When your Arlo camera starts behaving erratically, losing its connection, or failing to recognize motion, a reset is often the fastest way to restore normal function. This process clears temporary glitches, refreshes the network settings, and returns the device to a clean state ready for reconfiguration. Understanding how to perform this action correctly saves time and prevents unnecessary support calls.
Preparing for the Reset
Before you initiate the reset, it is essential to gather the necessary items and verify your power situation. You will need the camera itself, its power source or battery, and access to the original installation phone or tablet used for the setup. Ensure the device is fully charged or plugged into a reliable electrical outlet to prevent an interruption during the process.
Identifying Your Reset Type
Not all resets are the same, and choosing the correct one depends on your specific issue. A soft reset, usually performed through the app, is ideal for software glitches or network drops. A hard reset, involving physical buttons, is reserved for more severe issues where the camera is unresponsive or locked out of the system entirely.
Performing a Soft Reset via the App
This method is the least disruptive and should be your first course of action. It refreshes the connection between the camera and your account without deleting any of your historical data or settings. Follow these steps to execute a soft reset efficiently.
Open the Arlo app on your mobile device and log into your account.
Tap the camera icon to enter the live view or settings menu for the specific device.
Locate the settings gear icon, usually found in the top right corner of the screen.
Scroll down and select "Restart" or "Soft Reset" and confirm the action.
Wait for the camera to reboot, which typically takes less than two minutes.
Verify the connection by checking if the live stream loads correctly.
Executing a Hard Reset Physically
When the camera is frozen, offline, or failing to connect to the Wi-Fi, a physical reset is required. This method involves pressing the reset button located on the unit, which varies by model. The process forces the device back to its factory defaults, wiping all previous configurations.
Locating the Reset Button
On most battery-powered cameras, the reset button is a small, recessed hole on the back or bottom of the unit. You will need a paperclip or a SIM ejector tool to press it. For wired models, the button is often on the side or near the Ethernet port. Refer to your specific model’s manual if you are unable to locate it visually.
Ensure the camera is powered on and connected to its power source.
Use your tool of choice to press and hold the reset button firmly.
Hold the button for approximately 10 to 15 seconds until the status light flashes orange or red.
Release the button and wait for the light to turn back on, indicating the reboot is complete.
Reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi network through the app.
Reinstall any necessary mounts or covers once the setup is finished.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after a reset, you might encounter issues such as failure to connect to Wi-Fi or error messages during setup. These problems are usually related to network compatibility or incorrect credentials rather than the device itself.
Re-enter the Wi-Fi credentials carefully, ensuring the SSID and password are correct.
