How Do I Get Audio Back on My Arlo Camera Quick Fixes

Restart your Arlo camera and base station immediately to resolve most audio issues—this simple step often restores sound quickly. Check microphone settings in the Arlo app and ensure firmware is up to date to rule out software glitches blocking audio functionality.

Key Takeaways

• Check mute settings: Ensure the camera isn’t muted in the Arlo app.
• Update firmware: Install the latest firmware for audio fixes and improvements.
• Restart devices: Power cycle the camera and base station to restore audio.
• Verify mic placement: Keep the mic unobstructed for clear sound capture.
• Test in app: Use live view to confirm audio is working properly.
• Reinstall the app: Fix glitches by reinstalling the Arlo app if needed.

How Do I Get Audio Back on My Arlo Camera? Quick Fixes That Actually Work

Imagine this: you’re checking your Arlo camera feed after a long day, hoping to catch a glimpse of the kids playing in the backyard or your dog wagging its tail at the door. But instead of hearing their laughter or the familiar jingle of the leash, there’s… silence. Just a grainy, soundless video. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Audio issues with Arlo cameras are surprisingly common, and they can leave you feeling disconnected from the moments that matter most.

Whether your Arlo camera’s audio suddenly disappeared, never worked from the start, or cuts in and out like a bad radio signal, there’s usually a fix. And the good news? Most of these fixes don’t require a tech degree or a call to customer support. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most effective, step-by-step solutions to get your Arlo camera’s audio back—fast. We’ll cover everything from simple settings checks to deeper troubleshooting, all with the goal of restoring that crucial sound so you don’t miss a beat.

1. Start with the Basics: Check the Obvious First

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, let’s rule out the simplest causes. Sometimes, the solution is right in front of us—we just need to look.

Is the Camera’s Microphone Enabled?

It sounds silly, but it happens more than you’d think. Arlo cameras have a built-in microphone, but it can be disabled in the app settings. Here’s how to check:

• Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
• Tap on the camera with the missing audio.
• Go to Settings (usually a gear icon).
• Look for Audio Settings or Microphone.
• Make sure the toggle for “Microphone” or “Audio Recording” is turned ON.

Pro tip: If the toggle is grayed out or unresponsive, it might be due to a subscription plan limitation. Some older Arlo models require a paid plan to enable audio recording. Double-check your plan details if you’re on a free tier.

Is the App Muted or Volume Low?

This one’s a classic. You’re watching the live feed, but your phone’s media volume is turned down—or worse, muted. Try this:

• Press the volume up button on your device while the camera feed is open.
• Check if your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode (this often silences app audio).
• Open your device’s Settings > Sound and ensure media volume isn’t set to zero.

One user told me they spent 20 minutes troubleshooting their Arlo Pro 4’s audio only to realize their iPad was in silent mode. Don’t be that person—check your volume!

Is the Camera’s Speaker Blocked?

Arlo cameras have tiny microphones (and speakers for two-way talk). If dust, spiderwebs, or even a sticker is covering the microphone hole, audio quality will suffer. Gently clean the front of the camera with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid liquids or compressed air—these can damage internal components.

2. Reboot Everything: The Power of a Fresh Start

When in doubt, reboot. It’s the oldest trick in the tech book, but it works more often than you’d expect. A simple restart can clear temporary glitches that cause audio dropouts.

Restart Your Arlo Camera

Different Arlo models have different reboot methods:

• Wireless cameras (Pro, Ultra, Essential): Press and hold the Sync button (usually on the side or back) for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks amber. Wait 2–3 minutes for it to reconnect.

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• Wired cameras (Q, Q Plus): Unplug the power cable for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
• SmartHub-connected models: Restart the SmartHub first (unplug for 10 seconds), then reboot the camera.

After rebooting, check the live feed. Audio often returns after a fresh start. If not, keep reading.

Restart Your Router and Modem

Audio issues can stem from network instability. A weak or spotty Wi-Fi signal can cause audio to lag or drop out entirely. Try this:

• Unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds.
• Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully boot (lights stabilize).
• Then plug in the router. Wait 2–3 minutes.
• Reconnect your phone/tablet to Wi-Fi and open the Arlo app.

Real-life example: A friend’s Arlo Pro 3 had intermittent audio for weeks. After a router reboot, the audio was crystal clear—turns out the router was overheating and throttling bandwidth.

Restart Your Mobile Device

Sometimes, the app itself is the culprit. A glitchy app cache or background process can mute audio. Close the Arlo app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps), then reopen it. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone or tablet.

3. Dive into App and Firmware Settings

If basic reboots didn’t fix it, it’s time to dig into the app and firmware. Outdated software is a common cause of audio issues.

Update the Arlo App

An outdated app can miss critical audio codecs or bug fixes. Here’s how to update:

• Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Search for “Arlo.”
• If an update is available, tap Update.
• After updating, force-close and reopen the app.

Bonus: Check if your device’s OS is up to date. iOS 16+ and Android 10+ are recommended for optimal Arlo performance.

Check for Camera Firmware Updates

Firmware is the camera’s built-in software. Arlo pushes updates to fix bugs, including audio glitches. To update:

• In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices.
• Select your camera.
• Tap Device Info > Firmware Version.
• If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Note: Firmware updates require a stable Wi-Fi connection. Don’t interrupt the process—it can brick the camera.

Reset Audio Settings to Default

Sometimes, custom settings can cause conflicts. Try resetting:

• Go to Settings > Audio Settings.
• Look for an option like “Restore Defaults” or “Reset Audio”.
• If unavailable, manually disable and re-enable the microphone.

