Arlo Night Vision Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Your Arlo camera's ability to see in the dark is one of its most important security features. When night vision fails, your property is left unmonitored. Whether the image is completely black, too grainy to be useful, or the feature simply isn't turning on, the issue can usually be resolved by checking a few key settings and environmental factors.
This guide provides professional, step-by-step solutions to help you diagnose and fix your Arlo camera's night vision problems, ensuring you have a clear view, day or night.
## Essential First Steps in the Arlo App
Before looking at hardware or placement, it's crucial to ensure your camera is configured correctly within the Arlo Secure app.
1. Check if Night Vision is Enabled First, let's confirm the feature is turned on for the specific camera you're having trouble with.
- Open the Arlo Secure app.
- Tap on Devices and select the camera in question.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Go to Video Settings.
- Make sure the Night Vision toggle is switched on. For best results, this should be set to Auto, which allows the camera to automatically enable night vision when it gets dark.
2. Check the Camera's Battery Level Night vision, especially the infrared (IR) LEDs, consumes a significant amount of power.
- In the camera's settings, check the remaining battery percentage.
- If the battery is very low (e.g., below 15%), the camera may disable features like night vision to conserve power.
- Solution: Fully charge your camera's battery and see if the night vision performance improves.
3. Reboot the Camera and Base Station/SmartHub A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- To reboot the camera: If it's a model with a removable battery, take the battery out for 60 seconds and then reinsert it. If not, you can use the Arlo app to restart it (Device Settings > Restart).
- To reboot the Base Station/SmartHub: Unplug it from the power outlet, wait for 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to come back online before testing the camera again.
## Solving Environmental and Placement Issues
If your settings are correct, the problem is likely related to where your camera is placed and what it's looking at.
### The Problem with Windows and Glass
Crucial Point: Arlo's standard night vision does not work when the camera is placed indoors and pointing out through a window.
- The Reason: The camera's infrared (IR) LEDs, which are necessary to see in the dark, create a powerful light source. This light reflects off the windowpane directly back into the lens, resulting in a severe glare and a completely white or obscured image.
- The Fix: To monitor an outdoor area, the camera must be mounted outside. If you absolutely have to place it indoors behind glass, you must go into the video settings and turn Night Vision off. You will then need to rely on a visible outdoor light, like a porch light, to illuminate the scene for the camera.
### Insufficient Light and IR Range
If the nighttime image is very dark or grainy, consider the distance.
- Limited Range: The IR LEDs on Arlo cameras have a maximum effective range, typically around 7.5 metres (25 feet). Objects beyond this range will appear dark or non-existent.
- Dark Surfaces: The IR light needs something to reflect off. If your camera is pointing into a large, open, dark space (like a large field or a very long driveway), there may not be enough surfaces for the light to bounce off, resulting in a poor image.
- Solution: If possible, position the camera closer to the specific area you want to monitor, such as a doorway or a gate.
### Cleaning and Maintenance
A blurry or hazy night vision image can sometimes be caused by a dirty lens.
- Gently wipe the camera's lens with a clean, soft microfibre cloth to remove any dust, water spots, or spiderwebs that could be obstructing the view.
- Check that the protective plastic film from the original packaging has been removed from the camera's face.