Reset your Arlo Ultra camera in under a minute by pressing and holding the reset button for 10 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—just ensure the camera is powered and connected during the process.
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How to Reset Arlo Ultra Camera in Simple Steps
Key Takeaways
- Locate the reset button: Find the pinhole on the camera’s base for resets.
- Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10+ seconds.
- Wait for LED: Release when the LED flashes amber to confirm reset.
- Reconnect to base station: Re-sync via Arlo app after resetting.
- Update firmware: Ensure latest version to avoid post-reset issues.
- Factory reset only: Use this method if troubleshooting fails.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Ever had your Arlo Ultra camera freeze mid-motion, refuse to connect to Wi-Fi, or simply stop recording? It’s frustrating—especially when you rely on it for home security. I’ve been there: late at night, trying to check a notification, only to find the live feed is blank. Sound familiar?
That’s when I learned how to reset Arlo Ultra camera in simple steps. A reset isn’t just a fix—it’s a reset button for peace of mind. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity, preparing to sell or move, or just want a fresh start, knowing how to reset Arlo Ultra camera in simple steps can save you hours of tech support calls.
But here’s the thing: not all resets are the same. A soft reset might fix a glitch, while a factory reset erases everything. This guide walks you through both—clearly, honestly, and with real-life examples. No jargon. No fluff. Just what works.
What You Need
Before diving in, gather a few essentials. You don’t need a toolbox—just a few everyday items:
Visual guide about how to reset arlo ultra camera
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- Your Arlo Ultra camera (obviously)
- A small paperclip or SIM ejector tool (for the reset button)
- Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
- A stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
- Your Arlo account login details
- A few minutes of quiet time (no distractions)
Pro tip: If you’re doing a factory reset, back up any saved clips first. Once erased, they’re gone for good.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Arlo Ultra Camera in Simple Steps
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Whether you’re doing a quick reboot or a full reset, I’ve broken it down so you can follow along without pulling your hair out.
Step 1: Understand What Type of Reset You Need
Not every problem needs a factory reset. Think of it like your phone: sometimes a restart fixes it, sometimes you need to wipe it clean.
- Soft reset (reboot): Fixes temporary glitches—camera not responding, app freezing, or Wi-Fi drops. Keeps all settings and recordings.
- Factory reset: Erases all data—Wi-Fi passwords, activity zones, schedules, and saved clips. Use when selling, moving, or after major software issues.
Ask yourself: Is the camera just being stubborn, or is it acting like it’s forgotten who you are? If it’s the latter, go for the factory reset. Knowing how to reset Arlo Ultra camera in simple steps starts with picking the right one.
Step 2: Perform a Soft Reset (Quick Fix)
Let’s say your camera froze during a recording. Here’s how to give it a gentle nudge back to life.
- Open the Arlo app on your phone.
- Tap the camera icon you want to reset.
- Tap the settings gear (top right).
- Scroll down and tap Restart.
- Confirm when prompted.
The camera will power off and back on in about 60 seconds. You’ll hear a soft beep when it’s ready.
Personal insight: I do this every few weeks, especially after a storm. It keeps the system snappy and prevents small issues from snowballing.
This method is perfect if you’re just learning how to reset Arlo Ultra camera in simple steps and want to avoid data loss.
Step 3: Locate the Reset Button (Factory Reset Prep)
For a full reset, you’ll need to physically access the camera. Don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds.
- Find the small pinhole on the back or side of your Arlo Ultra. It’s usually near the USB port or mounting bracket.
- You’ll need a paperclip, SIM ejector tool, or even a straightened bobby pin.
Tip: If you can’t see the hole, shine a flashlight on it. It’s tiny but there.
Now, here’s the key: don’t press it yet. Make sure you’re ready to follow the next steps—once you start, there’s no turning back.
Step 4: Perform the Factory Reset (Full Erase)
This is the big one. Use it when:
- You’re selling or giving away the camera
- It won’t connect to Wi-Fi no matter what
- You’re moving and want to set it up fresh
Here’s how to reset Arlo Ultra camera in simple steps for a full wipe:
- Power on the camera (if it’s off, plug it in).
- Insert the paperclip into the reset hole.
- Press and hold for 10 seconds. You’ll feel slight resistance—don’t push too hard.
- After 10 seconds, the LED will blink amber, then turn blue and flash rapidly.
- Release the button. The camera is now in setup mode.
Wait about 2–3 minutes. The camera will reboot and start blinking blue—this means it’s ready to pair.
Warning: If the LED stays solid amber or red, the reset failed. Try again, but press longer (up to 15 seconds). Sometimes it takes two tries.