One user reported that toggling the microphone off/on three times “reset” the audio. Worth a shot!

4. Investigate Network and Connectivity Issues

Arlo cameras rely on Wi-Fi for audio transmission. If your network is weak or congested, audio quality tanks.

Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Arlo cameras need at least 2–3 bars of Wi-Fi. Here’s how to test:

• Open the Arlo app and select your camera.
• Tap Settings > Device Info > Network.
• Look at the Signal Strength (should be “Good” or “Excellent”).

If the signal is “Poor” or “Fair,” try:

• Moving the camera closer to the router (temporarily).
• Using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network.
• Switching to a less congested Wi-Fi channel (via router settings).

Pro tip: Avoid placing cameras behind metal objects, thick walls, or near appliances like microwaves—they interfere with Wi-Fi.

Test on a Different Network

To isolate the issue, connect your camera to a different Wi-Fi network (e.g., a neighbor’s guest network or a mobile hotspot). If audio works there, your home network is the problem.

Check for Bandwidth Throttling

Some ISPs throttle bandwidth during peak hours. Audio is often the first to go. Try:

• Watching the camera feed late at night (when networks are less congested).
• Contacting your ISP to check for throttling.

5. Advanced Fixes: When the Usual Solutions Fail

If you’ve tried everything and audio is still missing, it’s time for advanced troubleshooting.

Factory Reset the Camera

This erases all settings and restores the camera to default. Use as a last resort:

• Press and hold the Sync button for 10–15 seconds (until LED blinks rapidly).
• Wait for the camera to reboot.
• Re-add it to your Arlo account via the app.

Warning: You’ll lose all custom settings (motion zones, schedules, etc.). Reconfigure them afterward.

Test the Camera on Another Device

To rule out a phone/tablet issue:

• Install the Arlo app on a friend’s phone or tablet.
• Log in to your account and check the camera feed.
• If audio works, your original device might have a hardware or software conflict.

Check for Physical Damage

Inspect the camera for:

• Cracks near the microphone (can let in moisture, damaging the mic).
• Corrosion (if exposed to rain or humidity).
• Water inside the lens (indicates a seal failure).

If you see damage, contact Arlo support—the microphone may need replacement.

6. When to Call in the Pros: Support and Hardware Checks

Some issues go beyond DIY fixes. Know when to seek help.

Contact Arlo Customer Support

Arlo’s support team can:

• Run remote diagnostics on your camera.
• Check if your model has known audio issues.
• Guide you through advanced troubleshooting.

Reach them via:

• Live chat in the Arlo app (Settings > Help).
• Phone (check Arlo’s website for regional numbers).
• Email (support@arlo.com).

Hardware Replacement

If the microphone is physically damaged or faulty, you’ll need a replacement. Options include:

• Warranty claim: If under warranty, Arlo may send a free replacement.
• Third-party repair: Some electronics shops can replace the mic (not recommended for waterproof models).
• Upgrade: Consider newer models like the Arlo Pro 5S or Arlo Essential with better audio specs.

Data Table: Common Arlo Audio Issues & Fixes

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Fix	Time to Fix
No audio in live feed	Microphone disabled in app	Enable mic in Settings > Audio	2 minutes
Audio cuts in/out	Weak Wi-Fi signal	Move camera closer to router	5 minutes
Audio delayed	Network congestion	Restart router	10 minutes
No audio after update	Firmware bug	Check for app/firmware updates	15 minutes
Audio muffled	Microphone blocked	Clean camera lens/mic	3 minutes
Audio works on one device, not another	Device-specific issue	Restart device or test on another	5 minutes

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Silence Win

Getting audio back on your Arlo camera isn’t just about hearing sounds—it’s about peace of mind. That bark at the door, the baby’s giggle, the delivery driver’s “Have a nice day”—they’re all part of the security experience. And while Arlo cameras are generally reliable, audio hiccups happen. The key is to stay calm, methodical, and patient.

Remember: start simple (check settings, reboot), then escalate (update firmware, test networks), and only resort to factory resets or support calls when necessary. Most audio issues are fixable in under 30 minutes—no technical expertise required. And if all else fails? Arlo’s support team is there to help.

So the next time your Arlo camera goes silent, don’t panic. Pull up this guide, follow the steps, and before you know it, you’ll hear that familiar chime of the doorbell or the rustle of leaves in the wind. Because sometimes, the most powerful security tool isn’t just what you see—it’s what you hear, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no audio on my Arlo camera?

If your Arlo camera has no audio, it may be due to muted settings, disabled two-way audio, or a firmware issue. Check the audio settings in the Arlo app and ensure the microphone is enabled.

How do I get audio back on my Arlo camera if it’s muted?

Open the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings, and look for the “Audio” or “Microphone” toggle. Turn it on, and test the audio to confirm it’s working.

Can a firmware update fix the audio issue on my Arlo camera?

Yes, outdated firmware can cause audio problems. Navigate to Settings > My Devices > Firmware Update in the Arlo app to check for and install the latest update.

Why does my Arlo camera have video but no sound?

This could be due to disabled audio settings, a faulty microphone, or interference. Verify the audio settings in the app and restart the camera to rule out temporary glitches.

How do I troubleshoot two-way audio not working on my Arlo camera?

Ensure the speaker and microphone are enabled in the app and that your phone’s volume is up. Also, check for obstructions or distance issues between you and the camera.

Does Arlo support audio recovery for all camera models?

Most Arlo cameras with built-in microphones support audio, but some older or budget models may lack this feature. Refer to your camera’s manual or Arlo’s website for model-specific details.