Are you experiencing issues with your Arlo camera, such as connectivity problems, poor video quality, or malfunctioning features? If so, performing a factory reset may be the solution to revive your device. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of how to factory reset an Arlo camera, ensuring you can restore your device to its original settings and get it up and running smoothly again.
Understanding the Factory Reset Process
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, it’s essential to understand what a factory reset entails. A factory reset, also known as a hard reset, is a process that restores your Arlo camera to its original settings, erasing all customized settings, recordings, and configurations. This means that all your camera’s settings will be reset to their default values, and any data stored on the device will be deleted.
Why Perform a Factory Reset?
There are several reasons why you may need to perform a factory reset on your Arlo camera:
- Resolve connectivity issues: If your camera is having trouble connecting to your Wi-Fi network or the Arlo app, a factory reset may resolve the issue.
- Improve video quality: If you’re experiencing poor video quality, a factory reset may help restore the camera’s default settings, improving the overall video quality.
- Fix malfunctioning features: If certain features, such as motion detection or night vision, are not working correctly, a factory reset may resolve the issue.
- Prepare for sale or transfer: If you’re selling or transferring your Arlo camera to someone else, a factory reset will ensure that all your personal data and settings are erased.
Pre-Reset Preparations
Before performing a factory reset, it’s crucial to take a few precautions to ensure a smooth process:
Backup Your Recordings
If you have any important recordings stored on your Arlo camera, make sure to backup them before performing a factory reset. You can do this by:
- Downloading recordings to your computer: Connect your Arlo camera to your computer using a USB cable, and transfer the recordings to your computer.
- Uploading recordings to the cloud: If you have an Arlo Smart subscription, you can upload your recordings to the cloud, ensuring they’re safe and accessible.
Write Down Your Settings
Take note of your Arlo camera’s current settings, including:
- Wi-Fi network name and password
- Camera name and location
- Motion detection and alert settings
- Video quality and resolution settings
This will make it easier to set up your camera again after the factory reset.
Factory Reset Methods
There are two methods to factory reset an Arlo camera: using the Arlo app and using the camera’s physical buttons.
Method 1: Using the Arlo App
To factory reset your Arlo camera using the Arlo app:
- Open the Arlo app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap on “My Devices.”
- Select the Arlo camera you want to reset.
- Tap on “Remove Device.”
- Confirm that you want to remove the device.
This will reset your Arlo camera to its factory settings.
Method 2: Using the Camera’s Physical Buttons
To factory reset your Arlo camera using the physical buttons:
- Locate the small pinhole button on the back or bottom of your Arlo camera.
- Use a paper clip or a small pin to press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds.
- Release the button when the camera’s LED light starts flashing.
This will reset your Arlo camera to its factory settings.
Post-Reset Setup
After performing a factory reset, you’ll need to set up your Arlo camera again. Follow these steps:
Reconnect to Wi-Fi
- Open the Arlo app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap on “My Devices.”
- Select the Arlo camera you want to set up.
- Follow the in-app instructions to reconnect your camera to your Wi-Fi network.
Reconfigure Your Settings
- Open the Arlo app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap on “My Devices.”
- Select the Arlo camera you want to configure.
- Re-enter your settings, including Wi-Fi network name and password, camera name and location, motion detection and alert settings, and video quality and resolution settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues during the factory reset process or after setting up your Arlo camera again, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your router: Sometimes, restarting your router can resolve connectivity issues.
- Check your Wi-Fi network name and password: Ensure that you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi network name and password.
- Reset your Arlo camera again: If you’re still experiencing issues, try performing a factory reset again.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to successfully factory reset your Arlo camera and restore it to its original settings. Remember to backup your recordings, write down your settings, and take your time during the setup process to ensure a smooth transition.
What is a factory reset and why do I need to do it on my Arlo camera?
A factory reset is a process that restores a device to its original settings, erasing all data and configurations. You may need to factory reset your Arlo camera if you’re experiencing technical issues, such as connectivity problems or poor video quality, and troubleshooting steps haven’t resolved the issue. Additionally, if you’re selling or giving away your Arlo camera, a factory reset is necessary to remove all your personal data and settings.
Performing a factory reset will erase all your camera’s settings, including your Wi-Fi network information, motion detection settings, and any custom modes you’ve created. It will also remove any smart notifications and alerts you’ve set up. Before you start the reset process, make sure you have your Arlo account information and Wi-Fi network details handy, as you’ll need to set up your camera again from scratch.
Will a factory reset delete my recorded videos and photos?
A factory reset will not delete any recorded videos or photos stored on your Arlo camera’s cloud storage or local storage device. However, if you’re using a microSD card to store your recordings locally, you may want to remove the card before performing the reset to prevent any accidental formatting. If you’re using the Arlo Smart cloud storage service, your recordings will be safely stored in the cloud and won’t be affected by the factory reset.
It’s essential to note that if you’re using a free Arlo account, your cloud storage is limited, and older recordings may be deleted automatically after a certain period. If you want to keep your recordings for an extended period, consider upgrading to a paid Arlo Smart plan, which offers more storage and longer retention periods.
How do I factory reset my Arlo camera using the Arlo app?
To factory reset your Arlo camera using the Arlo app, open the app and navigate to the Settings menu. Select the camera you want to reset and tap on “Remove Device.” Confirm that you want to remove the device, and the camera will be disconnected from your account. Then, press and hold the sync button on the camera until the LED light flashes amber. Release the button, and the camera will reset to its factory settings.
Once the camera has reset, you’ll need to set it up again using the Arlo app. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi network information and Arlo account credentials ready. Follow the in-app instructions to complete the setup process, and your camera will be ready to use again.
Can I factory reset my Arlo camera without the Arlo app?
Yes, you can factory reset your Arlo camera without the Arlo app. To do this, press and hold the sync button on the camera until the LED light flashes amber. Release the button, and the camera will reset to its factory settings. This method will erase all settings and configurations on the camera, including your Wi-Fi network information and motion detection settings.
Keep in mind that if you reset your camera without the app, you’ll need to set it up again from scratch using the Arlo app. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi network information and Arlo account credentials ready to complete the setup process.
How long does it take to factory reset an Arlo camera?
The factory reset process for an Arlo camera typically takes around 30 seconds to 1 minute to complete. However, the time it takes to set up the camera again using the Arlo app may vary depending on your internet connection speed and the complexity of your setup.
During the reset process, the camera’s LED light will flash amber, indicating that the reset is in progress. Once the light stops flashing, the camera has been reset to its factory settings. You can then proceed to set up the camera again using the Arlo app.
Will a factory reset affect my Arlo subscription or cloud storage?
A factory reset will not affect your Arlo subscription or cloud storage. Your subscription and cloud storage plan will remain active, and you’ll still be able to access your recorded videos and photos. However, if you’re using a paid Arlo Smart plan, you may need to reconfigure your smart notifications and alerts after the reset.
If you’re using a free Arlo account, keep in mind that your cloud storage is limited, and older recordings may be deleted automatically after a certain period. If you want to keep your recordings for an extended period, consider upgrading to a paid Arlo Smart plan.
What should I do after factory resetting my Arlo camera?
After factory resetting your Arlo camera, you’ll need to set it up again using the Arlo app. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi network information and Arlo account credentials ready to complete the setup process. Follow the in-app instructions to configure your camera’s settings, including motion detection, smart notifications, and cloud storage.
Once you’ve set up your camera, test it to ensure it’s working correctly. Check the video feed, motion detection, and smart notifications to ensure everything is functioning as expected. If you encounter any issues during the setup process or after, refer to the Arlo support website or contact Arlo customer support for assistance.