How to Reset an Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step Guide (All Model)

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Arlo cameras are known for their excellent video quality, smart features, and easy installation. However, like any smart device, they can occasionally freeze, disconnect, or experience performance issues. When this happens, a reset is often the quickest solution.

Resetting an Arlo camera can fix Wi-Fi problems, reconnect the device after a network change, remove it from a previous account, or prepare it for sale or transfer. Because Arlo offers several models from the original Wire-Free cameras to the latest Pro and Ultra series the reset process varies across devices.

This complete guide explains how to reset every type of Arlo camera, including soft resets, factory resets, base station resets, and troubleshooting tips. Whether you’re using Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, or Arlo Go, you’ll find the exact steps you need right here.

Types of Resets for Arlo Cameras

Before jumping into the reset steps, it’s important to understand the difference between soft reset and factory reset. Each serves a different purpose.

Soft Reset (Reboot)

A soft reset means rebooting the camera to refresh its internal system without deleting any settings or disconnecting it from your account. This is the best option when:

  • The Arlo camera temporarily freezes
  • Live view won’t load
  • The device is not syncing with the app
  • Video playback is laggy
  • The motion sensor becomes unresponsive

Soft resets are quick and safe no data or settings are lost.

Factory Reset

A factory reset erases everything on the camera and returns it to its original out-of-the-box state. This includes:

  • Removing camera from your Arlo account
  • Erasing custom modes and rules
  • Clearing Wi-Fi settings
  • Requiring full re-setup

A factory reset is recommended when:

  • You’re giving the camera to someone else
  • You’ve replaced your router or changed Wi-Fi name/password
  • The camera won’t sync after troubleshooting
  • The camera is stuck offline for a long time

Different Arlo models have different reset methods, so follow the instructions for your specific device.

How to Reset an Arlo Camera
How to Reset an Arlo Camera

How to Soft Reset an Arlo Camera

Soft resetting is usually the first step when your Arlo camera experiences minor issues.

Soft Reset Using the Arlo App

  1. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap Devices and choose the camera you want to reboot.
  3. Open Device Settings.
  4. Scroll down and select Restart Device.
  5. Confirm the reboot.

The camera will power cycle, blink its LED, and reconnect automatically within 30–60 seconds.

Soft Reset Using the Camera’s Hardware (If Available)

Some Arlo models include a physical button.

  1. Locate the Sync/Reset button on the side or bottom.
  2. Press the button briefly (do NOT hold it down).
  3. Wait for the LED to blink indicating a restart.

This does not erase any settings—it simply refreshes the device.

How to Factory Reset Your Arlo Camera (All Major Models)

Factory reset methods vary by model. Below are detailed instructions for each Arlo camera series.

Resetting Arlo Pro & Arlo Pro 2

These models use a physical reset button located on the camera or the base station.

Method 1: Reset from the Camera

  1. Locate the Reset button (inside the battery compartment or on the side).
  2. Hold the button for 10–15 seconds.
  3. Release when the LED blinks amber.

This indicates the camera is restored to factory settings.

Method 2: Reset Through the App

  1. Open the Arlo app.
  2. Go to Settings → Devices.
  3. Select your Arlo Pro or Pro 2 camera.
  4. Tap Remove Device.

Once removed, you’ll need to re-add the camera through the app.

Resetting Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5S

Newer Arlo models rely more on app-based resets.

Factory Reset Steps

  1. Open the Arlo app.
  2. Go to Devices and select your Arlo Pro camera.
  3. Tap Device Settings → Remove Device.
  4. Confirm removal.

The camera will automatically reset itself after removal.

If There’s a Physical Sync Button

Some Pro 3/4 models include a button.

  1. Hold the Sync button for 15 seconds.
  2. Release when the LED blinks amber.

Resetting Arlo Ultra & Ultra 2

Arlo Ultra models connect through an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.

Resetting the Camera Itself

  1. Hold the Sync button on the camera for 15 seconds.
  2. Amber light indicates reset success.

Reset the SmartHub/Base Station

Sometimes resetting the hub fixes connection issues.

  1. Locate the Reset button on the back.
  2. Press and hold for 10 seconds with a paperclip.
  3. Lights will blink—wait for the hub to reboot.

After resetting the hub, cameras may need to be re-synced.

