Reset your Arlo Pro2 camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings, allowing seamless reconfiguration or troubleshooting—ideal for resolving connectivity issues or preparing the device for a new setup.
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How to Reset Arlo Pro2 Camera in Simple Steps
Key Takeaways
- Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side for resetting.
- Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10 seconds.
- Wait for LED flash: Release when the LED blinks amber and blue alternately.
- Reconnect to base station: Power cycle the base to reestablish connection.
- Reconfigure settings: Set up motion zones and alerts again post-reset.
- Update firmware: Check for updates to ensure optimal performance post-reset.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Ever been locked out of your Arlo Pro2 camera? Maybe it’s glitching, not connecting to Wi-Fi, or just acting weird—like that one friend who won’t answer texts. You’re not alone. I’ve been there too: standing in the garage, camera blinking red, wondering if I’d accidentally broken it after a firmware update.
That’s when I discovered how powerful a simple reset can be. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity, prepping to sell your camera, or just starting fresh, knowing how to reset Arlo Pro2 camera in simple steps is like having a secret reset button for peace of mind.
But here’s the thing: not all resets are the same. A soft reboot won’t cut it if the camera’s stuck in a loop. You need a full factory reset—the kind that wipes settings clean and brings it back to “out-of-box” status. And if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel a little intimidating. That’s why I’m walking you through it, step by step, like we’re fixing it together over coffee.
What You Need
Good news: you don’t need a toolkit or a degree in tech. The how to reset Arlo Pro2 camera in simple steps process is surprisingly low-tech. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The Arlo Pro2 camera (obviously)
- A paperclip or small pin – the kind you find in a SIM ejector tool or even a bent paperclip from your desk drawer
- Access to the Arlo app (on your smartphone or tablet)
- Your Arlo account login details – username and password
- About 5–10 minutes of uninterrupted time – no rush, but don’t start if you’re about to leave the house
- A stable Wi-Fi network (for re-adding the camera later)
That’s it. No special cables, no computer, no yelling at the device. Just you, the camera, and a paperclip. (Yes, really.)
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Pro2 Camera in Simple Steps
Step 1: Power On the Camera (Even If It’s Already On)
First, make sure your Arlo Pro2 is powered. If it’s battery-operated, pop in a charged battery or plug it into a power source using the included USB cable. The LED light should be blinking or solid—any activity is a good sign.
Why this matters: The reset button only works when the camera is powered. If the battery’s dead or the power’s off, the camera won’t respond. I learned this the hard way when I tried resetting a camera I thought was on—only to realize the battery had died overnight.
Pro tip: If you’re using a base station, ensure it’s also powered and connected. The reset process is on the camera, but the base station helps with re-pairing later.
Step 2: Locate the Reset Button
Now, flip the camera over. On the back, near the base, you’ll see a tiny hole—about the size of a pinhead. That’s the **reset button**. It’s recessed to prevent accidental presses, which is great for safety… and annoying when you’re trying to reset.
Use your paperclip or pin to gently insert it into the hole. You don’t need to push hard—just enough to feel a small click or resistance. Think of it like pressing a doorbell: gentle but firm.
This step is crucial for the how to reset Arlo Pro2 camera in simple steps process. If you miss the hole or press too lightly, the camera won’t register the reset.
Step 3: Press and Hold for 10–15 Seconds
Once the paperclip is in, press and hold the reset button. Keep it pressed for **10 to 15 seconds**. I usually count to 15 slowly: “One Mississippi, two Mississippi…” to make sure I don’t rush.
After about 5–7 seconds, you’ll notice the LED light change. It might flash blue, turn solid white, or blink red and blue alternately. That’s the camera acknowledging the reset command. Don’t let go until the full 15 seconds are up.
Warning: If you release too early, the reset won’t complete. The camera might just reboot instead of wiping settings. Trust me—I’ve done it. It feels like a partial reset, but it’s not.
Step 4: Watch for the Reset Confirmation
When the reset is successful, the LED will start blinking rapidly—usually blue or white. This means the factory reset is complete, and the camera is now in “setup mode,” ready to be re-added to your Arlo account.
The camera will also emit a short beep or tone if it has audio capabilities (some models do, some don’t). That’s your audio confirmation.
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. The camera is now wiped clean—no saved Wi-Fi networks, no schedules, no activity zones. It’s like it just came out of the box.
Step 5: Remove the Camera from the Arlo App (If Still Connected)
Open the **Arlo app** on your phone or tablet. Go to Settings > My Devices, and find your Arlo Pro2 camera in the list. Tap on it, then select Remove Device.
You’ll get a warning: “Removing this device will delete all settings and recordings.” That’s normal. Confirm the removal. This step is important because if the app still thinks the camera is connected, it won’t let you re-add it after the reset.
I once skipped this step and spent 20 minutes wondering why the app wouldn’t recognize the camera. Lesson learned: always remove it first.
Step 6: Re-Add the Camera to Your Arlo Account
Now, go to the Arlo app’s home screen and tap the + icon (usually in the top right) to add a new device.
Select Arlo Pro2 from the list, then follow the on-screen prompts. The app will search for cameras in setup mode—your reset camera should appear within 30–60 seconds.
When it shows up, tap it and follow the steps to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll need to enter your Wi-Fi password, so have it handy.
