Many of the cool features available on smart cameras depend on them being connected to the internet. If your camera goes offline unexpectedly, you might miss out on these handy features until it’s back online.
If you’re having trouble with your Arlo Camera not connecting, you’re not alone. We’ve heard from several users experiencing the same issue. You’re in the right place—I’m here to help you troubleshoot and fix the connection problem step by step.
Arlo Camera Not Connecting – Troubleshooting Guide
Setting up your Arlo camera is easy if you follow these steps. First, make sure your phone is connected to the same 2.4 GHz network as your camera and grant the necessary location and Bluetooth permissions. This helps the camera find your device effortlessly.
When you’re pairing the camera with the app, ensure the camera’s LED indicator is flashing blue, indicating it’s ready for setup. This process usually takes about 2 minutes before the camera goes into standby mode.
For Arlo cameras that run on batteries, it’s crucial to charge the batteries fully before you begin setting up.
Follow these steps to connect your camera to your network and base station.
Restarting Cameras and Network Equipment
To refresh your devices, start by restarting both your camera and network devices.
When you power cycle your router, it helps refresh your network connection and resolves any issues with IP conflicts.
To do this, simply unplug your router from the power outlet, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in to restart it. Once it’s fully powered up and broadcasting a network signal, proceed to power cycle your camera.
Wi-Fi Connectivity and Network Settings
To connect your camera, you need an active Wi-Fi network operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
Firstly, ensure your router is set to broadcast on 2.4 GHz. If your router combines 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies under one SSID, disable the 5 GHz option in the router’s admin portal temporarily while setting up your camera. Once connected, you can re-enable it.
Alternatively, separate the frequencies into distinct SSIDs with different passwords.
While in your router’s settings, make sure MAC address filtering is turned off. This setting can block your camera from receiving an IP address if it doesn’t recognize its MAC address, causing connection issues.
Select ‘WPA/WPA2’ as your Wi-Fi security encryption. Many smart home devices may have trouble connecting with newer encryption methods like WPA3.
Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want to add the camera to. Consider turning off cellular data temporarily.
After making any changes in the router’s admin portal, forget the Wi-Fi network on your mobile device, restart both the router and your mobile device, and reconnect to the updated Wi-Fi network SSID.
Before attempting to reconnect your camera, ensure your internet connection is working properly. Then proceed to test the camera’s connection.
Ensure Proper Power Supply
To ensure your Arlo camera operates smoothly, verify the power supply. For battery-powered models, check and recharge or replace low batteries. For wired cameras, inspect the power cable and ensure secure connections. Test the power outlet by plugging in another device; switch outlets if necessary.
Clean the charging port of any dust or debris, and inspect for damage. Confirm the firmware is updated via the Arlo app and consider resetting the camera if issues persist.
Move The Camera
When setting up your camera, it’s important to be near the main router and avoid obstacles, as this keeps the signal strong. This initial setup ensures the camera connects well to your account and the cloud servers.
To prevent any connectivity issues later on, make sure the final installation spot has a strong network signal, whether indoors or outdoors.
Consider upgrading your network to a mesh setup or using a Wi-Fi extender if you need to improve your signal strength.
Factory Resetting Your Camera
Resetting your camera back to its factory settings restores the original firmware, which can fix issues caused by corrupted configuration files that might be affecting your camera’s ability to connect.
Before you reset your camera, make sure you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above. If not, resetting the camera might not solve your network problems and you could face the same issue again.
Depending on the model of your camera, you may need to remove it from its housing to access the sync button.
To reset the camera, press and hold the SYNC button for about 15 to 20 seconds. When you see the camera’s LED blinking, release the button and let the reset process finish.
After resetting, your camera will enter pairing mode. You can now try reconnecting it using the Arlo secure app.
Tips for Arlo Camera Connectivity Issues
Try using a different phone – Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your Wi-Fi or camera but your mobile device itself. If possible, try using another mobile device, preferably with a different operating system.
Wait and try again later – If you’re facing connectivity issues, it might be due to server problems. Give it some time, then attempt to connect your camera again after a few hours.
Reach out to Customer Support – If you’ve tried everything without success, it’s best to contact Arlo’s customer support for assistance. Your camera might have a defect or its firmware could be corrupted. Getting in touch with support can help you arrange a replacement unit.
