Reset your Arlo camera in just 5 simple steps to restore factory settings and resolve connectivity or performance issues quickly. Whether you’re troubleshooting or preparing to reconfigure your device, this straightforward process ensures a fresh start using the sync button or Arlo app—no technical expertise required.

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How to Reset My Arlo Camera in 5 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip for 10 seconds.
• Wait for LED lights: Watch for blinking amber lights indicating reset mode activation.
• Re-sync your camera: Follow in-app instructions to reconnect the camera to your account.
• Update firmware: Ensure your camera has the latest firmware post-reset for optimal performance.
• Contact support if needed: Reach out to Arlo support if issues persist after resetting.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had your Arlo camera go offline, freeze up, or just refuse to connect to Wi-Fi? It’s frustrating—especially when you rely on it for home security. Maybe you just moved it to a new spot, or perhaps your network changed, and now it’s acting like it doesn’t know you.

That’s where knowing how to reset my Arlo camera in 5 easy steps comes in handy. A reset isn’t a last resort—it’s often the smartest first move. It clears out glitches, reconnects to your system, and gets you back to peace of mind.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a stubborn camera, setting up a new one, or handing your old unit to a friend, a reset makes the process smooth. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard. With a few simple steps, you’ll be back in control.

Think of it like restarting your phone when an app freezes. A reset gives your Arlo camera a fresh start. And honestly? Most of the time, it works.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything close by. You don’t want to be halfway through and realize you’re missing a key tool.

• Your Arlo camera (obviously!) – any model: Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, Go, or even the older Q series.
• A paperclip or small pin – for the reset button (most models have a tiny recessed button).
• A fully charged camera or its power cable – you’ll need power during the reset.
• Your smartphone or tablet – to use the Arlo app (iOS or Android).
• Your Wi-Fi network name and password – you’ll reconnect after the reset.
• Optional: A second person – if you’re resetting a camera mounted high up, a helper can make it easier.

That’s it. No special tools, no software downloads. Just the basics. And if you’re wondering how to reset my Arlo camera in 5 easy steps without all this? Well, you can’t—but that’s okay. These are things you likely already have.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset My Arlo Camera in 5 Easy Steps

Let’s walk through this together—like I’m right there with you, coffee in hand, helping you get your camera back online. This method works for most Arlo cameras, with minor differences between models. I’ll point those out as we go.

Step 1: Power On the Camera (or Ensure It’s Charged)

First things first: make sure your Arlo camera has power. If it’s battery-powered (like the Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra), check the charge. If it’s below 20%, pop it on the charger for 10–15 minutes.

For wired models (like the Arlo Q or Pro 3 with a power adapter), plug it in. You want a stable power source during the reset—no surprises mid-process.

I learned this the hard way once. I tried resetting a Pro 3 while it was at 5% battery. It died halfway, and I had to start over. Not fun. So, full battery or plugged in—that’s your golden rule.

Pro Tip: If your camera is mounted outside, bring it inside temporarily. It’s much easier to handle on a table than on a ladder.

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

Now, find the reset button. It’s usually a tiny, recessed hole on the back, side, or bottom of the camera. Think of it like the “undo” button on your camera’s brain.

• Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential: On the back, near the charging port.
• Arlo Q, Q Plus: On the back, next to the Ethernet port (if present).
• Arlo Go (LTE): On the side, near the SIM tray.

You’ll need a paperclip, pin, or SIM ejector tool to press it. I keep a spare paperclip in my tool drawer just for this. It’s a small habit, but it saves time when you’re in a hurry.

Warning: Don’t use a sharp knife or metal nail—it can damage the button or housing. A paperclip is gentle and precise.

Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button

Here’s where the magic happens. Insert your paperclip into the reset hole and press gently—don’t force it. You should feel a slight “click” or resistance.

Now, hold it for 10–15 seconds. Keep holding even if nothing seems to happen. Most Arlo cameras don’t flash or beep right away.

After about 10 seconds, you’ll usually see the LED light start to blink—often blue, white, or amber. That’s your signal: the reset is in progress.

For older models (like the original Arlo), the light might flash red. That’s normal. Just keep holding until the blinking stabilizes or changes pattern.

Personal Insight: I once panicked because the light didn’t flash after 5 seconds. I let go too soon. Lesson learned: patience pays off. Wait the full 10–15 seconds.

Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Reboot

Once you release the button, the camera will restart. This can take 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don’t touch it. Let it do its thing.

You’ll know it’s done when:

• The LED light turns solid blue or white (depending on model).
• It starts searching for Wi-Fi (blinking rapidly).
• It appears in the Arlo app as “Offline” or “Ready to Setup.”

If the light stays off or blinks red continuously, something’s wrong. But don’t panic—we’ll troubleshoot that in the FAQs.

This step is crucial because it’s when the camera erases all previous settings: Wi-Fi passwords, sync data, motion zones—everything. It’s now a blank slate, ready to be set up fresh.

Step 5: Reconnect via the Arlo App

Now, grab your phone and open the Arlo app. Tap the menu (usually three lines in the corner), then “Add Device.”

Choose your camera model. The app will guide you through:

• Connecting to your Wi-Fi (enter your network name and password).
• Scanning the QR code on the camera (if prompted).
• Waiting while it syncs with your Arlo account.

This part feels like the first time you set it up—because, in a way, it is. But it’s faster. The app remembers your account, so you don’t have to re-enter your email or payment info.