Step 5: Reconnect to the Arlo App
Now that your camera is reset, it’s like a newborn—ready to learn everything again.
- Open the Arlo app.
- Tap Add Device or +.
- Select Arlo Ultra from the list.
- Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on the camera (found on the back or in the manual).
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network. Important: Use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz—both work, but 5 GHz is faster for video.
- Name your camera (e.g., “Front Door”).
- Wait for the app to confirm “Setup Complete.”
You’ll hear a chime, and the live feed should appear. Success!
Personal insight: I once forgot to switch back to 5 GHz after a reset. The video was laggy for days. Lesson learned: always double-check your network.
Step 6: Reconfigure Settings (Don’t Skip This!)
A reset wipes everything, including:
- Activity zones (motion detection areas)
- Recording schedules
- Audio sensitivity
- Cloud or local storage preferences
Go back into the app and set these up again. It takes 5–10 minutes but prevents false alerts and missed recordings.
Pro tip: If you have multiple cameras, use the “Copy Settings” feature in the app to apply the same zones to others. Saves time!
Step 7: Test the System
Don’t assume it’s working. Test it:
- Walk in front of the camera—does it detect motion?
- Check the live feed: Is the video clear and in color (if using night vision)?
- Trigger a recording: Does it save to the cloud or SD card?
- Check the Arlo app notifications: Are they arriving on time?
If anything’s off, go back to the settings. A reset isn’t complete until everything works as expected.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After resetting over 20 Arlo Ultra cameras (yes, I’m that guy), here’s what I’ve learned:
Tip #1: Always charge the battery first. A low battery can cause reset failures. Plug it in for 10 minutes before starting.
Tip #2: Use a strong Wi-Fi signal. If your camera is far from the router, use an Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi extender. Weak signals cause pairing issues.
Tip #3: Don’t skip the QR code. Trying to pair manually is a headache. The QR code ensures the right camera connects to the right app.
Common mistake: Pressing the reset button for too long. 10 seconds is enough. If you hold it 20+ seconds, it might enter a deeper mode that’s hard to exit.
Common mistake: Forgetting to remove the camera from the old account. If you’re selling it, go to the app > Camera Settings > Remove Device. Otherwise, the new owner can’t set it up.
Pro insight: Reset before moving. If you’re relocating, reset the camera before packing. It’s easier than trying to fix Wi-Fi issues in a new house.
Learning how to reset Arlo Ultra camera in simple steps isn’t just about the button—it’s about the prep, the patience, and the follow-up.
FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Ultra Camera in Simple Steps
You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers—from real experience.
Q: Will a reset delete my saved videos?
Yes—but only if they’re stored in the camera’s local memory (like an SD card). Cloud recordings are safe, as long as you’re still logged into the same Arlo account. But to be safe, download important clips before resetting.
Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Ultra?
Only when needed. I recommend a soft reset every 2–3 months for maintenance. A factory reset? Once a year, or when changing ownership. Don’t reset just because it’s “been a while.”
Q: My camera won’t enter setup mode after reset. What now?
First, check the LED: it should blink blue. If it’s solid amber or red, the reset didn’t work. Try again with a longer press (12–15 seconds). If still no luck, power cycle the camera: unplug, wait 30 seconds, plug back in, then reset.
Q: Can I reset the camera without the app?
No. The app is essential for re-pairing. Even if you reset the hardware, you need the app to reconnect to Wi-Fi and configure settings. Make sure your phone is charged and nearby.
Q: What if I forgot my Arlo account password?
Use the “Forgot Password” link in the app. Reset your password before starting. You can’t add a camera without logging in.
Q: Does resetting affect my Arlo subscription?
Nope. Your subscription (like Arlo Secure) stays active. You’ll still have cloud storage, AI detection, and 30-day video history—once you re-add the camera.
Q: Can I reset an Arlo Ultra 2 or Ultra 4K the same way?
Yes! The process is identical. All Arlo Ultra models (Ultra, Ultra 2, Ultra 4K) use the same reset method. Just follow the steps above.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to reset Arlo Ultra camera in simple steps isn’t just a tech skill—it’s a form of self-reliance. You don’t have to wait for customer support. You don’t have to panic when the feed goes black. You can fix it yourself.
Remember: start with a soft reset for minor issues. Save the factory reset for when you’re truly starting over. And always, always, test the system afterward.
Keep your paperclip handy. Bookmark this guide. And the next time your Arlo Ultra acts up, take a deep breath and say: “I’ve got this.”
Because now, you do.
Stay secure, stay calm, and keep your cameras running smooth.
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