Resyncing your Arlo wireless camera is quick and easy—simply press and hold the sync button on the camera for 10 seconds until the LED blinks, then press the sync button on the base station. This reestablishes the connection in under a minute, ensuring seamless monitoring and reliable performance.

How to Resync Arlo Wireless Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Power cycle first: Always restart camera and base station before resyncing.
• Check battery level: Ensure camera has sufficient charge for stable syncing.
• Proximity matters: Keep camera within 10 feet of base during resync.
• Sync button reset: Press and hold sync button for 10 seconds to reset.
• LED indicators guide: Watch for blinking lights to confirm sync progress.
• App confirmation: Verify successful sync in the Arlo app before final setup.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re checking your Arlo camera feed, only to find it’s offline. Maybe the signal dropped, or you moved the camera and now it won’t reconnect. It’s frustrating, especially when you rely on it for home security.

This is where knowing how to resync Arlo wireless camera in simple steps becomes a lifesaver. Syncing is like a handshake between your camera and base station (or Wi-Fi). If that handshake breaks, the camera goes dark. And let’s be honest — no one wants to spend hours troubleshooting.

The good news? Resyncing is often quick and easy. Whether your Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, or older model lost connection, a proper resync usually brings it back. But it’s not always intuitive. That’s why I’m breaking it down — from what causes sync issues to how to fix them, step by step.

Over the years, I’ve helped friends, family, and even neighbors get their Arlo cameras back online. Some had dead batteries, others had Wi-Fi interference, and a few just needed a simple reset. The key is knowing which steps to take — and in what order.

This guide will walk you through how to resync Arlo wireless camera in simple steps, with real-world examples, common pitfalls, and pro tips I’ve learned the hard way. No tech jargon. No fluff. Just clear, practical advice.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Nothing fancy — just a few essentials to make the process smooth.

• Your Arlo camera — the one that’s not connecting.
• The Arlo base station (if you have one) — for older models like Arlo Pro 2 or Arlo Pro 3. Newer cameras like the Arlo Essential or Pro 4 connect directly to Wi-Fi, so you can skip this.
• Fresh batteries or a charged battery — a low battery is the #1 reason cameras fail to sync. I learned this after replacing batteries in three cameras at 2 a.m. once.
• Your smartphone or tablet — with the Arlo app installed and logged in.
• Wi-Fi network details — if you’re syncing directly to Wi-Fi (no base station), you’ll need your network name and password.
• A stable Wi-Fi signal — ideally, place your camera within 30–50 feet of your router during setup.
• A small pin or paperclip — to press the reset/sync button on the camera or base station.

Pro tip: If you’re using a base station, make sure it’s powered and connected to your router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A blinking amber light usually means it’s trying to connect.

And here’s a personal insight: I keep a spare set of batteries and a labeled paperclip in my Arlo toolkit. It saves so much time when a camera drops offline at night.

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

Now, let’s get into the actual steps. I’ll cover both base station models and Wi-Fi-only cameras, so you can follow along no matter which Arlo you own.

Remember: the goal is to re-establish the connection between your camera and either the base station or your Wi-Fi router. Think of it like re-pairing a Bluetooth speaker — but with a few extra buttons.

Step 1: Power Up and Check the Basics

First, make sure your camera has power. Replace the batteries or plug in the rechargeable one. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting a “dead” camera, only to realize the battery was at 3%.

Wait for the camera to boot up — usually 30–60 seconds. You should see a blinking blue or green light.

If it’s a base station model, ensure the base station is on and connected. Check the lights: solid green means good to go. Blinking amber? It’s trying to connect — give it a minute or restart it.

Warning: Don’t skip this step. A weak battery or offline base station is the #1 reason resync fails. I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.

Step 2: Open the Arlo App and Check the Camera Status

Open the Arlo app on your phone. Go to Devices and look for your camera. If it shows “Offline” or “Not Connected,” we’re on the right track.

Tap on the camera and look for a “Resync” or “Reconnect” button. Some newer models (like Arlo Pro 4) have this built in. If it’s there, tap it and follow the prompts.

