In this guide, we will show how to factory reset all the Arlo camera models based on Arlo’s official guidelines and procedures.
Arlo cameras are quite popular and they usually work just fine, however, sometimes you may need to reset them to factory settings and start the setup from scratch.
If your Arlo device is acting up or not functioning properly, then you can go through the reset route. The steps are pretty easy, you need to depress the reset button, follow the LED indications and it will be done.
There are a few things that need to be considered and they may vary on the camera model. Overall, the reset procedure takes less than 5 minutes to be completed.
Note: All pictures used here belong to Arlo.com and the instructions are based on Arlo’s official guides.
How do I factory reset and re-sync my Arlo camera?
It applies to Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Essential, Essential Spotlight, Essential Spotlight XL, Pro 3 Floodlight and Go 2 (models: VMC4040P FB1001 VMC2030 VMC2020 VMC2032 VMC4041P VMC4050P VMC5040 VML2030).
Factory resetting these types of wireless Arlos cameras returns them to default settings and removes the camera from your account (which means you need to re-setup the camera).
Factory reset the Arlo camera directly from the account
(This reset works while the camera is connected to the cloud)
- Launch the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account at my.arlo.com.
- Then go to Settings > My Devices and select the camera you want to reset.
- Tap Remove Device. Hit Yes to confirm.
- Return to the Devices page. Tap Add New Device. And then select the Arlo device and model.
- Follow the prompts to reconnect your camera to your Wi-Fi network, Base Station, or SmartHub.
Factory reset the Arlo camera using the Sync button
This is recommended if the camera is offline or out of battery.
Locate the Sync button on the camera.
For Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Floodlight, Ultra, and Go 2 models: Release the camera from the camera housing to access the Sync button (as shown below)
For Essential Wire-Free and other models: Find the Sync button on the camera housing.
Press and hold the Sync button for about 15 seconds, until the camera LED begins blinking blue, then release the button. Wait 45 seconds until the process is finished.
For Essential Wire-Free: Press and hold the Sync button for about 15 seconds, until the camera LED begins blinking Blue, then release the button. Ensure the camera LED blinks Amber three times. The factory reset may take 15 to 45 seconds to complete.
- Launch the Arlo Secure app or log in to my.arlo.com. Tap Settings > My Devices and select the camera you just reset.
- Tap Remove Device and hit Yes to confirm.
- Return to the Devices page and tap Add New Device. Select your Arlo device and model.
- Follow the prompts to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network, Base Station, or SmartHub.
Note: If you accidentally hold the Sync button too long, start over again.
How to reset Arlo SmartHub or Base Station?
It applies to these models: VMB3000 VMB3010 VMB3500 VMB4000 VMB4500 VMB4540 VMB5000 VMC4040P AVD1001 AVD2001 VMC5040 VMC3030 VMC4030 VMC4030P.
To reset Arlo Base Station or SmartHub:
- Use a pen or paperclip to press and hold the reset button on the back of the Base Station or SmartHub for about 15 seconds and then release the button.
- After the reset is complete, the LED on the front of the Base Station flashes amber. The device will reboot.
- Remove the Base Station or SmartHub from the account to prevent potential problems.
- Launch the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account at arlo.com. Go to Settings > My Devices and select the device that you want to remove. Hit Remove Device.
- Re-add and set up the device to the app (the steps are below).
To re-add and set up your Base Station or SmartHub:
- Launch the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account at arlo.com.
- On the Devices page, tap Add New Device and select Base Station/Hub.
- Follow the prompts to reconnect your Base Station or SmartHub to your Arlo account.
How to factory reset Arlo Essential Indoor Camera?
It applies to camera models VMC2040 and other cameras that look similar.
Performing a factory reset on the camera will bring it to the factory default settings.
You can reset it by using the Arlo app. Go to Device Settings and then tap Remove Device. It requires the camera to be online and be powered on as well.
Follow these steps to reset Arlo Essential Indoor Camera:
- Press and hold the sync button on the camera for about 15 seconds.
- Make sure that the camera LED is rapidly flashing blue (while you’re pressing down the sync button).
- Once the reset goes through, the camera still appears on the Arlo app; it’s not activated.
- Re-add the camera to the app. Launch the Arlo app or log in to my.arlo.com.
