Arlo: Troubleshooting Cameras Not Recording
If you’re experiencing issues with your Arlo cameras not recording, you’re not alone. Many users face similar challenges, whether it’s due to connectivity issues, incorrect settings, or even firmware problems. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the troubleshooting steps to help you resolve these problems and get your Arlo cameras working as expected.
Introduction
Arlo security cameras are widely known for their excellent video quality, ease of use, and reliable cloud-based features. However, like all smart home devices, Arlo cameras can occasionally experience technical issues. One of the most common issues that users face is cameras not recording, which can be caused by a variety of factors. Whether your cameras are not detecting motion, not saving videos, or failing to send alerts, understanding the root causes of these problems is the first step toward finding a solution.
In this article, we will explore the most common reasons why your Arlo cameras may not be recording, along with step-by-step troubleshooting tips to fix these issues. We will also offer tips for preventing these problems in the future so you can continue enjoying the benefits of your Arlo system.
Why Aren’t My Arlo Cameras Recording?
There are several reasons why your Arlo cameras might not be recording. Understanding these reasons is the first step in diagnosing and fixing the issue. Some common causes include:
- Connectivity issues: Poor Wi-Fi or network problems can prevent your cameras from communicating with the base station or cloud server, leading to missed recordings.
- Motion detection settings: If motion detection is disabled or not properly configured, the camera may not trigger recordings when activity occurs.
- Battery issues: Low battery or power-related problems can interfere with the camera’s ability to record.
- Cloud storage issues: If your cloud storage is full, your camera may fail to upload recordings, preventing new videos from being saved.
- Firmware issues: Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause a range of malfunctions, including failure to record footage.
- Scheduling conflicts: Your camera’s recording schedule might be set in a way that prevents it from recording during certain hours or days.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Arlo Cameras Not Recording
Now that we know the potential causes, let’s dive into a step-by-step process to troubleshoot your Arlo cameras and resolve the recording issues.
Step 1: Check Your Camera’s Power Source
The first thing you should check is whether your Arlo cameras have sufficient power. If you’re using a rechargeable battery, ensure that it’s fully charged. If you’re using wired cameras, verify that they are properly connected to a power source.
To check the battery level of your Arlo cameras:
- Open the Arlo app or web portal.
- Select the camera you want to check.
- Look at the battery indicator in the camera settings to see if the battery is low. If so, recharge or replace the battery.
Step 2: Verify Wi-Fi or Network Connectivity
Weak or interrupted Wi-Fi signals can prevent your Arlo cameras from communicating with the base station or the cloud. Ensure that your camera is within range of your Wi-Fi router or base station, and that there are no physical obstructions or interference affecting the signal.
To check the connectivity of your Arlo camera:
- Check the Wi-Fi or base station status in the Arlo app to ensure it’s online.
- Test your internet speed and make sure it’s sufficient for video streaming.
- If you have a dual-band router, try connecting your camera to the 2.4 GHz band, which has a longer range than 5 GHz.
Step 3: Adjust Motion Detection Settings
If your Arlo camera isn’t recording, it’s possible that motion detection is disabled or incorrectly configured. To make sure the camera is set up to detect motion:
- Open the Arlo app or website.
- Go to your camera’s settings and look for the motion detection settings.
- Ensure that motion detection is turned on and adjust the sensitivity level if needed. A high sensitivity setting will detect even the slightest movement, while a lower sensitivity may miss motion.
You may also want to adjust the motion detection zones if there are specific areas you want to monitor. This feature can help reduce false alerts and ensure that only relevant motion triggers a recording.
Step 4: Check Cloud Storage and Subscription Plan
If your cloud storage is full, your Arlo camera will be unable to upload new recordings. Arlo’s free cloud storage plan provides limited video storage, and you may need to upgrade to a paid plan if you’re recording a large number of videos.
To check your cloud storage status:
- Log into your Arlo account.
- Go to the “Subscription” tab to review your storage limits and upgrade if needed.
- If your storage is full, consider deleting old videos to free up space or switch to a higher-tier subscription plan.
Step 5: Update Camera Firmware
Firmware updates are critical for the smooth operation of your Arlo cameras. If your camera’s firmware is outdated or corrupted, it may prevent the camera from recording properly. Always make sure that your Arlo camera is running the latest firmware version.
To update your camera’s firmware:
- Go to your camera settings in the Arlo app or website.
- Check for any available updates under the “Firmware” section.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install the latest firmware.
Step 6: Check the Recording Schedule
If your Arlo camera isn’t recording during certain hours or days, it’s possible that the recording schedule is interfering with the settings. Arlo cameras allow you to set a custom recording schedule, which might unintentionally turn off recording during specific times.
To review and modify the recording schedule:
- Open the Arlo app or web portal.
- Go to the “Mode” section and review your camera’s recording schedule.
- Ensure that the camera is set to record during the times when you want it to be active. Adjust the schedule as needed.
Additional Tips for Preventing Arlo Cameras from Not Recording
Now that you’ve learned the common causes and troubleshooting steps for Arlo cameras not recording, here are a few tips to prevent these issues from occurring in the future:
- Regularly check the battery: Periodically check the battery level and recharge or replace it as necessary to ensure continuous operation.
- Maintain strong Wi-Fi signal: Make sure your router is placed in a central location and avoid thick walls or interference from other devices that could weaken the Wi-Fi signal.
- Keep firmware updated: Always install firmware updates as soon as they become available to ensure optimal performance.
- Review motion settings: Adjust motion sensitivity and zones to ensure your camera is capturing relevant activity without generating false alerts.
- Monitor cloud storage: Regularly check your cloud storage usage and upgrade your plan if needed to avoid storage limits.
Conclusion
Experiencing issues with your Arlo cameras not recording can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually identify and resolve the problem quickly. Whether it’s a power issue, connectivity problem, or incorrect settings, the solutions outlined in this article should help restore your camera’s functionality.
By following these tips and ensuring your system is properly configured and maintained, you can continue to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having reliable security surveillance. If you continue to experience issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Arlo support or check their official support page for additional help. Stay safe and secure with Arlo!
For more information on how to make the most of your Arlo system, visit their official website at Arlo Support.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by FutureSmarthome Team