Reset your Arlo Pro 2 camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button on the bottom of the device for 10 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.
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How to Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps
Key Takeaways
- Locate the reset button: Find the pinhole on the camera’s bottom.
- Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold for 10 seconds.
- Wait for LED flash: Blinking amber confirms reset initiation.
- Re-sync to base station: Reconnect via Arlo app after reset.
- Update firmware: Ensure latest version to avoid issues.
- Keep login details ready: Re-login to your Arlo account post-reset.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
We’ve all been there—your Arlo Pro 2 camera won’t connect, the LED is flashing red, or the app keeps saying “offline.” It’s frustrating, especially when you just want to check in on your home or keep an eye on the dog. I remember one evening, after a long day, I opened the Arlo app and saw three cameras stuck in setup mode. Panic? A little. But after a few deep breaths, I remembered: resetting the camera is often the fix.
If you’re searching for how to reset Arlo Pro 2 camera in simple steps, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a firmware glitch, Wi-Fi dropout, or you’re handing the camera to a friend, a reset can restore peace—and functionality. The good news? It’s not as scary as it sounds. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process like we’re troubleshooting over coffee, with zero tech jargon and real-life tips I’ve learned the hard way.
The key is knowing which reset to use (yes, there’s more than one), when to use it, and how to avoid making things worse. Let’s get your camera back online—without losing your mind.
What You Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather a few things. Nothing fancy—just what you already have lying around:
Visual guide about how to reset arlo pro 2 camera
Image source: surveillanceguides.com
- Your Arlo Pro 2 camera (obviously)
- A small paperclip or SIM ejector tool (for the reset button)
- Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed (iOS or Android)
- A stable Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz—Arlo Pro 2 doesn’t support 5 GHz)
- Your Arlo account login (email and password)
- Access to your base station or SmartHub (if you’re using one)
Pro tip: If your camera is mounted high, grab a ladder or step stool. You’ll need to reach it to press the reset button. I learned that the hard way—trying to reset one while balancing on a wobbly chair wasn’t my finest moment.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps
Step 1: Understand Which Reset You Need
Not all resets are the same. The Arlo Pro 2 has two main types:
- Soft Reset (Reboot): Restarts the camera without erasing data. Use this if the camera is frozen or unresponsive but still connected.
- Factory Reset: Erases all settings, including Wi-Fi, pairing, and recordings. Use this if you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, giving away the camera, or setting it up fresh.
For most problems—like the camera not connecting or the app showing “offline”—a factory reset is the way to go. This guide focuses on that. But if you’re unsure, try the soft reset first (just unplug and plug back in). If it doesn’t work, then move to the full reset.
Remember: a factory reset means you’ll have to re-pair the camera to your base station or SmartHub and reconfigure your settings. So only do this if you’re ready to set it up again.
Step 2: Power Down the Camera (If Possible)
If your Arlo Pro 2 is battery-powered and currently mounted, don’t remove the battery yet. But if it’s plugged in (via the outdoor charging cable), go ahead and unplug it.
Why? Because we want the camera to be fully powered off when we press the reset button. If it’s still running, the reset might not take effect.
For battery models: Wait until the LED light goes off (usually after 30 seconds of inactivity). Then proceed to Step 3.
Warning: Don’t force the battery out unless absolutely necessary. The Arlo Pro 2 battery is sealed—prying it open can damage the camera. If the camera is stuck on, try covering the lens to trigger sleep mode.
Step 3: Locate the Reset Button
Flip the camera over. On the bottom edge, you’ll see a tiny, circular reset button next to the USB port. It’s recessed, so you’ll need a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or even a bent paperclip to press it.
Fun fact: This button is the same one you used during the original setup. It’s easy to miss, but it’s there—like a hidden easter egg for tech fixes.
Make sure your tool is small enough to fit. I once used a pen and ended up pressing too hard—luckily, no damage, but it scared me half to death.
Step 4: Perform the Factory Reset
Now, here’s the main event. Follow these steps carefully:
- Press and hold the reset button with your tool.
- While holding it, plug the camera into power (or insert the battery if it was removed).
- Keep holding for 10–15 seconds until the LED light starts blinking amber.
- Release the button.
The amber blinking is your cue that the reset is working. If the light turns solid green, you held it too long—don’t worry, it’s still a valid reset. If nothing happens, double-check your power source and try again.
This is the heart of how to reset Arlo Pro 2 camera in simple steps—no apps, no Wi-Fi, just a physical button press. Simple, right?
Step 5: Wait for the Camera to Reboot
After releasing the button, the camera will restart. The LED will cycle through colors:
- Amber blinking: Reset in progress
- Solid amber: Camera is rebooting
- Solid green: Ready to pair
This can take 1–2 minutes. Don’t touch the camera during this time. I once impatiently picked it up and accidentally pressed the reset again—ended up starting over.
Once it’s solid green, the camera has been fully reset and is now in setup mode.
Step 6: Reconnect to Your Arlo System
Now, open the Arlo app and log in to your account. Here’s how to re-pair:
- Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
- Select “Arlo Pro 2” from the list.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to scan the QR code on the camera (usually on the back or battery compartment).
- Wait for the app to detect the camera (it’ll show “Ready to Pair”).
- Tap “Pair” and let the app sync with your base station or SmartHub.
If you’re using a base station, make sure it’s powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. The camera will connect to the base station first, then the app will sync through it.
