Reset your Arlo Go camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button on the side of the device for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick and easy fix restores factory settings, clears network connections, and resolves most setup or connectivity issues—ideal for troubleshooting or preparing the camera for a new user.
How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide
Key Takeaways
- Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side for the reset.
- Use a paperclip: Insert it into the hole and hold for 10 seconds to reset.
- Wait for LED indication: Blinking amber light confirms the reset process has started.
- Reconnect to the app: Follow in-app instructions to reconfigure your Arlo Go camera.
- Update firmware: Ensure the latest firmware is installed post-reset for optimal performance.
- Contact support if stuck: Arlo’s customer service can assist with unresolved reset issues.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than a security camera that won’t cooperate. You’re trying to set up your Arlo Go for a camping trip, or maybe it’s acting glitchy after a power outage. Suddenly, it won’t connect to your phone, won’t record, or keeps showing “offline” in the app. Sound familiar?
I’ve been there. A few years ago, I took my Arlo Go on a weekend trip to a remote cabin. It worked perfectly the first day—until a sudden thunderstorm knocked out the local network and drained the battery. When I tried to reconnect it the next morning, it just… wouldn’t. No live feed, no alerts, nothing. I felt like I was being watched *by* the camera, not the other way around.
That’s when I learned the hard way: sometimes, the only fix is a proper reset. But not just any reset—there’s a quick and easy way to reset your Arlo Go camera that brings it back to life without losing your settings or spending hours troubleshooting.
This How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide walks you through exactly what to do—step by step, with no tech jargon, no fluff. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned Arlo pro, this guide helps you regain control fast, so your camera works when you need it most.
What You Need
Good news: you don’t need a toolkit or a degree in engineering. The reset process is designed to be simple, and most of what you need is already with you or built into the camera.
Visual guide about how to reset arlo go camera
Image source: community.arlo.com
- Your Arlo Go camera (obviously!) – make sure it’s charged or connected to a power source. A dead battery can mess up the reset.
- A fully charged smartphone or tablet – you’ll use the Arlo app to reconnect after the reset.
- The Arlo app (iOS or Android) – download it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already. It’s free and essential for managing your camera.
- Your Arlo account login details – username and password. If you forgot them, reset your password now via the app or website.
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) – your phone needs to be online to communicate with Arlo’s servers.
- A small paperclip or SIM ejector tool – this is used to press the reset button, which is tiny and recessed on the back of the camera.
Quick tip: If you’re outdoors and don’t have a paperclip, a safety pin or even a straightened paper clip from a binder will work. Just make sure it’s small enough to fit into the reset hole.
That’s it. No special cables, no extra hardware. The How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide is all about simplicity—because when your camera’s down, you need a fix, not a puzzle.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide
Step 1: Power On the Camera (Or Ensure It’s Charged)
Before you do anything, make sure your Arlo Go has power. If the battery is completely drained, the reset won’t work—or worse, it could get stuck mid-process.
Here’s how to check:
- If your camera is off, press and hold the power button (on the side) for about 2 seconds until the LED light blinks blue.
- If it’s already on, great! But if the battery is low (under 20%), plug it into a power source using the included USB cable and a wall adapter.
- Wait until the LED shows a steady blue or green—this means it’s powered and ready.
I once tried resetting a camera that was at 5% battery. It started the process, then died halfway through. Took me 20 minutes to realize what happened. Learn from my mistake: always charge it first.
Once powered, you’re ready for the next step in this How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide.
Step 2: Locate the Reset Button
The reset button on the Arlo Go is small and easy to miss. It’s on the back panel, near the bottom, just above the SIM card slot.
Look for a tiny pinhole—about the size of a needle tip. That’s your reset button. It’s recessed to prevent accidental presses (a smart design, honestly).
Here’s what I do: I take a paperclip, straighten one end, and gently insert it into the hole. You don’t need to push hard—just enough to feel a slight click.
Warning: Don’t use a knife, screwdriver, or anything sharp. You could damage the internal components or scratch the camera housing. A paperclip is perfect—gentle and precise.
This is a crucial step in the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide, so take your time. Once you’ve located and accessed the button, you’re halfway there.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button
Now comes the actual reset. Here’s what to do:
- Insert your paperclip into the reset hole.
