How to Fix Arlo Wifi Connectivity Issues
An Arlo camera is only as good as its connection. If you're dealing with a camera that frequently goes offline, a live stream that won't load, or poor video quality, the root cause is often a problem with its wifi connectivity. These issues can prevent your camera from protecting your property effectively.
This troubleshooting guide is designed to help you diagnose and solve the most common Arlo wifi connectivity problems, from weak signals to network interference, so you can get back to seamless security monitoring.
## Step 1: Check the Basics - Power and Network
First, let's ensure the fundamentals are in place.
- Arlo Service Status: Before you start troubleshooting your own setup, check the official Arlo status page online. Occasionally, the problem might be a service outage on Arlo's end.
- Power to Your Devices: Confirm that your Arlo camera has a charged battery or is properly connected to a power source. Also, ensure your wifi router and Arlo SmartHub or Base Station are powered on.
- Internet Connection: Verify that your home internet is working by connecting to the wifi with another device, like a smartphone, and trying to browse a website.
## Step 2: Analyse Wifi Signal Strength
A weak wifi signal is the leading cause of Arlo connectivity issues.
- Check Signal in the App: In the Arlo app, go to your camera's Device Settings and look for the network or wifi signal strength indicator. If it shows only one or two bars, the signal is too weak for a reliable connection.
- Bring the Camera Closer: As a test, bring the problematic camera within 10-15 feet of your router or SmartHub. If the connection stabilises and the video quality improves, you've confirmed that signal range is the issue.
- Solutions for Weak Signal:
- Move your router to a more central location in your home.
- If using a SmartHub, try to place it halfway between your router and the camera.
- Consider investing in an Arlo-compatible range extender or a mesh wifi system to eliminate dead zones.
## Step 3: Reboot Your System in the Correct Order
A system reboot can resolve many temporary network glitches. The sequence in which you do it is important.
- Unplug your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.
- Unplug your wifi router.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug your router back in and wait for all its status lights to return to normal (this can take a few minutes).
- Plug your SmartHub or Base Station back in and wait for its lights to turn solid blue or green.
- If your camera doesn't reconnect automatically, you may need to remove its battery for 10-15 seconds and then reinsert it.
## Step 4: Minimise Wifi Interference
Many common household items can interfere with your wifi signal.
- Physical Obstructions: Thick walls made of concrete, brick, or metal are major signal blockers. Try to ensure the clearest possible line of sight between your camera and the router/SmartHub.
- Electronic Interference: Keep your Arlo devices, router, and SmartHub away from devices like microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors, and large metal appliances.
- Wifi Channel: Your router might be using a crowded wifi channel. Log in to your router's settings and try changing the 2.4 GHz channel to 1, 6, or 11, as these are non-overlapping and often less congested.
## Step 5: Check Firmware and App Versions
Running outdated software can lead to performance problems.
- Update Arlo Firmware: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices and select your camera and SmartHub. The app will notify you if a firmware update is available.
- Update the Arlo App: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check for updates to the Arlo app itself.
By methodically working through these steps, you can pinpoint the cause of your Arlo's connectivity issues and take the right action to ensure a strong, stable connection.