For SmartHub users: The process is nearly identical. Just make sure the SmartHub is online and has a strong signal.
Step 7: Reconfigure Your Settings
Once paired, the camera is back—but it’s a blank slate. You’ll need to set up:
- Wi-Fi network (if not using a base station/SmartHub)
- Motion detection zones (I like to set mine to ignore trees and street traffic)
- Recording schedules (e.g., “Record only at night”)
- Audio settings (turn on two-way talk if needed)
- Notifications (customize alerts for motion, sound, etc.)
Take your time here. I once rushed through settings and ended up with false alerts every time my neighbor walked their dog. Not ideal.
Pro tip: Use the “Test Motion Detection” feature in the app to fine-tune your zones before finalizing.
Step 8: Mount the Camera (If Applicable)
If you removed the camera from its mount, now’s the time to reattach it. Make sure it’s:
- Securely fastened (use the included wall anchors if needed)
- Pointing in the right direction (test with the app’s live view)
- Out of direct rain or snow (the Arlo Pro 2 is weather-resistant, not waterproof)
I once mounted a camera too high and couldn’t reach the reset button later. Lesson learned: leave room for maintenance.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After resetting dozens of Arlo Pro 2 cameras (for myself, family, and friends), here’s what I’ve learned:
Pro Tip 1: Label Your Cameras
After a reset, the app will ask you to name the camera. Don’t just call it “Front Door” and call it a day. I use names like “Front Door – West” or “Backyard – Motion Zone 2”. This helps when you have multiple cameras and need to troubleshoot.
Pro Tip 2: Reset One Camera at a Time
If you have multiple cameras, reset them one by one. I once reset three at once and spent an hour figuring out which was which in the app. Not fun.
Pro Tip 3: Check Battery Level First
A low battery can mimic reset issues. Before you reset, check the battery level in the app. If it’s below 20%, charge it fully first. A weak battery can cause the reset to fail or the camera to shut down mid-process.
Common Mistake: Skipping the Base Station Reset
If your camera connects to a base station, and it’s also acting up, reset the base station too. A faulty base station can make the camera appear unresponsive, even if it’s fine.
To reset the base station: Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Let it reconnect to Wi-Fi before pairing cameras.
Common Mistake: Using 5 GHz Wi-Fi
The Arlo Pro 2 only supports 2.4 GHz networks. If you’re using a dual-band router, make sure your phone is connected to 2.4 GHz when setting up. I’ve seen so many people get stuck because their phone was on 5 GHz and the camera couldn’t connect.
Pro Tip 4: Keep the Original Box
The box has the QR code and serial number. If you lose the camera or need to contact Arlo support, this info is gold. I keep all mine in a file folder—call me old school, but it’s saved me more than once.
Warning: Don’t press the reset button too hard. It’s a delicate switch. I once broke one (luckily, the camera still worked, but it was a close call). A light press is all you need.
FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Pro 2 Camera in Simple Steps
Q: Will a reset delete my videos and recordings?
Great question. A factory reset does not delete cloud recordings (if you have an Arlo Smart plan or free trial). Your videos stay in the cloud. But any local recordings (saved to a USB drive or microSD card) will be erased. So back those up first if needed.
Q: What if the camera won’t reset?
If the LED doesn’t blink amber after holding the button, try:
- Using a different power source (outlet, not extension cord)
- Checking the battery (replace if old)
- Pressing the button for exactly 10 seconds—no more, no less
If it still fails, the reset button might be damaged. Contact Arlo support—they’ll help or replace the camera if under warranty.
Q: Can I reset the camera from the app?
No. The only way to factory reset an Arlo Pro 2 is via the physical button. The app can reboot the camera (Settings > Device Info > Reboot), but that’s not a full reset. For serious issues, you need the button.
Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Pro 2?
Only when necessary. I reset mine maybe once a year—usually after a major firmware update or if I’m moving the camera. Don’t do it regularly; it’s not a “cleaning” step like on a computer.
Q: Will resetting fix a “No Signal” error?
Sometimes. A “No Signal” error can mean:
- The camera is too far from the base station
- Wi-Fi is down
- The camera is in a metal box (yes, I’ve seen this!)
Try resetting first. If the error persists, check signal strength in the app (Settings > Device Info > Signal Strength). If it’s low, move the camera or add a SmartHub extender.
Q: Can I reset a camera without the app?
You can perform the reset without the app (just the button and power), but you’ll need the app to re-pair it afterward. So keep your phone handy.
Q: What if I lost my Arlo account?
If you reset the camera but can’t log in, you’ll need to recover your account first. Go to arlo.com and use “Forgot Password.” Once logged in, you can pair the camera. If you never created an account (e.g., it was a gift), you’ll need to create one.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your Arlo Pro 2 camera isn’t magic—it’s just a tool to get things back on track. I’ve used this method to fix everything from Wi-Fi dropouts to cameras stuck in setup mode. And honestly, once you’ve done it once, you’ll realize it’s not scary at all.
The key takeaway? Stay calm, follow the steps, and don’t rush. Whether you’re resetting for the first time or the tenth, the process is the same: power off, press the button, wait for the light, re-pair, and reconfigure.
And remember: if you’re ever stuck, Arlo’s support team is helpful—but you probably won’t need them. With this guide, you’ve got how to reset Arlo Pro 2 camera in simple steps down to a science.
Now go fix that camera, check in on your home, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a working security system. You’ve earned it.
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