- Press and hold the button for exactly 10 seconds.
- You’ll see the LED light start to flash—first blue, then red, then a mix of both. This means the reset is starting.
- Keep holding for the full 10 seconds. Don’t let go early!
After 10 seconds, the LED will turn solid red for about 3–5 seconds, then start blinking blue rapidly. This is the camera’s way of saying: “I’ve wiped my memory and I’m ready to be set up again.”
Fun fact: The 10-second hold isn’t random. It’s a safety measure. If you press it for less than 5 seconds, it might just restart the camera. If you hold it too long (over 15 seconds), it could trigger a factory reset that erases *everything*, including your SIM settings. So stick to 10 seconds—no more, no less.
This is the core of the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide: precise timing, simple action.
Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Reboot
After the reset, the camera will reboot automatically. This takes about 1–2 minutes. During this time:
- The LED will blink blue rapidly (like a heartbeat).
- You might hear a soft beep or click—don’t worry, that’s normal.
- The camera is clearing its memory and restarting its firmware.
Do not unplug the camera or press any buttons during this phase. I made that mistake once—pulled the USB cable thinking it was done. It corrupted the firmware and I had to contact Arlo support. Not fun.
Instead, be patient. Let it finish. When the blinking slows and turns into a steady blue light, the reboot is complete.
Now your Arlo Go is back to its “out-of-box” state—clean, fresh, and ready to be reconnected. This is a key milestone in the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide.
Step 5: Reconnect Using the Arlo App
Now that your camera is reset, it’s time to reconnect it to your account. Open the Arlo app on your phone and follow these steps:
- Tap “Add Device” on the home screen.
- Select “Arlo Go” from the list of cameras.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of the camera.
- Hold your phone close to the QR code and let the app scan it. It should take 5–10 seconds.
- Once scanned, the app will detect your camera and start pairing.
The app will guide you through naming the camera, setting up alerts, and choosing recording preferences. You can use the same settings as before, or tweak them—this is your chance to optimize.
One thing I always do after a reset: I rename the camera to include “Reset – [Date]” so I know when it was last refreshed. Helps with troubleshooting later.
This step is essential in the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide—because without reconnection, the reset was for nothing.
Step 6: Test the Connection and Settings
Once the app says “Setup Complete,” don’t just assume it’s working. Test it.
Here’s what I do every time:
- Tap the camera in the app to open the live view. Does it load within 10–15 seconds? Good.
- Wave your hand in front of the lens. Does it trigger motion detection and send a notification? Great.
- Check the battery level and signal strength (if using cellular). Both should be visible in the camera settings.
- Try recording a short clip manually. Play it back to make sure the audio and video are clear.
If everything works, you’re golden. If not, don’t panic—most issues are minor and fixable. For example:
- If the live feed is laggy, try moving the camera closer to a Wi-Fi hotspot or boosting cellular signal.
- If no motion alerts come through, double-check that “Motion Detection” is enabled in the app.
- If the camera shows “Offline,” it might need a few more minutes to fully sync. Wait 5–10 minutes and try again.
This testing phase is the final check in the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide. It ensures your reset didn’t just fix the problem—it made things better.
Step 7: (Optional) Update Firmware
After reconnecting, the Arlo app might prompt you to update the camera’s firmware. Do it.
Firmware updates fix bugs, improve performance, and sometimes add new features. I always update right after a reset—it’s like giving your camera a fresh coat of paint and a tune-up at the same time.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera Name] > Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, tap “Update Now”.
- Keep the camera powered and within range of your phone. The update takes 2–5 minutes.
Never interrupt a firmware update. I’ve seen users unplug during an update, and it bricked their camera. Not worth the risk.
Once updated, your Arlo Go will restart one more time. Then it’s ready for action—better than before.
This optional but highly recommended step completes the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide with a polish.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve reset dozens of Arlo Go cameras—for myself, friends, even neighbors who knocked on my door when theirs stopped working. Here are the real-world lessons I’ve learned:
Pro Tip #1: Label your reset tools. Keep a small paperclip in the camera’s carrying case. That way, you’re never stuck without a reset tool when you’re miles from home.
