Reset your Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in minutes by pressing and holding the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings, allowing you to reconfigure the camera for a fresh setup or troubleshooting.

How to Reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in Minutes

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s underside.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
• Wait for LED blink: Release when the LED flashes amber and white.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera via the Arlo app post-reset.
• Factory settings restored: All custom settings will be erased permanently.
• Update firmware: Check for updates in the app after resetting.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had that moment when your Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera just stops responding? Maybe it’s not connecting to Wi-Fi, the app keeps showing “offline,” or you’re setting it up for the first time and things aren’t going as planned. It’s frustrating—especially when you’re counting on it for home security.

That’s where knowing how to reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in minutes becomes a real lifesaver. A reset isn’t a fix-all, but it’s often the first step to solving connectivity issues, app glitches, or setup hiccups. I’ve been there—late at night, trying to get a new camera online while my toddler sleeps. The last thing you need is a complicated process.

The good news? Resetting your Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera is simpler than you think. Whether you’re troubleshooting, rehoming the device, or just starting fresh, this guide walks you through the process—step by step—so you can get back to peace of mind fast. And yes, we’ll do it in minutes, not hours.

We’ll cover everything: the right tools, the actual reset steps, pro tips to avoid common pitfalls, and answers to the questions I wish I’d known before my first reset. By the end, you’ll feel confident tackling this on your own—no tech degree required.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather what you’ll need. Nothing fancy—just a few basics. Think of this as your “reset toolkit.”

• Your Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (obviously)
• A working smartphone or tablet with the Arlo Secure app installed (iOS or Android)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz network—more on that later)
• A paperclip, toothpick, or SIM ejector tool (for the reset button)
• A charged camera battery (or the charging cable if it’s low)
• Your Arlo account login info (email and password)

That’s it. No special software, no extra hardware. Just you, your phone, and the camera. If you’re resetting because of Wi-Fi issues, make sure your router is on and nearby. And if you’re moving the camera to a new network (like from home to vacation house), have those Wi-Fi details ready.

One thing I learned the hard way: don’t try this with a dead battery. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting only to realize the camera had shut off mid-reset. Keep it charged or plugged in. Simple, but easy to overlook.

Now that you’re ready, let’s get into the actual process of how to reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in Minutes

This is the core of the guide. We’ll walk through the reset in three clear phases: preparation, resetting, and reconfiguration. Each step is designed to be simple, repeatable, and foolproof—even if you’ve never reset a smart camera before.

There are two main types of reset you might need:

• Soft Reset (Reboot): Quick restart—great for minor glitches
• Factory Reset: Full wipe—used for connectivity issues, app errors, or when passing the camera to someone else

We’ll cover both, but the factory reset is what most people mean when they search for how to reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in minutes. Let’s start there.

Step 1: Prepare Your Environment

Before hitting any buttons, set yourself up for success. Think of this like warming up before a workout—small steps that prevent bigger problems.

• Make sure your camera is within 3–5 feet of your Wi-Fi router. Signal strength matters during setup.
• Open the Arlo Secure app and log in. You’ll need it to re-add the camera later.
• Check that your phone is connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera does not support 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both, temporarily switch your phone to 2.4 GHz.
• Ensure your camera battery is above 50%. If it’s low, plug it in using the Arlo charging cable.

I once tried resetting my camera while it was mounted on the second floor—far from the router. The reset worked, but it wouldn’t reconnect. I had to climb up and down with my phone. Not fun. Now I do this step first, every time.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

The reset button is a tiny, recessed hole on the bottom of the camera—near the charging port. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

• Turn the camera upside down so the bottom faces up.
• Look for a small hole labeled “Reset” or “RST.”
• If you can’t see it, use your phone’s flashlight to illuminate the area.

Use a paperclip, toothpick, or SIM ejector tool to gently press into the hole. Don’t force it—just firm, steady pressure. You’re not drilling, you’re triggering a micro-switch.

Pro tip: I keep a bent paperclip in my Arlo setup box. It’s perfect for this and never gets lost.

