Reset your Arlo Spotlight Camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings, allowing you to reconfigure the camera as new and resolve connectivity or performance issues effortlessly.

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How to Reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side or back.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the button for 10 seconds to reset.
• Wait for LED blink: Release when the camera flashes amber and white.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Follow the Arlo app to reconfigure network settings.
• Re-add to your account: Remove and re-pair the camera in the app.
• Update firmware: Ensure latest software after reset for optimal performance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than when your smart home device just stops working. One minute your Arlo Spotlight Camera is recording crystal-clear 1080p footage, and the next, it’s offline, blinking red, or refusing to connect. Maybe it’s stuck in a loop, won’t sync with the app, or the spotlight won’t turn on. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever stared at your phone, wondering how to reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in simple steps, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—on a rainy Tuesday night, with a suspicious shadow on my driveway, only to find my camera had ghosted me. A quick reset often fixes these glitches, but the process isn’t always intuitive. That’s why I’m breaking it down for you, step by step, with zero tech jargon.

Resetting isn’t just about fixing bugs. It’s also essential when you’re moving the camera, selling your home, or setting up a new network. Whether it’s a factory reset or a simple reboot, knowing how to reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in simple steps gives you peace of mind and keeps your home security running smoothly.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. The good news? You likely already do. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Your Arlo Spotlight Camera (obviously)
• The Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet)
• A charged camera battery or the camera plugged into power
• Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz—Arlo doesn’t support 5 GHz)
• Paperclip or small pin (for the reset button)
• Patience (just a little—this won’t take long)

No need for special tools or a computer. Everything happens through the app or a tiny physical button. And yes, you can do this even if you’re not a tech whiz. I’ve helped my 70-year-old neighbor reset hers—twice!

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

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen camera, connection issues, or just want a fresh start, these steps will get your Arlo Spotlight back on track. I’ll walk you through two types of resets: a soft reset (quick fix) and a factory reset (full wipe). Choose the one that fits your situation.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Reset You Need

Not all resets are the same. Think of it like restarting your phone vs. wiping it clean.

• Soft reset (reboot): Great for minor glitches—like the camera freezing or the app not showing live feed. This keeps your settings and recordings.
• Factory reset: Use this when the camera won’t connect, keeps disconnecting, or you’re giving it to someone else. This erases everything—settings, recordings, Wi-Fi passwords.

If you’re unsure, try a soft reset first. If that doesn’t work, move to the factory reset. Knowing how to reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in simple steps starts with choosing the right tool for the job.

Step 2: Soft Reset (Reboot) Your Arlo Spotlight Camera

This is the “turn it off and on again” method—and it works more often than you’d think.

• Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
• Tap Devices at the bottom of the screen.
• Find your Arlo Spotlight Camera in the list and tap it.
• Look for a gear icon (settings) in the top-right corner and tap it.
• Scroll down and tap Remove Device. Don’t worry—this doesn’t delete your camera forever.
• Confirm by tapping Remove.
• Now, go back to the Devices tab and tap the + (plus) button.
• Choose Add Device > Arlo Camera.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to re-add your camera. It will reconnect to your Wi-Fi and sync with your account.

That’s it! The camera will reboot and reappear in your app. Your settings, activity zones, and recordings stay intact. I’ve used this trick when my camera froze during a storm—took less than 2 minutes.

💡 Pro tip: If your camera is battery-powered, make sure it’s charged above 20% before starting. A dying battery can cause false errors during the reset.

Step 3: Factory Reset (Full Wipe) via the Reset Button

This is the nuclear option—but sometimes it’s the only fix. Use this if the camera won’t connect, keeps blinking red, or you’re setting it up for a new homeowner.

• Locate the reset button on your Arlo Spotlight Camera. It’s a tiny hole on the side or back—usually near the battery compartment.
• Grab a paperclip or small pin and straighten one end.
• Press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds. You’ll see the LED light flash amber (yellow) or red—keep holding.
• After 10–15 seconds, the light will turn solid green. That means the reset is complete!
• Release the button and wait about 30 seconds. The camera will power down and restart.

Once it’s back on, the camera is back to factory settings. It won’t be linked to your account anymore, and all your custom settings are gone. But don’t panic—you can set it up again in minutes.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t press the reset button for less than 10 seconds. If you do, it might only reboot (not factory reset), and you’ll have to try again. I’ve made this mistake—twice. Learn from me!

Step 4: Reconnect to the Arlo App After Factory Reset

Now that your camera is wiped clean, it’s time to set it up again—like it’s brand new.

• Open the Arlo app and tap the + button.
• Select Add Device > Arlo Camera.
• Choose your camera model (Arlo Spotlight or Arlo Essential Spotlight).
• When prompted, press the Sync button on your camera base (if you have a base station) or wait for the camera’s LED to blink blue (if using Wi-Fi directly).
• Follow the app’s instructions to connect to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
• Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully—typos are the #1 reason setup fails.
• Name your camera (e.g., “Front Door” or “Backyard”).
• Set activity zones, alerts, and recording preferences.

The app will sync with the camera. You’ll see a live feed within a minute or two. Congrats—you’ve just mastered how to reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in simple steps and brought it back to life!

