Netgear Arlo Snapshot Not Working? Troubleshooting Tips
Netgear's Arlo cameras are designed to give you a quick visual update by sending a snapshot with motion alerts. When this feature fails, you get a notification but lose the immediate context of what triggered it. If your Arlo system has stopped taking snapshots, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
## Step 1: Check Your Arlo Mode and Rules
The most common reason for snapshots not working is a misconfiguration in the Arlo app's modes and rules. Each mode (like 'Armed', 'Disarmed', or 'Schedule') has rules that tell your cameras how to react to motion or sound.
- Open the Arlo App and tap on the Mode tab.
- Select your Arlo SmartHub or base station.
- Verify that the active mode is the one you intend to use (e.g., 'Armed').
- Tap the edit icon (pencil) next to the active mode.
- Under the 'Rules' section, tap the edit icon next to the camera that is having issues.
- Ensure that under the 'Then do the following' section, the 'Take Snapshot' action is present and checked. If it's not there, you will need to add it.
- Make sure you save any changes you make.
## Step 2: Verify Motion Detection Settings
If the rules are correct, the next step is to ensure motion detection is active and sensitive enough to be triggered.
- Go to the Settings tab in the Arlo app.
- Select the problematic camera.
- Go to Video Settings.
- Ensure that Motion Detection is turned on.
- You can also run a Motion Detection Test from this screen to adjust the sensitivity level. If the sensitivity is too low, the camera may not be triggering, and therefore, not taking a snapshot.
## Step 3: Check Camera Connectivity
A poor connection between your camera and the Arlo SmartHub (or your home Wi-Fi for some models) can prevent snapshots from being successfully uploaded to the cloud.
- In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices and select your camera.
- Look for the Connection status indicator. It should show a good signal strength (ideally three bars).
- If the signal is weak, try moving the camera closer to the SmartHub or your Wi-Fi router.
- Also, ensure your SmartHub is connected properly to your router and has a stable internet connection.
## Step 4: Power Cycle Your Arlo System
Restarting your equipment can clear temporary software bugs that may be causing the issue.
- Restart the SmartHub/Base Station: Unplug the power adapter from your Arlo SmartHub. Wait for about 60 seconds and then plug it back in. Wait for the status lights to turn solid green.
- Restart the Camera:
- For battery-powered cameras, open the battery compartment, remove the battery, wait 30 seconds, and then re-insert it.
- For wired cameras, unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
After the system has fully rebooted, test the camera by triggering motion detection to see if a snapshot is now generated and sent with the notification. If problems persist, check your Arlo subscription plan to ensure there are no limitations affecting the feature.