Understanding Arlo Cameras

Before delving into the reasons behind Arlo camera not recording, let’s take a moment to understand how these cameras operate. Arlo cameras, produced by NETGEAR, come in various models, including the Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Ultra, and more. These cameras are wireless, weather-resistant, and come with numerous features like HD video quality, motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.

Arlo cameras are often paired with a central hub that connects to your Wi-Fi network, serving as a bridge between your cameras and the Arlo app or web interface. When properly set up, Arlo cameras automatically record video clips or capture snapshots when motion is detected. These recordings are stored in the cloud and can be accessed from your Arlo account.

Common Reasons for Arlo Camera Not Recording

Several factors can contribute to Arlo cameras failing to record. Identifying the root cause is essential to resolve the issue effectively. Below are some of the most common reasons:

1. Motion Detection Settings:

One of the most frequent reasons for Arlo camera not recording is misconfigured motion detection settings. If your cameras are not set up to detect motion or are set too sensitively, they might not trigger recordings when they should. On the other hand, overly sensitive settings can lead to false alarms and continuous recordings.

2. Weak or Lost Wi-Fi Connection:

Arlo cameras rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection to transmit footage to the cloud. If your cameras are too far from the Wi-Fi router or experience signal interference, they might not record properly. A weak or lost connection can lead to recordings that are cut off or not recorded at all.

3. Camera Placement:

The placement of your Arlo cameras is critical. If they are not strategically placed to capture motion or if they are obstructed by objects, the camera may not record effectively. Ensuring that your cameras have an unobstructed view and are placed in high-traffic areas can help alleviate this issue.

4. Battery Issues:

For battery-operated Arlo cameras, a drained or malfunctioning battery can cause recording problems. Regularly check and replace the batteries if they are running low, and ensure they are properly installed. Additionally, extremely cold weather can affect battery performance.

5. Cloud Subscription:

Arlo offers different cloud subscription plans that determine the amount of storage and video retention. If your subscription has expired or reached its storage limit, your Arlo cameras may stop recording. Be sure to check your subscription status and upgrade if necessary.

6. Firmware Updates:

Outdated firmware can sometimes lead to problems with your Arlo cameras. Manufacturers release firmware updates to improve performance and fix issues. Ensure that your cameras and base station have the latest firmware installed.

7. Camera Offline:

If your camera appears offline in the Arlo app, it won’t record. This could be due to various connectivity issues or a malfunctioning camera. Check the camera’s status and troubleshoot the connectivity problems.

8. Arlo Service Outages:

In rare instances, Arlo service may experience outages or technical issues. During these times, your cameras may not record, even if everything on your end is functioning correctly. You can check the Arlo status page for any reported service interruptions.

Troubleshooting Steps

Now that we’ve identified the common reasons for Arlo camera not recording, let’s explore troubleshooting steps to help resolve these issues:

1. Review Motion Detection Settings:

Access your Arlo camera settings and review the motion detection settings. Adjust the sensitivity and activity zones if needed. Make sure they are not set too high, causing false alarms, or too low, causing missed recordings.

2. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength:

Verify that your cameras have a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection. If not, consider moving your cameras closer to the Wi-Fi router or using a Wi-Fi extender to improve coverage.

3. Reposition Your Cameras:

Evaluate the camera placement and make sure they have a clear and unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Adjust the camera angle if necessary.

4. Inspect the Batteries:

For battery-operated cameras, check the battery status in the Arlo app and replace them if they are low. Ensure the batteries are correctly installed and monitor their performance in extreme weather conditions.

5. Review Your Subscription:

Check your cloud subscription status and ensure you have sufficient storage. Upgrade your subscription if you’ve reached the storage limit or if it has expired.

6. Update Firmware:

Regularly check for firmware updates and apply them to your Arlo cameras and base station as necessary. This can address performance issues and bugs.

7. Check Camera Status:

Ensure that your cameras are online and not showing any error messages in the Arlo app. If a camera appears offline, investigate the cause of the connectivity problem.

8. Monitor Service Status:

If you’ve ruled out all local issues, visit the Arlo status page to check for any reported service outages or technical problems.

