How Do You Know if an Arlo Camera Is On Simple Tips to Check

The easiest way to know if an Arlo camera is on is to check the LED indicator light—solid blue means it’s actively recording, while blinking blue signals setup mode. You can also verify its status in the Arlo app, where online cameras appear green and active, ensuring real-time monitoring. For wired models, listen for a faint click when motion triggers recording—a clear sign the camera is powered and functional.

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED light: A solid or blinking LED indicates the Arlo camera is active.
• Use the Arlo app: Open the app to verify camera status and live feed instantly.
• Listen for sounds: Some models emit a startup chime when powering on.
• Review recording history: Recent clips in the app confirm the camera is operational.
• Inspect power source: Ensure batteries are charged or the camera is plugged in securely.
• Test motion detection: Trigger alerts to confirm the camera is sensing and recording activity.

How Do You Know if an Arlo Camera Is On: Simple Tips to Check

You’ve just installed your Arlo camera—maybe it’s perched by your front door, watching over your backyard, or keeping an eye on the kids’ play area. You feel safer, right? But then, a nagging thought creeps in: *Is it actually on?* It’s a question we’ve all faced. You don’t want to check every five minutes, but you also don’t want to assume everything’s fine when it isn’t. That’s where knowing how to tell if your Arlo camera is on becomes essential—not just for peace of mind, but for real security.

I remember the first time I set up my Arlo system. I stood in my driveway, staring at the camera, wondering if it was recording. The lights were off, the app showed “connected,” but I still felt unsure. Was it detecting motion? Was the night vision working? After some trial and error, I learned the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that tell you your Arlo camera is active. And now, I’m sharing those tips with you—because no one should have to guess whether their security system is doing its job.

1. Check the Physical Indicators on Your Arlo Camera

The most direct way to know if your Arlo camera is on is to look at the device itself. Arlo designs its cameras with user-friendly indicators, but they’re not always obvious if you’ve never paid close attention. Let’s break it down.

Look for the LED Status Light

Every Arlo camera has an LED light, usually on the front or side. This tiny light is your first clue. Here’s what the colors mean:

• Solid Blue: The camera is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. This is your “all systems go” signal.
• Blinking Blue: The camera is trying to connect to Wi-Fi or is in setup mode.
• Solid Amber (Yellow): The camera is on but not connected to Wi-Fi. It may be in range, but something’s blocking the signal.
• Blinking Amber: Low battery or firmware update in progress.
• Solid White: On some models like Arlo Pro 4, white indicates active recording or motion detection.
• No Light: The camera may be off, in sleep mode, or the LED is disabled in settings.

Pro Tip: If the light is off, don’t panic. Many Arlo cameras allow you to disable the LED in the app for stealth mode. But if you didn’t disable it and the light’s out, it’s worth checking the app.

Observe the Infrared (IR) Night Vision LEDs

When your Arlo camera switches to night mode (usually at dusk or when motion is detected in low light), small infrared LEDs around the lens turn on. These emit a faint red glow—barely visible to the human eye, but noticeable if you’re close and in the dark.

Try this: At night, stand about 5–10 feet from the camera. Look closely at the lens area. You should see tiny red dots glowing. That means the camera is on and using night vision. If there’s no red glow, it might be off, in sleep mode, or the IR LEDs are blocked (e.g., by dirt or a cover).

Real-life example: I once thought my backyard Arlo was off because the LED was dark. Turns out, I had enabled “stealth mode” in the app. But when I checked at night, the IR LEDs were glowing—so the camera was very much on. Lesson learned: always check multiple indicators.

2. Use the Arlo App to Confirm Camera Status

The Arlo app is your control center. It gives you real-time status updates and lets you verify if your camera is active—without needing to physically inspect it every time.

Check the Dashboard

Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. The home screen shows all your cameras as tiles. Here’s what to look for:

• Green “Online” Badge: The camera is powered on and connected to the cloud.
• Gray “Offline” or “Disconnected”: The camera is either off, out of range, or has no power.
• Live Stream Icon (Play Button): Tap it to see a live feed. If you see a clear image, the camera is definitely on.
• Recording Icon (Red Dot): Appears when motion is detected and recording is active.

Tip: If a camera shows as “online” but the live stream fails, it might be a Wi-Fi issue—not a camera failure. Try restarting your router or moving the camera closer to the base station.

