Arlo cameras are known for their ease of installation and reliable performance, but sometimes, you may encounter issues with syncing the cameras to the base station. Whether you’re setting up your Arlo system for the first time or are experiencing issues with syncing, there are several potential reasons why your camera might not connect properly. Thankfully, most of these problems are easy to fix with some basic troubleshooting steps.
Here are some common solutions to try when your Arlo camera isn’t syncing with the base station.
1. Check Your Wi-Fi and Base Station Connection
Before troubleshooting the camera itself, ensure that the base station is properly connected to your home network.
- Verify Internet Connectivity: Ensure that your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is stable. If the internet is down, your Arlo system won’t sync. You can do this by checking if other devices in your home (e.g., your smartphone, laptop) are able to connect to the internet.
- Check Base Station Lights: The base station has status LEDs that indicate whether it’s connected to the internet and operating properly. If the base station light is amber or flashing red, it might indicate that it’s not connected to the internet or there’s a problem with the base station itself.
- Restart the Base Station: Unplug the base station from its power source, wait about 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait for the status lights to stabilize, and check if the camera syncs afterward.
2. Ensure the Camera is Close Enough to the Base Station
If your camera is too far from the base station, it may have trouble syncing due to a weak signal. Try bringing the camera closer to the base station and attempt the syncing process again.
- Testing Signal Strength: If your camera has trouble syncing even when close to the base station, it might be worth checking if your base station’s placement is optimal. Try moving it to a more central location or closer to the cameras.
3. Sync the Camera Correctly
Sometimes, syncing issues arise because the camera wasn’t properly put into sync mode. Here’s how to sync your Arlo camera:
- Press the Sync Button on the Base Station: Hold the sync button on the base station for about 2 seconds. The LED should blink blue, indicating that the base station is ready to sync.
- Sync Your Camera: Press and hold the sync button on your camera until the camera’s LED starts blinking blue. This typically takes about 5 seconds. Once the camera LED starts blinking, it means the camera is syncing with the base station.
- Wait for a Solid Green Light: Once the camera successfully syncs with the base station, the LED on the camera should turn solid green, indicating a successful connection.
4. Check for Interference or Signal Blockage
If your camera is still not syncing, it may be suffering from interference. Wireless signals can be disrupted by walls, metal objects, and even other electronics.
- Move the Camera or Base Station: Ensure that there are no large objects or electronics (such as routers, microwaves, or thick walls) between the base station and the camera.
- Try Using a Different Wi-Fi Channel: Sometimes, interference from nearby networks can cause syncing issues. If possible, adjust the Wi-Fi channel or band (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz) on your router to see if it improves the signal.
5. Update Firmware and Software
Outdated firmware or app versions could cause syncing problems. Make sure both your Arlo camera and base station have the latest updates.
- Update the Arlo App: Go to your app store (Google Play or Apple App Store) and make sure your Arlo app is updated to the latest version.
- Check for Firmware Updates: To check for firmware updates on your camera or base station, open the Arlo app and navigate to Settings > My Devices. Select your base station or camera, and if an update is available, follow the prompts to update the device.
6. Remove and Re-add the Camera
If your camera is still not syncing, try removing it from your Arlo account and then re-adding it. This process can sometimes resolve issues caused by a corrupted sync.
- Remove the Camera: Open the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices, select the camera you’re having trouble with, and choose Remove Device.
- Re-sync the Camera: Once the camera is removed from the system, follow the usual syncing procedure to re-add it to your Arlo setup.
7. Reset the Camera
If nothing else works, you can reset the camera to its factory settings. This will wipe all settings and preferences, and you’ll need to set it up again as if it were a new device.
To reset your Arlo camera:
- Press and Hold the Reset Button: On the back of the camera, you’ll find a small reset button. Press and hold it for about 10 seconds until the camera’s LED starts blinking amber.
- Re-sync the Camera: Once the camera has been reset, follow the steps to sync the camera with the base station again.
8. Contact Arlo Support
If all else fails, and your camera still refuses to sync with the base station, it might be a hardware issue, such as a malfunctioning camera or base station. Contact Arlo support for assistance. Be sure to have your device details (model numbers, firmware versions) on hand when you reach out.
Conclusion
Syncing issues with Arlo cameras can be frustrating, but the good news is that they’re often easy to resolve with a little troubleshooting. Start by verifying your internet connection and the placement of your base station. Then, ensure that the camera is properly synced, and check for any signal interference. If all else fails, updating firmware, re-adding the camera, or even performing a factory reset can often do the trick.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be back to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a fully functional Arlo security system in no time!