Why is my General Arlo camera not working?

Common causes include software issues, connectivity problems, and settings misconfigurations. Follow our guide to fix your General .

How do I fix Arlo camera not working?

Start by restarting your device, checking connections, and updating firmware. Our step-by-step guide provides detailed instructions.

When should I call support for my General ?

If troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, or you encounter persistent errors, contact a certified General technician.

Arlo Camera Not Working

When your Arlo camera not working situation disrupts your home or business security, quick troubleshooting can save you time and restore your peace of mind. Whether you're dealing with a completely offline camera, live view failures, or motion detection that's stopped functioning, this guide walks you through proven solutions to get your Arlo security system back online. Most Arlo camera not working problems stem from connectivity issues, power problems, or firmware glitches—all of which you can typically resolve without professional help.

Common Causes of Arlo Camera Failures

Understanding why your camera stopped functioning helps you choose the right fix. Arlo cameras may go offline due to weak Wi-Fi signals, depleted batteries, outdated firmware, base station communication errors, or account sync problems. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures or physical obstructions can also interfere with performance. Before replacing hardware, work through these diagnostic steps systematically.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Check Power and Battery Status: Open the Arlo app and verify your camera's battery level. If below 15%, charge or replace the battery. For wired Arlo models, confirm the power adapter is securely connected and the LED indicator shows amber or blue. A solid blue light means the camera is powered and connected; no light often indicates a power failure.

Verify Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Weak signal is the leading cause of Arlo camera not working complaints. In the Arlo app, navigate to Device Settings > Wi-Fi Signal. If strength reads "Poor," move your camera closer to your router or Arlo SmartHub, or install a Wi-Fi extender. Ensure your network operates on 2.4GHz, as most Arlo cameras don't support 5GHz bands.

Restart Your Arlo Base Station or SmartHub: Unplug the power adapter from your base station, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect. Wait for the LED to turn solid blue (approximately two minutes). This refreshes the connection between your cameras and the Arlo cloud servers. After restart, check if your camera appears online in the app.

Remove and Re-sync the Camera: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices, select your camera, and tap Remove Device. Then press the sync button on your base station until the LED blinks blue, followed by pressing the sync button on your camera until the LED flashes amber and blue. Wait for the app to confirm successful pairing.

Update Firmware and App: Outdated software frequently causes Arlo camera not working scenarios. In the Arlo app, visit Settings > My Devices > Device Info to check firmware version. Enable automatic updates, or manually trigger an update if available. Simultaneously, update your Arlo app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to ensure compatibility.

Factory Reset as Last Resort: If your camera remains unresponsive, locate the reset button (usually inside the battery compartment). Press and hold for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This erases all settings and requires complete reconfiguration. Only perform this step after exhausting other options, as you'll need to redo all custom motion zones and notification preferences.

Important: Do not reset your Arlo base station unless absolutely necessary—this will disconnect all paired cameras and require re-syncing every device on your system. Additionally, ensure your camera remains within the stated operating temperature range (-4°F to 113°F for most models) to prevent hardware damage that mimics software failures.

Preventing Future Arlo Camera Outages

Proactive maintenance reduces recurring Arlo camera not working incidents. Position cameras within 300 feet of your base station with clear line-of-sight when possible. Schedule monthly battery checks and clean lens surfaces quarterly to maintain motion detection accuracy. Enable push notifications for firmware updates, and consider Arlo's cloud subscription for extended video history that helps verify when problems first appeared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Arlo camera keep going offline at night?

Nighttime disconnections often indicate insufficient battery power for infrared operation, or Wi-Fi interference from neighboring networks that intensifies during evening hours. Switch to a wired power source if possible, or change your router's channel to reduce congestion. Also verify that night vision isn't forcing the camera to draw more power than the battery can sustain.

Can I fix an Arlo camera not working after getting wet?

Arlo cameras carry specific IP weather-resistance ratings, but compromised seals or improper installation can allow moisture intrusion. Power off the camera immediately, remove the battery, and let it dry for 72 hours in a moisture-absorbing environment. Do not attempt to charge a wet camera. If problems persist after drying, internal corrosion likely requires replacement.

Why is my Arlo camera not recording motion even when online?

Check that motion detection is enabled in Device Settings > Motion Detection, and verify your activity zones aren't excluding the relevant area. Ensure your subscription plan hasn't expired—free plans have limited features. Also confirm the camera isn't in "Disarmed" mode; switch to "Armed" or a custom mode that enables recording triggers.

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