What to Do When the Arlo Secure App Won't Connect
When the Arlo Secure app fails to connect, you lose all access to your security camera system. You can't view live feeds, check recordings, or receive notifications. This problem can manifest as a failed login attempt, an endless loading screen, or a camera library that simply shows all your devices as "Offline." The issue is often with the app itself or your phone's connection, rather than your cameras.
This guide provides a comprehensive set of solutions to fix the Arlo app when it's not connecting, allowing you to regain access to your security system.
Common Causes for Arlo App Connection Issues
Let's break down why the app might be failing to connect:
- Poor Internet on Your Phone: The app needs a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to reach Arlo's servers.
- Arlo Service Outage: Occasionally, the problem isn't on your end. Arlo's own servers may be down for maintenance or experiencing an unexpected outage.
- App Glitches or Corrupted Cache: Like any software, the app can experience temporary bugs or have its performance degraded by corrupted data.
- Incorrect Login Credentials: A simple typo in your email or password will prevent you from logging in.
- VPN or Network Restrictions: A VPN on your phone or certain network firewalls (like on a corporate Wi-Fi) can block the app from connecting to Arlo's servers.
How to Fix Arlo App Connection Problems
Work through these steps methodically to find the root cause and resolve it.
1. Check the Arlo Service Status
Before you start troubleshooting your own devices, check if the problem is with Arlo.
- Visit the official Arlo Status Page.
- This page will show you if there are any active outages affecting logins, camera streaming, or other services. If there is a known issue, you will simply have to wait for Arlo's engineers to fix it.
2. Verify Your Phone's Internet Connection
Ensure the device running the app has a solid connection.
- Switch Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data: If you're on Wi-Fi, try turning it off and using your mobile data instead. If you're on mobile data, try connecting to a stable Wi-Fi network. If one works and the other doesn't, you've isolated the problem to that specific connection.
- Open a Web Browser: Try to load a few different websites to confirm your internet is working properly.
3. Basic App and Phone Troubleshooting
These simple steps resolve a majority of app-related problems.
- Force Close the App: On both iOS and Android, you can bring up your recent apps and swipe the Arlo app away to fully close it. Relaunching it from a fresh state can clear minor glitches.
- Restart Your Smartphone: Turning your phone off and on again is a classic and highly effective way to fix strange app behaviour.
- Check for App Updates: Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for "Arlo Secure" and see if an "Update" button is available. Always run the latest version for the best performance and security.
4. Clear the App's Cache
Over time, the app's cache can become cluttered or corrupted.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Arlo Secure > Storage & cache and tap Clear cache.
- On iOS: iOS doesn't provide a direct way to clear the cache for most apps. The most effective method is to delete the Arlo Secure app from your phone and then reinstall it from the App Store. Your account settings and recordings are stored in the cloud and will not be lost.
5. Check Your Login and Network Settings
If you still can't connect, let's look at more specific issues.
- Reset Your Password: If you're having trouble logging in, use the "Forgotten Password?" link on the app's login screen to reset it.
- Disable VPN: If you use a VPN on your phone, disable it temporarily and try connecting the Arlo app again.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively diagnose and fix the vast majority of issues that prevent the Arlo Secure app from connecting.