How Do I Know If Arlo Pro Camera Goes Offline and What to Do

Your Arlo Pro camera goes offline when the status light turns solid amber or disappears entirely, signaling a loss of connection. Check the Arlo app for an “Offline” status under the device list or receive instant push notifications if alerts are enabled. Quickly restore connectivity by restarting the camera, checking Wi-Fi signal strength, or reseating the base station.

Key Takeaways

• Check the Arlo app: Look for “Offline” status under the camera’s name.
• Inspect LED lights: A solid amber light signals connection issues.
• Restart the camera: Power cycle it to resolve temporary glitches.
• Verify Wi-Fi strength: Weak signals often cause offline problems.
• Update firmware: Ensure the latest software for optimal performance.
• Test the base station: Reboot it if multiple cameras go offline.
• Contact support: Seek help if issues persist after troubleshooting.

How Do I Know If Arlo Pro Camera Goes Offline and What to Do

Imagine this: You’re relaxing at home after a long day, scrolling through your phone, when you suddenly realize—you haven’t checked your Arlo Pro camera feed in a while. You open the app, and instead of seeing your backyard, front porch, or baby’s room, you’re met with a gray screen and a small icon that says “Offline.” Panic sets in. Was there a power surge? Did the Wi-Fi drop? Is your camera broken? Or worse—could someone have tampered with it?

This is a situation many Arlo Pro camera users face. While these smart security cameras are reliable, they’re not immune to connectivity issues, power fluctuations, or app glitches. The good news? Most offline problems are fixable—if you know what to look for. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to know if your Arlo Pro camera goes offline, what causes it, and step-by-step fixes you can try right now. Whether you’re a first-time user or someone who’s had their cameras for years, this guide is written with real-life experience, empathy, and practical solutions in mind.

Signs Your Arlo Pro Camera Is Offline

Before you can fix an offline camera, you need to know it’s offline. Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, they’re subtle. Here’s how to tell if your Arlo Pro camera isn’t communicating with your system.

1. The “Offline” Status in the Arlo App

The most direct sign is the camera status shown in the Arlo app. When you open the app, each camera displays a status icon. If it says “Offline” or shows a grayed-out preview with a red or gray dot, that’s your first clue. The app might also show a message like “Camera not responding” or “Unable to connect.”

For example, I once noticed one of my outdoor Arlo Pro 4 cameras was offline. The app showed the status as “Offline” and the last recorded event was from 12 hours ago. That’s when I knew I had to act.

2. Missing Live Feed and No Motion Alerts

If your camera is truly offline, you won’t be able to view the live stream. Tapping the camera tile results in a loading screen that never completes. Additionally, you won’t receive any motion detection alerts or push notifications—even if someone walks in front of the camera.

Think of it like your phone losing service. If it can’t connect to the network, it can’t send messages. The same applies here. No feed = no alerts.

3. Delayed or Missing Recorded Clips

Even if you have cloud or local storage enabled, an offline camera won’t record new events. If you review your timeline and notice gaps in footage—especially during times you expected activity—your camera may have gone offline without you realizing it.

Tip: Set up a daily “camera check” routine. Open the app every morning and glance at each camera’s status. It takes less than 30 seconds and can save you from missing important events.

4. Battery Level Not Updating (For Wire-Free Models)

Arlo Pro wire-free models (like the Arlo Pro 3 or Pro 4) run on rechargeable batteries. If the battery percentage hasn’t changed in over 24 hours—even though you haven’t touched the camera—it could mean the camera is offline and not syncing data.

For instance, my backyard camera showed 68% battery for three days straight. I knew something was wrong because the app usually updates battery levels every few hours when the camera is active.

5. Base Station or Sync Module Indicator Lights

If you’re using a base station (common with older Arlo Pro models), check the LED lights. A solid green light means it’s connected. A blinking amber or red light may indicate a connection issue with one or more cameras. Refer to your model’s manual for specific light codes.

For newer models using a Wi-Fi connection (like Arlo Pro 4), check your router’s admin panel. If the camera’s MAC address isn’t showing up in the connected devices list, it’s likely offline at the network level.

Common Causes of Arlo Pro Camera Going Offline

Now that you know the signs, let’s dig into why your Arlo Pro camera might go offline. Understanding the root cause helps you apply the right fix—and prevent it from happening again.

1. Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

This is the most common cause. Arlo Pro cameras rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection (or a base station with Wi-Fi). If your router reboots, the Wi-Fi password changes, or the signal weakens, the camera may lose connection.

For example, after upgrading my internet plan, the router reset automatically. My Arlo Pro 3 cameras went offline because they were still trying to connect to the old network name (SSID) and password.