If not, or if the button doesn’t work, don’t panic. We’ll do a manual resync next.

This step is crucial because the app often detects connection issues before you do. For example, my neighbor’s Arlo showed “Weak Signal” in the app — turns out, a new microwave was interfering with the 2.4 GHz band.

Step 3: Initiate the Sync Mode on the Camera

Now, let’s get the camera ready to resync. Locate the sync button on your camera. It’s usually on the back, side, or near the battery compartment.

Press and hold the sync button for 3–5 seconds until the LED blinks blue (or green, depending on the model). This puts the camera in “pairing mode.”

For Arlo Essential or Pro 4 (Wi-Fi models), the light will blink blue. For older models with a base station, it might blink blue and green alternately.

Keep holding until the light starts blinking — don’t release too early. I’ve had cameras fail to enter sync mode because I let go after 2 seconds.

Once the light is blinking, the camera is ready to pair with either the base station or your Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Sync with the Base Station (For Base Station Models)

If you have an Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, or similar, you’ll need to sync with the base station.

On the base station, press and hold the Sync button (usually on the front or side) for 2 seconds. The light should start blinking.

Now, within 2 minutes, go back to the Arlo app. Tap “Add Device” or “Resync Camera.” The app should detect the camera and guide you through the process.

The base station and camera will “talk” to each other. You’ll hear a soft beep or see the lights turn solid green when it’s done.

This step is like two walkie-talkies finding the same channel. If one is too far, they won’t connect — so keep the camera close to the base station during this.

Pro Tip: If the app doesn’t detect the camera, try moving it within 10 feet of the base station. Distance matters more than you think.

Step 5: Connect to Wi-Fi (For Wi-Fi-Only Models)

If you’re using an Arlo Essential, Pro 4, or newer Wi-Fi model, you’ll connect directly to your home network.

After putting the camera in sync mode (Step 3), open the Arlo app. Tap “Add Device” > “Arlo Camera” > “Wi-Fi.”

The app will search for the camera. When it appears, select it. Then, enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.

Make sure you’re entering the 2.4 GHz network, not 5 GHz. Arlo cameras only support 2.4 GHz — a common mistake I see.

The camera will connect to Wi-Fi. This can take 1–2 minutes. You’ll see the light turn solid green or blue when it’s done.

Once connected, the app will prompt you to name the camera and set up motion zones. But the hard part — the resync — is over.

Step 6: Verify the Connection

After syncing, check the Arlo app. Your camera should now show “Online” and display a live feed.

Test it by walking in front of the camera. You should get a motion alert (if enabled).

If it’s still offline, try these quick fixes:

• Restart the camera (remove and reinsert batteries).
• Restart your router.
• Move the camera closer to the router or base station.

I once had a camera that wouldn’t connect until I rebooted the router. Turns out, it was holding onto an old IP address.

Step 7: Re-Add to Your Network (If Needed)

If the resync fails, you may need to remove the camera from your account and re-add it.

In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > select the camera > Remove Device.

Then, go through the Add Device process again. This clears any cached connection issues.

This is like a “clean slate” for your camera. I use this when a camera has been offline for weeks and the app can’t recognize it.

Just remember: this deletes any custom settings (like motion zones). So save your settings if you can.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting Arlo cameras, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here are my top tips — and the mistakes to avoid.

1. Battery Level Is Everything

I can’t stress this enough: always check the battery first. A weak battery won’t power the sync process. I once spent an hour debugging a camera that just needed new batteries.

Pro tip: Use high-quality lithium batteries (like Energizer Ultimate Lithium) for longer life, especially in cold weather.

2. Wi-Fi Signal Strength Matters

Arlo cameras need a strong 2.4 GHz signal. If your router is in the basement and the camera is on the second floor, you’re asking for trouble.

Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to boost the signal. I added a Google Nest Wifi point near my front porch, and my Arlo Essential’s signal went from “Poor” to “Excellent.”

