How to Reset Arlo Wireless Camera in Simple Steps

How to Reset Arlo Wireless Camera in Simple Steps

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Reset your Arlo wireless camera in minutes by holding the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber, restoring it to factory settings. This simple fix resolves connectivity issues, forgotten passwords, or glitches—just re-sync the camera with your Arlo app afterward to complete the process.

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How to Reset Arlo Wireless Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for manual resets.
  • Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the button for 10 seconds until LED flashes.
  • Wait for reboot: Allow 2-3 minutes for the camera to fully restart and reconnect.
  • Re-sync with base station: Press sync on base station, then camera to re-pair devices.
  • Update firmware: Check Arlo app post-reset to ensure latest firmware is installed.
  • Factory reset via app: Use app settings for remote reset if hardware fails.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—technology can be frustrating. You’re trying to set up your Arlo wireless camera, but it’s not connecting. Maybe it’s frozen, showing a red light, or just acting weird. Sound familiar?

That’s when knowing how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps becomes a game-changer. I’ve been there: standing in my backyard, phone in one hand, camera in the other, muttering, “Why won’t you just… work?”

Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity, preparing to sell your device, or just want a fresh start, a reset can fix most hiccups. But it’s not always obvious how to do it. That’s why I’m walking you through the process like we’re chatting over coffee—no jargon, no fluff, just what works.

The good news? Resetting your Arlo camera is easier than you think. And once you know how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps, you’ll feel more in control of your smart home setup. Let’s dive in.

What You Need

Don’t worry—this isn’t one of those “you’ll need a soldering iron and a PhD” situations. Resetting your Arlo camera requires almost nothing.

How to Reset Arlo Wireless Camera in Simple Steps

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  • Your Arlo camera (duh)
  • A paperclip or small pin (the reset button is tiny)
  • Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
  • A stable Wi-Fi connection (for re-adding the camera after the reset)
  • Your Arlo account credentials (email and password)

Pro tip: Before you start, make sure your camera is charged or plugged in. A low battery can mess with the reset process and lead to false errors.

That’s it. No extra hardware, no special tools. Just you, your phone, and a little patience. Now let’s get to the actual steps.

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

Step 1: Identify Your Arlo Camera Model

Not all Arlo cameras reset the same way. The button placement and method can vary slightly between models.

  • Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5: Reset button inside the battery compartment.
  • Arlo Ultra, Ultra 2: Reset button on the bottom or side of the camera.
  • Arlo Essential, Essential XL: Reset button on the back or side.
  • Arlo Go (LTE): Reset button on the side, near the SIM tray.

Take a quick look at your camera. Flip it over, open the battery door, or check the sides. There’s a small, recessed hole—usually labeled “Reset” or just a tiny dot.

Real talk: I once spent 10 minutes looking for the reset button on my Arlo Pro 3 before realizing it was hidden behind the battery. Don’t make my mistake—check the manual or Arlo’s website if you’re unsure.

Once you’ve found it, you’re ready for the next step. This is the foundation of how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps—knowing where the button is.

Step 2: Power On the Camera (If It’s Off)

Make sure your camera is powered on. If it’s off, press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the LED light comes on.

For battery-powered models, ensure the battery is charged. For wired models (like Arlo Floodlight), plug it in.

The LED light should be steady or blinking. If it’s off completely, charge or power it first. A dead camera won’t respond to a reset.

Warning: Don’t try to reset a camera with a dead battery. It might seem like the reset “didn’t work,” but the real issue is power.

Once the light is on, proceed. This step ensures the camera is responsive and ready for the reset process—critical for successfully executing how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Now, grab your paperclip or pin. Gently insert it into the reset hole and press down firmly.

You’ll need to hold the button for 10–15 seconds. That’s the magic number. Don’t rush it—count slowly in your head: “One… two… three…”

Watch the LED light. It will typically change color or blink in a pattern:

  • Blue blinking: Reset in progress (common on Pro and Ultra models)
  • White blinking: Factory reset initiated (Essential models)
  • Red to blue: Transitioning to setup mode

Once the light changes or starts blinking rapidly, you’ve done it. The reset has started.

My experience: I once pressed the button for only 5 seconds and thought it worked. Spoiler: it didn’t. The camera stayed connected to my old network. Always count to 15—it’s worth it.

This is the core of how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps. Hold the button, watch the light, and wait.

Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Reboot

After releasing the button, give the camera 30–60 seconds to reboot.

During this time, the LED may stay off, blink slowly, or cycle through colors. That’s normal. The camera is restoring factory settings, clearing Wi-Fi credentials, and preparing for re-pairing.

Don’t touch it. Don’t press anything else. Just wait.

Common mistake: People panic when the light goes off and think the camera died. It didn’t. It’s rebooting. Patience is key.

Once the camera finishes rebooting, the LED will usually start blinking in a setup pattern (like fast blue or white). That’s your cue: the reset is complete.

Step 5: Remove the Camera from the Arlo App

Now, open your Arlo app on your phone or tablet. Log in if you haven’t already.

Go to your camera’s settings. Look for an option like “Remove Device” or “Delete Camera.”

Tap it and confirm. This removes the camera from your account and ensures a clean start when you re-add it.

Why this matters: If you don’t remove the camera first, the app might try to reconnect to the old configuration. That defeats the purpose of the reset. Always remove before re-adding.

