How to Fix Annoying Arlo Two-Way Audio Delays
The two-way audio feature on Arlo cameras is essential for communicating with visitors, delivery drivers, or even pets when you're not home. However, a significant delay or lag can make conversation impossible and frustrating. If you find there's a long pause between when you speak and when your voice is heard, or vice versa, you're likely dealing with a network latency issue.
This guide will explain why audio delays happen and provide practical steps to troubleshoot and minimise them for a smoother, more responsive two-way talk experience.
Understanding the Cause of Audio Lag
Unlike a simple phone call, the two-way audio on a security camera is a complex process. Your voice is captured by your phone, sent over the internet to Arlo's cloud servers, then transmitted to your Arlo camera, and finally played through its speaker. The reply follows the same path in reverse. A delay at any point in this chain results in the lag you experience.
The most common causes are:
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: If the connection between your Arlo camera and your router/SmartHub is weak, data packets (containing the audio) can be delayed or lost, requiring re-transmission.
- Slow Upload Speed: Your home internet's upload speed is critical. If it's too slow, it can't send your voice data to the Arlo servers in real-time.
- Poor Connection on Your Mobile Device: The problem can also be on your end. If your smartphone has a weak Wi-Fi or mobile data signal, it will struggle to send and receive the audio stream promptly.
- Network Congestion: Heavy traffic on your local network (e.g., from streaming 4K video, online gaming, large downloads) can interfere with the camera's performance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reducing Audio Delay
Follow these steps to improve the speed and reliability of your Arlo's two-way audio.
Step 1: Test and Optimise Your Wi-Fi Signal
The connection quality at the camera's location is the most important factor.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Arlo Secure app, navigate to your camera's settings and find the "Device Utilities" or "Connection" menu. Here you will find a Wi-Fi signal strength test. You want to see a strong signal (ideally 3 out of 3 bars).
- Move Router/Camera Closer: If the signal is weak, the best solution is to reduce the physical distance between your camera and your Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi router. Even moving it a few feet can make a significant difference.
- Minimise Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by physical barriers. Thick walls, especially those made of brick or concrete, as well as large metal appliances, can severely degrade the signal. Try to ensure the clearest possible line of sight between the camera and the router/hub.
- Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move the camera or router, installing a Wi-Fi range extender or upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system can provide a much stronger and more reliable signal to the camera's location.
Step 2: Check Your Internet and Mobile Connection
The issue might not be your Wi-Fi signal, but the internet connection itself.
- Run a Speed Test: On a computer or phone connected to your home Wi-Fi, run an internet speed test (you can search for one online). Pay close attention to the upload speed. For reliable streaming, you typically need at least 2-3 Mbps of upload speed per camera.
- Test on a Different Network: To rule out your mobile device's connection, try using the two-way audio feature when your phone is connected to a different, fast Wi-Fi network (like at a friend's house or at work). If the delay disappears, the issue is likely with your phone's usual connection.
Step 3: Update Firmware and Reboot
Sometimes, a software fix is all that's needed.
- Update Firmware: In the Arlo app, go to your camera's settings and check for any firmware updates. Manufacturers frequently release updates to improve performance and connectivity.
- Reboot Everything: A simple reboot can clear up network conflicts. Power cycle your Arlo camera (by removing and reinserting the battery), your Arlo SmartHub/base station, and your home router.
By systematically improving the signal strength to your camera and ensuring you have adequate internet upload speed, you can significantly reduce audio delay and make your Arlo's two-way talk feature a useful and reliable communication tool.