Your Arlo camera might be offline for several reasons, most commonly related to its connection, power, or system status. Understanding these issues can help you quickly troubleshoot and restore its functionality.
Why Is My Arlo Camera Offline?
An Arlo camera typically goes offline due to a disruption in its connection to the Arlo SmartHub/Base Station or the internet, power issues, or problems with the Arlo account or app.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary reasons and how to address them:
1. Connection and Signal Interference
The most frequent cause of an offline Arlo camera is a disrupted connection. Arlo cameras rely on a stable wireless connection to their SmartHub or Base Station, which then connects to your internet router.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: If the camera is too far from the SmartHub/Base Station or your Wi-Fi router, the signal might be too weak to maintain a stable connection.
- Physical Obstructions: Metal objects, thick walls, or ceilings between the camera and the base station can significantly degrade the wireless signal, leading to intermittent disconnections or the camera going completely offline.
- Wi-Fi Congestion and Interference: Your Arlo system might experience Wi-Fi congestion if you have other Wi-Fi devices or access points close to your SmartHub or Base Station. This can cause interference, leading to an unstable connection. Other devices like microwaves, cordless phones, or Bluetooth devices can also interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
- Internet Outage: If your home internet is down, your Arlo system won't be able to communicate with the Arlo cloud, causing cameras to appear offline in the app.
- SmartHub/Base Station Issues: The SmartHub or Base Station itself might be offline, unplugged, or experiencing a malfunction.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues:
- Check Signal Strength: In the Arlo app, navigate to the camera settings and check the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's low, try moving the camera closer to the SmartHub/Base Station.
- Reduce Obstructions: Ensure there are no significant physical barriers, especially metal, between your camera and its base station.
- Minimize Interference:
- Relocate other Wi-Fi devices or access points away from your Arlo SmartHub/Base Station.
- Change your Wi-Fi channel on your router to avoid crowded frequencies.
- Verify Internet Connection: Confirm your home internet is working by checking other devices or restarting your router.
- Restart SmartHub/Base Station: Unplug your SmartHub/Base Station, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
2. Power Problems
Without adequate power, your Arlo camera cannot function or stay online.
- Low Battery: For battery-powered Arlo cameras, a low or depleted battery is a common cause for going offline. Arlo apps usually provide alerts for low battery levels.
- Power Adapter Issues: For wired cameras, check if the power adapter is securely plugged into both the camera and the power outlet. Ensure the outlet is functional. A faulty power adapter or cable can also be the culprit.
Troubleshooting Power Issues:
- Check Battery Level: Open the Arlo app to see the battery status of your camera. Replace or recharge the battery if it's low.
- Inspect Power Connection: For wired cameras, ensure all power cables are firmly connected and undamaged. Try a different power outlet.
3. Arlo App and Account Issues
Sometimes, the camera is physically online, but it appears offline due to an issue with the Arlo app or your account.
- App Glitches: The Arlo app might sometimes display incorrect status due to a temporary glitch.
- Expired Subscription: Some Arlo features, including cloud recording and certain notifications, require an active Arlo Secure plan. While the camera might technically still be online, certain functionalities might be limited.
- Outdated App Version: An outdated Arlo app might have bugs that cause display errors.
Troubleshooting App and Account Issues:
- Refresh Arlo App: Close the Arlo app completely and reopen it.
- Log Out and Log In: Log out of your Arlo account in the app and then log back in.
- Update App: Ensure your Arlo app is updated to the latest version from your device's app store.
- Check Subscription: Verify your Arlo Secure plan status on the Arlo website or within the app.
4. Firmware and Software
Outdated or corrupted firmware on your camera or SmartHub/Base Station can lead to instability and connectivity problems.
- Outdated Firmware: Arlo regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance, add features, and fix bugs. If your device's firmware is not updated, it might lead to unexpected behavior, including going offline.
Troubleshooting Firmware Issues:
- Check for Firmware Updates: The Arlo app usually prompts you to update firmware. You can also manually check for updates in the SmartHub/Base Station settings. Ensure your devices are updated to the latest firmware version.
5. Hardware Malfunction
In rare cases, the camera or SmartHub/Base Station itself might have a hardware fault.
- Damaged Hardware: Physical damage or an internal component failure can cause a camera to go offline permanently.
Troubleshooting Hardware Malfunction:
- Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can try performing a factory reset on your camera or SmartHub/Base Station. Be aware this will erase all settings and require re-setup. Consult the Arlo support page for specific instructions for your model.
- Contact Support: If all troubleshooting steps fail, it might indicate a hardware issue. Contact Arlo customer support for further assistance or warranty claims.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| Problem Category | Common Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Connection & Interference | Weak Wi-Fi signal, physical obstructions (metal, thick walls), Wi-Fi congestion, internet outage, SmartHub/Base Station offline. | Move camera closer to SmartHub/Base Station. Remove obstructions. Relocate other Wi-Fi devices. Restart SmartHub/Base Station & router. Check internet connection. |
| Power | Low/dead battery, faulty power adapter/cable. | Recharge or replace battery. Ensure power adapter is securely connected and functional; try a different outlet. |
| App & Account | App glitch, outdated app version, expired subscription. | Close and reopen Arlo app. Log out and log back in. Update Arlo app. Verify Arlo Secure plan status. |
| Firmware | Outdated camera or SmartHub/Base Station firmware. | Update camera and SmartHub/Base Station firmware via the Arlo app. |
| Hardware | Physical damage, internal malfunction. | Perform a factory reset (as a last resort). Contact Arlo support if issues persist after trying all other solutions. |
By systematically checking these potential issues, you can often quickly identify and resolve why your Arlo camera is offline, ensuring your home security system remains fully operational.