Resetting Arlo Essential Cameras

This includes Essential Spotlight, Essential Indoor, and Essential Outdoor models.

Factory Reset Steps

  1. Find the Sync/Reset button (typically on the bottom).
  2. Hold it down for 10–15 seconds.
  3. The LED flashes amber to indicate reset.

Reset Via App

  1. Open Settings → Devices.
  2. Choose your Essential model.
  3. Tap Remove Device.

Resetting Arlo Video Doorbell (Wireless & Wired)

Arlo doorbells have unique reset mechanisms.

Wireless Doorbell

  1. Press and hold the Sync button for 10 seconds.
  2. LED will flash amber.

Wired Doorbell

  1. Remove power from the doorbell breaker.
  2. Hold the doorbell’s front button.
  3. Restore power while holding the button for 10 seconds.
  4. LED flashes to confirm reset.

Resetting Arlo Go & Arlo Go 2 (Cellular Models)

These cameras use LTE/4G service.

Reset Steps

  1. Open the battery compartment.
  2. Locate the Reset or Sync button.
  3. Hold for 15 seconds until LED flashes.

Note:
You may need to reinsert your SIM card during re-setup.

Resetting Arlo Wire-Free (Original Model)

  1. Open the battery door.
  2. Remove the batteries.
  3. Press and hold the Sync button.
  4. While holding, reinsert the batteries.
  5. Release after the LED flashes.

This resets the camera to factory condition.

How to Reset the Arlo Base Station or SmartHub

Some Arlo cameras rely on a SmartHub or Base Station. Resetting it can resolve networking issues.

Reset Using the Reset Button

  1. Locate the Reset button on the back.
  2. Use a paperclip or pin.
  3. Hold for 10 seconds.
  4. Release when the LED flashes amber.

Your hub will reboot and clear all settings.

Reset Through the Arlo App

  1. Go to Settings → Devices.
  2. Select your base station or hub.
  3. Tap Remove Device.

This will erase all synced cameras. You must re-add them manually.

Reconnecting Your Arlo Camera After a Reset

Once your camera resets, follow these steps to get it working again.

Add the Camera in the Arlo App

  1. Open the Arlo app.
  2. Tap Add Device.
  3. Select your camera model.
  4. Follow the on-screen setup instructions.

Most new Arlo models use QR code scanning to pair.

Wi-Fi Setup

Important notes during Wi-Fi setup:

  • Arlo cameras typically require 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
  • Ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz signal
  • Keep your phone close to the camera during pairing
  • Enter Wi-Fi credentials carefully

Troubleshooting Pairing Issues

If your camera won’t reconnect:

  • Move closer to the router
  • Ensure the QR code is clean and visible
  • Increase screen brightness on your phone
  • Reboot your router
  • Make sure your phone is connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

If LED flashes amber repeatedly, restart the setup process.

Troubleshooting: Reset Not Working

Sometimes a camera won’t reset or continues to show issues. Here’s what to do.

Camera Not Responding

  • Remove and reinsert the battery
  • Charge the camera for at least 10 minutes
  • Try a different charging cable

Sync Fails After Reset

  • Ensure your SmartHub or router is online
  • Reduce distance between camera and hub
  • Update firmware via Arlo app

Continuous Blinking Lights

LED behavior often reveals the issue:

  • Amber blinking = reset success or connection problem
  • Blue blinking = attempting to sync
  • Solid blue = synced successfully
  • Solid amber = hardware or Wi-Fi failure

Refer to your model’s LED chart for specifics.

Tips to Avoid Future Reset Problems

Here are simple steps to keep Arlo cameras running smoothly:

  • Keep firmware updated through the Arlo app
  • Maintain strong Wi-Fi signal—use extenders if needed
  • Use high-quality chargers and cables
  • Clean the QR code lens for better pairing
  • Avoid exposing the camera to extreme heat or moisture

Many reset-related issues stem from weak Wi-Fi or outdated firmware.

Final Words

Resetting an Arlo camera can seem complicated at first, but once you understand the different reset types and the steps for your specific model, the process becomes straightforward. Whether you’re performing a soft reset to fix a glitch or a full factory reset before rehoming a device, following these instructions will ensure your Arlo camera returns to full functionality.

If resets continue to fail, contacting Arlo Support is the next best step, as you may be dealing with a hardware issue rather than a software one.