Reset your Arlo Go camera in just 5 simple steps to quickly restore factory settings and resolve connectivity or performance issues. Locate the reset button, hold it for 10 seconds, and wait for the LED to flash—this ensures a complete reboot without needing extra tools or technical know-how.
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How to Reset My Arlo Go Camera in 5 Simple Steps
Key Takeaways
- Power on the camera: Ensure your Arlo Go is charged and turned on before resetting.
- Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the bottom or side of the device.
- Press and hold: Use a paperclip to hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
- Wait for LED blink: Release when the LED flashes amber, signaling reset initiation.
- Reconfigure via app: Reconnect the camera to your Arlo account after resetting.
- Check network settings: Verify mobile data or Wi-Fi connection for proper reconnection.
- Contact support if needed: Reach out to Arlo if issues persist post-reset.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Ever been in a situation where your Arlo Go camera just won’t connect, keeps dropping the signal, or acts like it’s having an identity crisis? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a failed software update, a Wi-Fi hiccup, or you’re passing the camera to a friend, knowing how to reset my Arlo Go camera in 5 simple steps can save you hours of frustration.
Resetting isn’t about giving up—it’s about hitting the reset button on a fresh start. I’ve been there: staring at the blinking blue light, wondering if I’d ever get my security system back online. But after years of troubleshooting and testing every method under the sun, I’ve cracked the code.
This guide walks you through a no-nonsense, step-by-step reset that works—whether you’re a tech newbie or a DIY pro. And the best part? It takes less than 10 minutes.
What You Need
Before we dive in, gather these items. Don’t worry—they’re all things you likely already have.
- Your Arlo Go camera (duh, but check it’s charged or plugged in)
- A paperclip or SIM ejector tool (any small, thin metal object works)
- A smartphone, tablet, or computer (to access the Arlo app or web portal)
- Your Arlo account credentials (email and password)
- A stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection (for post-reset setup)
- Optional: A microfiber cloth (to clean the camera lens after resetting)
No special tools or technical know-how required. Just you, your camera, and a few minutes of calm.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset My Arlo Go Camera in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: Power Up Your Arlo Go Camera
First things first—make sure your camera has power. Plug it in via USB or ensure the battery is charged. A reset won’t work if the camera’s dead.
I learned this the hard way once. I tried resetting a camera I thought was charged, only to realize it had 3% battery left. The reset process started but failed mid-way. Not fun.
Check the LED light:
- Solid green: Fully charged or powered.
- Blinking green: Charging.
- Red or no light: Needs charging or power.
Wait until the light is solid green before proceeding. This ensures the reset completes without interruption.
Pro Tip: If you’re using the battery, charge it to 100%. A low battery can cause a failed reset, and you’ll be back to square one.
Step 2: Locate and Press the Reset Button
Flip your Arlo Go camera over. On the back, near the bottom edge, you’ll see a tiny hole labeled “Reset.” It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.
Take your paperclip or SIM ejector tool and gently insert it into the hole. You’ll feel a slight click when it hits the button inside.
Now, press and hold for 10 seconds. Don’t rush. I once held it for only 5 seconds and wondered why nothing happened. The camera needs that full 10 seconds to register the reset command.
After 10 seconds, release. The LED light will start blinking rapidly—this is your cue that the reset has begun.
Warning: Don’t press and release multiple times. One long press is all you need. Repeated presses can confuse the camera and delay the process.
Step 3: Wait for the Reset to Complete
After releasing the button, the LED will blink rapidly (usually blue or white) for about 30–60 seconds. This is the camera wiping its memory and returning to factory settings.
Do not unplug or touch the camera during this time. I made that mistake once—pulled the plug thinking it was stuck—and had to restart the entire process.
Once the blinking slows to a steady pulse (usually blue), the reset is complete. The camera is now in “setup mode,” ready to be re-added to your account.
You might hear a soft chime or tone—this varies by firmware version. But the LED is your best indicator.
Step 4: Remove the Camera from Your Arlo Account (If Still Listed)
Even after a hardware reset, the camera might still show up in your Arlo app or web portal. To avoid confusion, remove it from your account before re-adding.
Open the Arlo app (or log in to my.arlo.com):
- Go to Settings > My Devices.
- Find your Arlo Go camera in the list.
- Tap Remove Device and confirm.
This step is crucial. If you skip it, the app might still think the old camera is active, causing pairing issues later.
After removal, the camera disappears from your dashboard. Now it’s a clean slate.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your camera’s serial number (on the back) before removing it. You’ll need it for re-adding, and it’s easy to forget once it’s gone from the app.
Step 5: Re-Add the Camera to Your Arlo Account
Now comes the fun part—making the camera yours again. Open the Arlo app and start the setup:
- Tap Add Device > Arlo Go.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will search for nearby cameras in setup mode.
