Resetting your Arlo Pro 3 camera is quick and simple—just press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This hard reset restores factory settings, clears Wi-Fi configurations, and readies the device for re-pairing. Ideal for troubleshooting or prepping for a new setup, this process ensures your camera starts fresh every time.

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How to Reset Arlo Pro 3 Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip for 10 seconds.
• Wait for LED indication: Release when the LED flashes amber, signaling reset initiation.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera in the Arlo app post-reset for setup.
• Check power source: Ensure the camera is charged or plugged in before resetting.
• Update firmware: Always update firmware after reset to ensure optimal performance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Arlo Pro 3 camera freeze up, stop recording, or just refuse to connect to Wi-Fi? You’re not alone. I’ve been there—midway through troubleshooting a false alarm, only to realize the camera wasn’t syncing with the base station. That’s when I learned that sometimes, the best fix isn’t a firmware update or a call to support. It’s a simple reset.

Whether you’re setting up a new camera, moving to a new house, or troubleshooting connectivity issues, knowing how to reset Arlo Pro 3 camera in simple steps can save you time, frustration, and even a service call. This isn’t just about factory resets—it’s about understanding when and why to reset, and doing it safely without losing your settings or recordings.

Resetting doesn’t mean starting over from scratch (though it can). It means giving your camera a clean slate so it can re-sync, re-pair, or re-learn its network. And the good news? It’s easier than you think—no tech degree required.

Real Talk: I once spent 45 minutes arguing with my Arlo app before realizing a quick reset would’ve solved the issue. Don’t be me. Learn this once, use it forever.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’re not halfway through the process only to realize you’re missing something. Here’s what you’ll need to reset your Arlo Pro 3 camera:

• Your Arlo Pro 3 camera (obviously)
• The Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (if using one—most setups do)
• The Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet)
• Access to your Wi-Fi network (SSID and password)
• A paperclip or small pin (for the physical reset button)
• Fully charged batteries or power adapter (don’t reset on low battery—trust me)
• 5–10 minutes of uninterrupted time (no rushing!)

You don’t need any special tools or software. Everything happens through the app or the camera itself. And yes, you can reset the camera even if it’s not currently connected to the network—just follow the right method.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to how to reset Arlo Pro 3 camera in simple steps as part of a full system reconfiguration, do it one camera at a time. This helps avoid confusion later.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Pro 3 Camera in Simple Steps

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Reset You Need

Not all resets are the same. Arlo Pro 3 offers two main types:

• Soft Reset (Re-sync): Removes the camera from your account but keeps its settings. Great for re-pairing after Wi-Fi changes.
• Factory Reset: Erases everything—settings, recordings, pairing. Use this if you’re selling, moving, or troubleshooting persistent issues.

Knowing the difference is key. A soft reset is like restarting your phone. A factory reset is like wiping it clean before selling it. For how to reset Arlo Pro 3 camera in simple steps, we’ll cover both—but start with soft unless you’re sure you need a full wipe.

Warning: A factory reset deletes all local recordings stored on the SmartHub. If you have footage you need, back it up first via the Arlo app or a USB drive.

Step 2: Soft Reset via the Arlo App (Recommended for Most Users)

This is the easiest and safest method. It removes the camera from your account but doesn’t erase its internal memory. Perfect if your camera just needs to re-pair.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap Devices at the bottom.
3. Select your Arlo Pro 3 camera from the list.
4. Tap the gear icon (settings) in the top-right corner.
5. Scroll down and tap Remove Device.
6. Confirm when prompted.

Once removed, the camera will no longer appear in your app. But don’t panic—it’s not broken. Now, you can re-add it like it’s brand new.

To re-add it:

• Go to Devices > + Add Device.
• Select Arlo Pro 3.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to re-pair it to your base station or SmartHub.

This method is ideal if you’re troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues or just want to refresh the connection. It’s the most common way to how to reset Arlo Pro 3 camera in simple steps without losing data.

My Experience: I use this every time I change my Wi-Fi password. Takes less than 2 minutes and keeps my camera working like new.

Step 3: Factory Reset Using the Sync Button (For Deep Issues)

When the app method doesn’t work—or when you’re setting up a used camera—you’ll need a physical reset. This uses the tiny sync button on the camera.

1. Make sure your camera is powered on (either via batteries or USB).
2. Locate the sync button on the back or side of the camera. It’s a small hole—use your paperclip or pin.
3. Press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds. Don’t let go too soon!
4. Watch the LED light. It will flash amber for about 10 seconds, then turn solid green.
5. Once solid green, release the button.

That’s it. The camera is now factory reset. All settings, recordings, and pairing info are erased. The camera will restart and enter setup mode.

Now, open the Arlo app and go to Add Device. Select Arlo Pro 3 and follow the setup wizard. The camera will search for your base station or SmartHub and re-pair.

Pro Tip: If the LED doesn’t flash amber, you’re not holding it long enough. Try 12–15 seconds. And make sure the camera isn’t in low-power mode.

Step 4: Reconnect to Your Base Station or SmartHub

After any reset, your camera needs to re-establish communication with your base station or SmartHub. Here’s how to make sure it connects smoothly:

• Place the camera within 10–15 feet of the base station during setup.
• Ensure the base station is powered on and connected to your router via Ethernet.
• In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > Base Station and confirm it’s online.
• When adding the camera, the app will prompt you to “sync” it with the base station. Tap Sync Now.
• Wait for the camera’s LED to turn solid blue—this means it’s paired and ready.

If the sync fails, don’t panic. Try moving the camera closer. Metal objects, thick walls, or other wireless devices can interfere. I once had to reset a backyard camera three times because it was behind a metal shed.

Once paired, the camera will download the latest firmware and start recording. You can now move it to your desired location.

