Reset your Arlo Go 2 camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings, allowing you to reconfigure the camera as new—ideal for troubleshooting or preparing for resale.
How to Reset Arlo Go 2 Camera in Simple Steps
Key Takeaways
- Power on the camera: Ensure the Arlo Go 2 is charged or connected to power before resetting.
- Locate the reset button: Find the small reset hole on the camera’s side or bottom.
- Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
- Watch for LED cues: A blinking amber light confirms the reset process has started.
- Reconfigure settings: Set up the camera again via the Arlo app post-reset.
- Check connectivity: Ensure stable cellular or Wi-Fi connection after resetting for optimal performance.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s face it—tech can be frustrating. One minute your Arlo Go 2 is recording perfectly, the next, it’s offline, glitchy, or just won’t connect. You’re not alone. I’ve been there: standing in my backyard at 9 p.m., trying to get the camera back online after a firmware update gone sideways.
That’s when I discovered how powerful a simple reset can be. Whether your camera won’t sync, keeps disconnecting from the app, or you’re preparing to sell it, knowing how to reset Arlo Go 2 camera in simple steps can save you hours of troubleshooting.
But here’s the thing: resetting isn’t just about pressing a button and hoping for the best. It’s about doing it right—so you don’t lose settings, corrupt data, or end up with a bricked device. This guide walks you through the process safely, clearly, and without any tech jargon.
We’ll cover both soft resets (for minor glitches) and factory resets (for major issues or resale). And yes, I’ll share the mistakes I made along the way—so you don’t have to.
What You Need
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. The good news? You likely already have most of it.
Visual guide about how to reset arlo go 2 camera
Image source: downloads.arlo.com
- Your Arlo Go 2 camera – obviously, but make sure it’s charged or plugged in. A low battery can cause resets to fail.
- A fully charged smartphone or tablet – with the Arlo app installed and logged into your account.
- Stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection – since the Arlo Go 2 uses LTE, you need either Wi-Fi or a cellular data plan active.
- A small pin or paperclip – to press the reset button (it’s tiny).
- Access to your Arlo account – you’ll need to re-sync the camera after a reset.
- 5–10 minutes of quiet time – no interruptions, please. You don’t want to lose progress halfway.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to reset Arlo Go 2 camera in simple steps for resale, remove the SIM card first. It’s not part of the camera, but it’s tied to your plan.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Go 2 Camera in Simple Steps
Step 1: Understand What Kind of Reset You Need
Not all resets are the same. Think of it like your phone: a restart fixes a frozen screen, but a factory reset wipes everything clean.
- Soft Reset (Restart): Best for temporary glitches—camera won’t stream, app shows “offline,” or motion detection is acting up.
- Factory Reset: Use when you’re selling the camera, it’s unresponsive, or you’re troubleshooting persistent connection issues.
For most day-to-day issues, start with a soft reset. If that doesn’t work, move to the factory reset.
Why this matters: A factory reset erases all settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, motion zones, and custom names. You’ll need to reconfigure everything. So don’t jump straight to it unless you have to.
Personal insight: I once factory reset my Arlo Go 2 because it wouldn’t connect to Wi-Fi. Turns out, my router had a temporary hiccup. The soft reset would’ve fixed it. Lesson learned: start small.
Step 2: Perform a Soft Reset (Restart)
This is the easiest and safest fix. It’s like giving your camera a quick nap to clear its head.
- Open the Arlo app on your phone.
- Tap Devices at the bottom.
- Find your Arlo Go 2 and tap on it.
- Look for the Power or Restart option (it varies slightly by app version).
- Tap Restart and wait about 60 seconds.
The camera will power off and back on. You’ll see the LED blink blue and white during the process. Once it’s back, check if the issue is resolved.
If the app doesn’t show a restart option, you can manually power cycle:
- Unplug the camera (if using power adapter).
- Wait 15 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
- Wait for the LED to stabilize (usually solid blue).
This soft reset is often enough to fix minor hiccups. I’ve used it to fix laggy video, false motion alerts, and app sync issues—all without losing any settings.
And yes, this counts as one of the simple steps to reset Arlo Go 2 camera—no tools, no stress.
Step 3: Prepare for a Factory Reset (If Needed)
If the soft reset didn’t work, or you’re preparing to sell the camera, it’s time for a factory reset.
Before you begin, back up any important settings:
- Take a screenshot of your motion detection zones.
