Arlo security cameras are a popular choice for home security, providing high-definition video, motion detection, and cloud storage. However, like any smart device, Arlo cameras can sometimes go offline, leaving you without access to live video or alerts.
If your Arlo camera is offline, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many users experience this issue due to network problems, power issues, or software glitches. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting methods to help you get your Arlo camera back online quickly and efficiently.
Why Is My Arlo Camera Offline?
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the potential reasons behind your Arlo camera being offline. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Weak or Unstable Wi-Fi Connection
- If your Arlo camera is too far from your router or experiencing interference, it may lose connectivity.
- Wi-Fi congestion due to multiple devices using the same network can also impact performance.
2. Power Issues (Battery or Wired Cameras)
- Battery-powered Arlo cameras may go offline due to a low or depleted battery.
- Wired Arlo cameras may disconnect due to faulty power adapters or loose cable connections.
3. Internet Problems
- If your home internet connection is slow or down, your Arlo camera won’t be able to communicate with the Arlo cloud servers.
- A temporary outage from your internet service provider (ISP) can cause the camera to go offline.
4. Firmware or Software Issues
- Outdated firmware or a failed software update can cause the camera to disconnect.
- A bug in the Arlo Secure app or incorrect settings may also prevent the camera from connecting.
5. Arlo Base Station Problems (For Certain Models)
- Some Arlo models require a base station for connectivity. If the base station is offline, all connected cameras will go offline too.
6. Network Interference or Router Settings
- Nearby electronic devices (such as baby monitors, microwaves, or cordless phones) can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
- Changes in your router’s security settings (e.g., new password, firewall restrictions) might block your Arlo camera.
Now that we’ve covered the possible causes, let’s go step by step to fix the issue.
Step 1: Check Your Wi-Fi and Internet Connection
Since Arlo cameras rely on a stable internet connection, the first thing you should do is check your Wi-Fi.
How to Test Your Internet Connection:
✅ Try connecting another device (like a smartphone or laptop) to the same Wi-Fi network.
✅ Run an internet speed test using Speedtest by Ookla to check for slow speeds or interruptions.
✅ If your internet is slow or not working, restart your modem and router.
How to Restart Your Router and Modem:
- Unplug both your modem and router from the power source.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in first and wait for it to fully restart.
- Plug the router back in and wait for the internet to restore.
If your internet is working fine but the Arlo camera is still offline, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Check the Camera’s Battery or Power Supply
If you’re using a battery-powered Arlo camera, a low battery could be the reason for disconnection.
How to Check Battery Status:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Select your camera and check its battery level.
- If the battery is low, recharge or replace it.
For wired Arlo cameras, ensure the power cable is securely connected and try a different outlet to rule out power issues.
Step 3: Restart Your Arlo Camera
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
How to Restart an Arlo Camera Using the App:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Go to Devices and select your offline camera.
- Tap Restart.
If you can’t restart the camera through the app, try manually power cycling the camera:
- For battery-powered models – Remove and reinsert the battery.
- For wired models – Unplug the camera, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
Step 4: Check the Base Station (If Applicable)
If your Arlo camera connects through a base station, you need to ensure that the base station is online.
How to Troubleshoot the Base Station:
✅ Check if the LED lights on the base station are solid green (this indicates it’s connected).
✅ If the base station is offline:
- Restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to your router.
- Try a different Ethernet port on your router.
If the base station is working but the camera remains offline, move on to the next step.
Step 5: Update Arlo Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause connection problems.
How to Check for Firmware Updates:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Go to Settings > My Devices.
- Select your camera and check if a firmware update is available.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Step 6: Reconnect Your Arlo Camera to Wi-Fi
If your camera is still offline, try manually reconnecting it to your Wi-Fi network.
How to Reconnect an Arlo Camera to Wi-Fi:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Select Settings > My Devices.
- Tap your camera and choose Remove Device.
- Reset the camera (see next step).
- Follow the in-app setup instructions to re-add the camera.
Step 7: Reset Your Arlo Camera
If all else fails, a factory reset might be necessary.
How to Factory Reset an Arlo Camera:
- Locate the reset button (usually on the bottom or back of the camera).
- Press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks amber.
- Wait for the camera to reboot and follow the setup process in the Arlo Secure App.
⚠️ Note: A factory reset erases all settings, so you will need to set up the camera again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if my Arlo camera is offline?
You will receive a notification in the Arlo Secure App, and the camera will display “Offline” in the device list.
2. Can I reconnect an Arlo camera without removing it from the app?
Yes, try restarting your router, camera, or base station first. If that doesn’t work, reconnect it manually using the Wi-Fi setup method in the app.
3. Why does my Arlo camera keep going offline frequently?
This could be due to:
- A weak Wi-Fi signal or too much distance from the router.
- Interference from other devices.
- Internet connection issues.
- Outdated firmware.
4. How can I prevent my Arlo camera from going offline in the future?
- Keep the camera within range of your router.
- Regularly update firmware.
- Use a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
- Avoid placing cameras near electronic devices that cause interference.
Final Thoughts
If your Arlo camera is offline, following the troubleshooting steps above should help you restore its connection. Start with basic checks like Wi-Fi and battery levels, then move on to restarts, firmware updates, and resets if needed.
If none of these solutions work, consider contacting Arlo Support for further assistance.
Did this guide help? Let us know in the comments! 🚀