Reset your Arlo Pro 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 follow the re-pairing process via the Arlo app to get your camera back online fast.
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How to Reset My Arlo Pro Camera in 5 Easy Steps
Key Takeaways
- Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s base or side.
- Use a paperclip: Press and hold the button firmly for 10 seconds.
- Wait for LED blink: Release when the LED flashes amber and white.
- Re-sync to base station: Reconnect via the Arlo app post-reset.
- Update firmware: Ensure latest version to avoid future issues.
- Reconfigure settings: Reset restores factory defaults—reapply custom preferences.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Ever had one of those days where your Arlo Pro camera just won’t cooperate? Maybe it’s not connecting to the app, the live feed is frozen, or it’s acting like it doesn’t even know you exist. I’ve been there—sitting in front of my phone, tapping the screen like that’ll somehow fix it. (Spoiler: it never does.) That’s when I realized the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps was the only thing standing between me and peace of mind.
Resetting isn’t about starting over from scratch. It’s about hitting the “refresh” button when things go sideways. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, prepping the camera for a new home, or just trying to clear out old settings, a reset is your best friend. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech genius to do it. This guide walks you through the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps—no stress, no jargon, just clear, doable actions.
Before we dive in, let’s get real: not all resets are the same. There’s a *soft reset* (like restarting your phone) and a *factory reset* (wiping everything clean). We’re focusing on the factory reset here because that’s what most people actually need when things go wrong. It’s the nuclear option—but in the best way possible.
What You Need
Good news: resetting your Arlo Pro camera doesn’t require a toolbox or a degree in engineering. Here’s your quick checklist:
Visual guide about how to reset my arlo pro camera
Image source: downloads.arlo.com
- Your Arlo Pro camera (obviously!)
- The Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet)
- Your Arlo account login details (email and password)
- A paperclip or SIM ejector tool (to press the reset button—any thin, sturdy object works)
- A stable Wi-Fi connection (for re-pairing after the reset)
- About 10–15 minutes of uninterrupted time (no distractions—this is your moment!)
That’s it. No special cables, no extra hardware. The Arlo Pro is designed to be user-friendly, and the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps process reflects that. Just grab your phone, your camera, and a paperclip, and you’re ready to go.
Pro note: If you’re resetting because you’re giving the camera to someone else, make sure you’ve removed it from your account first. Otherwise, they’ll still be locked into your system. More on that later.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset My Arlo Pro Camera in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Locate the Reset Button (It’s Sneaky, But Not Impossible)
First things first: find the reset button. It’s on the back of your Arlo Pro camera, tucked under a small rubber flap near the bottom. Think of it like a secret hatch—Arlo doesn’t want you accidentally hitting it every time you pick up the camera.
Use your paperclip or SIM ejector tool to gently lift the rubber flap. You’ll see a tiny hole with a recessed button inside. That’s the magic spot. No need to jam it in—just press firmly with the tip of the tool.
Tip: If you don’t have a paperclip, a toothpick or the end of a safety pin works just as well. Just make sure it’s thin enough to fit in the hole without damaging the camera.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button for 10 Seconds
Now comes the moment of truth. Press the button and keep holding it for exactly 10 seconds. Don’t let go at 5—this isn’t a quick tap. The camera needs that full 10 seconds to register the command.
While you’re holding it, watch the LED light on the front of the camera. It’ll flash amber (orange) at first, then turn solid amber. That’s your cue: the reset has started. Once it turns solid, you can release the button.
Warning: If the light doesn’t change after 10 seconds, you might not be pressing hard enough or the camera could be low on battery. Try again with a fresh battery or a firmer press.
This step is crucial to the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps process. Skipping or shortening it means the reset won’t take effect—and you’ll be right back where you started.
Step 3: Wait for the Camera to Reboot (Patience Is Key)
After releasing the button, give the camera about 60 seconds to reboot. You’ll see the LED go through a few color changes—amber, then blue, then possibly white or green. This is normal. The camera is wiping its memory and restarting from scratch.
Don’t touch it. Don’t unplug it. Just let it do its thing. Think of it like restarting your laptop after a crash—sometimes it takes a minute to clear the cobwebs.
If the light stays amber or red, that could mean an issue with the battery or internal hardware. Try replacing the batteries or letting it sit for a few minutes to cool down before retrying.
Step 4: Remove the Camera from Your Arlo Account (If It’s Still Linked)
This step is easy to skip, but it’s a game-changer. If your camera is still showing up in the Arlo app, it’s still connected to your account. And that can cause problems when you try to re-pair it.
Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera Name]. Then tap “Remove Device.” Confirm when prompted. This disconnects the camera from your account and clears any saved settings or recordings tied to it.
Why do this? Because when you reset the camera, it’s like giving it a fresh start. But if it’s still linked to your account, it might try to reconnect using old credentials, leading to errors or failed pairings.
Real-life example: I once skipped this step and spent 20 minutes trying to pair the camera again. It kept saying “already connected” even though I reset it. Removing it from the app first solved the problem instantly.
Step 5: Re-Pair the Camera to Your Account (Back in the Game)
Now that your camera is reset and removed from your account, it’s time to bring it back—clean slate and all.
In the Arlo app, tap the “+” icon to add a new device. Select “Arlo Pro” and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through scanning the QR code on the camera (located on the back, near the reset button).
