Having the Arlo Essential Spotlight camera up on your wall gives you that extra peace of mind.
It’s one of those go-to choices for people who love smart security, just like other Arlo cameras.
But even the best tech can suddenly decide to stop working out of the blue.
If your Arlo Essential Spotlight starts acting up, a quick factory reset could be just what it needs. It’s a simple fix, like you’d do with any other gadget!
A reset wipes out all your settings and returns the camera to its original, out-of-the-box state.
It’s like hitting a big “refresh” button that clears up any issues with your gadget.
But before jumping in, understand why you’d need a reset and a few important things to keep in mind.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
If you’re dealing with issues like these, a factory reset might be the simple solution your camera needs.
Connection Issues
Sometimes, the camera just won’t connect to Wi-Fi or keeps going offline.
And no matter how many times you switch networks, nothing changes.
In this case, a reset can help refresh it, clearing up any connectivity and network issues.
Night Vision Not Working Properly
If the night vision feature isn’t kicking in as it should, it’s time for a reset!
It can resolve the no color night vision issues you’re currently facing with your Arlo camera.
Motion Detection Problems
Another major issue you might run into with your Arlo camera is that it can’t detect motion.
You might find it not picking up any movement at all. Or, it won’t start triggering alerts for every little thing.
With a problem like this, the only solution left is a factory reset.
Camera Not Recording
Your Arlo camera not recording can be a software issue.
For instance, it might just stop recording altogether—no alerts, no video clips saved, nothing at all.
A factory reset can often fix this problem, especially since it could be related to an app or software glitch.
Syncing or Setup Problems
A reset can also be useful if your camera won’t sync with the Arlo app. Or if you’re having trouble setting it up or pairing it.
Preparing to Sell or Give Away
For those who plan to sell, give away, or return the camera, a factory reset is a must. It’ll wipe all your personal settings, giving the new owner a fresh start.
How to Factory Reset the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
Now that you know the reasons, let’s get into the steps to reset your Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera.
Step 1: Locate the Sync Button
On the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera, you’ll find a tiny sync button.
It should be either on the back or bottom, depending on the model.
It’s small, so take a second to look closely.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Sync Button
Press and hold down the sync button for about 15 seconds.
Keep an eye on the camera’s LED light—it’ll begin to flash amber.
The light will indicate that the factory reset process has started.
Step 3: Release the Button
Once the LED light flashes amber, release the sync button. The camera will go through a reboot cycle.
You’ll see the LED flash a couple more times before going off.
This is totally normal—just let the camera do its thing.
Step 4: Wait for the Camera to Restart
After the reset, the camera will power back on automatically, going through a quick reboot.
This is the camera telling you that it’s back to factory settings and ready for setup.
Step 5: Remove and Re-add the Camera to Your Arlo Account
Firstly, remove the device by going into the app.
Next, add it back by going to Devices > Add New Device > and following the prompts.
Remember you’ll need your Wi-Fi details on hand to finish the setup and pairing.
Soft Reset Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
If you can’t find a reset button on your Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera, you shouldn’t worry.
There’s a workaround that works almost as well.
In this case, try what’s called a soft reset by simply removing the battery.
Here’s how to do it:
Remove the Battery
Slide open the battery compartment on the back of your camera and carefully remove the battery. This will cut off all power, giving the camera a few moments to fully reset any temporary issues.
Wait for a Few Minutes
Leave the battery out for about 5–10 minutes. This gives the camera’s internal system a chance to fully power down and reset itself.
Reinsert the Battery
After waiting, pop the battery back into the compartment and close it up. Once it’s secure, the camera should automatically power on and go through its normal startup process.
Wrap Up
A factory reset may seem a bit drastic, but sometimes it’s just what your Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera needs. It’s helpful for when you’re dealing with connectivity issues, app syncing problems, or other issues. And remember, after the reset, you’ll be re-entering all your settings to pair. So keep that Wi-Fi password handy and your app up to date!