Arlo Speaker Problems? How to Fix Two-Way Audio Issues

Is Your Arlo Camera's Speaker Not Working?

The two-way audio feature on Arlo cameras is essential for communicating with visitors, warning off intruders, or just checking in on your pets. When the speaker on your camera fails, you lose a critical interactive function of your security system. If you're experiencing issues like no sound, distorted audio, or low volume, don't worry—these are common problems with straightforward solutions.

This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the most frequent speaker-related issues with your Arlo cameras.

Common Arlo Speaker and Audio Problems

First, let's pinpoint the exact issue you are facing. The most common symptoms include:

• No sound from the camera: When you try to use the two-way talk feature, the person near the camera cannot hear your voice.
• Distorted or crackling audio: Your voice sounds garbled, static-filled, or unintelligible when broadcast through the camera's speaker.
• Low speaker volume: The sound from the speaker is very faint, even at the highest setting.
• Siren not working: If your camera model has a siren, it fails to sound when you activate it from the app.
• Audio cuts out: The sound from the speaker is intermittent, cutting in and out during communication.

If any of these sound familiar, it's time to start troubleshooting.

How to Fix Your Arlo Camera's Speaker Issues

Follow these steps in order, as the simplest solution is often the right one.

1. Check Your App Settings and Permissions

The problem may lie with your smartphone's settings or the Arlo app itself, not the camera.

• Unmute the Speaker: During a live stream, you will see microphone and speaker icons. Make sure the speaker icon is enabled and not muted.
• Check Microphone Permissions: For two-way talk, the Arlo app needs permission to access your phone's microphone. Go to your phone's main settings, find the Arlo app in your list of applications, and ensure that microphone permissions are granted.
• Adjust Speaker Volume: In the Arlo app, go to the settings for your specific camera and look for Audio Settings. You should find a slider to control the Speaker Volume. Make sure it's turned up.

2. Power Cycle Your Arlo Camera

A quick reboot can resolve many temporary software glitches that might be affecting the audio processing.

• Remove the power source: For battery-powered cameras, remove the battery for about 30-60 seconds and then reinsert it. For wired cameras like the Arlo Q, unplug the power cord for the same amount of time.
• Allow it to reconnect: Wait for the camera to boot up and reconnect to the network before testing the speaker again.

3. Improve Your Wi-Fi Connection

Poor audio quality, especially distortion and crackling, is a classic sign of a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection. The camera needs sufficient upload and download bandwidth to handle the two-way audio stream.

• Check Signal Strength: In the Arlo app, check the Wi-Fi signal strength for the camera in question. If it has one or two bars, the signal is weak.
• Reduce Distance and Obstructions: Try to move your Wi-Fi router closer to the camera, or vice versa. Solid obstacles like brick walls, metal appliances, and even water can block Wi-Fi signals.
• Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move the router, a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can significantly improve the signal strength at the camera's location.

4. Update the Firmware

Arlo periodically releases firmware updates for its cameras and Base Stations. These updates often include bug fixes that can resolve performance issues, including audio problems.

• Check for updates: The Arlo app will usually notify you if a firmware update is available. You can also check manually in the device settings for your camera and Base Station.
• Install updates: Ensure your devices are updated to the latest firmware version.

5. Perform a Factory Reset

If all else fails, a factory reset can be used as a last resort. This will erase all the camera's settings and return it to its out-of-the-box state.

• Note: You will need to go through the entire setup and sync process again after a reset.
• Follow the procedure: The reset process varies by model. Typically, you'll need to press and hold the 'Sync' button for about 15 seconds until the camera's LED flashes amber. Refer to the Arlo support website for the specific instructions for your camera model.