Is Your Netgear Arlo Camera Failing to Record Critical Moments?
The core purpose of an Arlo security camera is to record video when it detects motion. So, receiving a "Recording Failed" notification is not just frustrating; it's a critical failure that compromises your security. This error means your camera saw something happen but was unable to save the evidence.
This common problem can usually be traced back to one of three areas: your Arlo subscription plan, your storage (cloud or local), or the connectivity between your camera and the Base Station. This guide will help you systematically troubleshoot the issue.
Why Arlo Fails to Record: The Main Culprits
When a recording fails, the video data is lost. The system knows it should have recorded, but the file was never successfully written to its destination. This is typically due to:
- Subscription Issues: Your Arlo Secure plan has expired, or you have an older camera that requires a specific plan for cloud storage.
- Storage Problems: Your cloud storage is full, or the local storage (USB drive or SD card in the Base Station) is full, disconnected, or corrupted.
- Poor Connectivity: The camera has a weak Wi-Fi signal to the Base Station or router, causing the video upload to fail.
Essential Troubleshooting Checks
Before you start rebooting everything, perform these quick checks to diagnose the problem.
1. Verify Your Arlo Secure Subscription
Netgear's policies have evolved, so it's crucial to know what your plan includes.
- Open the Arlo app and navigate to Settings > Subscription.
- Check the status of your plan. Is it active? Has it recently expired?
- Confirm that the plan you have supports cloud recording for the number of cameras you own. If you've recently added a new camera, it may not be covered.
2. Check Your Storage Status
Whether you use the cloud or a local USB drive, make sure it's ready to receive files.
- Cloud Storage: In the app, check if you have reached your storage limit. If so, you will need to delete old recordings to make space for new ones.
- Local Storage: If you use a USB device or SD card with your Base Station, ensure it is properly inserted and recognised by the system. Try removing and re-inserting it. If possible, connect it to a computer to check if it's full or has developed errors.
3. Test the Camera's Internet Connection
A weak connection is a primary cause of failed uploads.
- Open the Arlo app and go to the settings for the problematic camera.
- Check the signal strength indicator. If you only have one bar of signal, the connection is too weak for reliable video uploads.
- Try moving the camera closer to the Arlo Base Station or your Wi-Fi router to see if the recording performance improves.
Solving the Recording Problem
Once you have an idea of the cause, you can take action.
- Reboot Your System: The first and simplest solution is often the most effective. Power down your Arlo Base Station (or SmartHub) and the affected camera. Wait for 30 seconds before powering them back on. This can clear temporary network or software glitches.
- Check Your Modes and Rules: Go to the Mode tab in the Arlo app. Ensure the mode you have active (e.g., "Armed") is correctly configured to Record video when motion is detected for that specific camera. It's possible the rule is set only to send a notification.
- Re-Sync the Camera: If one specific camera is failing while others work fine, try removing it from your account and re-syncing it to the Base Station. This will re-establish a fresh connection and reset its configuration.
By methodically checking your subscription, storage, and signal strength, you can identify and resolve the vast majority of "Recording Failed" errors and restore your confidence in your Arlo security system.