This step is essential for how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps—it clears the digital slate.

Step 6: Re-Add the Camera to the Arlo App

Now, go back to the main screen in the Arlo app. Tap the “+” or “Add Device” button.

Select your camera model from the list. The app will guide you through pairing.

When prompted, press the “Sync” button on your camera (usually near the reset button or on the base station). This tells the app the camera is ready to pair.

The app will search for the camera. When it finds it, follow the on-screen instructions to:

  • Name your camera
  • Choose your Wi-Fi network
  • Enter your Wi-Fi password
  • Wait for the camera to connect

This might take 1–2 minutes. The LED will blink during the process and turn solid when connected.

Pro tip: Place the camera close to your router during setup. Weak Wi-Fi signal = failed pairing. You can move it later once it’s connected.

Once the camera shows as “Online” in the app, you’re golden. The reset worked.

Step 7: Test the Camera

Don’t skip this. Test your camera to make sure everything’s working.

  • Open the live view in the Arlo app
  • Check video quality and audio (if applicable)
  • Test motion detection with a wave or a walk-by
  • Verify notifications are coming through

If anything seems off, go to the camera settings and tweak motion zones, sensitivity, or recording options.

This is the final check in how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps. It confirms the reset fixed the issue and the camera is fully functional.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me share a few hard-earned lessons from my own Arlo setups and troubleshooting.

  • Use the right tool: A paperclip or SIM ejector tool works best. Don’t use a pen or your finger—you might not press hard enough.
  • Reset the base station too (if applicable): If you’re using an Arlo base station (like for Pro or Ultra), sometimes the issue is there, not the camera. Power it off, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • Don’t skip the app removal: I’ve seen people reset the camera but forget to remove it from the app. The camera won’t pair properly. Always remove first.
  • Check Wi-Fi compatibility: Arlo cameras only work with 2.4 GHz networks. If your router is on 5 GHz only, the camera can’t connect. Use a dual-band router or switch to 2.4 GHz.
  • Update the app: An outdated Arlo app can cause pairing issues. Update it before starting the reset.
  • Label your cameras: If you have multiple, label them (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) in the app. It’s easy to mix them up after a reset.

My biggest mistake: I once reset a camera, re-added it, and named it the same as another camera. The app got confused, and both showed the same feed. Always rename after a reset.

Also, remember: a reset won’t fix hardware issues like a broken lens or water damage. If the camera still doesn’t work after resetting, contact Arlo support. The reset is for software and connectivity problems—not physical ones.

These tips make how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps not just possible, but painless.

FAQs About How to Reset Arlo Wireless Camera in Simple Steps

Q: Will resetting my Arlo camera delete my recordings?

Nope. A factory reset only clears the camera’s settings and Wi-Fi info. Your recordings are stored in the cloud (if you have a subscription) or on a microSD card (if used). They’re safe.

The only thing you lose is the camera’s name, motion zones, and Wi-Fi connection. Everything else stays intact.

Q: How do I know if the reset worked?

After the reset, the camera’s LED will blink in a setup pattern (usually fast blue or white). When you open the Arlo app, the camera should appear as “Unregistered” or “Ready to Pair.”

If the app still shows it as “Online,” the reset didn’t fully work. Try holding the button longer next time.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera without the app?

You can initiate the reset without the app (using the physical button), but you’ll need the app to re-pair and configure the camera afterward.

The app is essential for setup. So while the reset itself is physical, the full process—how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps—requires the app.

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

First, double-check you’re pressing it long enough (10–15 seconds). Use a firm, steady press.

If it still doesn’t work:

  • Make sure the camera is powered on
  • Try a different paperclip or tool
  • Check for debris in the button hole (clean gently with compressed air)
  • Contact Arlo support—there might be a hardware issue

Sometimes, the button is just stuck. A little wiggle while pressing can help.

Q: Can I reset an Arlo camera remotely?

Not directly. The reset requires physical access to the camera and the reset button.

However, you can remove the camera from your Arlo account remotely via the app. But to fully reset and re-pair, you’ll need to be near the camera.

So if you’re selling it or giving it away, you’ll need to do the physical reset in person.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo camera?

Only when needed. I reset mine once a year during a deep smart-home clean-up, or when I notice issues like:

  • Slow response
  • Wi-Fi drops
  • False motion alerts
  • Camera not showing up in the app

Regular resets aren’t necessary. Think of it like restarting a computer—only do it when it’s acting up.

Q: Does resetting affect my Arlo subscription?

No. Your subscription is tied to your Arlo account, not the camera. Resetting the camera won’t cancel or change your plan.

You’ll still have access to cloud storage, activity zones, and other features after re-adding the camera.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Arlo wireless camera isn’t scary. In fact, it’s one of the most empowering things you can do as a smart home user.

Once you know how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps, you’ll never feel stuck again. Frozen camera? No problem. Wi-Fi issues? Reset it. Preparing to sell? Reset it first.

Just remember the key points:

  • Hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds
  • Remove the camera from the app before re-adding
  • Test everything afterward
  • Keep your Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz

And don’t forget the human side—be patient, double-check your steps, and don’t rush. Technology works best when you give it a moment.

Next time your Arlo camera acts up, don’t panic. Just grab a paperclip, follow these steps, and get back to peace of mind.

You’ve got this. And now you know how to reset Arlo wireless camera in simple steps—no tech support needed.

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