Reset your Arlo Pro 4 camera in seconds by pressing and holding the sync button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings, making it ideal for troubleshooting, re-pairing, or preparing the device for a new user—no app or Wi-Fi required.
“`html
How to Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera Quick and Easy Guide
Key Takeaways
- Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s bottom for manual resets.
- Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10 seconds until LED flashes.
- Wait for reboot: Allow 2-3 minutes for the camera to fully restart post-reset.
- Re-sync with base: Reconnect to your Arlo base station or Wi-Fi after resetting.
- Update firmware: Ensure latest firmware to avoid issues requiring frequent resets.
- Keep credentials ready: Have your Arlo account details handy to reconfigure the camera.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Ever had your Arlo Pro 4 camera freeze up, stop recording, or refuse to connect to Wi-Fi? It’s frustrating—especially when you’re relying on it for home security. Maybe you just moved the camera, upgraded your router, or noticed it’s acting “off.” That’s where knowing how to reset Arlo Pro 4 camera quick and easy guide comes in.
Resetting isn’t about starting over from scratch. It’s more like giving your camera a fresh start—clearing glitches, fixing connection issues, and getting back to smooth, reliable performance. I’ve been there: one camera wouldn’t sync after a power outage, and another kept disconnecting at night. A simple reset fixed both. No tech support, no stress.
Whether you’re troubleshooting, setting up a new network, or just want to refresh your system, this how to reset Arlo Pro 4 camera quick and easy guide is your go-to. It’s not about complicated steps. It’s about getting back to peace of mind—fast.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a tech wizard. With the right tools and a little patience, you can do it in under 10 minutes.
What You Need
Before you dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. The good news? Most of these are things you already have.
Visual guide about how to reset arlo pro 4 camera
Image source: surveillanceguides.com
- Your Arlo Pro 4 camera (obviously!)
- A paperclip or small pin – for the reset button
- Smartphone or tablet with Arlo app – iOS or Android
- Wi-Fi network – 2.4 GHz band (the Pro 4 doesn’t support 5 GHz)
- Fully charged battery or charging cable – don’t reset mid-discharge!
- Arlo SmartHub or base station (if you use one) – optional, but helpful for range
That’s it. No special software, no extra tools. Just your gear and a few minutes. And if you’re using the Arlo SmartHub, make sure it’s powered on and connected to your router. It acts like a Wi-Fi extender for your cameras—super useful for outdoor setups.
Pro tip: Charge your camera fully before resetting. I once reset mine while it was at 10%, and it died halfway through. Not fun.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera Quick and Easy Guide
Let’s walk through the process together. I’ll break it into clear, simple steps. No fluff. No confusion. Just what works.
Step 1: Power On and Locate the Reset Button
First, make sure your Arlo Pro 4 is powered on. If it’s not responding, plug it in for a few minutes. You’ll see the LED light up—usually blue or amber.
Now, flip the camera over. On the back, near the charging port, you’ll find a tiny recessed reset button. It’s small—about the size of a pinhead. That’s why you need a paperclip or pin to press it.
Don’t force it. Gently insert the tip and press straight in. You’ll feel a slight click. That’s normal.
Tip: If your camera is mounted, take it down first. Trying to reset it while on the wall is awkward and risky—especially if you drop it.
Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset (Hard Reset)
Here’s where the magic happens. With the camera on, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
- At 5 seconds: the LED may blink amber.
- At 10 seconds: it should flash blue rapidly.
When you see the rapid blue flash, release the button. This means the reset has started. The camera will power down and restart automatically. You might hear a soft click or see the LED cycle through colors.
This is a factory reset—it wipes all settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and motion zones. But don’t worry: your footage in the cloud (if you have Arlo Secure) stays safe.
Warning: Don’t interrupt the reset. If you pull the battery or unplug it too soon, you could corrupt the firmware. Wait until the camera powers back on fully.
Step 3: Reconnect to the Arlo App
Once the camera restarts, it’ll show a slow blue blink—this means it’s in setup mode and ready to pair.
Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. If you’ve used it before, you might see the camera listed as “Offline” or “Needs Setup.” That’s fine.
Tap “Add Device” → “Arlo Pro 4” → “Camera”. Follow the prompts. The app will search for nearby cameras.
When it finds yours, tap it. The app will guide you through connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Remember: use a 2.4 GHz network. The Pro 4 won’t connect to 5 GHz.
Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully. A typo here is the #1 reason setup fails.
Step 4: Reconfigure Your Settings
Now that your camera is back online, it’s time to set it up again. This is where how to reset Arlo Pro 4 camera quick and easy guide really helps—because you’ve got a clean slate.
- Name your camera (e.g., “Backyard,” “Front Porch”)
- Set motion zones – draw areas where you want alerts (like the driveway, not the trees)
- Adjust sensitivity – lower it if you get false alerts from pets or shadows
- Enable night vision – automatic by default, but check it’s working
- Set recording options – choose cloud or local (via SmartHub)
I recommend enabling “Smart Alerts” if you have Arlo Secure. It uses AI to tell people, packages, and vehicles apart. Saves so much time.
Personal insight: After a reset, I always test motion detection by walking in front of the camera. If it doesn’t trigger, I adjust the zone or sensitivity. Better safe than sorry.
Step 5: Reconnect to SmartHub (If Applicable)
If you use an Arlo SmartHub, this step is crucial. The SmartHub boosts range and stores footage locally—great for areas with weak Wi-Fi.
After resetting, the camera will try to connect directly to Wi-Fi. But you want it to connect through the SmartHub.
- In the Arlo app, go to Settings → Device Settings → SmartHub.
- Tap “Add Device to SmartHub”.
