Frustrated with Poor Video Quality from Your Arlo Camera?
You've set up your Arlo camera system to protect your home with clear, sharp video, but the reality is a grainy, pixelated, or blurry image. When you can't make out important details, your security camera system isn't providing the peace of mind you paid for.
Don't worry, this is a common issue that can almost always be fixed. This guide will walk you through the most frequent causes of poor video quality and how to resolve them for a crystal-clear picture.
What Does "Poor Quality" Look Like?
- Pixelation: The video appears blocky, especially when there's motion.
- Blurriness: The image is out of focus and details are not sharp.
- Grainy Video: You see a lot of 'static' or noise, which is most common in low-light or night vision footage.
- Lagging or Freezing: The live video stream stutters, freezes, or is very delayed.
- Washed-Out Colours: The colours look faded, dull, or incorrect.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Arlo Video Quality
The root of the problem is usually related to the wireless connection, power settings, or physical condition of the camera.
1. Check the Wi-Fi Connection
This is the number one culprit for poor video quality. Your Arlo camera needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal to its Base Station or your home router (for Wi-Fi cameras) to stream high-resolution video.
- Check Signal Strength: Open the Arlo app, go to your camera's Device Settings > Network. You will see a Wi-Fi signal strength icon. If you only have one or two bars of signal, the connection is too weak.
- Reduce the Distance: The simplest solution is to move the camera closer to the Arlo Base Station or your Wi-Fi router.
- Minimise Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by physical barriers. Thick walls (brick, concrete), large metal objects (fridges, filing cabinets), and even water can block the signal. Try to ensure the clearest possible line of sight between the camera and the base/router.
- Reboot Your System: Try power cycling your Arlo Base Station and your home router to refresh the network connection.
2. Adjust Your Camera's Video Settings
Arlo cameras have different power management modes that directly impact video quality to conserve the battery. You might be on a low-quality setting without realising it.
- Open the Arlo App: Select the camera you want to adjust.
- Go to Video Settings: Tap the settings icon and find Video Settings.
- Change the Power Mode: You will see options like "Best Video," "Optimized," and "Best Battery Life." If it's not already, change this setting to "Best Video." This will use more battery but will ensure the camera always records at its highest possible resolution.
3. Clean the Camera Lens
It sounds simple, but a dirty lens is a very common cause of blurry or hazy video. Over time, the lens can accumulate dust, pollen, water spots, or fingerprints.
- Use a Microfibre Cloth: Gently wipe the lens with a clean, dry microfibre cloth (the kind used for cleaning glasses).
- Avoid Chemicals: Do not use harsh cleaning solutions or abrasive paper towels, as they can permanently damage the lens coating.
4. Check Your Night Vision
If the poor quality only occurs at night, the issue is with the infrared (IR) night vision.
- Check for Reflections: Make sure the camera is not positioned too close to a reflective surface, like a soffit, wall, or window. The IR light can bounce off this surface and back into the lens, causing glare and a washed-out, grainy image.
- Clean the Lens: Dust and smudges are often more noticeable with night vision. Give the lens a thorough, gentle cleaning.
By systematically working through these steps, you can identify the cause of the poor video quality and restore the sharp, reliable security footage you expect from your Arlo system.