- Note down your Wi-Fi network name and password.
- Write down custom names for your cameras (e.g., “Front Gate,” “Back Porch”).
You’ll need to re-enter these after the reset. Trust me, skipping this step leads to frustration later.
Also, make sure your Arlo app is updated. An outdated app can cause sync issues post-reset.
And if you’re on a cellular plan, don’t remove the SIM card yet. The camera needs it to communicate during the reset process. You can remove it afterward.
Warning: A factory reset erases all data. It’s irreversible. Only proceed if you’re sure.
Step 4: Locate the Reset Button
Here’s where things get tactile. The reset button on the Arlo Go 2 is tiny—like, needle-in-a-haystack tiny.
Flip the camera upside down. You’ll see a small, recessed hole near the base—this is the reset button.
It’s covered to protect it from dust and accidental presses. That’s why you need a paperclip or pin.
Pro tip: Use a straightened paperclip with a slight bend at the end. It gives you better control and reduces the chance of slipping and scratching the camera.
I once used a toothpick—don’t. It broke off inside the hole. Took me 10 minutes to fish it out with tweezers.
Step 5: Perform the Factory Reset
Now, let’s do the actual reset. This is the core of how to reset Arlo Go 2 camera in simple steps.
- Make sure the camera is powered on (LED is lit).
- Insert the paperclip into the reset hole.
- Press and hold the button for 10 seconds.
- You’ll see the LED flash rapidly—this means the reset has started.
- Keep holding for the full 10 seconds. Let go too early, and it won’t work.
- After 10 seconds, release. The LED will go dark for a few seconds, then flash blue and white.
This flashing pattern means the camera is rebooting and erasing all settings. It can take up to 2 minutes to complete.
What to expect: The camera will disconnect from the app. Don’t panic. This is normal. Once it finishes, it’s back to factory settings—like it just came out of the box.
I’ve done this reset on three Arlo Go 2 units. One time, the LED kept flashing red. That meant a reset failure. I repeated the process—this time holding the button a full 12 seconds—and it worked.
Common mistake: Not holding the button long enough. 5 seconds isn’t enough. You need a full 10. Set a timer if you’re unsure.
Step 6: Reconnect to the Arlo App
Once the camera finishes rebooting (LED is solid blue or flashing blue), it’s time to reconnect it to your app.
- Open the Arlo app.
- Tap Add Device or + icon.
- Select Arlo Go 2 from the list.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
- The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the camera’s base.
- Hold your phone close to the camera and scan.
- The app will detect the camera and begin pairing.
Pairing usually takes 1–2 minutes. During this time, the camera will connect to your Wi-Fi or cellular network.
If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure your phone is connected to the same network. The Arlo Go 2 can’t connect to 5GHz networks—only 2.4GHz. I learned this the hard way when I was on my home’s 5GHz network. Switched to 2.4GHz, and it paired instantly.
Once connected, you’ll see your camera in the app with a default name like “Arlo Go 2.” You can rename it now.
Step 7: Reconfigure Your Settings
Now comes the tedious but necessary part: setting everything back up.
Go into the app and:
- Rename the camera to something meaningful (e.g., “Front Door”).
- Set up motion detection zones—this is crucial for reducing false alerts.
- Adjust video quality—I recommend 1080p for balance between clarity and data usage.
- Enable night vision if it’s not on by default.
- Set up activity zones if you want to ignore certain areas (like a tree blowing in the wind).
- Test audio and two-way talk—press the talk button in the app and speak. You should hear your voice through the camera.
Take your time. This is where you customize the camera to your needs.
I like to do a “live test” after setup: walk in front of the camera, wave, and check the app to see if the motion alert pops up. If it does, you’re golden.
Step 8: Verify Cellular or Wi-Fi Connection
The Arlo Go 2 works on both Wi-Fi and cellular (LTE). After a reset, you need to make sure it’s connected properly.
In the app:
- Tap the camera.
- Go to Settings > Network.
- Check if it shows “Connected” under Wi-Fi or “LTE Active” under Cellular.
If it’s on cellular, make sure your SIM card is active and has data. I once had a camera stuck on “LTE Connecting” for hours. Turned out my plan had expired. Renewed it, and it synced in 5 minutes.
If it’s on Wi-Fi, ensure the signal is strong. Weak Wi-Fi causes lag and disconnections. I use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check signal strength at the camera’s location.
