You don’t have to be incredibly desperate to deal with recording problems on your light camera. Particularly when you depend on them to remain informed about your property’s actions and safeguard against likely dangers.
It’s critical to take note that this kind of issue isn’t elite to Arlo. This can occur with various brands of cameras like Eufy, Ring, and others. Instead of blaming Arlo alone, this should be considered a common challenge in the world of surveillance technology.
You don’t have to worry because of your problem! I’m here to assist you with exploring through the goal interaction. I have written several articles addressing similar issues across brands and today our focus is on Arlo.
I am going to share some tips and tricks to get your Arlo camera back to recording smoothly. This ensures that you catch each significant moment without any errors.
Why is Arlo Camera Not Recording?
If your Arlo camera isn’t capturing footage, a few factors might be at play. First off, check if you have an active subscription plan. Without it, your camera might not record. Also, confirm that your camera has a storage option enabled and is connected to the internet.
Arlo provides two storage choices: cloud and local. To access cloud storage, you need an active subscription or a trial. Local storage is facilitated through a base station or smart hub, each with unique features compatible with specific Arlo camera models.
However, it’s worth noting that Arlo primarily emphasizes cloud subscriptions in their marketing, and local storage is not the main focus.
If your camera isn’t recording, consider these potential issues:
- Lack of active storage option (cloud or local)
- Camera offline or poor Wi-Fi connection
- Motion detection and sensitivity settings
- Camera settings preventing recording (rules, modes, filters, schedules)
- Power-related problems (low battery for battery-powered models)
- Outdated camera firmware or software bugs
Position the camera correctly, and ensure the lens cover is removed. Without a cloud plan, some features are unavailable, including Activity Zones, Smart Notifications, and Alarm Detection. Check your camera’s compatibility on the Arlo website for specific features. Even without a subscription, you can still access live streaming, receive push notifications, use two-way audio, and utilize local storage recording if your camera and plan permit. Keep in mind that features like Auto Zoom and tracking may not be available on all Arlo cameras.
To check Your Camera Is Online
One of the fundamental aspects affecting the recording functionality of your Arlo camera is its online status. Ensuring that your camera is connected to the network is the first step in troubleshooting. Begin by logging into your Arlo account through the app or web interface. Navigate to the device settings and locate the online status indicator for your camera. A green indicator typically signifies that the camera is online and functioning correctly. If, however, the indicator is red or gray, it indicates connectivity issues.
Now, let’s delve into the steps to validate your Arlo camera’s online status:
- Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or access your Arlo account through the web interface.
- Navigate to the device settings or dashboard where your camera is listed.
- Look for the online status indicator, usually represented by a color (green, red, or gray).
- If the indicator is green, your camera is online; if red or gray, it’s offline.
This initial check sets the stage for further troubleshooting. If your camera appears to be offline, continue with the subsequent sections to identify and rectify the underlying issues.
Restart Your Arlo Camera
Sometimes, the simplest solutions can yield the most significant results. If you find that your Arlo camera is offline or experiencing recording issues, a quick restart might be the remedy.
Follow these steps to restart your Arlo camera:
- Access the Arlo App: Launch the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Navigate to Devices: Find the device list or dashboard within the app.
- Select Your Camera: Locate the problematic Arlo camera in the list.
- Initiate Restart: Look for the option to restart the camera. This might be labeled as “Restart,” “Reboot,” or a similar term.
- Confirm Restart: Confirm your decision to restart the camera.
Allow the camera a few moments to power down and restart. Once the process is complete, check the online status indicator again. If the indicator turns green, your camera is back online, and the recording functionality should be restored.
Check Cloud Subscription
If your camera doesn’t have direct storage access, make sure it’s linked to an active Arlo subscription plan. The camera records and saves clips on the Arlo cloud.
To check if your camera is linked to a plan:
- Launch the Arlo Secure app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Choose Subscription under account options.
- Click Manage Cameras to view cameras under each storage plan.
In the Manage Cameras section, you’ll find a list of your plans and cameras. If your camera is listed under the “No plan” option, simply drag it to a plan to connect it.
To access and manage your camera subscription options as an iOS user, simply sign in to your account at my.arlo.com. If your plan has expired, renew it or consider switching to local storage to continue enjoying the services.
Fix The Connectivity Problems
If you’re having issues with your Arlo camera connecting to the Wi-Fi, it’s important to tackle any connectivity problems. The camera depends on serious areas of strength for a reliable Wi-Fi sign to discuss successfully with the Arlo servers, ensuring the smooth uploading of recorded footage.
