If you’re an Arlo camera user, you may encounter the issue of your camera going offline. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the cameras for security purposes. However, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Arlo cameras may go offline due to internet or router changes. To fix it, press the Sync button on the SmartHub or base station. Note that not all cameras need them, so check specific requirements. If this fails, try other troubleshooting steps.
Why is Arlo Camera Going Offline
If your Arlo camera is offline, it could be due to various reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
Battery Issues
Arlo cameras rely on batteries to function. If the batteries are dead or low on charge, the camera will go offline. You can check the battery level of your Arlo camera in the Arlo app. If the battery level is low, replace the batteries with new ones.
Wi-Fi Connection Issues
Arlo cameras connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. If your Wi-Fi network is down or the signal is weak, your Arlo camera will go offline. To troubleshoot this issue, try moving your camera closer to the router or resetting your router. You can also check the Wi-Fi signal strength in the Arlo app.
Base Station Issues
If your Arlo camera is connected to a base station, the base station could be causing the issue. Make sure that the base station is plugged in and connected to the internet. You can also try resetting the base station to see if that resolves the issue.
Firmware Issues
Sometimes, Arlo cameras can go offline due to firmware issues. Make sure that your camera is running the latest firmware version. You can check for firmware updates in the Arlo app.
How do I troubleshoot an Arlo camera that keeps going offline?
Checking Internet Connection
When your Arlo camera goes offline, the first thing you should check is the Internet connection. Without a stable and reliable Internet connection, your Arlo camera cannot function properly. Here are some steps you can take to check your Internet connection:
- Check your router: Make sure your router is turned on and connected to the Internet. If your router is not connected to the Internet, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
- Check your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station: If you are using an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station, check the LED(s) on the device to see the Internet connection status. If the LED is blue or green, it means your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station is online and connected to the Internet. If the LED is solid amber or blinking amber, it means there is a problem with your connection.
- Check your Arlo camera: If your Arlo camera is still offline, try restarting it by unplugging it from the power source and plugging it back in. If this does not work, press and release the Sync button on your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. The Internet LED will blink for 10 seconds, and then your Arlo camera should resume normal operation.
- Check your network settings: Make sure your Arlo camera is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi network or router, you will need to update your Arlo camera’s network settings.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot your Arlo camera’s Internet connection and get it back online.
Updating Firmware
Updating your Arlo camera’s firmware is an essential task to ensure that your camera is working correctly. Firmware updates can fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features to your camera. Here’s how you can update your Arlo camera firmware:
- Launch the Arlo Secure App or log in to Arlo Portal
- Tap or click Settings > My Devices.
- Select the device that you want to update.
- Tap or click Device Info > Firmware > Update.
It is essential to note that you should not open the battery door or remove the battery while an Arlo camera is updating and installing firmware. Doing so can cause damage to your camera or result in a failed update.
If you have a camera that has been offline or want an immediate update, you can also update your firmware manually through the Arlo Secure app. To do this, follow the same steps as above, but instead of tapping on “Update,” tap on “Download.” Once the firmware is downloaded, tap on “Install” to complete the update.
It is important to ensure that your camera has at least 15% battery before updating the firmware. If your camera’s battery is low, charge it before updating the firmware.
In summary, updating your Arlo camera firmware is a crucial task to ensure that your camera is working correctly and has the latest features and improvements. Follow the steps above to update your firmware and ensure that you have a reliable and functioning camera.
Inspecting Power Supply
When your Arlo camera goes offline, one of the possible reasons could be a power supply issue. To troubleshoot this, you need to inspect the power source of your device. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Check the power cable – Make sure the power cable is plugged in properly and securely. Check for any visible signs of damage on the cable such as cuts, frays, or bends. If you find any damage, replace the cable with a new one.
- Check the power outlet – Ensure that the power outlet is working properly. You can do this by plugging in another device and checking if it turns on. If the outlet is not working, try plugging the camera into a different outlet.
- Check the power adapter – If the power cable and outlet are both working, the issue could be with the power adapter. Check if the adapter is plugged in properly and securely. Also, check for any visible signs of damage on the adapter such as cracks or burns. If you find any damage, replace the adapter with a new one.