Step 3: Perform the Factory Reset

This is the moment of truth. A factory reset erases all settings, Wi-Fi networks, and paired devices. After this, the camera will act like it’s brand new.

• With the camera powered on (solid LED light), press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
• You’ll know it’s working when the LED light starts blinking amber. This means the reset is in progress.
• Keep holding for a full 10 seconds. Don’t let go early—otherwise, it might just reboot instead of resetting.
• After 10 seconds, release the button. The camera will power cycle (LED turns off and on).

Wait about 30–60 seconds. The LED should now blink white rapidly—this means the camera is in “setup mode” and ready to be re-added to your account.

Warning: If the LED blinks red or stays solid amber, the reset failed. Try again, but this time press harder or use a stiffer tool. Sometimes the button needs extra pressure.

This step is crucial for anyone searching for how to reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in minutes—it’s the heart of the process. Once it’s done, you’ve cleared the slate.

Step 4: Reconnect to the Arlo App

Now it’s time to bring the camera back online. Open the Arlo Secure app and let’s get it re-registered.

• Tap “Add Device” or “+” on the home screen.
• Select “Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera” from the list.
• The app will search for nearby cameras in setup mode. Your camera (with blinking white LED) should appear.
• Tap on it to begin pairing.

The app will guide you through the next steps. It might ask you to confirm the LED color or scan a QR code on the camera’s base. Follow the prompts—they’re designed to be foolproof.

I love this part because it feels like reuniting with an old friend. The app usually finds the camera within 10 seconds. If not, wait a minute and try again. Sometimes it takes a moment to broadcast its signal.

Step 5: Reconfigure Wi-Fi and Settings

This is where you set up the camera for your home. You’ll need your Wi-Fi name and password.

• Enter your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password when prompted.
• Wait as the camera connects. You’ll see progress bars and status messages in the app.
• Once connected, the LED will turn solid white—indicating a successful setup.
• Give the camera a name (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Porch”).
• Choose a location (optional but helpful for organization).

The app may also prompt you to update the camera’s firmware. Always install updates—they fix bugs and improve security. I once skipped an update and had a camera go offline for two days. Lesson learned.

After this step, your camera should appear in your device list and start streaming video. You’ve successfully completed the how to reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in minutes process.

Step 6: Test and Verify

Don’t assume it’s working—test it. This quick check saves headaches later.

• Open the live feed in the Arlo app.
• Check the video quality and motion detection.
• Trigger motion (walk in front of the camera) and see if you get a notification.
• Verify that the camera is recording to the cloud or local storage (if enabled).

I always do a “wave test”—I wave at the camera and watch for the alert on my phone. It’s silly, but it confirms everything is working.

If the feed is laggy or notifications are delayed, try moving the camera closer to the router or switching to a less congested Wi-Fi channel. The Arlo app has a Network Test feature under Settings that can help diagnose issues.

Step 7: (Optional) Soft Reset for Minor Issues

Not every problem needs a full factory reset. For small glitches—like a frozen app feed or brief disconnection—try a soft reset first.

• Press and hold the reset button for 3 seconds (not 10).
• The camera will reboot—LED blinks briefly, then returns to normal.
• Wait 1–2 minutes for it to reconnect.

This is faster and preserves your settings. I use it weekly during my home tech check-ins. It’s like a digital stretch for your camera.

But if you’re still having issues after a soft reset, go back to the full factory reset process. Sometimes the problem is deeper than a simple reboot can fix.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve reset dozens of Arlo cameras—for myself, friends, and even neighbors. Here are the insider tips and traps I’ve learned the hard way.

Pro Tip #1: Use the Right Wi-Fi Band

The Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera only works on 2.4 GHz networks. If your router uses dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), make sure your phone is on 2.4 GHz during setup. I once spent an hour troubleshooting only to realize my phone was on 5 GHz. The camera couldn’t “see” the network.

You can usually switch bands in your phone’s Wi-Fi settings or use a separate 2.4 GHz network name (SSID).