Step 5: Reconfigure Settings in the App

Even after a soft reset, some settings may need to be redone. After a factory reset, you’ll need to set everything from scratch. Here’s what to check:

• Motion detection zones: Go to camera settings > Activity Zones. Draw zones to ignore pets or trees.
• Recording mode: Set to “Always” or “Motion only” based on your needs.
• Notifications: Enable push alerts for motion or person detection.
• Night vision: Choose “Auto,” “On,” or “Off” depending on lighting.
• Audio settings: Enable two-way audio if you use it.
• Smart features: Re-enable person, package, or vehicle detection if you’re a Smart subscriber.

Take your time. I like to do this step with a cup of coffee and the camera live on screen. That way, I can test motion detection and adjust zones in real time.

This is also a good time to check firmware. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Firmware Update. If an update is available, install it—it can fix bugs that caused the reset in the first place.

Step 6: Test the Camera and Troubleshoot

Don’t assume it’s working just because it’s paired. Test it:

• Walk in front of the camera and see if it records.
• Check the live view in the app.
• Verify notifications arrive on your phone.
• Test night vision by turning off lights.

If it’s not working:

• No recording? Check storage—your SmartHub may be full. Delete old clips or use a USB drive.
• No Wi-Fi? Ensure your base station has internet. Restart the router if needed.
• LED not solid blue? Re-sync the camera using the app or physical button.

Sometimes, a second reset is needed—especially if the first one didn’t fully clear the cache. But don’t do it repeatedly. If issues persist, contact Arlo support.

Real-Life Example: My front porch camera kept disconnecting. After a factory reset and re-pairing, it worked—but only after I also rebooted my router. Network issues often go hand-in-hand with camera problems.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After resetting dozens of Arlo cameras (mine and friends’), I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here are my top tips to make how to reset Arlo Pro 3 camera in simple steps go smoothly:

Tip #1: Always charge batteries to 100% before resetting. Low power can cause the reset to fail or the camera to freeze mid-process.

Tip #2: Use the Arlo app’s “Camera Status” screen to check signal strength, battery, and firmware version. It’s under Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name].

Tip #3: If you’re selling or giving away a camera, do a factory reset. Otherwise, the new owner can’t pair it—and you might get support calls from them!

Tip #4: Don’t skip the firmware update after resetting. Old firmware can cause the same issues that led to the reset.

Tip #5: Label your cameras in the app (e.g., “Front Porch,” “Backyard”). After a reset, it’s easy to forget which is which.

Now, the common mistakes:

• Holding the sync button too briefly: 10 seconds is the minimum. I’ve seen people press for 3 seconds and wonder why nothing happened.
• Forgetting to remove the camera from the app first: If you do a physical reset without removing it from the app, you’ll get a “device already registered” error.
• Resetting during a storm: Power surges can damage electronics. Wait for clear weather if possible.
• Using weak Wi-Fi: Arlo Pro 3 needs a strong 2.4GHz signal. If your router only uses 5GHz, add a 2.4GHz network or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• Ignoring the base station: The base station is the brain. If it’s offline, your camera can’t connect—even after a reset.

One last thing: how to reset Arlo Pro 3 camera in simple steps isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a skill. Learn it once, and you’ll use it every time you expand your system, change networks, or troubleshoot.

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Pro 3 Camera in Simple Steps

Let’s tackle the questions I get most—answered honestly and from real experience.

Q: Will resetting delete my cloud recordings?
No. Cloud recordings (if you have an Arlo Smart subscription) are stored on Arlo’s servers, not the camera. A reset won’t touch them. But local recordings on the SmartHub? Those are gone after a factory reset. Always back up first.

Q: Can I reset a camera that’s not connected to the internet?
Yes. The physical reset (using the sync button) works even if the camera is offline. After the reset, you’ll need to re-pair it to your base station and reconnect to Wi-Fi. But the reset itself doesn’t require internet.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Pro 3?
Rarely. Only reset when you’re having issues—like disconnections, failed recordings, or pairing problems. Don’t make it a monthly habit. It’s a troubleshooting tool, not maintenance.

Q: What if the LED doesn’t flash after holding the sync button?
Try these fixes: 1) Hold for 15 seconds (not 10), 2) Use a fresh paperclip—sometimes the tip is too thick, 3) Power cycle the camera (remove batteries for 30 seconds), 4) Try a different USB port if using wired power. If still nothing, the camera may be faulty.

Q: Can I reset just one camera without affecting others?
Absolutely. The reset is per camera. Your other Arlo devices will keep working normally. Just make sure you’re removing the correct one from the app.

Q: Do I need to reset if I’m just moving the camera to a new location?
Not usually. If it’s already paired and working, just move it. But if it’s losing connection in the new spot, a soft reset can help it re-establish a strong signal with the base station.

Q: Is there a way to reset without the app?
Yes, but it’s limited. You can do a factory reset with the sync button, but you’ll still need the app to re-pair and configure the camera. The app is essential for full setup.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo Pro 3 camera isn’t scary. It’s empowering. Once you know how to reset Arlo Pro 3 camera in simple steps, you’re not dependent on customer support or endless troubleshooting forums. You’re in control.

Whether you’re dealing with a glitchy camera, upgrading your network, or passing it on to a friend, a reset gives you a fresh start. And with the steps above—soft reset via app, physical factory reset, re-pairing, and reconfiguring—you’ve got everything you need.

Just remember: take your time, back up important footage, and test thoroughly after the reset. And if you ever feel stuck? Come back to this guide. Bookmark it. Share it with a friend who’s struggling.

Your Arlo Pro 3 is a smart device—but you’re the smartest part of the system. Now go reset that camera and get back to peace of mind.

And hey—next time your camera freezes? Don’t panic. Just smile and say, “I know how to fix this.”

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