Arlo security cameras are equipped with night vision to provide clear footage even in low-light conditions. However, if your Arlo camera’s night vision is not working properly, it can leave your property vulnerable. This troubleshooting guide will help you identify the cause and fix the issue so you can restore clear nighttime visibility.
Common Reasons Why Arlo Night Vision Is Not Working
Understanding what’s causing the issue can help you troubleshoot effectively. Here are some common reasons why your Arlo camera’s night vision may not be functioning properly:
- Night Vision Is Disabled – The feature may be turned off in settings.
- Dirty or Obstructed Lens – Dust, dirt, or objects blocking the lens can affect night vision performance.
- Infrared (IR) LEDs Not Functioning – The IR lights may not be turning on due to a hardware or software issue.
- Insufficient Power Supply – Low battery levels can prevent the night vision from working.
- Too Much Ambient Light – If there is a nearby light source, the camera may not activate night vision.
- Outdated Firmware – Running an old firmware version can lead to performance issues.
- Interference from Glass or Reflective Surfaces – Placing the camera behind glass can cause night vision to reflect, making it ineffective.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Arlo Night Vision Issues
1. Check Night Vision Settings
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Navigate to Settings > My Devices.
- Select your camera and find the Night Vision option.
- Ensure that Night Vision is enabled.
Pro Tip: Toggle night vision off and then back on to refresh the setting.
2. Clean the Camera Lens
- Wipe the camera lens with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Ensure there are no fingerprints, dust, or smudges.
Pro Tip: Regularly clean the lens to maintain clear video quality, especially if your camera is outdoors.
3. Test Infrared LEDs
- In complete darkness, check if you see a faint red glow on the camera’s IR lights.
- If no IR lights are visible, try rebooting the camera.
Pro Tip: If the IR lights are still not working, your camera may have a hardware issue requiring Arlo support.
4. Ensure Sufficient Power Supply
- Open the Arlo Secure App and check the battery level.
- If the battery is low, recharge or replace it.
Pro Tip: Use a wired power connection or a solar panel for continuous power if your camera is in a high-activity area.
5. Reduce Ambient Light Interference
- If a streetlight, porch light, or other bright light source is near the camera, it may prevent night vision from activating.
- Try relocating the camera to a darker area or adjusting its angle.
Pro Tip: Test by covering the lens with your hand to see if night vision turns on.
6. Avoid Placing the Camera Behind Glass
- Infrared light can reflect off glass surfaces, causing poor visibility.
- If you must place the camera indoors, position it away from windows or use outdoor mounts.
Pro Tip: Use an external IR illuminator for better night vision clarity when placing cameras indoors.
7. Update Firmware & Restart the Camera
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Navigate to Settings > My Devices.
- Select your camera and check for firmware updates.
- If an update is available, install it.
- Restart the camera after the update is complete.
Pro Tip: Keeping your Arlo camera updated helps prevent software-related night vision issues.
When to Contact Arlo Support
If your Arlo camera’s night vision is still not working after trying these steps, it may indicate a hardware malfunction. Contact Arlo Support if:
- The IR lights do not turn on even after troubleshooting.
- Night vision stopped working suddenly without any setting changes.
- Your camera has been exposed to extreme weather conditions that may have damaged internal components.
Final Thoughts
Night vision is a crucial feature for Arlo cameras, ensuring clear video footage even in darkness. If your Arlo camera’s night vision is not working, following these troubleshooting steps should help restore functionality. By enabling the correct settings, ensuring a clean lens, updating firmware, and optimizing placement, you can enhance your night vision performance.
Have you experienced night vision issues with your Arlo camera? Share your solutions and experiences in the comments!