Arlo cameras are known for their reliability and advanced features, but like any tech device, they can occasionally encounter issues. If your Arlo camera isn’t working as expected, don’t worry. Most problems can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Here’s a guide to help you diagnose and fix common Arlo camera issues.
1. Arlo Camera Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect Wi-Fi credentials.
- Weak signal strength.
- Compatibility issues with 5 GHz networks.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Ensure your Wi-Fi network is set to 2.4 GHz (most Arlo cameras are not compatible with 5 GHz networks).
- Verify that your Wi-Fi password is entered correctly during setup.
- Move your camera closer to the router to improve the signal.
- Restart your router and camera, then try reconnecting.
Pro Tip: Use a Wi-Fi range extender if your camera’s placement is far from the router.
2. Motion Detection Not Working
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect motion sensitivity settings.
- Obstructions in the camera’s field of view.
- Activity zones not set properly.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Open the Arlo app and navigate to your camera’s settings.
- Increase motion sensitivity under “Device Settings.”
- Adjust the activity zones to cover the areas you want to monitor.
- Clear any obstructions, like plants or furniture, from the camera’s view.
Pro Tip: Test motion detection by walking through the monitored area to ensure it’s functioning.
3. Arlo Camera Not Recording
Possible Causes:
- Subscription plan issues.
- Storage limitations.
- Misconfigured recording settings.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Verify that your Arlo Secure subscription is active (if required for cloud storage).
- Check your cloud storage capacity and free up space if needed.
- Ensure recording is enabled under the camera’s “Mode” settings.
Pro Tip: For local storage, ensure your base station has an active USB drive connected and formatted.
4. Poor Video Quality
Possible Causes:
- Low bandwidth.
- Dirty camera lens.
- Incorrect video resolution settings.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Confirm that your internet upload speed meets Arlo’s recommended requirements (at least 1 Mbps per camera).
- Clean the camera lens with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Set the video resolution to the highest option available in the Arlo app.
Pro Tip: Reduce the number of devices using your Wi-Fi network to improve bandwidth.
5. Arlo Camera Offline
Possible Causes:
- Power issues.
- Network disconnections.
- Firmware problems.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check the camera’s battery level or power connection.
- Restart the camera by removing and reinserting the battery or disconnecting the power source.
- Reboot your router and base station.
- Ensure your camera’s firmware is up to date by checking the Arlo app.
Pro Tip: Reset the camera to factory settings if it remains offline and reconnect it to your system.
6. Audio Issues
Possible Causes:
- Microphone or speaker settings.
- Environmental noise.
- Firmware glitches.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check that the microphone and speaker are enabled in the Arlo app.
- Ensure your camera isn’t placed in a noisy environment that could interfere with audio.
- Restart the camera and update its firmware if available.
Pro Tip: Test the audio by speaking through the app’s two-way audio feature to ensure both input and output are working.
7. Night Vision Not Working
Possible Causes:
- IR (infrared) lights are obstructed or disabled.
- Dirty lens or sensor.
- Camera placement in a reflective environment.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Make sure night vision is enabled in the camera’s settings.
- Clean the camera lens and infrared sensor.
- Avoid placing the camera near glass surfaces, as reflections can interfere with night vision.
Pro Tip: Test night vision by turning off all lights in the room and checking the live feed.
8. Battery Draining Quickly
Possible Causes:
- High motion detection frequency.
- Extreme temperatures.
- Outdated firmware.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Reduce motion sensitivity and limit activity zones to essential areas.
- Avoid placing cameras in extreme heat or cold.
- Check for and install any firmware updates via the Arlo app.
Pro Tip: Consider using a solar panel or direct power source for cameras in high-traffic areas.
When to Contact Support
If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve your issue, it might be time to reach out to Arlo Support. Provide them with details like:
- The camera model.
- A description of the issue.
- Steps you’ve already tried.
Final Thoughts
While Arlo cameras are designed for reliability, occasional issues can arise. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve most problems and ensure your security system runs smoothly. Regular maintenance and keeping the firmware updated will also minimize future issues.
Stay proactive, and your Arlo system will keep your home secure without a hitch!