Review the Camera’s Activity Log

Go to a specific camera’s settings and check the “Activity History.” This log shows when the camera detected motion, started recording, or went offline.

For example, if you see entries like “Motion detected at 7:15 PM” or “Recording started,” your camera was active. If there’s no activity during a time when you know something happened (like your dog barking at a delivery person), the camera might have been off or in sleep mode.

Personal story: My front door Arlo once missed a package theft because it was in “sleep mode” due to a scheduled downtime I forgot to cancel. The activity log showed a 3-hour gap. Now I double-check the schedule weekly.

Enable Notifications and Test Them

Set up push notifications for motion alerts. Then, wave your hand in front of the camera. If your phone buzzes within seconds, the camera is on and working. If nothing happens, it’s likely off or misconfigured.

Bonus tip: Use this method to test multiple cameras at once. Walk around your property, trigger each camera, and see if you get alerts. It’s a quick way to audit your entire system.

3. Understand Arlo’s Power and Sleep Modes

Arlo cameras—especially battery-powered ones—use power-saving modes that can make them seem “off” when they’re actually on but conserving energy. This is a common source of confusion.

Battery vs. Wired Cameras: What’s the Difference?

Arlo offers both battery-powered (like Arlo Essential or Pro 3) and wired (like Arlo Ultra 2) models. Battery cameras go into sleep mode when inactive to extend battery life. Wired models stay “awake” more often.

• Battery Cameras: Sleep for 5–30 seconds after recording. Wake up when motion is detected or when you check the live feed.
• Wired Cameras: Stay in low-power standby mode but can stream continuously if set to “Always On” mode.

Example: My Arlo Pro 3 (battery) sleeps between recordings. If I check the live feed, it takes 2–3 seconds to wake up. That delay doesn’t mean it’s off—it’s just resting.

Check Sleep Mode Settings

In the Arlo app, go to Settings > [Camera Name] > Power Management. Here, you can adjust sleep mode duration or disable it entirely (not recommended for battery models, as it drains power fast).

If you notice your camera “misses” motion, increase the wake-up sensitivity or reduce sleep time. But balance this with battery life—especially if you’re using solar panels or frequent charging.

Watch for “Last Seen” Timestamps

The app shows when each camera last checked in. If it says “Last seen 2 hours ago” and it’s a battery model, it’s likely in sleep mode. If it’s a wired camera and the timestamp is old, there might be a power or Wi-Fi issue.

4. Test Night Vision and Motion Detection

Knowing your Arlo camera is on isn’t just about power—it’s about functionality. A camera can be powered but fail to detect motion or record in the dark.

Verify Night Vision Performance

At night, use a flashlight or your phone’s light to briefly shine toward the camera. Look at the live feed in the app. You should see a clear image, even in total darkness. If the feed is black or grainy, the IR LEDs might be off or blocked.

Tip: Clean the lens and IR sensor regularly. Dust or spider webs can block the red glow and reduce night vision range.

Test Motion Detection Zones

Arlo lets you set “activity zones”—areas where motion should trigger alerts. To test:

1. Open the app and go to the camera’s settings.
2. Enable activity zones and draw a box over the area you want to monitor (e.g., your front walkway).
3. Have someone walk through that zone. You should get an alert and a recording.

If no alert appears, the camera might be on but motion detection is disabled, or the zone isn’t set correctly. Also, check if the camera is set to “Away” mode—some modes disable motion alerts when you’re home.

Check Audio Detection (If Available)

Some Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro series) have audio detection. Test this by making a loud noise near the camera. You should see an audio waveform in the app or get a “sound detected” notification.

Note: Audio detection can be sensitive. Birds chirping or wind noise might trigger false alerts. Adjust the sensitivity in the app if needed.

5. Troubleshoot Common Issues That Mimic “Camera Off”

Sometimes, your Arlo camera *is* on, but something makes it seem off. Let’s address the usual suspects.

Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Arlo cameras need a strong Wi-Fi connection. If the signal is weak, the camera may appear offline or stream poorly.

• Check the signal strength in the app (Settings > Device Info > Wi-Fi Signal).
• Ideal: -50 dBm or higher. Poor: -70 dBm or lower.
• Fix: Move the base station closer, use a Wi-Fi extender, or switch to 5 GHz if supported.