Also, avoid placing the camera near metal objects, thick walls, or appliances (like microwaves) that interfere with Wi-Fi.

3. Sync Button Timing Is Critical

Press the sync button for 3–5 seconds — not 1 second, not 10 seconds. Too short, and the camera won’t enter pairing mode. Too long, and it might reset.

I’ve had cameras reset to factory settings because I held the button too long. Not fun when you have to reconfigure everything.

4. Don’t Skip the App

The Arlo app is your best friend. It tells you signal strength, battery level, and sync status. Use it to diagnose issues before you start pressing buttons.

For example, if the app shows “Low Signal,” you know to move the camera closer to the router — no need to resync yet.

5. Avoid Syncing During Peak Internet Hours

If your Wi-Fi is slow or congested (like during a Zoom call or Netflix binge), the sync process can fail.

I try to resync cameras in the morning or late at night when the network is quiet. It just works better.

6. Know Your Model’s Limits

Older Arlo models (like Arlo Pro 2) have a 300-foot range from the base station — but that’s in open space. Walls, trees, and interference cut that in half.

Wi-Fi models depend on your router’s range. If your camera is far from the router, consider a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network.

7. Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If nothing works, you can factory reset the camera. But this erases all settings and requires a full re-setup.

To reset: press and hold the sync button for 15 seconds until the light turns red. Then, follow the setup process from scratch.

I only do this when a camera is completely unresponsive — and even then, I try other fixes first.

FAQs About How to Resync Arlo Wireless Camera in Simple Steps

Let’s tackle some common questions I get from friends and readers.

1. Why does my Arlo camera keep going offline?

Usually, it’s one of three things: low battery, weak Wi-Fi signal, or a temporary glitch. I’ve seen cameras go offline after a power outage or when a neighbor’s Wi-Fi network changed.

Check the app first — it often tells you why. Then, resync if needed. And always keep spare batteries handy.

2. Can I resync an Arlo camera without the app?

No — the app is required for setup and resync. Even if you sync the camera to the base station manually, you still need the app to add it to your account.

Think of the app as the “brain” of the system. It manages alerts, recordings, and settings.

3. How long does the resync process take?

Usually 1–3 minutes. The longest part is waiting for the camera to connect to Wi-Fi or the base station.

I’ve had resyncs take up to 5 minutes during network congestion, but most are done in under 2 minutes.

4. What if my Arlo base station is offline?

If the base station isn’t connected to your network, no camera can sync to it. Check the lights: solid green = good. Blinking amber = connecting. No light = power issue.

Restart the base station and router. If it still won’t connect, reset it (hold the reset button for 10 seconds) and re-add it to your account.

5. Can I resync multiple cameras at once?

No — you need to sync one camera at a time. The app won’t let you add multiple cameras simultaneously.

I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work. So be patient and do them one by one.

6. Does resyncing delete my recordings?

No — resyncing only reconnects the camera to your network. Your recordings are stored in the cloud (if you have a subscription) or on the base station’s microSD card.

But if you factory reset the camera, it deletes any local settings — not the recordings.

7. What if I moved my camera to a new location?

If you moved it far from the base station or router, you may need to resync. The connection might not reach the new spot.

I moved my backyard camera to the front yard — 50 feet closer to the router — and it worked fine. But moving it to the garage? That was too far. I had to add a Wi-Fi extender.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to resync Arlo wireless camera in simple steps is one of those skills that seems small — until you need it. And when your camera goes offline at 2 a.m., you’ll be glad you know what to do.

Remember: start with the basics — check the battery, signal, and base station. Then follow the steps in order. And don’t rush the sync button timing — it makes all the difference.

I’ve used these steps to fix cameras in rain, snow, and even during a power outage (with a UPS for the router). They work — if you’re patient and methodical.

So the next time your Arlo goes dark, don’t panic. Grab your batteries, open the app, and follow this guide. You’ve got this.

And hey — if you run into a weird issue I didn’t cover? Leave a comment. I’m always learning, too.