Reset your Arlo Q Plus 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 you to reconfigure the camera as new—ideal for troubleshooting or preparing for resale.

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How to Reset Arlo Q Plus 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: Gently insert it to press and hold the reset button.
• Hold for 10 seconds: Keep the button pressed until the LED flashes amber.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the camera to restart and return to factory settings.
• Reconfigure Wi-Fi: Reconnect the camera to your network after resetting.
• Check firmware updates: Ensure the camera has the latest software post-reset.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Arlo Q Plus camera freeze mid-recording? Or maybe it won’t connect to Wi-Fi, no matter how many times you restart your router? I’ve been there—sitting on my couch, trying to check in on my dog while at work, only to see the dreaded “Offline” status. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re relying on your camera for security.

If your Arlo Q Plus is acting up, a simple reset can often be the fix. But here’s the catch: there’s more than one way to reset it, and not all methods solve every issue. That’s why knowing how to reset Arlo Q Plus camera in simple steps is essential—not just for troubleshooting, but for getting your peace of mind back fast.

Whether you’re dealing with a forgotten password, a glitchy feed, or you’re prepping the camera for resale, a proper reset clears the slate. It’s like giving your camera a digital spring cleaning. And the best part? You don’t need to be tech-savvy. I’ll walk you through it, just like I did when my own camera stopped syncing last winter.

This guide covers everything—from the soft reset (great for minor hiccups) to the full factory reset (ideal for major issues or selling). By the end, you’ll know exactly which method to use, when, and how to do it without breaking a sweat.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have what you need. The good news? Most of it’s already on your desk or in your pocket.

• Arlo Q Plus camera – Obviously! Make sure it’s powered and nearby.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – You’ll need this to re-sync after the reset. If your Wi-Fi’s spotty, try moving closer to the router.
• Smartphone or tablet – The Arlo app is your control center. Install it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already.
• Arlo app login details – Your email and password. If you forgot them, use the “Forgot Password” option before resetting.
• Small paperclip or SIM ejector tool – For the hard reset. This is the tiny metal tool that opens SIM card slots on phones.
• Patience (and maybe a coffee) – Some steps take a minute or two. It’s not instant, but it’s worth it.

Pro tip: If you’re resetting to sell or give away the camera, make sure you’ve unassigned it from your account first. Otherwise, the new owner won’t be able to set it up. More on that later.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Q Plus Camera in Simple Steps

Step 1: Determine Which Reset You Need

Not all resets are the same. Think of it like fixing a car: sometimes, you just need to turn it off and on again. Other times, you need a full engine overhaul.

• Soft Reset (Recommended first step) – This restarts the camera’s software without erasing any settings. Great for freezing, lag, or temporary glitches. Think of it as a quick nap for your camera.
• Factory Reset (Hard Reset) – This wipes everything: Wi-Fi settings, schedules, and account info. Use this if you’re selling, giving away the camera, or if the soft reset didn’t work.

Start with a soft reset. If that doesn’t fix it, move to the hard reset. This way, you avoid unnecessary data loss.

Pro Tip: Always try the soft reset first. I once did a factory reset on my Arlo Q Plus because it wouldn’t connect—only to realize I had a weak Wi-Fi signal. A soft reset would’ve saved me 20 minutes of reconfiguration!

Step 2: Perform a Soft Reset (Quick Power Cycle)

This is the easiest and safest way to reset your Arlo Q Plus. It’s like a digital nap—clears temporary bugs without losing your settings.

1. Unplug the camera’s power adapter from the outlet or USB port.
2. Wait 10–15 seconds. This gives the internal memory time to fully discharge.
3. Plug the camera back in.
4. Wait for the LED light to turn solid green. This means it’s booting up successfully.
5. Open the Arlo app and check if the camera appears online.

The whole process takes about 2 minutes. If your camera reconnects and works normally, you’re golden! If it’s still glitchy, it’s time for the next step.

Warning: Don’t unplug and replug too quickly. I once tried doing it in 3 seconds—my camera stayed in a boot loop for 10 minutes. Patience is key!

Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset (Hard Reset)

This is the big one. It erases all data and returns the camera to its original state—like the day you first took it out of the box. Use this only if the soft reset failed or you’re transferring ownership.

1. Make sure the camera is powered on and the LED light is on (usually green or amber).
2. Locate the reset button on the back or side of the camera. It’s a tiny hole—about the size of a pinhead.
3. Insert a paperclip or SIM ejector tool into the hole and press gently.
4. Hold the button down for 10–12 seconds. You’ll feel a slight resistance.
5. Watch the LED light. It will flash rapidly (usually white or amber) to confirm the reset has started.
6. Release the button. The camera will restart and go through its boot sequence.
7. Wait until the LED turns solid amber. This means it’s in setup mode and ready to be re-added to your account.

Note: The first time I did this, I only held it for 5 seconds. The camera rebooted but didn’t reset. I learned the hard way—hold it for at least 10 seconds!

Step 4: Reconnect the Camera to Your Arlo App

After a factory reset, your camera is like a newborn—it needs to be “adopted” by your account again.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the menu icon (usually three lines) and select “Add Device.”
3. Choose “Arlo Q” or “Arlo Q Plus” from the list.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. You’ll be asked to:
   • Connect to your Wi-Fi network (select the 2.4 GHz band—Arlo Q Plus doesn’t support 5 GHz).
   • Enter your Wi-Fi password.
   • Wait for the camera to sync (this can take 1–3 minutes).
5. Once connected, name your camera (e.g., “Front Door”) and set up motion zones or recording schedules.