Advanced Solutions for Arlo Camera Not Recording

If the basic troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to explore more advanced solutions:

1. Contact Arlo Customer Support:

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and your Arlo camera still isn’t recording, it’s a good idea to reach out to Arlo customer support at +1 (818) 850-7050 for assistance. They can provide specialized guidance and offer solutions to resolve complex issues.

2. Reset and Reconfigure Cameras:

As a last resort, you can try resetting your Arlo cameras and reconfiguring them from scratch. This should be done with caution, as it will erase all your current settings. Consult the Arlo documentation or customer support for guidance on performing a factory reset.

3. Evaluate Your Network Setup:

Sometimes, network issues can be the root cause of recording problems. Consider conducting a comprehensive review of your home network setup to ensure that it’s optimized for Arlo camera performance. This may involve upgrading your router or optimizing network settings.

4. Consider Local Storage:

If you continue to experience problems with cloud storage, you might consider using local storage options provided by Arlo, like a USB drive plugged into the base station. This can be a reliable backup for important footage.

Preventing Future Recording Issues

Preventing future recording issues with your Arlo cameras involves regular maintenance and vigilance. Here are some tips to ensure that your Arlo cameras continue to function properly:

Regularly Check Settings: Periodically review and adjust your camera settings to ensure they meet your needs and match your environment.

Perform Firmware Updates: Stay up to date with firmware updates to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.

Monitor Battery Levels: Keep an eye on battery levels for wire-free Arlo cameras, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Maintain a Strong Network Connection: Ensure a robust and stable Wi-Fi connection for consistent camera performance.

Renew Cloud Subscriptions: Stay on top of your cloud subscription status to prevent interruptions in recording.

Keep an Eye on Service Status: Be aware of any service outages and consult the Arlo status page when experiencing issues.

By following these practices, you can help ensure that your Arlo cameras consistently record when they need to, providing you with the security and peace of mind you expect from these cutting-edge devices.

Conclusion

Arlo cameras offer exceptional security and monitoring capabilities, but when they fail to record, it can be a source of frustration and anxiety. Understanding the common reasons behind Arlo camera not recording, conducting proper troubleshooting, and implementing advanced solutions when necessary will help you maintain the optimal performance of your Arlo cameras. Regular maintenance and attention to settings, updates, and network conditions will go a long way in ensuring that your Arlo cameras reliably capture the footage you need to keep your home safe and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To provide further clarity and assistance, here are some frequently asked questions regarding Arlo camera not recording:

1. Can I use Arlo cameras without a cloud subscription?

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras without a subscription, but your recording options may be limited. Without a subscription, you will have access to live streaming and local storage, but cloud storage and advanced features like activity zones may not be available.

2. Why do my Arlo cameras record too many false alarms?

This issue can occur if your motion detection sensitivity is set too high. Adjust the sensitivity or define specific activity zones to reduce false alarms. Ensure your cameras are not facing areas with constant motion like tree branches or busy roads.

3. How can I improve battery life on my Arlo cameras?

To extend battery life, consider using the optimal power-saving settings. Additionally, you can reduce the frequency of recordings or use Arlo’s scheduling feature to capture footage only during specific times of the day.

4. Why is my Arlo camera offline, and how do I fix it?

An Arlo camera may go offline due to network issues or a malfunction. To address this, ensure your camera is within range of your Wi-Fi signal and try power cycling your camera. If the issue persists, contact Arlo support for further assistance.

5. What do I do if my Arlo camera has no night vision or low-light recording?

Ensure that the camera lens is clean and free of obstructions. Additionally, check that your camera is using the appropriate night vision mode. If problems persist, consider contacting Arlo support for troubleshooting.

Contact Us

If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps and advanced solutions outlined in this guide and your Arlo camera is still not recording, don’t hesitate to reach out to Arlo’s dedicated customer support team. They have the expertise to assist you with any complex issues and provide personalized guidance to get your cameras up and running. You can contact Arlo customer support through E-mail at Info@arlocalsetup.com or Call at +1 (818) 850-7050.

Your security and peace of mind are paramount, and Arlo is committed to helping you achieve them by ensuring your cameras function flawlessly.