To help you troubleshoot this problem more effectively, here are some steps you can take:
- Restart your router: Sometimes, a good old restart is all it takes to refresh the connection.
- Boost Wi-Fi Strength: Strengthen your Wi-Fi game – consider optimizing the router placement or investing in signal-boosting gadgets.
- Minimize Wi-Fi Interference: Banish interference by keeping electronic devices away from your router, reducing potential disruptors.
- Switch to 2.4GHz Channel: Connect your camera to the 2.4GHz channel for a smoother and more stable connection.
- Update Router Firmware: Ensure your router is up-to-date. Firmware updates can be the unsung heroes of connectivity.
- Reset your router: When all else fails, a reset can work wonders, wiping the slate clean for a fresh start.
Following these ideas can work on the availability between your Arlo camera and the Wi-Fi network, settling any possible issues with uploading recorded content.
Which camera configurations have you activated?
Arlo provides various modes to tailor your camera experience, allowing you to control how your cameras respond to triggers at different times.
In general, there are four modes for Arlo cameras:
- Armed: Detects and records motion.
- Disarmed: Doesn’t detect motion and audio triggers.
- Schedule: Let you specify the times when your system should be armed or disarmed.
- Geofencing: Enables and disables settings based on your device’s location.
Here, let’s focus on the Armed option. If you’ve customized other settings, ensure they don’t block your camera from recording.
The Armed mode allows you to adjust motion detection, sensitivity, video recording, etc. Sensitivity levels (low or high) determine how easily your camera is triggered.
To check your Armed mode settings:
- Launch the Arlo Secure app or log in to your account
- Navigate to the “Mode” option
- Handpick the camera you wish to modify
- Opt for the Armed setting by tapping the pencil icon
- Explore the “Rules” section and tap the pencil icon once again
- Dive into the “Motion is detected” segment – adjust the sensitivity level to your preference and hit save
- Double-check that “Record video” is selected
- Confirm your changes by hitting Done
Activate the camera’s view to confirm the recording if you made any changes. Alternatively, perform a motion sensitivity test:
- Access the application, navigate to Settings, proceed to My Devices, and choose your device.
- Navigate to Device Utilities and access the Motion Detection Test.
- Try different sensitivity levels (low to high).
- The camera’s front LED blinks when motion is detected; set that as your sensitivity level.
Note: The test doesn’t update settings but helps find an optimal sensitivity level for your camera.
Update Your App and Firmware
Outdated applications and firmware can contribute to functionality issues, including problems with recording on your Arlo camera. Keeping both your Arlo app and camera firmware up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps to ensure your software is current:
- Update Arlo App: Visit the app store on your mobile device (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS). Check for updates to the Arlo app and install the latest version.
- Update Camera Firmware: Access the Arlo app and navigate to the device settings or dashboard. Locate your Arlo camera and check for available firmware updates.
If there is an update ready, proceed by responding to the prompts to install the most recent firmware. - Scheduled Firmware Checks: Enable automatic firmware checks within the Arlo app to ensure your camera stays updated with the latest improvements and bug fixes.
- Restart Your Arlo Camera After Updates: After updating the app and firmware, perform a restart of your Arlo camera.
Regularly updating both the app and firmware not only resolves potential issues but also introduces new features and improvements. If updating doesn’t resolve the recording problem, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
Factory Reset Your Camera
When you find yourself stuck with persistent camera issues that other troubleshooting tips can’t fix, a factory reset becomes the last resort.
Performing a factory reset wipes out lingering software problems, offering a clean slate to potentially resolve recording issues. Keep in mind, though, that this process erases all personalized settings, preferences, and stored data. Proceed with caution.
To reset your camera:
- Detach your camera and locate the sync button.
- Press and hold the sync button until the camera LED blinks amber (3 times).
- Launch the Arlo app or log in to the website.
- Tap Settings, go to “My Devices,” and select your camera.
- Choose “Remove Device” and confirm with a “Yes.”
- Go back to the Devices page, select “Add New Device,” then Cameras. Follow the prompts to connect the camera to your WiFi, base station, or SmartHub.
- If necessary, reinsert the camera into its housing until it clicks securely into place.
Contact Arlo Support
If your Arlo camera issues persist, reaching out to Arlo Support is crucial. Firstly, visit the official Arlo support website. Next, select your camera model. Finally, describe the problem in detail. Follow any provided instructions for a swift resolution. Whether through live chat or phone support, Arlo’s expert team is ready to assist. Be sure to note any assigned case number for future reference. Timely communication with Arlo Support ensures a thorough diagnosis of complex issues, leading to effective solutions.