💡 Pro tip: If the app says “Camera not found,” wait 30 seconds and try again. Sometimes the camera needs a moment to fully boot up after a reset.

Step 5: Test Your Camera and Spotlight

Don’t just assume it’s working. Test it!

• Check the live feed in the app. Is the image clear? Is motion detection working?
• Walk in front of the camera to trigger the spotlight. It should turn on automatically (if enabled).
• Check the night vision by turning off the lights or testing at dusk.
• Review a test recording to make sure audio and video are syncing.

If everything looks good, you’re set! If not, repeat the factory reset and double-check your Wi-Fi signal. Weak signals are a common culprit.

💡 Pro tip: Place your router or base station within 30–50 feet of the camera. Walls, metal, and appliances can block Wi-Fi. I once moved my router to a central closet—and all my Arlo issues vanished.

Step 6: Re-enable Smart Features (Optional)

After a factory reset, you’ll need to re-enable features you might have used before:

• Activity Zones: Tap your camera > Settings > Activity Zones. Draw areas where you want motion alerts (e.g., driveway, not trees).
• Smart Alerts: Enable person, vehicle, or animal detection in the app.
• Cloud or Local Recording: Choose your preferred storage (Arlo Secure subscription or USB drive).
• Spotlight Schedules: Set when the light turns on (e.g., only at night).

Take your time here. These settings make your camera smarter and reduce false alerts.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After resetting dozens of Arlo cameras (my own, my parents’, my neighbor’s), I’ve learned a few hard truths. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Use the Right Wi-Fi Band

Arlo Spotlight Cameras only work on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Not 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both (dual-band), make sure your phone connects to 2.4 GHz during setup. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting before realizing my phone was on 5 GHz. Facepalm.

💡 Pro tip: Temporarily disable 5 GHz on your router during setup. Or name your 2.4 GHz network something like “Home-2.4” so you don’t get confused.

2. Don’t Skip the Battery Check

A low battery can mimic connection issues. If your camera is blinking red or won’t reset, charge it fully first. The reset process needs power—don’t risk it dying mid-reset.

3. Avoid Over-Resetting

Resetting too often can wear down the internal memory. Use a soft reset first. Save factory resets for real problems—like persistent disconnections or setup errors.

4. Keep the App Updated

Arlo frequently releases app updates that fix bugs and improve performance. An outdated app can cause reset failures. Check your app store weekly.

5. Watch for Physical Obstructions

After resetting, check the camera’s view. Leaves, cobwebs, or dirt on the lens can block motion detection. Clean it with a microfiber cloth.

6. Sync Button vs. Reset Button—Know the Difference

The sync button (usually on the base station or camera) is for pairing. The reset button (tiny hole) is for wiping settings. Mixing them up is a common mistake.

⚠️ Warning: Pressing the sync button for 10+ seconds can trigger a reset. If you’re just trying to pair, press it once—quickly!

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in Simple Steps

Let’s tackle the questions I hear most—straight, no fluff.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Spotlight Camera?

Only when needed. I reset mine once or twice a year—usually after a firmware update or if it glitches. Regular resets aren’t necessary and can shorten the camera’s lifespan. Think of it like restarting your phone: only when it’s acting up.

Q: Will resetting delete my cloud recordings?

Yes—but only if you do a factory reset. Your recordings are stored under your Arlo account. When you reset the camera, it unlinks from your account, and the recordings become inaccessible. But if you re-add the same camera later, you can recover them (if within your subscription period). Soft resets don’t affect recordings.

Q: Can I reset the camera without the app?

Yes! The physical reset button works independently. Just press and hold for 10+ seconds. But you’ll still need the app to re-pair and set it up afterward. The app is essential for configuration.

Q: Why does my camera keep disconnecting after a reset?

Usually due to weak Wi-Fi or interference. Try moving your router closer, removing obstacles, or switching to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel. Also, ensure your camera is fully charged. A dying battery can cause disconnections.

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

Yes—use a soft reset (reboot via the app). It keeps your Wi-Fi, activity zones, and alerts. Only use factory reset if you’re okay with starting over.

Q: Can I reset multiple Arlo cameras at once?

Nope. You have to reset each camera individually. But once you know how to reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in simple steps, the second one takes half the time. I reset three in under 10 minutes once—after a power outage.

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

First, make sure you’re holding it for at least 10 seconds. Use a paperclip, not your finger. If it still doesn’t work, the battery might be dead. Charge it fully and try again. If the LED doesn’t flash, contact Arlo support—there might be a hardware issue.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo Spotlight Camera doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. Whether it’s a quick reboot or a full factory reset, you now know how to reset Arlo Spotlight Camera in simple steps—and do it confidently.

Remember: start with a soft reset. Save the factory reset for stubborn issues. Keep your Wi-Fi strong, your battery charged, and your app updated. And if you ever get stuck, don’t panic. Take a breath, check the basics, and try again.

Your home security shouldn’t depend on a blinking red light. With these steps, you’re in control. Now go reset that camera—and get back to peace of mind.

P.S. Bookmark this page. You’ll need it the next time your camera acts up. (And you will.)

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