Arlo Camera Not Pairing? Let's Get You Connected.
Setting up a new Arlo security camera should be a straightforward process, but sometimes the pairing, or 'syncing', can fail. An Arlo camera that won't pair with your base station or Wi-Fi network is unable to protect your home. This guide provides clear, easy-to-follow steps to troubleshoot and resolve the most common Arlo pairing issues, getting your system operational in minutes.
Whether you're setting up a new camera or reconnecting an old one, these steps will help you overcome connection failures.
Common Causes for Arlo Pairing Failures
Understanding why pairing fails is the key to fixing it. Most issues fall into one of these categories:
- Incorrect Proximity: The camera is too far away from the base station or router during the initial setup.
- Low Battery: The camera's battery doesn't have enough charge to complete the pairing process.
- Wi-Fi Band Issues: Your smartphone is connected to a 5GHz network, while Arlo devices require a 2.4GHz network for setup.
- Incorrect Sync Process: The sync buttons on the base station and camera were not pressed in the correct sequence or for the correct duration.
- Firewall or Network Settings: Your router's security settings may be blocking the camera from connecting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Arlo Pairing Problems
Work through these steps methodically to diagnose and solve the issue.
Step 1: Check the Essential Prerequisites
Before you even begin the sync process, ensure these basics are covered.
- Fully Charge the Battery: Before your first attempt, make sure the camera's battery is 100% charged. Plug it into a power source and wait until the LED indicator turns solid blue or green (depending on the model).
- Check Proximity: Bring the Arlo camera within 1 to 2 metres (3 to 6 feet) of your Arlo SmartHub/base station or home Wi-Fi router (for Wi-Fi cameras). You can move it to its final location after pairing is successful.
- Verify Your Phone's Wi-Fi: Go into your smartphone's settings and confirm you are connected to your home's 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. This is a critical step. If you have a dual-band router, your 5GHz network might have "_5G" at the end of its name. Avoid this network during setup.
Step 2: Follow the Correct Syncing Procedure
The timing and sequence of button presses are important.
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For Systems with a SmartHub or Base Station:
- Launch the Arlo Secure app and select "Add New Device."
- Select your camera model and follow the on-screen prompts.
- When instructed, press the Sync button on the top of your SmartHub/base station for about two seconds, then release. The LED should begin to blink.
- Within two minutes, press the Sync button on your camera for about two seconds, then release.
- Watch the camera's LED. A rapidly blinking blue LED indicates a successful pairing process. The app will then guide you through the final steps.
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For Wi-Fi Cameras (Connecting directly to your router):
- Launch the Arlo app and select "Add New Device."
- When prompted, use the camera to scan the QR code that appears on your phone's screen. You should hear a chime from the camera.
- If the camera fails to chime or connect, check that your phone's screen brightness is turned up and that you are on a 2.4GHz network.
Step 3: Power Cycle Your Equipment
If the sync process fails repeatedly, a full reboot can clear any underlying glitches.
- Reboot the Camera: Remove the battery from the Arlo camera, wait 30 seconds, and then reinsert it.
- Reboot the Base Station/Router: Unplug your Arlo SmartHub/base station and your home's Wi-Fi router from power. Wait at least 30 seconds before plugging them back in. Allow several minutes for them to fully restart and come online.
- Attempt Pairing Again: Once all devices are back online, repeat the pairing process from Step 2.
By ensuring a full battery, correct network connection, and close proximity, and by following the sync process precisely, you can overcome the vast majority of Arlo pairing issues.