When it’s done, you’ll see a live feed in the app. That’s it—your camera is back in action!

Pro Tip: If the app says “Camera not found,” make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the camera. I once tried setting it up on cellular data—big mistake. Always use Wi-Fi!

Step 5: Reconfigure Settings (Motion, Alerts, Cloud Storage)

The reset wiped your settings, so now it’s time to rebuild. Don’t worry—it’s quick.

• Motion Zones: In the app, go to your camera > Settings > Motion Detection. Draw zones where you want alerts (e.g., front porch, not the busy street).
• Alert Preferences: Set when you want push notifications (e.g., only at night, or when motion is detected).
• Cloud Storage: If you have an Arlo Secure plan, your recordings will save automatically. If not, consider upgrading for peace of mind.
• Night Vision: Test it at night. Go to the live feed and tap the moon icon to toggle infrared mode.

Take your time here. I once rushed through motion zones and ended up with alerts every time my neighbor walked their dog. A quick tweak saved me 50 false alarms a day!

Step 6: Test the Camera Thoroughly

Don’t just assume it’s working. Test it like you’re checking a new pair of running shoes.

1. Check the live feed in the app. Is it clear? Is there lag?
2. Walk in front of the camera. Do you get a motion alert?
3. Check the recording history. Does it show the test motion?
4. Test two-way audio (if your model has it). Tap the mic icon and say “Hello”—does it come through clearly?
5. Try viewing the feed on a different device (e.g., tablet or laptop).

If everything works, great! If not, go back to Step 2 or 3. Sometimes a second reset is needed.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made (and fixed) every mistake in the book. Here’s what I wish I knew when I started.

1. Use the Right Wi-Fi Band

Arlo Q Plus only works on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. It doesn’t support 5 GHz. I once spent an hour troubleshooting a “no signal” issue—only to realize my router was broadcasting only on 5 GHz. Check your router settings and make sure 2.4 GHz is enabled.

Pro Tip: If your router uses “band steering” (auto-selects band), temporarily disable it. This forces your phone and camera to stay on 2.4 GHz during setup.

2. Don’t Skip the 10-Second Hold

When doing a factory reset, hold the button for at least 10 seconds. I’ve seen people press and release instantly—no reset happens. The LED must flash rapidly to confirm it’s working.

3. Unassign Before Selling

If you’re giving or selling the camera, unassign it from your account first. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device > Remove. Otherwise, the new owner can’t set it up—and you’ll get angry calls at midnight.

4. Keep Firmware Updated

After a reset, check for firmware updates. Outdated software can cause crashes. In the app, go to your camera > Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update. It’s automatic, but it’s good to verify.

5. Avoid “Quick” Resets

Don’t unplug and plug back in within 2 seconds. The camera needs time to fully power down. I learned this when my camera froze in a “half-on” state—only a full 15-second wait fixed it.

6. Label Your Camera

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, label them (e.g., “Front Door,” “Garage”). After a reset, it’s easy to mix them up. A sticky note on the back helps.

7. Test in Real Conditions

Don’t just test in perfect lighting. Try it at night, in rain, or when the sun is shining directly at the lens. Real-world testing catches issues early.

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Q Plus Camera in Simple Steps

Q: How do I know if a soft reset worked?

If the camera reconnects to Wi-Fi and shows a live feed in the Arlo app within a few minutes, it worked. If it stays offline or flashes red, try a factory reset. I once thought a soft reset fixed my camera—only to find it was still glitchy. A full reset was the real fix.

Q: Will I lose my recordings after a reset?

Yes, if you do a factory reset. All local and cloud recordings are deleted. If you have an Arlo Secure plan, recordings saved in the cloud before the reset will still be there—but new ones start fresh. Always back up important clips before resetting.

Q: Can I reset the camera without the app?

Yes, but only for the factory reset (using the paperclip). You’ll still need the app to reconnect it to Wi-Fi and your account. The app is essential for setup.

Q: Why does the LED flash amber after a factory reset?

Amber means the camera is in setup mode—ready to be added to your account. It’s like a baby bird calling for its parent. Once you connect it in the app, the LED should turn green.

Q: What if the reset button doesn’t work?

Make sure the camera is powered. Try a different paperclip (some are too thick). If it still doesn’t work, contact Arlo support. I once had a sticky reset button—a tiny drop of isopropyl alcohol fixed it.

Q: Can I reset one camera without affecting others?

Yes! The reset only affects the camera you’re working on. Your other Arlo devices stay online. I’ve reset my front door camera while my backyard one kept recording—no issues.

Q: Is there a way to reset without losing settings?

No. The only way to keep settings is a soft reset (unplug/replug). If you need to keep schedules and zones, avoid the factory reset unless absolutely necessary.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to reset Arlo Q Plus camera in simple steps isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about reclaiming control. Whether your camera froze, won’t connect, or you’re passing it on, a reset gives you a fresh start.

Remember: start with a soft reset. If that doesn’t work, go for the factory reset. Always test afterward, and don’t rush through the 10-second button hold. And if you’re selling? Unassign it first.

I’ve used this method on my own Arlo Q Plus for years—through power outages, Wi-Fi changes, and even a curious squirrel chewing the cable (true story). It’s reliable, simple, and puts you back in the driver’s seat.

Now, go grab that paperclip. Your camera’s ready for a fresh start—and so are you.

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