Has Your Arlo Camera Suffered Water Damage? A Recovery Guide
Arlo's wire-free cameras are designed to brave the great outdoors, giving you peace of mind by keeping an eye on your property. They are built to be weather-resistant, but under certain conditions, even these durable cameras can fall victim to water damage. Whether it's from a torrential downpour, a badly aimed sprinkler, or just wear and tear on the seals, moisture getting inside your camera can be a serious problem.
This guide will help you spot the signs of water damage, take immediate action to prevent permanent failure, and learn how to better protect your cameras going forward.
How to Spot Water Damage in Your Arlo Camera
The symptoms of water damage can range from obvious to subtle. If you notice any of the following issues, especially after a period of heavy rain, you should investigate immediately.
Key Symptoms to Look For:
- Foggy or Blurry Lens: The most common indicator. If you see condensation, moisture, or a 'milky' film on the inside of the lens, water has definitely gotten in.
- Camera Will Not Power On: If the camera is completely unresponsive and a known-good, fully charged battery doesn't help, moisture may have caused a short circuit.
- Corroded Battery Contacts: Open the battery compartment and inspect the metal contacts on both the battery and inside the camera. Any green or white crusty residue is a sign of corrosion from moisture.
- Distorted Audio: For cameras with microphones and speakers, water can damage these components, leading to muffled, crackling, or non-existent sound.
- Discoloured LED Light: The status LED on the front of the camera may appear dim, show strange colours, or fail to light up at all.
- Intermittent Connectivity: The camera may frequently drop its connection to your base station or Wi-Fi, which can be a symptom of internal damage.
Emergency First Aid for a Wet Arlo Camera
If you find a camera that's been compromised by water, do not try to charge it or turn it on. Acting quickly can sometimes save the device.
- Remove the Battery Immediately: This is the most important step. Cutting the power prevents short circuits that fry the delicate electronics.
- Bring the Camera Inside: Get it out of the elements and to a dry location.
- Thoroughly Dry the Exterior: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry every part of the outside of the camera.
- Air It Out: Leave the battery compartment open to the air. If your model has an SD card slot, open that too. Stand the camera upright in a warm, dry room with good air circulation for at least 48 to 72 hours.
- Use Desiccants (Optional): You can place the camera in a sealed container with packets of silica gel (often found in new shoe boxes or electronics packaging) to help draw out moisture. Avoid using uncooked rice, as rice dust can get inside the camera and cause more problems.
- Inspect and Test: After a few days, inspect the battery contacts again for any corrosion. If they look clean, insert a fully charged battery and see if the camera powers on and syncs. If it does, test all its functions. If it doesn't, the damage is likely permanent.
Proactive Steps to Prevent Water Damage
Protecting your investment is key. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.
- Install Under Shelter: Whenever possible, mount your Arlo cameras under the eaves of your roof, on a covered porch, or in another location that offers some protection from direct rainfall.
- Ensure Correct Orientation: Mount the camera according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This ensures that the housing and seals are positioned to shed water effectively.
- Use a Silicone Skin: Third-party protective skins are a fantastic investment. They fit snugly around the camera and provide an extra barrier against rain, snow, and UV rays, which can degrade the plastic housing over time.
- Check the Seals: Before closing the battery compartment, always check that the rubber gasket or seal is clean, free of debris, and seated correctly in its groove. A tiny piece of grit can be enough to compromise the seal.
- Regular Inspections: Make a habit of visually checking your cameras every few months. Look for any cracks in the casing or lens that could become a point of entry for water.
By understanding the risks and taking these preventative steps, you can ensure your Arlo cameras remain reliable sentinels for years to come.