Reset your Arlo camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick fix erases all settings and restores factory defaults, ideal for troubleshooting or preparing the device for a new setup. No tools or technical skills needed—just a simple, reliable reset.

How to Reset the Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Arlo camera for manual resets.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to trigger reset.
• Wait for LED signals: Watch for flashing lights indicating reset mode activation.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera to your network post-reset via the Arlo app.
• Factory reset via app: Use the Arlo app’s settings for a software-based reset option.
• Update firmware: Ensure latest firmware is installed after reset for optimal performance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—smart home tech is amazing… until it stops working. I remember the first time my Arlo camera froze mid-motion detection. I was halfway to the grocery store when the app pinged: “Camera offline.” Panic set in. Was it hacked? Dead battery? Or worse—did it just ghost me?

Turns out, it was none of those. It just needed a reset. But I spent 20 minutes Googling vague forum posts before I found the right fix. That’s why I’m sharing this How to Reset the Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide. Whether your camera’s unresponsive, glitchy, or you’re setting it up for someone else, a reset can be a lifesaver.

Resets fix connectivity hiccups, clear firmware bugs, and even help when you’re handing your camera to a family member. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard. This guide walks you through it—step by step, with zero jargon.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Nothing fancy, just a few basics:

• Your Arlo camera (duh, but worth mentioning—check the model: Pro, Ultra, Q, etc.)
• The Arlo app (downloaded on your phone or tablet)
• A paperclip or small pin (for the reset button—yes, really)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (your home network, not mobile data)
• Your Arlo account login details (email and password)
• About 10–15 minutes (plus extra if it’s your first time)

Pro tip: Charge your camera first. A low battery can cause false “offline” errors. I learned this the hard way after resetting a camera that just needed a charge!

Now, let’s get into the How to Reset the Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide—your shortcut to a working camera.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset the Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Step 1: Decide Which Reset You Need

Not all resets are the same. Arlo cameras have two types:

• Soft Reset (Reboot): Restarts the camera without erasing settings. Good for minor glitches.
• Hard Reset (Factory Reset): Wipes everything—settings, Wi-Fi, account link. Use this if you’re troubleshooting serious issues or passing the camera to someone else.

For the How to Reset the Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide, we’ll focus on the hard reset (the most common fix). But if you just need a quick reboot, skip to Step 4.

Warning: A hard reset erases all data. You’ll need to re-pair the camera with your account and reconfigure settings (like motion zones, schedules, etc.).

Step 2: Locate the Reset Button

This is where most people get stuck. The reset button isn’t obvious—it’s a tiny pinhole, usually on the back or bottom of the camera.

Here’s how to find it by model:

• Arlo Pro/Pro 2/Pro 3/Pro 4: On the back, near the power port. Look for a small hole labeled “Reset” or a recessed circle.
• Arlo Ultra: Bottom of the camera, next to the USB-C port.
• Arlo Q/Q Plus: Back panel, under the stand.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Back, near the charging port.

Still can’t find it? Check your camera’s manual (yes, I know—but it’s there). Or search “[Your Arlo model] reset button location” on YouTube. Visual learners, this is your friend.

Step 3: Perform the Hard Reset

Now, the moment of truth. Here’s how to do it:

1. Power on the camera (if it’s battery-powered, make sure it’s charged or connected to a power source).
2. Insert a paperclip or pin into the reset hole.
3. Press and hold the button for 10–15 seconds. Don’t rush—this isn’t a quick tap.
4. Watch for the LED:
   • Most models: LED blinks amber, then white (or blue), then turns off.
   • Arlo Ultra: LED pulses blue, then solid blue.
5. Release the button when the LED changes. The camera will restart (may take 1–2 minutes).

💡 My experience: I once held the button for 5 seconds and thought it failed. Nope—it just needed the full 10. Patience is key.

Pro tip: If the LED doesn’t change, try again. Sometimes the button is stiff. Apply gentle, steady pressure.

Step 4: Reconnect to the Arlo App

Once the camera restarts, it’s a blank slate. Time to re-pair it with your app:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device” (usually a + icon).
2. Select your camera model from the list.
3. Follow the prompts:
   • Scan the QR code on the camera (or enter the serial number manually).
   • Connect to your Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz only—Arlo doesn’t support 5 GHz).
   • Wait for the camera to sync (LED turns solid blue/green).
4. Name your camera (e.g., “Front Door”) and set up motion zones.

This step feels like setting up a new camera—because it is! But it’s way faster now that you’ve done it once.

Warning: If the app says “Device not found,” double-check Wi-Fi. Arlo cameras can’t connect to 5 GHz networks or enterprise (school/work) Wi-Fi.