Tip: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android or NetSpot for PC/Mac) to check signal strength near your camera. If the signal is weak (below -70 dBm), consider relocating the router, adding a Wi-Fi extender, or using an Ethernet-connected base station.

2. Power Supply Problems

For wired Arlo Pro models (like the Arlo Pro 2 with a power adapter), a loose plug, faulty adapter, or power outage can knock the camera offline. Even wire-free models can be affected if the battery dies or the charging dock isn’t working.

I once had a power strip fail silently. The camera stayed on for a few hours on battery, then went offline. I didn’t realize the adapter wasn’t getting power until I checked the outlet with a lamp.

3. Base Station or Sync Module Failure

Cameras that connect via a base station (like Arlo Pro 2 and Pro 3) depend on it to communicate with the cloud. If the base station loses power, disconnects from Wi-Fi, or crashes, all connected cameras go offline—even if they have power and signal.

One user reported that their base station’s Ethernet cable got unplugged during cleaning. All five cameras went offline until the cable was reinserted.

How to Check Base Station Status:

• Look at the LED lights (solid green = good, blinking amber/red = issue)
• Log into the Arlo app and check if the base station appears in your devices list
• Restart the base station by unplugging it for 10 seconds

4. Firmware or Software Glitches

Like any smart device, Arlo cameras can experience software bugs. A failed update, corrupted cache, or app conflict can cause a camera to freeze or disconnect.

I had a camera go offline after a firmware update failed halfway through. The camera was “bricked” for a day until I performed a factory reset and re-added it to the network.

5. Physical Obstructions or Environmental Factors

Outdoor cameras can be affected by weather, debris, or physical damage. Rain, snow, or dust can block the lens or damage internal components. A camera knocked loose by wind or an animal may lose alignment or fall, cutting power or Wi-Fi.

One winter, a heavy snowfall covered my front porch camera. When the snow melted, water seeped into the housing. The camera worked for a few days, then went offline permanently. Lesson learned: always install cameras under eaves or use weatherproof covers.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix an Offline Arlo Pro Camera

Now for the good part—fixing it. Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide based on real-world experience and Arlo’s official support recommendations.

Step 1: Check the Basics

Start simple. These quick checks often solve the problem.

• Verify power: Is the camera plugged in? Is the battery charged? For wire-free models, press the sync button to see if the LED blinks (indicates power).
• Check Wi-Fi: Is your home Wi-Fi working? Can other devices connect? Try opening a website on your phone.
• Restart the camera: Press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds to reboot. Wait 2–3 minutes for it to reconnect.

Step 2: Restart the Base Station or Router

If your camera uses a base station, unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 2–3 minutes. For Wi-Fi-connected models, restart your router. This refreshes the network and often resolves temporary glitches.

I’ve had cases where a simple router reboot brought all offline cameras back online—no other steps needed.

Step 3: Re-sync the Camera

If the camera still shows “Offline,” try re-syncing it with the base station or Wi-Fi.

• Open the Arlo app.
• Go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Remove Device.
• Follow the setup process again: press the sync button, wait for the LED to blink, then re-add it in the app.

This forces the camera to re-establish its connection and often fixes pairing issues.

Step 4: Update Firmware and App

Outdated firmware or app versions can cause instability. Check for updates:

• In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Firmware Update.
• Update the Arlo app via your device’s app store.

Tip: Enable automatic updates in the app settings to avoid missing critical patches.

Step 5: Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength and Range

Weak signal is a silent killer. If your camera is more than 100 feet from the router or base station, or there are thick walls (like brick or concrete) in between, signal may drop.

Solutions:

• Move the router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• For base station models, connect the base station via Ethernet to reduce interference.
• Use a Wi-Fi mesh system (like Google Nest Wi-Fi or TP-Link Deco) for whole-home coverage.

Step 6: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing works, perform a factory reset. This erases all settings and returns the camera to its original state.

1. Press and hold the sync button for 15 seconds until the LED blinks amber and white.
2. Wait for the camera to reboot (LED turns solid white).
3. Re-add it to the app using the setup process.

Warning: This removes all custom settings (motion zones, schedules, etc.). Write them down first!

Preventing Future Offline Issues

You’ve fixed it—great! Now let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again. Prevention is better than cure.

1. Optimize Wi-Fi Coverage

Use a Wi-Fi heatmap tool to identify dead zones. Place cameras within 50–75 feet of the router or base station. Avoid placing them behind metal objects, mirrors, or large appliances.

I added a Wi-Fi extender in my garage, and my outdoor cameras now stay online 99% of the time.