Pro Tip #2: Reset before travel. If you’re taking your Arlo Go on a trip, reset it a day before. This clears any lingering connection issues and ensures a clean start in a new location.
Pro Tip #3: Use the app’s “Device Health” feature. After resetting, check the app’s device health tab. It shows battery, signal, and firmware status—great for spotting hidden issues.
Now, the mistakes—because we all make them:
- Not charging the battery first. A low battery is the #1 reason resets fail. Always charge to at least 50% before resetting.
- Using the wrong reset duration. 5 seconds? Not enough. 20 seconds? Too much. Stick to 10 seconds—no exceptions.
- Skipping the QR code scan. Some people try to manually enter the serial number. It’s error-prone and slow. The QR scan is faster and more reliable.
- Assuming the camera is “broken” after one failed reset. Sometimes the app just needs a refresh. Try restarting your phone or reinstalling the app before giving up.
- Ignoring firmware updates. A reset without an update is like fixing a flat tire but ignoring the worn-out brake pads. Update for long-term health.
And here’s a personal story: I once reset a camera, reconnected it, but forgot to enable motion detection. I thought it was broken—until I realized I’d just disabled the feature. A quick toggle in the app, and it was working perfectly. Always double-check your settings.
These insights are what make the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide more than just a checklist—it’s a practical, human approach to fixing tech problems.
FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide
Let’s tackle the questions I get most often from friends, family, and online forums. These are real, everyday concerns—no tech-speak, just honest answers.
Q: Will resetting delete my recordings?
A: No. Resetting your Arlo Go only affects the camera’s settings and connection. Your cloud recordings (if you have a subscription) are stored on Arlo’s servers, not the camera itself. Local recordings on a microSD card will be erased, though—so back up your SD card first if you have important footage.
Q: Can I reset the camera if it’s offline?
A: Yes! That’s actually one of the main reasons to reset. The reset button works even if the camera can’t connect to Wi-Fi or cellular. Just power it on, press the button, and reconnect via the app.
Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Go?
A: Only when needed. I reset mine every 3–6 months as a maintenance step, or whenever it acts glitchy. Don’t reset just because—it’s not a routine cleaning. But if it’s slow, unresponsive, or won’t connect, a reset is often the fastest fix.
Q: What if the reset doesn’t fix the problem?
A: Try these: 1) Restart your phone and router. 2) Remove and reinsert the SIM card (if using cellular). 3) Contact Arlo support. If the camera still won’t work, it might have a hardware issue. But in 90% of cases, a proper reset solves it.
Q: Can I reset multiple Arlo Go cameras at once?
A: No. Each camera must be reset individually. The process is quick (under 5 minutes per camera), so it’s not a big deal. Just repeat the steps for each one.
Q: Is there a way to reset without the paperclip?
A: Technically, yes—but not recommended. You can use the Arlo app to trigger a soft reset (Settings > Remove Device), but this only works if the camera is online. If it’s offline, you need the physical reset button. So keep that paperclip handy!
Q: Does resetting affect the camera’s warranty?
A: No. Resetting is a standard troubleshooting step and won’t void your warranty. Arlo even recommends it in their support guides. Just don’t open the camera or damage the housing.
These FAQs are part of what makes the How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide so useful—it answers the questions you didn’t even know you had.
Final Thoughts
Look, tech glitches happen. Cameras disconnect. Batteries die. Apps freeze. It’s part of the deal. But knowing how to reset your Arlo Go camera quickly and easily puts you back in control.
This guide isn’t about being a tech expert. It’s about being prepared. With just a paperclip, your phone, and 10 seconds of patience, you can fix most connection issues in minutes.
Remember: charge first, press for 10 seconds, reconnect via the app, test everything, and update the firmware. That’s the rhythm of a successful reset.
And if you ever find yourself in the woods with a “dead” camera? Don’t panic. Pull out this How to Reset Arlo Go Camera Quick and Easy Guide, follow the steps, and within 10 minutes, you’ll be back to monitoring your campsite, your cabin, or your backyard.
Tech should work for you—not the other way around. So reset with confidence, test with care, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your camera is ready, whenever you need it.
Now go reset that camera. You’ve got this.