- Go to the Devices page and click the Settings icon below the camera feed. Scroll to the bottom of the Device Settings page, and tap or click Remove Device.
- Close the Device Settings page. Tap Add New Device on the Devices page. Select Cameras, follow the prompts to connect your camera to your WiFi, and continue with the rest of the setup process.
How to factory reset Arlo Q or Arlo Q Plus camera
It applies to camera models VMC3040, VMC3040S and other similar cameras.
To perform a factory reset on the Arlo Q or Arlo Q Plus camera: use a pen or a paperclip to press and hold the reset button on the side of the camera for about 15 seconds. You have to release the button when you see the LED flashing amber.
Then the LED will turn solid amber for 10 seconds and then flash indicating that the camera is powered on and ready for setup.
The factory reset will not remove the camera from the Arlo app. You must manually remove the app (from the Device list) and then reinstall the camera.
How to reset the Arlo Go camera
It applies to models VML4030 and similar cameras.
If you reset your Arlo Go camera or remove it from your account, you forfeit all prepaid Arlo Mobile service for that monthly billing period.
If you’re using service providers such as AT&T or Verizon, then resetting your camera won’t affect the monthly bills.
The easiest way to reset your Arlo Go camera is to remove it from your account. If your Arlo Go camera is not in network coverage or is not connected to the cloud, you must scan a QR code to reset it.
To reset your Arlo Go camera while it is connected to the cloud:
- Launch the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account at my.arlo.com. Then go to Settings > My Devices and select the Arlo Go camera that you want to reset.
- Tap or click Remove Device. Now your Arlo Go camera is reset to factory default settings.
To reset your Arlo Go camera while it is not connected to the cloud:
- Press and release the sync button on the top of the camera. You should hear a click sound.
- Hold the camera about 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in front of this QR code until you hear a chime.
Now the Arlo Go camera is reset to factory default settings.
How to reset Arlo Essential Video Doorbell?
It applies to models AVD1001, AVD2001.
To reset your Arlo Essential Video Doorbell when the device is online:
- Launch the Arlo app. Tap Settings and then go to My Devices.
- Select your Arlo Essential Video Doorbell. Scroll down to the bottom and tap Remove Device.
Reset Essential Video Doorbell the using the reset button on the device (when it shows offline)
- Use a release pin that came with the device or may even use a paperclip.
- Press and hold the reset button on the back of the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell for about 15 seconds.
- The LED ring around the doorbell button on the front of the device flashes white when it successfully begins the reset process.
Once the reset is done, you need to re-add it to the app.
- Launch the Arlo app and locate the Devices screen.
- Tap Add New Device at the bottom of the screen. Tap Doorbells & Chimes and select your device (Essential
- Video Doorbell Wire-Free or Essential Video Doorbell Wired)
- Follow prompts and complete the process.
How to reset Arlo Chime or Arlo Chime 2?
It applies models AC1001 AC2001.
It’s necessary for the Arlo Chime or Chime 2 to be plugged into a wall outlet during the reset process.
To reset your Arlo Chime or Chime 2:
- Power up your Arlo Chime or Chime 2.
- Press and hold the Sync button on the side of your Arlo Chime or Chime 2 for 10 seconds, until the LED starts flashing. Release the sync button when the LED starts flashing.
To re-add your Arlo camera to the Arlo app:
- Launch the Arlo app or log in to my.arlo.com. The Devices page displays.
- Go to the settings icon next to your Arlo Chime or Chime 2. Scroll down and click Remove Device.
- Close the Device Settings page. Tap Add New Device on the Devices page.
- Select Doorbells & Chimes > Chimes, and follow the prompts.
How to reset Arlo Bridge?
It applies to models AL1101 ABB1000.
If your Arlo Bridge is already set up, you can reset it by following the steps below:
- Delete your Arlo Bridge from your account using the Arlo app.
- The factory reset automatically begins.
- In about 90 seconds, the LED changes to blinking amber which indicates that the factory reset is complete.
If you want to reset your bridge in the middle of the setup process:
- Unplug your Arlo Bridge and then plug it back into an outlet. Wait until the status LED changes to solid purple.
- Press and hold the Sync button on the bridge for about 15 seconds until the LED changes to solid amber and then release the Sync button.
- Wait for the LED to change into blinking amber which indicates that the factory reset is complete.