Once scanned, the camera will connect to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure you’re on a 2.4 GHz network—Arlo Pro doesn’t support 5 GHz. The app will confirm when pairing is complete, and you’ll see the live feed pop up.
You’ll also be prompted to name the camera (e.g., “Front Door” or “Backyard”) and set up motion detection zones. Take a minute to do this—it’ll save you from getting alerts every time a leaf blows by.
And just like that, you’ve completed the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps. The camera is now reset, reconnected, and ready to go.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s be honest: even with clear steps, things can go sideways. Here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.
Tip #1: Reset during daylight hours. I tried resetting at midnight once, and the low battery warning kept flashing. The camera wouldn’t reset properly until I swapped in fresh batteries the next morning. Always check your battery level before starting.
Tip #2: Label your cameras. If you have more than one Arlo Pro, label them with tape or a sticker. Otherwise, you might reset the wrong one and spend time troubleshooting the one that’s actually fine.
Tip #3: Use the Arlo app’s “Sync” button. After re-pairing, tap the sync button in the app. It forces the camera and base station to establish a stronger connection, reducing lag or dropouts.
Warning: Don’t reset without backing up. If you have important recordings saved to the cloud, download them before resetting. Once you remove the camera from your account, those clips may be harder to access.
Common mistake: Assuming the reset fixed everything. Sometimes, the issue isn’t the camera—it’s the Wi-Fi signal or base station. After resetting, test the connection with another device. If your phone struggles in the same spot, the problem might be your router, not the camera.
Another thing I see a lot? People try to reset the camera while it’s mounted 10 feet up on a wall. That’s a recipe for frustration. Take it down first. Work at waist level. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to climb a ladder every time you press the reset button.
And if you’re resetting because the camera won’t connect, try moving the base station closer to the router. Arlo Pro relies on a strong signal between the base and the camera. If that link is weak, a reset won’t help much.
Lastly—don’t panic if the first reset doesn’t work. Sometimes it takes two tries. The camera might need to fully discharge before it accepts the reset command. Let it sit unpowered for 30 minutes, then try again.
FAQs About How to Reset My Arlo Pro Camera in 5 Easy Steps
Let’s tackle the questions I get all the time—because if you’re wondering, chances are someone else is too.
Q: Can I reset my Arlo Pro camera without the app?
A: Technically, yes—you can press the reset button and the camera will wipe its settings. But to actually use it again, you’ll need the Arlo app to re-pair it. The app is essential for setup, so don’t skip it. The how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps process assumes you’ll use the app for re-pairing.
Q: Will resetting delete my cloud recordings?
A: It depends. If the recordings are saved to the Arlo cloud (and you have an active subscription), they’ll stay there—even after you remove the camera from your account. But if they’re only stored locally (on the base station’s SD card), they’ll be wiped when you reset. Always back up important footage before resetting.
Q: How often should I reset my Arlo Pro camera?
A: Only when needed. Think of it like restarting your computer—do it when it’s slow, frozen, or acting weird. Regular resets aren’t necessary and could actually cause more wear than good. Use the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps method as a troubleshooting tool, not a maintenance routine.
Q: My camera won’t reset. The light stays red. What’s wrong?
A: A red light usually means a hardware issue or critically low battery. Try these fixes: (1) Replace the batteries with fresh ones, (2) Let the camera sit unpowered for 30 minutes, (3) Press the reset button again, but this time hold it for 15 seconds. If it still won’t reset, contact Arlo support—it might need a replacement.
Q: Can I reset one camera without affecting the others?
A: Absolutely. Each Arlo Pro camera is independent. You can reset one without touching the others. Just make sure you’re removing and re-pairing the right one in the app. Labeling your cameras (as mentioned earlier) makes this way easier.
Q: What’s the difference between a soft reset and a factory reset?
A: A soft reset just reboots the camera—like restarting your phone. A factory reset (what we covered here) wipes all settings, clears the network, and removes it from your account. You need a factory reset when you’re troubleshooting or transferring ownership. A soft reset is for minor glitches.
Q: I reset my camera, but it won’t connect to Wi-Fi. What now?
A: First, make sure you’re using a 2.4 GHz network. Arlo Pro doesn’t work on 5 GHz. Then, check your Wi-Fi password—typos are common. Finally, move the base station closer to the router. Weak signal = failed pairing. The how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps process only works if the network is stable.
Final Thoughts
Look, tech issues are annoying. I get it. But resetting your Arlo Pro camera doesn’t have to be a headache. With the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps method, you’ve got a clear, repeatable process that works—every time.
Remember: reset is a tool, not a last resort. Use it when your camera freezes, won’t connect, or just feels “off.” And don’t forget to remove it from your account before re-pairing—that one step saves so much frustration.
After your reset, take a minute to test the live feed, check motion alerts, and make sure night vision is working. A quick test now prevents surprises later.
And if you’re giving the camera to a friend or selling it, a factory reset is the only way to protect your privacy. You don’t want them seeing your backyard footage—or worse, accessing your account.
At the end of the day, the how to reset my Arlo Pro camera in 5 easy steps isn’t about fixing a broken device. It’s about regaining control. It’s about knowing that when tech fails, you’ve got a solution in your back pocket.
So the next time your Arlo Pro acts up, don’t panic. Grab your paperclip, open the app, and follow these steps. You’ve got this.
And hey—if you’ve got a tip or story from your own reset experience, drop it in the comments. I love hearing how these little fixes make a big difference in real life.
Happy resetting—and happy streaming.
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