Is Your Arlo Camera's Audio Not Working?
There's little point in a security camera that can't provide audio evidence or allow you to communicate. If you're facing issues with your Arlo camera's audio, you're not alone. This is a common problem that can often be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting. Whether you have no sound at all, distorted audio, or the two-way talk feature has failed, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to restore your camera's sound.
This guide will help you diagnose and fix the root cause of audio problems on your Arlo security camera, ensuring you can hear what's happening and communicate clearly when needed.
## Initial Checks for Arlo Audio Issues
Before diving into more complex solutions, let's start with the basics. These simple steps can often resolve the problem quickly without needing to reset your device or change complex settings.
- Check the Mute Button in the App: The most common reason for no sound is accidentally muting the audio in the Arlo Secure app. During a live stream, look for the speaker icon. If it has a line through it, it's muted. Tap it to unmute and check if the sound is restored.
- Ensure Microphone is Enabled: In the Arlo app, navigate to your camera's settings. Under the 'Audio Settings' section, make sure the microphone is toggled on. Sometimes, a software update or accidental change can disable it.
- Inspect the Camera's Microphone: Take a close look at your Arlo camera. The microphone is a tiny pinhole on the device's casing. Ensure it is not blocked by dirt, debris, or the mounting bracket. Use a soft, dry cloth or a can of compressed air to gently clean it.
## Troubleshooting Steps for Arlo Audio Not Working
If the initial checks didn't solve the issue, it's time to move on to more detailed troubleshooting. Work through these steps methodically to identify and fix the problem.
### 1. Power Cycle Your Arlo Camera
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches affecting the audio. This process, also known as a power cycle, clears the camera's temporary memory without erasing your settings.
- For wireless cameras: Remove the battery, wait for 30 seconds, and then re-insert it.
- For wired cameras: Unplug the power cable from the camera, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
Once the camera has fully rebooted, try the live stream again to see if the audio is working.
### 2. Check Your Mobile Device's Permissions
The Arlo Secure app needs permission to access your phone's microphone for two-way talk to function.
- On iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. Find 'Arlo' in the list and ensure the toggle is switched on.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Arlo > Permissions. Tap on 'Microphone' and ensure it is set to 'Allow'.
After confirming the permissions, restart the Arlo app and test the audio again.
### 3. Review Your Wi-Fi Connection
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can interfere with the audio stream, causing it to cut out or fail entirely.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Arlo app, go to your camera's settings and check the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's weak (one or two bars), the camera may be too far from your router.
- Reduce Network Congestion: Too many devices connected to your Wi-Fi can slow it down. Try temporarily disconnecting other devices to see if the audio quality improves.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from power, wait for a minute, and then plug it back in. This can resolve many underlying network issues.
### 4. Update Firmware and App
Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and bugs. Ensure both your Arlo camera's firmware and the Arlo Secure app are up to date.
- Firmware: The Arlo app should automatically notify you if a firmware update is available. You can check manually in the camera's 'Device Info' settings.
- App: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check for updates to the Arlo app.
## When to Contact Arlo Support
If you have exhausted all the troubleshooting steps in this guide and your Arlo camera's audio is still not working, it may indicate a hardware fault. Before contacting support, it's worth performing a factory reset as a final step. Be aware that this will erase all your settings and you will need to set up the camera again from scratch. If the issue persists after a reset, it's time to reach out to Arlo's official customer support for further assistance or a potential warranty claim.