Real fix: My garage Arlo kept dropping off. I added a Wi-Fi extender halfway between the router and camera. Problem solved.

Low Battery or Power Source Issues

Battery cameras show a battery icon in the app. If it’s red or empty, the camera may shut down. For wired models, check the power adapter and outlet.

• Charge or replace batteries every 2–6 months (depends on usage).
• Use solar panels (Arlo Solar Panel) for continuous charging.
• For wired: Ensure the power adapter is securely plugged in.

Firmware Updates

Arlo rolls out updates that can temporarily take cameras offline. If your camera is on but unresponsive, check for updates in the app (Settings > Device Info > Firmware).

Note: Updates usually take 1–2 minutes. The LED may blink during this time.

6. Pro Tips and Quick Checks You Can Do Daily

You don’t need to spend hours checking your Arlo cameras. Here are quick, reliable ways to confirm they’re on—without overthinking it.

Morning and Night Routine

• Morning: Open the app, tap each camera’s live feed for 10 seconds. Look for a clear image and check the battery.
• Night: Walk outside with your phone. Trigger motion (wave your hand) and confirm you get an alert.

This 2-minute routine gives you 90% confidence your system is working.

Use a “Test Mode” for New Installations

When installing a new camera, set it to “Test Mode” in the app. This disables sleep mode and sends alerts for every motion. Use it for 24 hours to ensure everything works, then switch back to normal.

Label Your Cameras

Name each camera clearly in the app (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”). This makes it easier to spot issues. If “Backyard” shows as offline, you know exactly where to check.

Keep a Maintenance Log

Track battery changes, Wi-Fi issues, and firmware updates. A simple notebook or Google Sheet helps you spot patterns (e.g., “Camera 3 drops off every Tuesday”).

Data Table: Quick Reference Guide

Indicator	What It Means	Action
Solid Blue LED	Camera is on and connected	No action needed
Blinking Blue LED	Connecting to Wi-Fi or in setup	Wait or re-pair if stuck
Solid Amber LED	On but no Wi-Fi	Check signal or move closer
Red IR Glow (night)	Night vision active	Camera is on and recording
App shows “Online”	Connected to cloud	Test live stream
No activity in 24h	Camera may be off or in sleep	Check power and settings

Knowing how do you know if an Arlo camera is on isn’t just about spotting lights or checking an app. It’s about building a habit of verification—using physical cues, digital tools, and smart routines. Whether you’re using battery-powered models that sleep to save energy or wired cameras that stay alert, the key is consistency.

Don’t rely on one sign. Combine the LED, the app status, motion tests, and night vision checks. That’s how you build trust in your system. And trust is what security is all about.

Remember, your Arlo camera is only as good as your awareness of it. A quick glance at the app, a wave in front of the lens, or a peek at the IR glow—these small actions make a big difference. You’re not just checking if it’s on. You’re making sure your home, family, and peace of mind are protected—day and night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if an Arlo camera is on just by looking at it?

Most Arlo cameras have a visible LED indicator—usually green or blue—that lights up when the camera is actively recording or streaming. Some models, like the Arlo Pro series, also include an audible tone when motion detection starts.

Can you tell if an Arlo camera is on using the app?

Yes, the Arlo app displays a real-time status for each camera, including whether it’s currently streaming, recording, or in standby mode. You can also check the camera’s live feed to confirm it’s active.

How do you know if an Arlo camera is on but in stealth mode?

If your Arlo camera is in stealth mode, the LED light is disabled, so visual cues won’t help. However, the Arlo app will still show the camera as “Online” and indicate if it’s detecting motion or recording.

Does the Arlo camera make a sound when it turns on?

Some Arlo models emit a soft chime when powered on or when motion is detected, but this feature varies by device. You can disable or adjust these sounds in the app’s settings.

How do you know if an Arlo camera is on and recording without checking the app?

Look for the blinking LED (if enabled) or listen for a faint internal whir as the camera activates. For wire-free models, a quick glance at the battery status light can also confirm it’s powered on.

Why might an Arlo camera appear to be off when it’s actually on?

If the LED indicator is disabled in settings or the camera is in night vision mode (using IR lights), it may seem inactive. Always verify status through the Arlo app to confirm it’s functioning.