2. Use a UPS or Battery Backup

A power outage can take your cameras offline. Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for your router, base station, and wired cameras. Even a small UPS can keep your system running for 1–2 hours during outages.

3. Regular Maintenance Schedule

Set a monthly reminder to:

• Check battery levels and recharge if needed.
• Clean camera lenses and housings (use a microfiber cloth).
• Verify firmware and app updates.
• Review event recordings for gaps.

4. Enable Arlo’s “Offline Notifications”

In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Notifications > Device Status and enable “Camera Offline” alerts. You’ll get a push notification the moment a camera disconnects.

This saved me once when a storm knocked out my backyard camera. I got an alert within seconds and was able to check on it before it got damaged.

5. Use Local Storage (Optional)

Arlo offers local storage via microSD cards (on compatible models) or a USB drive connected to the base station. Even if the camera goes offline, it can continue recording locally until the connection is restored.

Note: Local storage doesn’t replace cloud storage but adds redundancy.

When to Contact Arlo Support

Sometimes, no amount of troubleshooting fixes the problem. Here’s when to reach out to Arlo Support.

1. Persistent Offline Status After Multiple Fixes

If you’ve tried all the steps above and the camera remains offline, there may be a hardware issue. Contact Arlo Support with:

• Your camera model and serial number.
• A description of what you’ve tried.
• Screenshots of the offline status in the app.

2. Physical Damage or Water Intrusion

Cameras damaged by weather, animals, or tampering may need replacement. Arlo offers a limited warranty (usually 1 year) and sometimes extends support for out-of-warranty devices.

3. Firmware or App Bugs Affecting Multiple Devices

If all your cameras go offline at once, it could be a server-side issue. Check Arlo’s System Status page for outages. If there’s no outage, contact support.

4. Base Station or Sync Module Failure

If the base station won’t power on, won’t sync, or shows constant error lights, it may need replacement. Arlo Support can diagnose and send a replacement if under warranty.

Contact Options:

• Phone: 1-888-875-2582 (U.S.)
• Live Chat: Available in the Arlo app under Help > Contact Us
• Email: support@arlo.com

Response time: Usually within 24 hours for email, immediate for phone/chat during business hours.

Data Table: Troubleshooting Checklist

Issue	Quick Fix	Advanced Step	Prevention Tip
Camera shows “Offline” in app	Restart camera (hold sync button)	Re-sync with base station	Enable offline notifications
No live feed or alerts	Check Wi-Fi on phone	Restart router	Use Wi-Fi extender
Base station lights blinking	Unplug/replug base station	Check Ethernet/Wi-Fi connection	Connect base station via Ethernet
Battery not updating	Charge camera fully	Factory reset and re-add	Monthly battery check
All cameras offline	Check internet connection	Visit Arlo status page	Use UPS for router/base station

Knowing how to know if your Arlo Pro camera goes offline isn’t just about reacting—it’s about being proactive. From recognizing the signs to troubleshooting like a pro and preventing future issues, you now have the tools to keep your home security system running smoothly.

Remember, no smart device is perfect. Wi-Fi drops, power flickers, and software hiccups happen to everyone. The key is not to panic, but to follow a clear, step-by-step process. And if all else fails? Arlo Support is there to help.

Take a few minutes today to check your cameras, enable offline alerts, and review your network setup. A little maintenance now can save you hours of stress later. After all, your peace of mind is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Arlo Pro camera goes offline?

Your Arlo Pro camera may go offline if the app shows a “Camera Offline” status or the LED light on the device flashes amber. Check your app’s device list or push notifications for real-time alerts.

Why does my Arlo Pro camera keep going offline frequently?

Frequent offline issues may stem from weak Wi-Fi signals, low battery, or interference from other devices. Ensure your camera is within range of your router and fully charged.

Can I get notified when my Arlo Pro camera goes offline?

Yes, enable push notifications in the Arlo app under “Settings” > “Alerts” to receive instant alerts when your camera disconnects. This helps you quickly troubleshoot the issue.

How do I troubleshoot an Arlo Pro camera that’s offline?

First, restart the camera and sync it with the base station. Then, verify Wi-Fi connectivity and ensure the firmware is up to date via the Arlo app.

Does poor weather affect my Arlo Pro camera going offline?

Extreme weather, like heavy rain or snow, can disrupt Wi-Fi signals or damage the camera. Install it in a sheltered location and check for weatherproofing compliance.

What does the amber light mean when my Arlo Pro camera is offline?

An amber LED light indicates low battery, syncing issues, or a weak connection. Refer to the user manual or app for specific error codes and next steps.