Netgear Arlo Night Vision Not Working? Read This First
Your Netgear Arlo camera provides excellent security during the day, but its effectiveness plummets if it can't see in the dark. When Arlo's night vision isn't working correctly, you might be faced with a video feed that's completely black, blurry, or has a strange pink tint. This is a serious issue that leaves your property vulnerable overnight.
The good news is that most Arlo night vision problems are caused by a few common issues that are easy to fix. This guide will help you troubleshoot the problem and restore your camera's 24/7 vision.
Common Causes for Arlo Night Vision Problems
Let's look at why your Arlo camera might be struggling after sundown.
- IR Reflection: The camera is placed behind glass or too close to a reflective surface, causing the infrared (IR) light to bounce back and blind the lens.
- Dirty Lens: Smudges, dirt, or water droplets on the lens can diffuse the IR light, resulting in a blurry or hazy image.
- Low Battery: The camera's battery may not have enough power to fully operate the IR LEDs, leading to dim or non-existent night vision.
- Stuck IR Cut Filter: A mechanical filter inside the camera that is essential for colour accuracy can sometimes get stuck, causing issues with both day and night video.
- Software Glitch: A temporary bug in the camera's firmware could be preventing night vision from activating.
How to Fix Your Arlo's Night Vision
Work through these steps to diagnose and solve the issue.
1. Check Camera Placement - The #1 Culprit
Do not place your Arlo camera indoors looking out through a window. This is the most common mistake new users make. The camera's infrared LEDs will produce a powerful glare as the light reflects off the windowpane. This reflection will completely wash out the image, making it impossible to see anything outside.
- Action: For night vision to work, the Arlo camera must be mounted outside.
- Also, ensure the camera is not mounted directly facing a wall, soffit, or downpipe. Position it so the IR light projects outwards into an open space.
2. Clean the Camera Lens
A surprising number of night vision issues are caused by a simple dirty lens.
- Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth (the kind used for cleaning eyeglasses).
- Gently wipe the black face of the camera, paying special attention to the lens in the centre.
- Remove any fingerprints, dust, or small cobwebs that could be scattering the IR light.
3. Ensure the Battery is Sufficiently Charged
The IR LEDs use a significant amount of power. If your battery is critically low, the camera may disable night vision to conserve energy.
- Check the battery level for your camera in the Arlo app.
- If it's low, bring the camera inside and charge it fully.
- Once charged, test the night vision again. For troubleshooting, you can also try swapping a fully charged battery from another camera.
4. Power Cycle the Camera
A simple restart can often fix temporary software glitches.
- For battery-powered cameras: Open the camera and remove the battery. Wait 30 seconds, then re-insert it.
- For wired cameras: Unplug the camera from its power source. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Allow the camera a minute or two to reboot and reconnect, then check its performance after dark.
5. The "Pink Screen" Problem: A Stuck IR Filter
If your daytime video has a noticeable pink or reddish tint, and your night vision isn't working, you likely have a stuck IR cut filter.
- Try a Power Cycle: Rebooting the camera can sometimes jolt the filter back into place.
- The "Tap" Method: While it may sound basic, gently but firmly tapping the side of the camera housing with the palm of your hand can sometimes be enough to free a stuck filter.
- If the pink screen persists, it may indicate a hardware fault that requires contacting Arlo support.
By following these steps, you can resolve the majority of night vision issues and ensure your Arlo camera is keeping a watchful eye, day and night.