The camera will sync with your base station (if you have one) or connect directly to your Wi-Fi (for standalone models). This part can take 1–2 minutes. Don’t panic if it seems slow—Arlo is doing its thing.
Step 7: Reconfigure Your Settings
Once the camera is added, you’ll need to set it up again. This includes:
- Choosing a name for the camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”)
- Setting up activity zones (to avoid false alerts from trees or cars)
- Adjusting motion sensitivity
- Scheduling recording times (if you use modes)
- Enabling push notifications
This is where the how to reset Arlo Pro2 camera in simple steps process really pays off. You get a clean slate to optimize settings—maybe you’ll lower sensitivity this time, or create better zones to reduce false alarms.
I like to test the camera right away: wave at it, see if it detects motion, and check the live view. It’s satisfying to see everything working smoothly again.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After resetting a few Arlo Pro2 cameras (and making a few blunders), I’ve picked up some insider tricks. Here’s what I wish I knew the first time:
Tip 1: Label your cameras before resetting. If you have multiple cameras, take a photo of each one’s location or label them in the app before removing them. Otherwise, you might end up with “Front Door” actually pointing at the garage. (Yes, I’ve done that.)
Tip 2: Use a fully charged battery. If the battery dies during the reset, the camera might get stuck in a loop. I once had a camera that kept blinking red after a reset—turns out the battery was at 10%. A fresh charge fixed it.
Tip 3: Reset one camera at a time. Don’t try to reset multiple cameras simultaneously. It’s easy to mix up which one is which, and the app can get confused. Take your time.
Tip 4: Keep your base station nearby. If you’re using a base station, place it close to the camera during setup. The signal needs to be strong for a smooth re-pairing. I once tried resetting a camera 30 feet away from the base station—it took forever to sync.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to remove the camera from the app. This is the #1 error. If the app still sees the camera as “connected,” it won’t let you re-add it. Always remove it first. Think of it like unplugging a USB drive before ejecting it.
Common Mistake: Pressing the reset button too hard or too long. You don’t need to jam the paperclip in. Gentle pressure is enough. And don’t hold it for 30 seconds—15 is plenty. Over-pressing can damage the internal switch.
Common Mistake: Assuming the reset fixed everything. A reset clears software issues, but not hardware problems. If your camera still won’t connect after a reset, the issue might be the lens, sensor, or Wi-Fi module. Try a different Wi-Fi network or contact Arlo support.
FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Pro2 Camera in Simple Steps
Let’s tackle the questions I get all the time—because I asked them too, once.
Q: Will a reset delete my recorded videos?
Yes—but only if they’re stored locally. If you use **Arlo Smart** (cloud storage), your videos are safe. They’re tied to your account, not the camera. But if you’re using a microSD card in a base station, the videos will be erased when you reset. Always back up important clips before resetting.
Q: Can I reset the camera remotely?
Unfortunately, no. The reset button is physical. You need to press it manually. This is a security feature—no one can reset your camera without physical access. So if you’re away from home, you’ll have to wait until you’re back.
Q: Why won’t my camera re-add to the app after resetting?
Common causes:
- You didn’t remove the camera from the app first (see Step 5)
- The Wi-Fi password is wrong
- The camera is too far from the base station or router
- The reset didn’t fully complete (try holding the button longer)
Try restarting the app and your phone. Sometimes a simple reboot fixes connectivity glitches.
Q: Does resetting fix motion detection issues?
Often, yes. Motion detection problems are usually caused by incorrect settings or firmware bugs—both of which a reset clears. After resetting, I’ve fixed cameras that were missing motion or sending false alerts. But if the lens is dirty or the sensor is damaged, a reset won’t help. Clean the lens first.
Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Pro2?
Only when needed. I reset mine once every 6–12 months, or if I notice performance issues. Regular resets aren’t necessary—Arlo cameras are designed to run for years without one. Think of it like a computer: only reboot when it’s acting up.
Q: Can I reset the base station too?
Yes, but it’s a different process. The base station has a reset button on the back. Press and hold it for 10 seconds until the LED blinks amber. This resets all connected cameras, so only do it if multiple devices are having issues. For single-camera problems, just reset the camera.
Q: What if the reset button doesn’t work?
If the camera doesn’t respond to the reset button:
- Check the battery/power
- Try a different paperclip or pin (some are too thick)
- Clean the reset hole with compressed air (dust can block it)
- Contact Arlo support—there might be a hardware issue
I’ve had one camera where the reset button was stuck. A quick call to support got it replaced under warranty.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your Arlo Pro2 camera isn’t scary—it’s empowering. It’s like giving your home security system a fresh start. Whether you’re fixing a glitch, preparing to sell, or just cleaning up your setup, knowing how to reset Arlo Pro2 camera in simple steps gives you control.
Remember: take your time. Label your cameras. Use a charged battery. And don’t skip the app removal step. These small habits save big headaches.
And if you ever get stuck? Breathe. Try again. Or reach out to Arlo support—they’re actually pretty helpful. I’ve called them twice, and both times, they walked me through it in under 10 minutes.
Now that you’ve reset your camera, take a moment to test it. Wave at it. Check the live view. Smile when it works. You’ve just mastered one of the most useful skills in smart home ownership.
And hey—next time your camera acts up, you’ll know exactly what to do. No panic, no frustration. Just a paperclip, 15 seconds, and a fresh start.
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