Once it says “Setup Complete,” your camera is back online. Test it: wave in front of it, check the live feed, and make sure motion alerts are working.

Pro Tip: After reconnecting, go to Settings > Device Info and rename the camera if needed. If you have multiple cameras, clear labels (like “Front Door” or “Backyard”) make life easier.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve reset dozens of Arlo cameras—for myself, family, and friends. Here are the real-world insights you won’t find in the manual.

1. Don’t skip the power check. A low battery can interrupt the reset process. Even if the camera turns on, a weak battery might not sustain the reboot. Always charge or plug in first.

2. Press the reset button, don’t jab it. It’s not a video game controller. A firm, steady press is all you need. Jabbing can break the internal switch—especially on older models.

3. Use the right app. If you have an Arlo account, use the Arlo Secure app (not the old Arlo app). The new app has better reset support and clearer setup prompts. If you’re still on the old version, update it.

4. Reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network. If you reset and try to connect to a new network (like a guest network), it might fail. Use your primary home Wi-Fi. If you’ve changed your network name or password recently, update those in the app.

5. Wait for the app to recognize the camera. Sometimes, the camera resets fine, but the app doesn’t see it right away. Close the app, restart it, or wait 5 minutes. The camera might be syncing in the background.

6. Avoid resetting during a firmware update. If your camera is updating (LED blinking green), wait until it’s done. Resetting mid-update can brick the device. Check the app for update status first.

7. Label your cameras after reset. If you have multiple units, resetting one can mix up their order in the app. Rename them immediately to avoid confusion later.

Common Mistake: People often think a reset fixes every problem. But if your camera has a hardware issue (like a cracked lens or dead sensor), resetting won’t help. Use the reset for connection, Wi-Fi, or software glitches—not physical damage.

Bonus Tip: If you’re resetting because you’re giving the camera to someone else, log out of your Arlo account after the reset. Otherwise, they’ll need your login to set it up. Go to Settings > Account > Log Out.

FAQs About How to Reset My Arlo Camera in 5 Easy Steps

Let’s tackle the questions I hear most—often from friends who’ve hit a snag.

Q: How do I know if the reset worked?

Great question. After holding the reset button, look for the LED light to blink in a new pattern—usually blue or white. Then, check the Arlo app. If it shows “Ready to Setup” or “Offline,” the reset succeeded. If the light stays off or blinks red, the reset may have failed (see next answer).

Q: What if the camera doesn’t respond after the reset?

First, check the power. Is it charged? Is the cable plugged in? Try a different outlet. If it powers on but the light doesn’t blink, try the reset again—but this time, hold the button for 20 seconds. If it still doesn’t respond, the hardware might be faulty. Contact Arlo support. Sometimes, a factory reset via the app (Settings > Device > Remove) can help, but that’s a last resort.

Q: Can I reset my Arlo camera remotely?

Unfortunately, no. The physical reset button must be pressed manually. You can’t trigger it from the app. That said, you can remove a camera from your account remotely (Settings > Device > Remove). This unlinks it from your network, but it’s not a full reset. You’ll still need to press the button when you get home.

Q: Will resetting delete my recorded videos?

Yes and no. If you use Arlo Smart (cloud storage), your videos are saved online. Resetting won’t delete them. But if you use a local SD card (like on Arlo Q), the reset won’t erase the card—but the camera won’t access the files until it’s set up again. Always back up important clips before resetting.

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo camera?

Only when needed. Reset when:

• It won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
• It’s frozen or unresponsive.
• You’re setting it up for the first time (or for a new owner).
• You’re troubleshooting persistent glitches.

Don’t reset weekly “just in case.” It’s unnecessary and can wear down the reset button over time.

Q: Does resetting work on all Arlo models?

Almost all do—but with slight differences. The original Arlo (2014) has a reset button, but it’s less reliable. Arlo Go (LTE) requires a longer hold (up to 20 seconds). Arlo Floodlight and Arlo Video Doorbell follow the same steps. Check your model’s manual if you’re unsure—but 90% of the time, the 10–15 second hold works.

Q: What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password after resetting?

No worries. You can:

• Check your router settings (usually 192.168.1.1 in a browser).
• Look at the sticker on your router (some have the password printed).
• Use another device connected to the same Wi-Fi to view the password (on Windows: Network Settings > Wi-Fi > Properties).

Once you have it, enter it in the Arlo app during setup. And maybe write it down this time!

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to reset my Arlo camera in 5 easy steps isn’t just a tech skill—it’s peace of mind. Whether your camera froze, won’t connect, or you’re passing it on, a reset is your best friend.

It’s simple, fast, and—most importantly—effective. And now that you’ve got the steps down, you can handle it with confidence. No more calling tech support. No more waiting for a fix. You’ve got this.

Just remember: charge the battery, press the button firmly, wait for the blink, and reconnect via the app. Five steps. Five minutes. Done.

And if you ever get stuck? Don’t sweat it. I’ve been there. Take a breath, double-check the power, and try again. Most issues are small—and fixable.

So next time your Arlo camera acts up, don’t panic. Grab a paperclip, follow these steps, and get back to feeling safe and in control. Your home—and your sanity—will thank you.

Actionable Tip: Bookmark this guide or save it to your phone. That way, when the next glitch hits, you’re ready—no frantic Google searches. Just open this page and reset with ease.

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