmare. Whether you’re fixing a glitch, moving to a new home, or just giving your system a fresh start, this process puts you back in control.

Remember: start with a soft reset. If that doesn’t work, move to the factory reset—but always remove the device from your account first. Keep your tools ready, stay patient, and test everything after setup. And if you run into trouble? Take a breath. Most issues are fixable.

Here’s my final piece of advice: document your Wi-Fi password and Arlo login somewhere safe. I keep mine in a password manager, so I never get locked out during a reset. It’s saved me more times than I can count.

Now go ahead—reset that doorbell, test it, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a fully working smart doorbell. You’ve got this. And if you ever get stuck, just come back to this guide. I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back.

Happy resetting!