Step 5: Test the Camera

Don’t skip this. A reset isn’t done until you’ve tested:

• Check the live feed in the app. Is the video clear? Is there audio?
• Trigger motion detection (walk in front of it). Does the app send a notification?
• Review recordings (if you have cloud or local storage). Are clips saving?
• Test night vision (if applicable). Shine a light, then turn it off. Does the IR cut filter switch?

If anything’s off, don’t panic. Try these quick fixes:

• Restart the app.
• Reboot your router.
• Move the camera closer to the router (if Wi-Fi is weak).

Step 6: (Optional) Soft Reset (Reboot)

Got a minor glitch? Try a soft reset instead:

1. In the Arlo app, tap your camera’s name.
2. Go to Settings > Device Info > Restart.
3. Confirm. The camera will reboot (1–2 minutes).

This keeps all your settings intact. I use this weekly to prevent lag.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made (and fixed) every mistake in the book. Here’s what to watch for:

1. “The reset didn’t work—my camera’s still broken!”

Not always the camera’s fault. Try these:

• Check Wi-Fi signal strength. Arlo needs at least 2 bars. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to test.
• Update the Arlo app. Old versions can cause pairing issues.
• Restart your router. I’ve fixed more cameras by rebooting the router than the camera itself.

2. “I lost my camera settings!”

Avoid this by:

• Saving screenshots of motion zones, schedules, and alerts before resetting.
• Using the Arlo app’s “Backup” feature (if available for your plan).
• Taking notes (e.g., “Front Door: 15 ft motion zone, 30 sec recording”).

3. “The app won’t find my camera after the reset.”

Common causes:

• Wrong Wi-Fi: Arlo cameras only connect to 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on the same name (e.g., “Home-WiFi”), temporarily rename the 2.4 GHz network (e.g., “Home-WiFi-2G”).
• Bluetooth interference: Turn off Bluetooth on your phone during setup.
• App cache issues: Clear the Arlo app’s cache (Settings > Apps > Arlo > Storage > Clear Cache).

4. “The reset button is too small!”

Tricks for stubborn buttons:

• Use a bent paperclip (straightened, then bent at 90 degrees) for better leverage.
• Press with a pen (if it has a thin tip).
• Try a SIM ejector tool (from your old phone).

5. “I reset my camera, but it still won’t record.”

Check:

• Storage: Is your cloud subscription active? Is your microSD card (if used) properly inserted?
• Motion detection: Are zones set correctly? Is sensitivity too low?
• Power: Is the camera fully charged? Is the outlet working?

My story: I once spent an hour troubleshooting a camera that wasn’t recording. Turned out—the microSD card was loose. A simple reseat fixed it. Always check the basics first!

FAQs About How to Reset the Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Q: How often should I reset my Arlo camera?

Only when needed. I reset mine every 3–6 months (or after a firmware update). For daily glitches, try a soft reset first. Over-resetting can wear out the button and confuse the camera’s memory.

Q: Can I reset my Arlo camera remotely?

Yes! In the Arlo app, go to your camera > Settings > Device Info > Restart. This does a soft reset. For a hard reset, you’ll need physical access to the camera.

Q: Will a reset delete my cloud recordings?

No. Cloud recordings are stored in your Arlo account, not the camera. A reset only clears the camera’s settings and Wi-Fi connection. But if you use a microSD card, recordings there will be erased.

Q: My Arlo camera won’t reset. What’s wrong?

Try these:

• Ensure the camera is powered (battery charged or plugged in).
• Press the button firmly for the full 15 seconds.
• Try a different paperclip/pin (some are too thick or thin).
• If all else fails, contact Arlo support. There might be a hardware issue.

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

You can perform the physical reset (Step 3), but you’ll need the app to re-pair it. The app is essential for setup.

Q: Does a reset fix poor video quality?

Sometimes. Resets clear temporary glitches. But if the issue is hardware-related (e.g., dirty lens, IR filter stuck), you’ll need to clean or repair the camera.

Q: I reset my camera, but it’s still offline. Help!

Check:

• Wi-Fi: Is your router working? Can other devices connect?
• Arlo status page (status.arlo.com): Are there outages?
• Camera placement: Is it too far from the router? Try moving it closer.

If none work, contact Arlo support. They can run diagnostics on your account.

Final Thoughts

Resetting an Arlo camera isn’t scary—it’s a superpower. Whether you’re fixing a frozen feed, preparing for a new owner, or just giving your smart home a fresh start, this How to Reset the Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide has your back.

Remember: Always start with a soft reset. Save hard resets for when you’re stuck. And keep that paperclip handy—you never know when tech will throw you a curveball.

Now go reset that camera. And if you run into a snag? Don’t stress. I’ve been there. Just take a breath, recheck the steps, and try again. You’ve got this.

Happy monitoring! 📹