Pro Tip #2: Reset Before Mounting

Always reset and test the camera before you mount it. I learned this when I had to take down a camera from a second-story eave because the reset failed. Now I set it up on my kitchen counter first. It’s safer and faster.

Pro Tip #3: Label Your Cameras

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, give them unique names during setup (e.g., “Garage,” “Driveway”). It makes troubleshooting and resetting much easier later.

Common Mistake #1: Holding the Reset Button Too Long or Too Short

10 seconds is the magic number for a factory reset. Less than that? You get a reboot. More than 15? You might trigger a firmware rollback (rare, but possible). Stick to 10 seconds—use a timer if you’re unsure.

Warning: Don’t press the reset button while the camera is updating. It can corrupt the firmware and require a full reflash. Wait until the update finishes.

Common Mistake #2: Skipping the App Update

The Arlo app gets frequent updates. An outdated app can cause pairing issues or false “offline” messages. Check for updates before resetting. I keep my Arlo app on auto-update—it’s saved me more than once.

Common Mistake #3: Forgetting to Remove from Account

If you’re giving the camera to someone else or selling it, remove it from your Arlo account first. Go to Settings > Devices > Select Camera > Remove. This ensures the new owner can reset and set it up cleanly.

I didn’t do this once—ended up with a confused neighbor and a support ticket. Not worth the hassle.

Pro Insight: When to Reset vs. When to Call Support

Reset when:

• Camera shows “offline” for more than 10 minutes
• App can’t connect or keeps crashing
• You’re setting up a used camera
• Wi-Fi credentials changed

Call Arlo Support when:

• LED stays red after reset
• Camera won’t power on at all
• Firmware update fails repeatedly

Knowing the difference saves time. Most issues are fixed with a reset—but hardware problems need professional help.

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in Minutes

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

Q: Will resetting delete my recorded videos?

Yes, but only if they’re stored locally on the camera’s microSD card. Cloud recordings (if you have an Arlo subscription) are safe. They stay in your account. But if you use local storage, back up your videos first. I lost a month of footage once because I didn’t check the SD card. Now I always download important clips before a reset.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo camera?

Only when needed. I do a soft reset every 2–3 weeks as maintenance. A full factory reset? Maybe once a year—or after major issues. Don’t reset just for fun. It’s a tool, not a habit.

Q: Can I reset the camera remotely?

No. The reset button is physical. You must be near the camera. But you can remove it from your account remotely via the app. That’s different from a reset, but helpful if you’re traveling.

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

Try a stiffer tool—like a straightened paperclip or SIM ejector. If still no luck, check the battery. A low battery can prevent the reset from triggering. If it’s fully charged and still unresponsive, contact Arlo support. It might be a hardware issue.

Q: Does resetting fix Wi-Fi range issues?

Sometimes. A reset can help if the camera is stuck on a weak signal. But if your Wi-Fi is spotty, consider a Wi-Fi extender or moving the camera. Resetting won’t boost your router’s range.

Q: Can I reset the camera while it’s mounted?

Technically yes, but it’s awkward. I’ve done it on a ladder—not fun. Better to take it down, reset, test, then remount. Safety first.

Q: Will a reset improve video quality?

Not directly. But if the camera was glitching or lagging due to software issues, a reset can restore normal performance. Think of it as a tune-up, not a performance upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right steps and a little patience, you can master how to reset Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera in minutes—and keep your home security running smoothly.

Remember: start with a soft reset for minor issues, and only go full factory reset when necessary. Test after every step, keep your app updated, and never skip the Wi-Fi band check. These small habits make a big difference.

I’ve used this process to fix cameras for family, friends, and even my own setups. It’s reliable, repeatable, and—most importantly—fast. No more waiting hours for tech support or Googling vague error messages.

Now that you know the steps, keep this guide handy. Tape it to your router box, save it on your phone, or share it with a friend. The next time your Arlo camera acts up, you’ll be ready.

And if you ever get stuck? Don’t panic. Reset, reconnect, test. It’s that simple. You’ve got this.