Finding your Arlo doorbell reset button and understanding how to use it is the first step toward resolving many common device issues. Whether your Arlo video doorbell is experiencing connection drops, unresponsiveness, or firmware glitches, a reset often provides a fresh start without the need for a technician. This guide walks you through the physical location of the reset hardware, the specific procedures for different models, and the troubleshooting logic behind when a reset is the right solution.
Locating the Reset Hardware on Your Arlo Doorbell
Unlike standard consumer electronics with a recessed hole, Arlo doorbells require a specific tool to access the reset mechanism. You will not find a simple pinhole on the front of the device; instead, the button is cleverly hidden near the mounting screw to maintain a clean, weather-resistant aesthetic. Using the correct tool is vital to avoid scratching the finish or damaging the internal components, so ensure you have a small paperclip or the included SIM ejector tool ready before you begin.
Physical Button vs. Factory Reset
It is important to distinguish between the physical reset button and a software factory reset initiated through the app. The physical button is a hardware switch designed to put the doorbell into a specific recovery mode that prepares it for reconnection to your Wi-Fi. A factory reset via the app, on the other hand, wipes all user data and settings from the device entirely. For most troubleshooting scenarios, pressing the physical button is the correct first action to restore functionality.
Step-by-Step Reset Procedure for Standard Models
Performing a reset on an Arlo Video Doorbell or Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical knowledge. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the device reboots correctly and reconnects to your network without error.
Turn off the power to the doorbell at the circuit breaker for safety, especially if you are uncomfortable working with electrical wiring.
Remove the doorbell from its mounting bracket using a screwdriver to release the security screw.
Locate the small reset button, typically situated near the top mounting screw hole on the backplate.
Insert a straightened paperclip into the hole and press the button firmly for approximately 15 seconds.
Release the button and reattach the doorbell to the bracket, restoring power to the unit.
Resetting the Arlo Video Doorbell Plus and Pro Models
The Arlo Video Doorbell Plus and Pro models utilize a magnetic charging port rather than a standard micro-USB port, which changes the reset procedure slightly. Because of this design choice, you cannot use a paperclip to press a physical button; instead, you must rely on a specific combination of the charging indicator light and button presses. This method ensures the device enters a state where it can be re-added to your subscription service seamlessly.
Procedure for Plus/Pro Series
To reset these models, you must connect the doorbell to a power source using the included magnetic charging cable. Once the status light begins blinking, press and hold the setup button located on the back of the device. Continue holding the button for about 20 seconds until you see the light transition through several colors, indicating that the device is wiping its memory and is ready for setup.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues
Even after following the correct procedure, you might encounter situations where the doorbell fails to reset or does not reconnect to Wi-Fi. In these scenarios, checking your router settings and ensuring adequate power delivery is often more effective than performing the reset a second time. Many modern routers have bandwidth management features that can inadvertently block the traffic from smart home devices, causing them to appear offline despite a successful reset.
If the status light remains red after a reset, check the battery connection or the transformer output for sufficient voltage.
