Netgear Live View Not Working? Easy Troubleshooting Steps
Netgear's range of security cameras, including the popular Arlo series, are designed for easy access to a live video feed from anywhere. However, it can be frustrating when you open the app and are met with a spinning wheel, a black screen, or an error message instead of your live stream.
This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your Netgear live view might not be working and provide you with clear, easy-to-follow steps to get it back online.
## Common Symptoms of Live View Failure
- The app gets stuck on "Loading" or "Connecting to device".
- The video feed is completely black or frozen.
- You receive an error message like "Unable to connect" or "Camera is offline".
- The live stream buffers constantly and is unwatchable.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Let's start with the simplest fixes and work our way to more complex solutions.
### 1. Check Your Internet Connection (On Both Ends)
The number one cause of live view failure is a network problem. The connection needs to be stable for both the camera and the device you are using to watch.
- Check Your Phone/Computer's Connection: Are you on Wi-Fi or mobile data? Is the signal strong? Try loading a webpage to confirm your device is online. If you're on a public or corporate Wi-Fi, they might block video streaming services.
- Check Your Home Internet: Is the internet down at the location of the camera? Check your router to see if the internet status light is green.
- Run a Speed Test: Live streaming requires a decent upload speed from the camera's location. Run an internet speed test to ensure you have at least 1-2 Mbps of upload speed per camera.
### 2. Power Cycle Everything (The "Turn It Off and On Again" Method)
This simple step resolves a huge number of tech issues by clearing temporary glitches.
- Reboot Your Netgear Camera: If your camera has a removable battery, take it out for 30 seconds and then put it back in. If it's a wired camera, unplug it from the power source for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your internet router from the power outlet. Wait for about a minute, then plug it back in. Wait for 5-10 minutes for it to fully restart and establish a connection.
- Restart the App/Browser: Close the Netgear/Arlo app on your phone completely (don't just send it to the background) and then reopen it. If you're using a web browser, close the tab and log in again.
### 3. Check Camera Status and Signal Strength
Is the camera too far from your router?
- Look at the Camera Status: In the app, does the camera show as "Online" or "Offline"? If it's offline, the issue is with the camera's own connection to your network.
- Check Signal Strength: Move the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router temporarily. If the live view starts working, you've identified the problem: a weak Wi-Fi signal. You may need a Wi-Fi extender to solve this permanently.
### 4. Reduce Video Quality
If your internet connection is slow, the camera may struggle to stream in high definition.
- Lower the Resolution: In the camera's settings within the app, find the video quality or resolution settings. Try changing it from "Best Quality" to a lower setting like "Optimised" or "Best Battery Life" and see if the stream loads.
### 5. Check for App and Firmware Updates
Running outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
- Update the App: Go to your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and check if there is an update available for the Netgear/Arlo app.
- Update Camera Firmware: The app will usually notify you if a firmware update is available for your camera. Ensure you have installed any pending updates.
If you have followed all of these steps and your live view is still not working, it may be time to contact Netgear support for more specific assistance.