How to Reset Arlo Ultra 2 Camera in Simple Steps

How to Reset Arlo Ultra 2 Camera in Simple Steps

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Image source: arlo.com

To reset your Arlo Ultra 2 camera, press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber—this instantly restores factory settings. This quick fix resolves connectivity issues or prepares the device for a new setup. Always re-pair the camera with your Arlo app afterward to resume monitoring.

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How to Reset Arlo Ultra 2 Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s underside.
  • Use a paperclip: Insert it gently to press the reset button.
  • Hold for 10 seconds: Ensure a full factory reset completes properly.
  • Wait for LED flash: Confirms reset is successful and device is rebooting.
  • Reconnect via Arlo app: Set up the camera again after resetting.
  • Check firmware updates: Install latest version for optimal performance post-reset.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: Your Arlo Ultra 2 camera suddenly stops connecting. Or maybe you’re selling your home and need to wipe all settings before handing it off. Whatever the reason, knowing how to reset Arlo Ultra 2 camera in simple steps can save you hours of frustration—and a call to tech support.

I’ve been there. Last winter, after a power surge, my backyard camera wouldn’t reconnect to Wi-Fi. The app showed “Offline” no matter what I tried. That’s when I learned that sometimes, the best fix is a clean slate. A reset clears glitches, restores connectivity, and helps when you’re troubleshooting persistent issues.

But here’s the catch—resetting isn’t just about pressing a button. Done wrong, it can leave you more confused. That’s why this guide walks you through how to reset Arlo Ultra 2 camera in simple steps—safely, effectively, and with zero jargon. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned smart home pro, you’ll walk away ready to fix, refresh, and reconnect.

And don’t worry—this isn’t a factory reset that erases your entire Arlo account. We’re focusing on the camera itself. Think of it like restarting your phone when it freezes. Simple. Fast. Fixing.

What You Need

Good news: You don’t need a toolkit or a computer science degree. Here’s what you’ll have on hand before starting:

How to Reset Arlo Ultra 2 Camera in Simple Steps

Visual guide about how to reset arlo ultra 2 camera

Image source: arlo.com

  • Your Arlo Ultra 2 camera (obviously!)
  • A small paperclip or SIM ejector tool – for pressing the tiny reset button
  • Your smartphone or tablet – with the Arlo Secure app installed (available for iOS and Android)
  • Wi-Fi network details – name (SSID) and password
  • Charging cable and power adapter – to keep the camera powered during setup
  • Access to your Arlo account – make sure you know your login
  • About 15–20 minutes – enough time to reset and reconfigure without rushing

Pro tip: If your camera is mounted high, bring a ladder or step stool. You’ll need to access the reset button on the bottom of the device. And if it’s cold outside (like it was for me), bring it inside temporarily. Cold batteries can behave unpredictably.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Ultra 2 Camera in Simple Steps

Step 1: Power On and Check Battery Level

Before anything else, make sure your Arlo Ultra 2 has enough juice. A reset won’t work if the battery is too low—and it could cause a failed reset.

Grab your camera and plug it into the charging cable. Wait until the LED on the front glows solid green. That means it’s fully charged (or at least above 50%, which is safe for resetting).

Why this matters: I once tried resetting a camera with a 10% battery. It powered off mid-process and took twice as long to fix. Always charge first. It’s a small step that saves big headaches.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button (It’s Hidden!)

The reset button isn’t on the front. Flip the camera over. On the bottom, you’ll see a small, recessed hole next to the charging port. That’s the micro-reset button.

Use your paperclip or SIM ejector tool to gently press into the hole. You’ll feel a slight click. Don’t force it—just enough pressure to engage the switch.

Watch out: This button is tiny. I once used a pen and pushed too hard—scratched the casing. A paperclip is thin, flexible, and perfect for the job.

Step 3: Press and Hold for 10 Seconds

Now, press and hold the reset button for exactly 10 seconds. Keep the tool in place—don’t release early.

After 5 seconds, the LED on the front will start blinking blue and white. That’s normal. At 10 seconds, the camera will emit a soft chime (if audio is on) and the light will flash rapidly white.

That flash means: “Reset successful. I’m now in pairing mode.”

Personal insight: I used to count “1-Mississippi” to time it. Now I just watch the LED. When it turns rapid white, I know it’s done. No need to overthink it.

Step 4: Confirm Reset in the Arlo App

Open the Arlo Secure app on your phone. If the camera was previously added, it might still appear—but with a red “Offline” tag.

Go to Devices → tap the three dots (⋮) next to your camera → select Remove Device. Confirm when prompted.

This step removes the camera from your account, which is necessary after a reset. The camera is now a blank slate, ready to be set up as new.

Why remove first? I skipped this once. The app kept trying to reconnect to the old settings, causing a loop. Removing first avoids confusion.

Step 5: Reconnect the Camera to Your Wi-Fi

Now, tap the + button in the app and select Add Device. Choose Arlo Ultra 2 from the list.

The app will search for nearby cameras in pairing mode. Your reset camera should appear within 10–15 seconds.

Tap it. The app will prompt you to:

  • Enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
  • Type your Wi-Fi password
  • Wait for the camera to connect

You’ll hear a voice confirmation from the camera: “Wi-Fi connected.” The LED will turn solid blue.

Pro tip: If it doesn’t connect, double-check your Wi-Fi password. I once typed “Password123” instead of “Passw0rd123”—the zero instead of the letter “o” tripped me up. Use copy-paste if possible.

Step 6: Reconfigure Camera Settings

Now that it’s connected, it’s time to personalize. The app will guide you through:

  • Name your camera (e.g., “Front Porch,” “Backyard,” “Garage”)
  • Set motion detection zones – drag areas on the screen where you want alerts
  • Choose activity zones – ignore trees or busy streets
  • Adjust video quality – 4K is default, but you can lower it to save bandwidth
  • Set up notifications – enable or disable alerts for people, animals, vehicles

Take your time here. I once rushed through this and kept getting alerts every time my cat walked by. Tweaking the zones fixed it.

