How to Fix Blurry Night Vision on Your Arlo Camera
A security camera's primary job is to provide a clear picture, day or night. If your Arlo camera delivers a sharp image during the day but becomes a blurry, foggy, or washed-out mess after dark, the problem is almost always related to its infrared (IR) night vision system. The good news is that this is often an issue you can fix yourself with a few simple adjustments.
This guide will help you diagnose the cause of your blurry night vision and provide step-by-step instructions to restore a crisp, clear image to your nighttime recordings.
Understanding Why Night Vision Becomes Blurry
Arlo cameras use infrared LEDs to illuminate the area in front of them with light that is invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor. This allows you to see in complete darkness. Blurriness occurs when this infrared light is reflected directly back into the camera lens, a phenomenon known as IR reflection or glare.
Common Causes of IR Reflection:
- Dirty or Smudged Lens: Fingerprints, dust, and grime on the lens can catch the IR light and create a foggy effect.
- Nearby Surfaces: Positioning the camera too close to a wall, a ceiling, a windowsill, or under an eave can cause the IR light to bounce off the surface and flood the lens.
- Protective Film: Forgetting to remove the clear plastic protective film from a new camera is a very common mistake that ruins night vision.
- Condensation: Moisture inside or outside the lens will severely distort the image.
- Spider Webs: Spiders are attracted to the warmth of the IR LEDs, and their webs are highly reflective, causing bright spots and blurriness.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Clearer Image
Work through these solutions one by one. Your issue is likely to be resolved by one of the first three steps.
1. Thoroughly Clean the Camera Lens
This should always be your first step. Even a thin layer of dust or a single fingerprint can have a dramatic effect on night vision quality.
- Power down the camera or put it in standby mode to avoid generating false motion alerts.
- Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to gently wipe the lens. Do not use paper towels or harsh chemical cleaners, as they can scratch the lens coating.
- For stubborn smudges, you can slightly dampen the cloth with water or a dedicated lens cleaning solution.
- While you're there, wipe down the entire camera body to remove any dust or spider webs.
2. Check the Camera's Positioning
The placement of your Arlo camera is critical for good night vision.
- Pull it Away from Surfaces: If your camera is mounted directly under an eave, soffit, or next to a wall, try repositioning it a few inches further away. Even a small adjustment can prevent the IR light from bouncing back.
- Avoid Pointing it Through Glass: Never place an Arlo camera indoors to look out through a window at night. The IR LEDs will reflect off the glass, resulting in a completely white and unusable image. You must either place the camera outside or disable its IR LEDs and rely on external lighting.
- Clear Obstructions: Trim any nearby tree branches or plants that could be reflecting light back into the lens.
3. Inspect for and Remove Protective Film
If your camera is newly installed, carefully inspect the lens and the black faceplate surrounding it. Manufacturers often apply a thin, clear plastic film to protect the device during shipping. This film is highly reflective and must be removed.
4. Address Moisture and Condensation
If you notice fogging on the inside of the lens, it means moisture has managed to get past the camera's weather seals.
- Bring the camera indoors and place it in a dry, warm place (like an airing cupboard) for 24-48 hours to allow the moisture to evaporate.
- If the problem persists, it may indicate a failure in the weather sealing, and you should contact Arlo support if the device is still under warranty.
5. Update Your Firmware
Finally, ensure your camera's firmware is up to date. Arlo sometimes releases updates that can improve image processing and performance. You can check for updates in the Arlo app under your camera's settings.