Are you experiencing issues with your Arlo cameras not recording footage as expected? This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on these cameras for home security or monitoring purposes. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons why your Arlo cameras may have stopped recording and provide troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Understanding Arlo Camera Recording
Before diving into the potential causes, it’s essential to understand how Arlo cameras record footage. Arlo cameras are designed to record video and audio when motion is detected or when scheduled to do so. The cameras can be set up to record continuously or only when motion is detected, and the footage is stored in the cloud or locally on a storage device.
Cloud Recording vs. Local Recording
Arlo cameras offer two recording options: cloud recording and local recording. Cloud recording stores footage in the Arlo cloud, which can be accessed remotely through the Arlo app. Local recording, on the other hand, stores footage on a storage device, such as a USB drive or a microSD card.
Cloud Recording Requirements
For cloud recording to work, your Arlo cameras require a stable internet connection and a subscription to the Arlo Smart plan. If your internet connection is unstable or you’ve canceled your Arlo Smart subscription, your cameras may stop recording.
Possible Causes of Arlo Cameras Not Recording
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Arlo camera recording, let’s explore the possible causes of why your Arlo cameras may have stopped recording.
Power Issues
One of the most common reasons why Arlo cameras stop recording is due to power issues. If your cameras are not receiving enough power, they may not be able to record footage. Check the following:
- Ensure that your cameras are properly plugged into a power source.
- Check the power cord for any damage or wear and tear.
- If you’re using a battery-powered camera, check the battery level and replace the batteries if necessary.
Power Cycle Your Camera
If you’ve checked the power source and cord, try power cycling your camera. To do this:
- Unplug the camera from the power source.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug the camera back into the power source.
This can often resolve any power-related issues.
Internet Connectivity Issues
As mentioned earlier, a stable internet connection is required for cloud recording. If your internet connection is unstable or slow, your cameras may not be able to record footage. Check the following:
- Ensure that your router is working properly.
- Check your internet speed to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for Arlo cameras.
- Restart your router to see if it resolves the issue.
Check Your Internet Speed
You can check your internet speed using an online speed test tool. The recommended internet speed for Arlo cameras is:
- 1 Mbps upload speed for 720p resolution.
- 2 Mbps upload speed for 1080p resolution.
- 4 Mbps upload speed for 2K resolution.
If your internet speed is slower than the recommended speed, it may cause recording issues.
Camera Settings
Incorrect camera settings can also cause recording issues. Check the following:
- Ensure that the camera is set to record motion or scheduled recordings.
- Check the motion detection settings to ensure they are not set too low.
- Check the camera’s field of view to ensure it’s not obstructed.
Check Your Camera’s Field of View
Make sure that the camera’s field of view is not obstructed by any objects or debris. Clean the camera lens and ensure that it’s pointing in the correct direction.
Firmware Issues
Outdated firmware can cause recording issues. Check the following:
- Ensure that your camera’s firmware is up to date.
- Check the Arlo website for any firmware updates.
Update Your Camera’s Firmware
To update your camera’s firmware:
- Log in to your Arlo account.
- Go to the camera settings.
- Click on “Firmware Update.”
- Follow the prompts to update the firmware.
Storage Issues
If you’re using local recording, storage issues can cause recording problems. Check the following:
- Ensure that the storage device is properly inserted into the camera.
- Check the storage device for any damage or corruption.
- Format the storage device if necessary.
Format Your Storage Device
To format your storage device:
- Log in to your Arlo account.
- Go to the camera settings.
- Click on “Storage.”
- Click on “Format.”
Troubleshooting Steps
If you’ve checked all the possible causes and your Arlo cameras are still not recording, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your camera.
- Restart your router.
- Check for any firmware updates.
- Check the camera’s settings to ensure they are correct.
Arlo Support
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, contact Arlo support for further assistance. They can help you diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
Arlo Support Contact Information
You can contact Arlo support through the following channels:
- Phone: 1-877-946-6383.
- Email: [email protected].
- Live Chat: Available on the Arlo website.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why your Arlo cameras may have stopped recording. By checking the power source, internet connectivity, camera settings, firmware, and storage, you can often resolve the issue. If none of the troubleshooting steps work, contact Arlo support for further assistance.
Why did my Arlo camera suddenly stop recording?
Your Arlo camera may have stopped recording due to a loss of internet connection or a power outage. Ensure that your router is working properly and that the camera is receiving a stable internet connection. Also, check the power cord and battery levels to ensure they are functioning correctly.
If the issue persists, try restarting your router and Arlo camera. This can often resolve connectivity issues and get your camera recording again. If you’re still experiencing problems, consider checking for firmware updates or contacting Arlo support for further assistance.
How do I check my Arlo camera’s internet connection?
To check your Arlo camera’s internet connection, open the Arlo app and navigate to the camera’s settings. Look for the “Connection” or “Network” section, where you can view the camera’s current internet status. If the camera is not connected, try restarting your router or moving the camera closer to the router to improve the signal strength.
If you’re still having trouble, try checking your internet service provider’s status to see if there are any outages in your area. You can also try connecting your camera to a different network or using a Wi-Fi analyzer app to identify any potential issues with your network.
What can cause my Arlo camera’s battery to drain quickly?
A variety of factors can cause your Arlo camera’s battery to drain quickly, including cold temperatures, poor internet connectivity, and frequent motion detection. If you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures, consider bringing your camera indoors or using a battery warmer to extend its battery life.
You can also try adjusting your camera’s settings to reduce battery drain. For example, you can lower the video quality, reduce the frequency of motion detection, or set your camera to only record during certain hours of the day. Regularly checking and replacing your camera’s batteries can also help ensure optimal performance.
How do I update my Arlo camera’s firmware?
To update your Arlo camera’s firmware, open the Arlo app and navigate to the camera’s settings. Look for the “Firmware” or “Software” section, where you can check for updates and download the latest version. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
It’s essential to keep your Arlo camera’s firmware up to date, as new updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and feature enhancements. Regularly checking for firmware updates can help ensure your camera is running smoothly and recording correctly.
Can a weak Wi-Fi signal cause my Arlo camera to stop recording?
Yes, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause your Arlo camera to stop recording. If your camera is too far from your router or there are physical barriers blocking the signal, it may not be able to maintain a stable connection. Try moving your camera closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi range extender to boost the signal strength.
You can also try checking your router’s settings to ensure it’s broadcasting on the correct channel and using the correct frequency. Additionally, consider upgrading to a mesh network system or a more powerful router to improve your overall Wi-Fi coverage.
How do I reset my Arlo camera to its factory settings?
To reset your Arlo camera to its factory settings, press and hold the reset button (usually located on the back or bottom of the camera) for 10-15 seconds. Release the button and wait for the camera to restart. This will restore the camera to its default settings, which may resolve any software-related issues.
After resetting your camera, you’ll need to set it up again using the Arlo app. This will involve reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network, updating the firmware, and adjusting any custom settings you had previously configured. Be sure to test your camera after resetting to ensure it’s working correctly.
What should I do if my Arlo camera is still not recording after troubleshooting?
If your Arlo camera is still not recording after troubleshooting, it may be a hardware issue or a more complex software problem. In this case, it’s recommended to contact Arlo support directly for further assistance. They can help you diagnose the issue and provide additional troubleshooting steps or repair options.
Before contacting support, make sure you have your camera’s serial number and a detailed description of the issue ready. This will help the support team quickly identify the problem and provide a solution. Additionally, be prepared to provide any error messages or logs that may be relevant to the issue.