Arlo Installation Problems? Your Troubleshooting Guide is Here.
Setting up your new Arlo security system should be a simple and rewarding process. However, even with Arlo's user-friendly design, you can sometimes hit a snag during installation. Whether your camera refuses to sync, your SmartHub stays offline, or you're just not sure where to place your cameras, we're here to help.
This guide will walk you through the most common Arlo installation problems and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get your system up and running smoothly.
## Common Installation Hurdles and Symptoms
Let's start by identifying the specific issue you're encountering. Knowing the symptom is the first step to finding the right fix.
- Camera Won't Sync: You follow the steps in the app, but the camera fails to sync with the SmartHub or Base Station.
- SmartHub/Base Station is Offline: The app says your hub is offline, and the LED light on the device is amber or flashing.
- QR Code Not Recognised: During setup, the camera fails to scan the QR code displayed on your phone.
- "Device Not Found" Error: The Arlo app cannot discover your camera or SmartHub on the network.
- Poor Video Quality: Once set up, the camera's live stream is pixelated, laggy, or frequently disconnects.
- Rapid Battery Drain: The camera's batteries drain much faster than expected after installation.
## Step-by-Step Installation Troubleshooting
Work through these solutions to resolve your Arlo setup issues.
### 1. Solving Syncing Failures
This is the most common installation problem. If your camera and SmartHub aren't talking to each other, try these steps in order.
- Bring Them Closer: During the initial pairing process, the camera and the SmartHub/Base Station should be in the same room, ideally within 3-6 feet (1-2 metres) of each other. You can move the camera to its final location after it has successfully synced.
- Check the Batteries: For wire-free cameras, ensure you are using fresh, fully charged batteries. Low battery power is a common cause of sync failure.
- Check the SmartHub Status: Look at the LED lights on your SmartHub or Base Station. You should have a solid green (or blue) power light and a solid green (or blue) internet light. If the internet light is amber or off, the hub is not connected to the network, and syncing will fail.
- Power Cycle Everything:
- Unplug your SmartHub/Base Station from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Reboot your internet router.
- Remove and re-insert the batteries in your camera.
- Wait for the hub and router to come back online fully before trying to sync again.
### 2. Fixing an Offline SmartHub
If your SmartHub or Base Station has a flashing or solid amber light, it means it can't connect to the internet.
- Check Ethernet Cables: Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the Arlo hub and your router. Try a different Ethernet port on your router. If possible, try a different Ethernet cable altogether to rule out a faulty cable.
- Router Settings: Ensure your router's DHCP service is enabled and that it doesn't have any firewall or security settings that could be blocking the Arlo hub from accessing the internet.
### 3. QR Code Scanning Tips
If the camera isn't reading the QR code on your phone screen:
- Screen Brightness: Turn your phone's screen brightness up to the maximum level.
- Clean the Lens: Wipe the camera's lens with a soft, microfibre cloth to ensure it's clean.
- Distance and Angle: Hold your phone about 8 inches (20 cm) away from the camera lens. Slowly move it back and forth until you hear a chime from the camera, confirming a successful scan. Avoid screen glare.
### 4. Optimising Camera Placement
Once your cameras are synced, where you put them matters.
- Height: Place cameras at least 7 feet (2.1 metres) high and aim them slightly down.
- Motion Detection: Arlo's motion sensors are most sensitive to side-to-side movement across their field of view. Position cameras so that intruders will walk across the detection zone, not directly towards the camera.
- Wi-Fi Signal: Before you permanently mount a camera, use the "Camera Positioning" mode in the Arlo app to check the Wi-Fi signal strength at that location. A weak signal will lead to poor video quality and battery drain.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can overcome the most common Arlo installation challenges and build a reliable security system tailored to your home.