Is Your Arlo Camera Constantly Disconnecting?
It can be incredibly frustrating when your Arlo security camera, a device meant to provide peace of mind, keeps disconnecting from your network. An offline camera means a gap in your security coverage, missed notifications, and an inability to view live footage. Fortunately, most disconnection issues are caused by common network problems that you can resolve yourself.
This guide is designed to walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to diagnose and fix why your Arlo camera keeps disconnecting, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
## Understanding Why Arlo Cameras Disconnect
Before diving into solutions, it's helpful to understand the root causes. Most of the time, the problem lies with the Wi-Fi connection between your Arlo camera and your router or Arlo SmartHub.
Common culprits include:
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: The camera may be too far from the router or SmartHub.
- Wi-Fi Interference: Other electronic devices can disrupt the signal.
- Low Battery: Insufficient power can cause the camera's Wi-Fi module to fail.
- Network Glitches: Your router or modem may need a simple restart.
- Outdated Firmware: Both your Arlo system and router need to be up-to-date.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide to Fix Arlo Disconnects
Follow these steps in order to identify and solve the problem.
### Step 1: Check the Arlo System Status
First, ensure there isn't a wider Arlo service outage. Visit the official Arlo status page to see if there are any ongoing issues that could be affecting your system. If the service is down, you'll need to wait for Arlo to resolve the problem.
### Step 2: Assess Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most frequent cause of camera disconnects.
- Open the Arlo App: Navigate to Device Settings > Camera > Device Info.
- Check Signal Strength: Look for the "Signal Strength" indicator. It will show one, two, or three bars.
- Analyse the Result:
- Three Bars: Your signal is strong.
- Two Bars: Your signal is good, but could be improved.
- One Bar (or less): Your signal is weak and is likely the cause of the disconnections.
If your signal is weak, try moving the camera closer to your Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi router. Even a few feet can make a significant difference.
### Step 3: Minimise Wi-Fi Interference
Many common household devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. The 2.4 GHz band, which most smart devices use, is particularly crowded.
- Identify Potential Interference: Look for devices like cordless phones, baby monitors, microwave ovens, and even neighbouring Wi-Fi networks.
- Relocate Your Hardware: Try to move your Arlo SmartHub or router away from these devices. Ensure there is a clear line of sight, if possible, between the hub and your cameras. Avoid placing them inside cabinets or behind thick concrete walls.
### Step 4: Power Cycle Your Entire System
A "soft reset" or power cycle can clear up temporary bugs and re-establish a fresh connection.
- Unplug your Modem and Router: Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the Modem back in: Wait for it to fully boot up (all lights stable).
- Plug the Router back in: Wait for it to fully boot up.
- Restart your Arlo SmartHub/Base Station: Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Re-sync Your Camera: If the camera is still offline, you may need to bring it near the base station and press the sync button.
### Step 5: Check Camera Battery Levels
If your Arlo camera is battery-powered, a low charge can prevent it from maintaining a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Check the battery level in the Arlo app.
- If the battery is low (below 20%), charge it fully or replace the batteries.
- Ensure the power connections are secure if you are using a mains adapter.
### Step 6: Update Firmware
Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance, including connectivity.
- Arlo Firmware: The Arlo app should automatically update your cameras and SmartHub. You can check for updates in the settings menu.
- Router Firmware: Log into your router's administration panel (usually via a web browser) and check for any available firmware updates. This process varies by manufacturer.
By systematically working through these steps, you can identify the cause of your Arlo camera's disconnection issues and restore its performance, ensuring your property remains secure.