- Select your Pro 4 camera.
- Follow the on-screen steps to pair it.
The camera will switch from direct Wi-Fi to the SmartHub. You’ll see a stronger signal and faster response times. Plus, your footage is stored locally—no subscription needed for basic recording.
Note: If you don’t have a SmartHub, the camera works fine on Wi-Fi. But for larger properties, I highly recommend one.
Step 6: Test and Monitor
Don’t just assume it’s working. Test it.
- Walk in front of the camera and check if it detects motion.
- Check the live view in the app. Is the video clear? Is it lagging?
- If you have Arlo Secure, review the last 24 hours of cloud footage (if available).
- Check battery level. A reset doesn’t fix a dying battery.
If everything looks good, you’re set. If not, don’t panic. Try these:
- Restart the app
- Move the camera closer to the router/SmartHub
- Reboot your router
I once had a camera that wouldn’t record after a reset. Turns out the motion zone was accidentally turned off. A quick fix in the app, and we were back in business.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve reset dozens of Arlo Pro 4 cameras—for myself, family, and even neighbors. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way.
Use the Right Wi-Fi Band
The Arlo Pro 4 only works on 2.4 GHz. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 and 5 GHz under the same name (SSID), your phone might connect to 5 GHz—and the camera won’t see it.
Solution: Temporarily rename your 2.4 GHz network (e.g., “Home-WiFi-2.4”) during setup. Once the camera connects, you can rename it back.
Pro tip: Most modern routers have a “Guest Network” option. Use it for testing. It’s usually 2.4 GHz and isolated from your main network.
Don’t Skip the SmartHub
If you’re using Wi-Fi only, your camera might struggle with signal strength—especially if it’s far from the router.
The SmartHub acts like a Wi-Fi booster. It extends range, reduces lag, and lets you store footage locally. I use it for my backyard camera, which is 60 feet from the house. Without it, the signal was spotty.
If you don’t have one, consider buying the Arlo Pro 4 XL SmartHub bundle. It’s worth the investment for reliability.
Label Your Cameras
After a reset, the app might list all your cameras as “Arlo Pro 4.” If you have three or more, this gets confusing fast.
Take 30 seconds to name each camera based on location. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re checking “Front Porch” instead of scrolling through generic names.
Check Battery Health
A reset won’t fix a bad battery. If your camera dies quickly or won’t charge, the battery might be worn out.
Arlo Pro 4 batteries last 3–6 months with normal use. If yours is older than that, consider replacing it. You can buy genuine Arlo batteries or third-party ones (just check reviews).
Warning: Don’t use non-rechargeable batteries. It’s a fire hazard. And don’t leave the camera plugged in 24/7—it shortens battery life.
Keep Firmware Updated
After resetting, check for firmware updates. Go to Settings → Device Settings → Firmware.
Updates fix bugs, improve security, and add features. I once skipped an update, and my camera kept disconnecting. After updating, it worked perfectly.
Tip: Enable “Auto-Update” in the app. It downloads updates when the camera is charging—no effort needed.
FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Pro 4 Camera Quick and Easy Guide
Let’s tackle the questions I get all the time.
Do I need to reset my Arlo Pro 4 if it’s not recording?
Not always. First, check if it’s motion-activated and if motion zones are set. Also, verify your subscription status (if using cloud). A reset is a last resort—but if other fixes fail, it often works.
I had a camera that wouldn’t record at night. Resetting it fixed the issue. Sometimes the software just needs a fresh start.
Will I lose my recorded footage after a reset?
Only if it’s stored locally (on the SmartHub or SD card). Cloud footage (Arlo Secure) is safe. It’s tied to your account, not the camera.
So if you have a subscription, your videos are backed up. If you’re using local storage, download important clips before resetting.
Can I reset the camera without the app?
No. The app is essential for re-pairing after a reset. You can’t configure Wi-Fi or settings without it.
But if your phone is dead or the app crashes, try using another device. Just log into your Arlo account.
How often should I reset my Arlo Pro 4?
Only when needed. Common reasons: connection issues, frozen app, after moving the camera, or upgrading your router.
Don’t reset “just in case.” It’s unnecessary and time-consuming. I reset mine maybe once a year—only when something’s clearly broken.
What if the reset button doesn’t work?
Make sure the camera is powered on. Try a different paperclip or pin. If it still doesn’t work, the button might be damaged.
As a last resort, unplug the battery for 30 seconds, then reinsert it. This forces a soft reset. It won’t wipe settings, but it can fix minor glitches.
Can I reset multiple cameras at once?
No. Each camera must be reset individually. But the process is so quick (under 5 minutes per camera) that it’s not a big deal.
I reset two cameras last month—one in the backyard, one in the garage. Took me 12 minutes total, including setup.
Is there a difference between a soft reset and factory reset?
Yes. A soft reset (power cycle) just restarts the camera. A factory reset (using the button) wipes all settings and returns it to default.
For most issues, a factory reset is better. But if you just want to restart, try turning it off and on first.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to reset Arlo Pro 4 camera quick and easy guide isn’t just a troubleshooting skill—it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re fixing a glitch, setting up a new network, or just giving your system a refresh, it’s a simple process that can save you hours of frustration.
Remember: reset when needed, not just because. Test after resetting. Name your cameras. Use the SmartHub if you can. And keep your firmware updated.
Most importantly, don’t stress. I’ve reset my own cameras more times than I can count. Each time, it gets easier. And each time, I’m reminded how reliable these little devices are—once they’re properly set up.
So go ahead. Grab that paperclip. Press the button. And get your Arlo Pro 4 back to doing what it does best: keeping your home safe.
You’ve got this.
“`