- Check the battery – If your Arlo camera has a battery, check if it is charged. If the battery is low, charge it fully and try turning on the camera again.
By inspecting the power supply of your Arlo camera, you can identify and resolve the issue if it is related to power. If the camera still appears offline after inspecting the power supply, you can try other troubleshooting steps such as resetting the camera or contacting Arlo support for further assistance.
Removing Physical Obstructions
If your Arlo camera is offline, it could be due to physical obstructions blocking the camera’s view. Here are some steps you can take to remove physical obstructions:
- Check for objects blocking the camera’s view: Make sure there are no objects such as trees, bushes, or other obstacles blocking the camera’s view. These objects can block the camera’s line of sight and cause the camera to go offline.
- Clean the camera lens: Dirt, dust, and smudges on the camera lens can also cause the camera to go offline. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the lens.
- Adjust the camera’s angle: If the camera is mounted at an incorrect angle, it may not be able to capture the intended view. Adjust the camera’s angle to ensure it is pointing in the right direction.
- Move the camera closer to the base station: If the camera is too far away from the base station, it may not be able to maintain a stable connection. Move the camera closer to the base station to improve connectivity.
By following these steps, you can remove physical obstructions and improve your Arlo camera’s performance.
Check Arlo Outages
If your Arlo camera is offline and you have tried all the troubleshooting steps, it is possible that there is an outage affecting your device. Checking for outages can help you determine if the issue is on your end or if it is a widespread problem that Arlo is already working to resolve.
Here are some ways to check for Arlo outages:
- Check the Arlo Status Page: Arlo maintains a status page that provides real-time information about the status of the Arlo service. You can visit the Arlo Status Page to check if there are any known outages or service disruptions affecting your region.
- Check social media: Arlo often uses social media platforms such as Twitter to communicate with customers about service disruptions and outages. Checking the official Arlo Twitter account can help you stay up-to-date on any issues affecting the service.
It is important to remember that outages affecting Arlo devices can happen from time to time, and they are usually resolved quickly. By checking for outages and staying up-to-date on the latest information, you can help ensure that your Arlo camera stays online and connected to the Arlo service.
Arlo Camera Reset
If your Arlo camera is offline, resetting it may help to resolve the issue. Here’s how you can reset your Arlo camera:
- Locate the Sync button on your Arlo camera. The location of the Sync button varies depending on the camera model. For example, on the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Floodlight, Ultra, and Ultra 2 cameras, the Sync button is located on the top of the camera. On the Arlo Essential, Essential Spotlight, and Essential Spotlight XL cameras, the Sync button is located on the back of the camera.
- Press and hold the Sync button for about 10 seconds until the LED on the camera blinks amber.
- Release the Sync button.
- Wait for the camera to reset. This may take a few minutes.
- Once the camera has reset, you will need to re-sync it with your Arlo base station or SmartHub.
Note: Resetting your Arlo camera will erase all of its settings and configurations, including its Wi-Fi network information. You will need to set up your camera again after resetting it.
If resetting your Arlo camera does not resolve the issue, you may need to troubleshoot further. Check your internet connection, ensure that your Arlo base station or SmartHub is connected and powered on, and make sure that your camera is within range of your base station or SmartHub.
Arlo Base Station Offline but Connected to Internet
If your Arlo Base Station is showing as offline but you have confirmed that it is connected to the internet, there are a few things that you can try to troubleshoot the issue.
First, check the Internet LED on your Arlo Base Station. If the Internet LED is solid amber or blinking amber, there is a problem with your connection. If the Internet LED is blue or green, your connection is fine, and you should move on to other troubleshooting steps.
Here are some things to try if your Arlo Base Station is offline but connected to the internet:
- Restart your Arlo Base Station by unplugging it from the power source and plugging it back in.
- Check the Ethernet cable that connects your Arlo Base Station to your router or modem. Make sure it is securely plugged in at both ends.
- Try using a different Ethernet cable to connect your Arlo Base Station to your router or modem.
- Check your router or modem to make sure that it is functioning properly. You may need to contact your internet service provider for assistance with this step.
- Make sure that your router or modem is not blocking the Arlo Base Station’s IP address. You can check this by accessing your router or modem’s settings and looking for a list of blocked IP addresses.