Arlo Chime Not Working? Fix It in 10 Minutes with These Steps

Your Arlo Chime Isn't Working? Here's How to Fix It

If your Arlo chime is unresponsive to doorbell presses or fails to ring, This is a commonly reported issue. This guide provides brand-specific steps to resolve the issue, focusing on Arlo's unique tools and features. Common causes include incorrect pairing, Wi-Fi signal degradation, or battery depletion. Follow the steps below to restore functionality.

Fast Arlo Fixes to Start With

Before diving into complex diagnostics, try these 30-second checks:

• Power cycle your chime: Unplug the chime or remove batteries (if applicable) for 10 seconds, then reconnect. For Arlo Essential 2K models, ensure the Pairing button is not stuck.
• Restart the Arlo Secure app: Close the app completely, then reopen it. This clears temporary glitches that may prevent the chime from syncing with the app.
• Check the LED status: A solid green light means the chime is connected to Wi-Fi. A blinking red light indicates a pairing or connectivity issue.
• Verify power cable/battery: For Arlo Essential Indoor chimes, confirm the AA battery is properly seated and not depleted. For solar-powered models, ensure the solar panel is not obstructed.
• Confirm app login: Log out of the Arlo Secure app and log back in. This ensures your account is authenticated and the chime is linked to the correct profile.

Check Your Arlo Chime's Wi-Fi Band Settings

Arlo chimes require a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. If your router supports dual-band Wi-Fi, the chime may be connected to the 5GHz band, which has a shorter range and is more prone to interference.

Switch to 2.4GHz Mode

1. Open the Arlo Secure app.
2. Select your chime from the device list.
3. Navigate to Device Settings → Wi-Fi Network.
4. Ensure the 2.4GHz Band is selected. If not, tap Select Band and choose the 2.4GHz option.
5. Wait 1–2 minutes for the chime to reconnect.

For Arlo Pro 6 Users

If your chime is paired with an Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000/VMB4540), confirm the hub is connected to the 2.4GHz band. To do this:

1. Open the Arlo Secure app.
2. Go to Device Settings → SmartHub → Wi-Fi Network.
3. Select the 2.4GHz Band if the hub is currently on 5GHz.

Update Your Arlo Chime's Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause pairing or connectivity issues. Arlo regularly releases updates to improve performance and compatibility.

Check for Firmware Updates

1. Open the Arlo Secure app.
2. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Device Health.
3. Choose your chime from the list.
4. If an update is available, tap Update Firmware. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

For Arlo Essential 2K Users

If your chime is not updating automatically, manually trigger a firmware check:

1. In the Arlo Secure app, go to Device Settings → General → Check for Updates.
2. If an update is found, follow the prompts to install it. Ensure the chime remains connected to the app during the update.

Use the Arlo Secure App's Diagnostic Tools

Arlo provides built-in tools to diagnose and resolve chime issues. These tools are not available on competing brands, making them unique to Arlo.

Run the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Tool

1. Open the Arlo Secure app.
2. Tap the Menu icon and select Device Health.
3. Choose your chime and tap Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Tool.
4. Follow the prompts to identify signal interference or weak connectivity. The app will suggest moving the chime closer to the router or reducing obstacles between the chime and the router.

Check Signal Strength

1. In the Device Health section of the Arlo Secure app, select your chime.
2. Look for the Signal Strength indicator. A signal strength of -70dBm or higher is ideal. If the signal is weaker than -70dBm, the chime may not function reliably.
3. Move the chime closer to the router or reduce interference from other devices.

Re-Pair Your Arlo Chime

If the chime is still not working after checking Wi-Fi and firmware, re-pairing may resolve the issue.

Re-Pairing Steps

1. Ensure the chime is powered on and within range of your router.
2. Open the Arlo Secure app and go to Device Settings → Add New Device.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the chime. The app will guide you through selecting the correct Wi-Fi network and confirming the pairing.
4. After pairing, test the chime by pressing the doorbell. If it still doesn't work, proceed to the next section.

Contact Arlo Support for Advanced Diagnostics

If basic troubleshooting steps fail, Arlo's support team can assist with deeper diagnostics.

Submit Diagnostic Logs

1. Open the Arlo Secure app.
2. Tap the Menu icon and select Support.
3. Choose Submit Diagnostic Logs. This sends detailed data about your chime's connectivity, firmware, and app interactions to Arlo engineers.

When to Contact Support

If your chime still fails to work after re-pairing, updating firmware, and optimizing Wi-Fi settings, contact Arlo support at www.arlo.com/en_gb/support. Provide details about your chime model, Wi-Fi network, and any error messages you've seen.

Root Causes of Arlo Chime Issues

Arlo chimes typically fail due to one of three reasons:

1. Weak Wi-Fi signal: Thick walls, distance from the router, or interference from other devices can degrade connectivity.
2. Incorrect pairing: The chime may be paired to the wrong Wi-Fi network or SmartHub.
3. Battery or power issues: Low battery levels or faulty power adapters can prevent the chime from functioning.

In the UK, additional challenges like IP66-rated sockets and RCD protection can affect outdoor chimes. Ensure your chime is installed on a BS 1363 Type G 3-pin socket with 30mA RCD protection as required by UK regulations.

Protecting Your Arlo Investment

To avoid future chime issues, follow these best practices:

• Keep firmware updated: Regularly check for firmware updates in the Arlo Secure app.
• Optimize Wi-Fi placement: Place the chime within 15 metres of your router, avoiding obstructions like metal objects or concrete walls.
• Monitor battery health: For battery-powered chimes, check the Battery Health section in the app and replace batteries when the level drops below 20%.

Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of chimes that fail to ring despite proper setup. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet, eliminating reliance on unstable Wi-Fi or batteries.

When to Replace Your Arlo Chime

Arlo chimes typically last 3–5 years for battery-powered models and 5–8 years for wired models. If your chime is over 5 years old and troubleshooting fails, consider replacement.

• Battery-powered chimes: Replace if the battery degrades to less than 20% capacity after 300–500 cycles.
• Wired chimes: Replace if the internal electronics fail despite proper power supply and wiring.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods. If your chime is under warranty, contact Arlo support for a replacement or repair.

Wrapping Up Your Arlo Troubleshooting

If your Arlo chime still isn't working after following all steps, contact Arlo support directly. Provide details about your model, Wi-Fi network, and any error messages. Arlo engineers can assist with advanced diagnostics and replacement if needed.