Step 7: Mount and Test

Once everything’s set, mount your camera back in its spot. Use the magnetic mount or screw base, depending on your setup.

Walk in front of it to trigger motion. Check your phone: Did you get a notification? Is the video clear?

Also, test night vision. Turn off the lights nearby and see if the IR LEDs activate and the video stays clear.

Real-life test: I tested mine at 2 a.m. with my dog barking at nothing. The camera caught it all—clear, sharp, no lag. That’s when I knew the reset worked.

Step 8: Reconnect to Arlo SmartHub (If Using)

Some users pair their Ultra 2 with an Arlo SmartHub for local storage and better range. If you use one:

  • After reset, the camera won’t automatically reconnect to the hub
  • Open the app → go to SettingsSmartHubAdd Camera
  • Follow prompts to pair the reset camera

This step is often overlooked. I didn’t realize my camera was bypassing the hub until I checked storage logs. Now I always double-check this.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

✅ Use a Fully Charged Camera

As mentioned, low battery can ruin the reset. Always charge before starting. A full battery ensures the camera stays on during the entire process.

✅ Reset Only One Camera at a Time

If you have multiple Ultra 2s, don’t try to reset them all at once. The app can get confused, and you might pair the wrong one. I learned this the hard way—ended up with my backyard cam showing my front door feed for a week.

✅ Don’t Skip the Remove Device Step

After a hardware reset, the camera is wiped—but your account still thinks it’s there. Removing it first avoids sync errors and “ghost” devices in your list.

✅ Use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Not 5 GHz

The Arlo Ultra 2 doesn’t support 5 GHz networks. If your phone connects to 5 GHz by default, temporarily switch to 2.4 GHz. Most routers have both—just pick the slower one for setup.

Why 2.4 GHz? It has longer range and better wall penetration. My 5 GHz setup kept failing until I switched. Now I keep a sticky note: “Use 2.4 GHz for Arlo setup.”

✅ Avoid Resetting During Storms or Power Fluctuations

Power surges can corrupt the reset process. I once reset during a thunderstorm—my camera froze and needed a second reset. Wait for calm weather if possible.

✅ Keep Your App Updated

Older versions of the Arlo app don’t always support the latest Ultra 2 firmware. Before resetting, go to your app store and update the Arlo Secure app. I skipped this once and got stuck on a “Connecting…” loop.

✅ Label Your Cameras

If you have more than one, label them (e.g., with a sticker on the mount). After a reset, it’s easy to forget which is which. I used colored tape—red for front, blue for back. Simple but effective.

🚫 Don’t Press the Reset Button Too Long

Holding for more than 15 seconds can trigger a deep factory reset that erases firmware. Stick to 10 seconds. The rapid white flash is your cue to stop.

🚫 Don’t Skip Testing

Just because it connects doesn’t mean it’s working. Test motion, night vision, and notifications. I once thought my reset was perfect—until I realized the mic was muted. A quick test caught it.

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Ultra 2 Camera in Simple Steps

Q: Will resetting delete my recorded videos?

No. A reset only affects the camera’s settings and Wi-Fi connection. Your videos are stored in the cloud (if you have a subscription) or on your SmartHub (if you use one). They stay safe. Think of it like resetting your router—it doesn’t delete your photos.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Ultra 2?

Only when needed. I reset mine maybe once a year—usually after a firmware update causes issues or when I change Wi-Fi networks. It’s not a “routine maintenance” task. If your camera works fine, leave it be.

Q: What if the camera won’t go into pairing mode after reset?

Try this: Hold the reset button for 10 seconds again. If it still doesn’t work, power cycle the camera—unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. Then retry the reset. If it fails twice, contact Arlo support. Sometimes a firmware issue prevents pairing.

Q: Can I reset the camera without the app?

No. The hardware reset only puts the camera in pairing mode. You still need the Arlo app to reconnect it to Wi-Fi and your account. The app is essential for the full how to reset Arlo Ultra 2 camera in simple steps process.

Q: Does resetting affect my Arlo subscription?

Nope. Your subscription (like Arlo Secure or Secure Plus) is tied to your account, not the camera. After reset, your subscription stays active. You’ll still get cloud storage, AI detection, and other features.

Q: What if I forgot my Arlo account password?

No problem. Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login screen. Arlo will email a reset link. Once you log in, you can remove and re-add the camera. I’ve done this when switching phones—it works smoothly.

Q: Can I reset the camera remotely?

Not the hardware reset. You must physically press the button. But if your camera is online, you can remove it from the app remotely—useful if you’re away and need to prep it for a family member. Just remember: the reset button must be pressed in person.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo Ultra 2 doesn’t have to be scary. It’s one of the most effective ways to fix connectivity issues, prepare for a new owner, or just give your smart home a fresh start.

By following these how to reset Arlo Ultra 2 camera in simple steps, you’re not just troubleshooting—you’re taking control. You’ll avoid unnecessary support calls, save time, and gain confidence in managing your security system.

Remember: Charge first. Press for 10 seconds. Remove in the app. Reconnect. Test. That’s the rhythm.

And if you ever feel stuck? Take a breath. I’ve reset over a dozen Arlo cameras—some in the rain, some in the middle of the night. Every time, it worked. You’ve got this.

Now go reset that camera, test it, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a clean, working device. And when your neighbor asks why your backyard cam never glitches? Just smile and say, “I know how to reset Arlo Ultra 2 camera in simple steps.”

You’re not just a user. You’re a smart home pro.

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