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Rebooting, factory-resetting, and removing an Arlo camera are different operations. A reboot power-cycles the camera while normally preserving its account and settings. A factory reset erases setup data. Remove Device releases the camera from your Arlo account and is required before selling, donating, or transferring it. Button timing and LED behavior vary by model, so identify the exact camera before resetting it.
Choose the right action
| Situation | Correct action |
|---|---|
| Camera is frozen or temporarily offline | Reboot or power-cycle it first. |
| It remains offline after a reboot | Check power, battery, Wi-Fi, SmartHub/Base Station, and app status. |
| You are changing Wi-Fi | Use the normal network-change setup; reset only if that process fails. |
| You are selling, donating, or giving it away | Save recordings, remove the camera from your account, then factory-reset it. |
| The camera remains listed after a physical reset | Remove the disabled device manually in the app. |
| A buyer sees “device already claimed” | The previous owner must remove it from their account and reset it. |
| You are removing a SmartHub or Base Station | Check which connected cameras will be removed with it. |
| You are closing the entire installation | Use Privacy Center’s reset-and-erase process only after saving wanted recordings. |
What reboot, factory reset, and Remove Device mean
Reboot or power cycle
A reboot turns the camera off and back on. It is appropriate for a stalled live view, a temporary offline state, or an unresponsive camera. It should normally preserve modes, settings, account association, and recordings. It does not prepare the camera for another owner.
Factory reset
A factory reset returns the hardware to default configuration, removing network or hub pairing and other setup data. You will usually need to set it up again. Depending on the model and whether it is online, a hardware reset may not remove the device from your Arlo account.
Remove Device
Remove Device is an account operation. It erases that device’s modes and settings and resets its configuration when Arlo can communicate with it. If the camera is offline, the cloud removal can succeed without physically resetting the camera.
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How to reboot an Arlo camera
- Note any error message and check whether the camera is merely offline or physically unresponsive.
- For a battery-powered camera, remove and reinstall the battery if the model permits it. Charge a depleted battery first.
- For a wired camera, disconnect power briefly and reconnect it. Do not force open a sealed or inaccessible battery compartment.
- Wait for the normal startup LED indication for your model.
- Open the Arlo Secure app and check the device status, live view, and motion detection.
There is no universal Arlo reboot button sequence. Use the instructions for your exact model in Arlo’s support hub. Cameras may connect directly to Wi-Fi or through an Arlo SmartHub/Base Station, so confirm which connection your model uses.
If the camera is still offline, verify power, router or hub status, phone Wi-Fi, and the camera’s distance from the router or hub before considering a reset.
Remove one camera from your Arlo account
Arlo Secure 4.0 app or web path
- Open the Arlo Secure app or sign in at my.arlo.com.
- Open Devices and select the camera.
- Open Device Info.
- Choose Remove Device and confirm.
For a doorbell, SmartHub, or Base Station, you may need to select the device name at the top of the screen before the removal control appears. The current path is documented by Arlo.
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Older or alternate interface
- Open the app or my.arlo.com.
- Go to Settings > My Devices.
- Select the camera, scroll down, choose Remove Device, and confirm.
Labels vary by app generation, region, and device family; look for the equivalent Remove Device control. An older Arlo path is listed at Arlo’s device-removal guide.
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Download recordings you want to keep before removal. If the camera is later returned to the account, you must set it up again and recreate its modes and settings.
Factory-reset the camera
Verify the exact model and generation first. Arlo’s model-specific overview is at kb.arlo.com/000062659.
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Several Pro, Ultra, and Go 2 models
- Remove the camera from its housing if needed to reach the Sync button.
- Charge it if a low battery may be preventing the reset.
- Hold Sync for about 15 seconds.
- Release it when the LED begins blinking blue or amber as specified for your model.
- Confirm three amber flashes, then allow about 15–45 seconds for completion.
Arlo’s procedure and model list are at this reset and resync guide. On certain newer Pro Security Camera 2K and Ultra Security Camera 4K generations, the required hold is roughly 10 seconds, not 15. Holding the button beyond the model’s limit can prevent the intended reset; release at the specified LED state and try again if necessary.
Essential cameras
Current Essential wire-free instructions use approximately the same sequence: hold the Sync button for about 15 seconds, release at the blinking amber indication, and confirm three amber flashes. See the Essential device manual and the Essential Security Camera 3rd Gen manual.
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Prepare an Arlo camera for sale, donation, or a move
- Download recordings you want to preserve.
- Confirm the exact camera being transferred.
- Use Remove Device in the Arlo app or web account.
- Perform the model-specific hardware factory reset.
- Include appropriate mounts, batteries, chargers, and other hardware.
- Tell the recipient to use their own Arlo account and complete setup.
Deleting the Arlo app or canceling Arlo Secure does not release ownership. Arlo recommends both account removal and a factory reset before transfer: official transfer guidance. Never give a buyer your account password.
Important: removing a SmartHub or Base Station
Removing a SmartHub or Base Station can remove every camera synchronized to it from the account. Before confirming, identify all connected cameras, save recordings, and decide whether each is being kept, transferred, or retired. Remove individual cameras first when appropriate. Arlo documents this cascade at its current removal instructions and its older guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Erase every Arlo device and recording
This is an account-wide destructive action, not a reboot. In Arlo Secure 4.0:
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- Open the app profile area, or Settings on the web.
- Open Privacy Center > Content.
- Select Reset & Erase Arlo Devices.
- Choose Reset & Erase All Devices and follow the confirmation prompts.
Privacy Center availability can vary by region. Save wanted recordings before starting. Source: Arlo’s removal and erase instructions.
Troubleshooting after a reset or removal
The camera is still visible but disabled
This can be normal after a hardware reset. Open the camera’s settings, choose Remove Device, then use Add New Device to set it up again. The Essential manual describes this state at arlo.com/content/dam/arlo/support/Arlo_Essential_Device_UM_US.pdf.
A new owner sees “device already claimed”
The former owner must remove the camera from their Arlo account and factory-reset it. Setup cannot be completed while it remains claimed. If the former owner is unavailable, contact Arlo Support.
The camera was offline during removal
Restore power or charge it, perform the model-specific hardware reset, and verify that it is no longer active in the account. Cloud removal alone may not have reset the physical device.
The reset button produces no useful LED response
- Confirm the exact model and button.
- Charge the battery or connect the required power.
- Remove the camera from its housing if the button is inaccessible.
- Use the documented hold duration and release at the specified LED state.
- Check the LED in lower ambient light.
The camera will not reconnect
During setup, connect your phone to the intended Wi-Fi, place the camera near the router or hub, and use Add New Device rather than an old device tile. Check whether your model requires direct Wi-Fi, a SmartHub/Base Station, or LTE. If app troubleshooting fails, use Arlo support.
You removed the wrong device
Check the device name and model before every confirmation. If it was a SmartHub or Base Station, connected cameras may also have been removed. Do not use the all-devices erase option unless you intend to wipe the entire installation.
Quick Recap
Add the camera back
- Open Devices in Arlo Secure.
- Choose Add New Device (or the device-list add option).
- Select the exact camera model.
- Follow the prompts for direct Wi-Fi, SmartHub/Base Station, or LTE setup.
- Recreate modes, settings, and schedules that were erased.
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