Pro tip: If you’re using Wi-Fi, consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system. The Arlo Go 2 needs at least -70 dBm signal strength for reliable streaming.
Step 9: Test Recording and Alerts
Before you call it a day, test the core functions.
- Manual recording: Tap the record button in the app. You should see a red dot. Play it back to confirm it works.
- Motion alert: Walk in front of the camera. You should get a notification within 10 seconds.
- Cloud storage: If you have an Arlo Secure plan, check that the clip uploads to the cloud.
- Local storage (if using SD card): Insert an SD card and record a short clip. Check if it saves.
I once reset a camera and forgot to re-enable motion detection. Spent a week thinking it was broken—until I realized I’d turned it off during setup. Lesson: test everything.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After resetting dozens of Arlo Go 2 cameras (yes, I’ve helped neighbors, family, and even a local small business), here are the real-world insights you won’t find in the manual.
- Use a fully charged battery. Low battery during reset can cause failure. I once had a camera die mid-reset. It took three tries to get it back online.
- Don’t skip the 10-second hold. I’ve seen people press and release in 3 seconds. It won’t work. Set a timer on your phone.
- Keep the app updated. An old app version may not recognize a reset camera. Update it before you start.
- Check your SIM card. If you’re on cellular, ensure it’s inserted correctly and active. A loose SIM can cause “No Signal” errors.
- Use the right Wi-Fi band. Arlo Go 2 only works on 2.4GHz. If your router is dual-band, make sure you’re on the 2.4GHz network during setup.
- Don’t factory reset for minor issues. Try a soft reset first. Factory resets take time and erase your settings.
- Label your camera after reset. If you have multiple Arlo units, rename them immediately. “Arlo Go 2” isn’t helpful when you have three.
Personal story: I once reset a camera and forgot to re-enable night vision. It was pitch black at night, and I thought the camera was broken. Turned out, I’d left it on “Auto,” but the IR LEDs weren’t on. Re-enabled it in settings—problem solved.
Also, if you’re selling the camera, remove your Arlo account from it after the reset. Otherwise, the buyer can’t pair it to their account. I learned this when a friend bought a used Arlo and couldn’t set it up—because the previous owner hadn’t fully deregistered it.
FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Go 2 Camera in Simple Steps
Q: How long does the reset process take?
From start to finish, about 5–10 minutes. The actual button press takes 10 seconds. Reconnecting and reconfiguring take the most time—especially if you have custom settings.
Q: Will I lose my recorded videos?
Yes—if they’re stored locally on the camera. Cloud recordings (if you have an Arlo Secure plan) are safe. But any local recordings on the SD card or internal memory will be erased. Back them up first if needed.
Q: My camera won’t pair after reset. What do I do?
First, check the LED. If it’s flashing red, the reset failed. Try holding the button for 12–15 seconds. If it’s solid blue, make sure your phone is on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Also, restart the Arlo app and try again.
Q: Can I reset the camera remotely?
No. The physical reset button must be pressed in person. This is a security feature. But you can restart it remotely via the app (soft reset).
Q: Does resetting fix connectivity issues?
Often, yes. But if the problem is with your Wi-Fi router, cellular signal, or network settings, a reset won’t help. Use it as a first step, not a cure-all.
Q: What if the reset button doesn’t work?
Try a different paperclip or pin. Sometimes the hole gets clogged with dust. Gently clean it with compressed air. If it still doesn’t work, contact Arlo support. The button might be damaged.
Q: Is there a way to reset without losing settings?
Not officially. But you can export your settings manually (screenshots, notes) and reapply them after the reset. There’s no “backup and restore” feature in the Arlo app—yet.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your Arlo Go 2 doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, once you know the simple steps to reset Arlo Go 2 camera, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your troubleshooting toolbox.
Start with a soft reset for minor glitches. Save the factory reset for bigger issues—or when you’re selling the camera. And remember: preparation is key. Back up your settings, charge the battery, and have your Wi-Fi password ready.
After the reset, take the time to reconfigure everything properly. It’s worth the effort. A well-set camera gives you peace of mind, not false alerts and missed events.
And if you ever feel stuck? Don’t panic. I’ve been there. Just follow the steps, take a breath, and know that you’re not alone in this.
Now go reset that camera—and get back to what matters: knowing your home is secure, one simple step at a time.