- When it detects your camera, tap it to pair.
- Enter your Wi-Fi or cellular network details (if using a SIM card).
- Wait for the app to confirm the connection (usually 1–2 minutes).
The LED will turn solid blue or green when successfully connected. You’ll hear a confirmation tone, and the camera appears in your live feed.
Test it: Wave at the camera, check the motion detection, and review a short clip. Everything should work as expected.
Common Mistake: Entering the wrong Wi-Fi password. Double-check the network name and password. A typo here means the camera won’t connect, and you’ll think the reset failed.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Resetting an Arlo Go camera sounds simple, but a few sneaky issues can trip you up. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
- Use a strong Wi-Fi signal during setup. If your camera is in a basement or behind thick walls, move it close to the router during setup. Once connected, you can reposition it.
- Update the firmware after resetting. The reset might leave the camera on an old software version. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update to check.
- Don’t reset unless necessary. A factory reset erases all settings—custom names, schedules, activity zones. Only do it if the camera is unresponsive, won’t connect, or you’re giving it away.
- Check the SIM card (if applicable). If your Arlo Go uses a cellular plan, ensure the SIM card is properly seated. A loose SIM can cause connection issues post-reset.
- Clean the lens after resetting. Dust or fingerprints on the lens can affect night vision and motion detection. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps it sharp.
Real-Life Scenario: A friend of mine reset her Arlo Go to fix a Wi-Fi issue. But she forgot to update the firmware. The camera kept disconnecting every 2 hours. A quick update solved it—but it cost her a sleepless night.
Also, avoid resetting in extreme temperatures. I once tried resetting a camera in my garage during a heatwave (100°F+). The camera overheated and shut down mid-reset. Wait for a cooler time of day.
And one last thing: if you’re resetting to sell or gift the camera, make sure you’ve removed all personal data. A factory reset wipes most info, but check your account to ensure no shared feeds or permissions remain.
FAQs About How to Reset My Arlo Go Camera in 5 Simple Steps
Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Go camera?
Only when necessary. Think of it like restarting your phone—do it when it’s slow, unresponsive, or acting weird. Regular use doesn’t require resets. I reset mine maybe once a year, usually after a major firmware update.
Q: Will resetting delete my video clips and recordings?
Yes and no. The reset erases local settings (like Wi-Fi passwords and custom names), but your cloud recordings stay safe. As long as you’re using an Arlo subscription or free cloud storage, your clips are stored on Arlo’s servers, not the camera. Just log back into your account after resetting.
Q: What if the camera doesn’t enter setup mode after resetting?
If the LED stays solid or doesn’t blink after 10 seconds, try again:
- Ensure the camera is powered (solid green light).
- Press the reset button for a full 10 seconds.
- Wait 2 minutes before trying again.
If it still fails, the reset button might be faulty. Contact Arlo Support—they’ll send a replacement or guide you through advanced troubleshooting.
Q: Can I reset the camera without the app?
Yes, but only the hardware reset (Steps 1–3). To fully set it up, you’ll need the app or web portal to re-add it. The hardware reset just returns it to factory state. You can’t configure Wi-Fi, name it, or view live feeds without the app.
Q: My Arlo Go uses a SIM card. Does the reset affect my data plan?
No. The reset only affects the camera’s settings, not your SIM or cellular plan. Your data allowance, billing, and carrier settings remain unchanged. Just make sure the SIM card is properly inserted after resetting.
Q: How do I know if the reset was successful?
Two signs:
- The LED blinks rapidly for 30–60 seconds, then settles into a steady pulse.
- The camera appears in the Arlo app during setup and connects successfully.
If both happen, you’re golden.
Q: Can I reset multiple Arlo Go cameras at once?
No. Each camera must be reset individually. But you can streamline the process:
- Reset one camera at a time.
- Use the same Wi-Fi network for all.
- Label each camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) to avoid confusion.
It’s a bit tedious, but worth it for a fully functional system.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to reset my Arlo Go camera in 5 simple steps isn’t just about fixing a glitch—it’s about regaining control. Whether your camera’s acting up, you’re setting it up for the first time, or you’re passing it on, a reset gives you a clean slate.
Remember: power up, press the reset button for 10 seconds, wait for the blink, remove from your account, and re-add. That’s it. No magic, no jargon—just straightforward action.
And if you hit a snag? Don’t panic. Most issues come from simple oversights—wrong password, low battery, or a dirty lens. Take a breath, double-check the steps, and try again.
Now, go reset that camera with confidence. Your home security setup will thank you. And hey, once it’s working again, treat yourself to a coffee. You’ve earned it.
Pro tip: Bookmark this guide. You might not need it today, but when that Arlo Go decides to act up at midnight, you’ll be glad you did.
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