Ensure your Arlo camera stays online by first checking and rebooting your Wi-Fi router—most offline issues stem from unstable connections. Update the Arlo app and camera firmware, then verify signal strength and reposition the camera closer to the base station if needed. For persistent dropouts, reset the camera and re-sync it to restore reliable 2026 connectivity.

How to Fix Arlo Camera Going Offline in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Restart your camera: Power cycle to resolve temporary glitches.
• Check Wi-Fi signal: Ensure strong, stable connection near the camera.
• Update firmware: Install the latest Arlo app updates immediately.
• Verify batteries: Replace or recharge low-power batteries promptly.
• Re-sync base station: Reconnect to restore offline devices quickly.
• Disable VPN/proxies: These can block Arlo’s connection to servers.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re at work, checking in on your front porch through your Arlo camera, and suddenly—poof—the feed goes dark. No warning. No error message. Just silence. It’s frustrating, especially when you rely on your security system for peace of mind. If you’ve been searching for how to fix Arlo camera going offline in 2026, you’re not alone.

Over the years, Arlo cameras have become a go-to for home security. They’re wireless, easy to install, and offer crisp video quality. But like any smart device, they aren’t immune to glitches. In 2026, users are seeing a rise in connectivity issues—especially with older models struggling to keep up with updated software and changing Wi-Fi standards.

The good news? Most cases of an Arlo camera going offline aren’t hardware failures. They’re fixable. Whether it’s a weak signal, outdated firmware, or a simple app hiccup, there are clear steps you can take to restore your camera’s connection—often in under 15 minutes.

What’s causing this in 2026? A few things:

• Wi-Fi congestion: More smart devices per household mean more competition for bandwidth.
• Firmware updates: Arlo pushes updates regularly, but sometimes they don’t install properly.
• Base station sync issues: Especially with older Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra models.
• App bugs: The Arlo app occasionally misreports camera status due to sync delays.

Understanding these root causes is the first step in learning how to fix Arlo camera going offline in 2026—without pulling your hair out or calling support every time.

What You Need

Before we dive into the fix, let’s gather what you’ll need. Nothing fancy—just a few basics you probably already have.

• Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app (iOS or Android) installed and logged in.
• Access to your Wi-Fi router (you’ll need to restart it, so make sure you know how).
• A paperclip or SIM ejector tool (for resetting the camera or base station).
• Your Arlo base station (if you have one—models like Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, and Ultra use one).
• Fresh batteries (for wire-free models like Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Go).
• A stable power source (for wired models like Arlo Essential Wired or Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight).
• About 10–20 minutes of uninterrupted time (no multitasking—this is your security we’re talking about).

Pro tip: If you’re troubleshooting multiple cameras, start with the one closest to your router. It’s often the easiest to fix and can help you spot network-wide issues.

Now, let’s get into the actual steps to fix Arlo camera going offline in 2026—no jargon, no fluff.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Fix Arlo Camera Going Offline in 2026

Step 1: Check the Obvious—Is the Camera Really Offline?

Before you panic, double-check the status in the Arlo app. Sometimes the app says “offline” when the camera is actually just slow to respond.

Open the Arlo app and look at the camera’s status icon. Is it grayed out? Does it say “offline”? If yes, tap on it and see if it gives you an error message like “No connection” or “Camera not responding.”

Wait 30 seconds. Try refreshing the feed by swiping down. Sometimes the app just needs a moment to sync.

Also, check if other cameras are online. If they are, the problem is likely isolated to one unit. If all are offline, the issue is probably with your base station or Wi-Fi.

Personal insight: I once wasted 20 minutes troubleshooting a camera only to realize my phone’s data was off. The app was loading from cache. Always check your phone’s internet connection first.

Step 2: Restart Your Wi-Fi Router

Wi-Fi is the backbone of your Arlo system. Even if other devices are working fine, a brief router reboot can clear up temporary glitches affecting your cameras.

Here’s how:

• Unplug your router and modem (if separate) from power.
• Wait 30 seconds. This allows the router to fully reset its memory.
• Plug the modem back in first. Wait until its lights stabilize (usually 1–2 minutes).
• Then plug in the router.
• Wait 2–3 minutes for it to fully boot and reconnect to the internet.

Once your phone reconnects to Wi-Fi, open the Arlo app and check your camera status.

This simple step fixes about 30% of “offline” issues. Why? Because routers—especially older ones—accumulate temporary bugs that a reboot clears.

And if you’re using Wi-Fi 6 in 2026, make sure your router isn’t dropping older 2.4 GHz devices (like some Arlo models) due to band steering. You may need to temporarily disable 5 GHz to test.

Step 3: Restart the Arlo Base Station (If Applicable)

If you have an Arlo Pro, Ultra, or older Arlo system, you likely have a base station. It’s the little hub that connects your cameras to Wi-Fi and stores recordings.

A glitchy base station is a common cause of offline cameras—especially after a firmware update.

To restart it:

• Unplug the base station from power.
• Wait 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in.
• Wait 3–5 minutes for it to fully boot and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

You’ll know it’s ready when the LED turns solid white or blue (check your model’s manual for exact color).

Once it’s back, check the Arlo app. The camera should reconnect automatically within a few minutes.

Warning: If the base station’s LED is blinking red or orange, there’s a deeper issue (like a failed update). We’ll cover that in Step 5.

Step 4: Reboot the Camera Itself

Sometimes the camera itself gets stuck. A simple reboot can clear up internal memory glitches or frozen Wi-Fi connections.

For battery-powered cameras (Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Go, etc.):

• Remove the battery.
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Reinsert the battery (make sure it’s fully charged).
• Wait 2–3 minutes for the camera to boot up and reconnect.

For wired cameras (Arlo Essential Wired, Arlo Pro 3, etc.):

• Unplug the power cable.
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Plug it back in.
• Wait for the LED to turn solid green or blue.

After the reboot, check the app. The camera should show “online” within a few minutes.

If it doesn’t, the issue might be deeper—like Wi-Fi signal strength or firmware corruption.

Step 5: Check for Firmware Updates

In 2026, Arlo pushes firmware updates frequently to fix bugs, improve security, and support new features. But sometimes, updates fail to install—or worse, they break connectivity.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap on the camera that’s offline.
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings).
4. Tap “Device Info” or “About Device.”
5. Look for “Firmware Version.”
6. Check if it’s the latest. You can search “Arlo [your model] latest firmware 2026” online to confirm.

If the firmware is outdated or stuck in “updating,” you may need to manually update it.

To force an update:

• Make sure the camera is charged or powered.
• Bring it close to your router (within 10 feet).
• In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device Info > Update Firmware.
• Tap “Update Now” and wait. Do not unplug or move the camera during this process.

It can take 5–10 minutes. The LED will blink during the update. Once complete, the camera should reconnect automatically.

Pro tip: If the update fails, try again after a full router + base station reboot. Weak signal during updates is a common culprit.

Step 6: Re-Sync the Camera to the Base Station (or Wi-Fi)

If the camera still won’t connect, it may have lost sync with the base station or Wi-Fi network. This often happens after power outages or router changes.

To re-sync:

1. In the Arlo app, tap the offline camera.
2. Tap “Remove Device” (don’t worry—this doesn’t delete recordings).
3. Wait for it to disappear from your device list.
4. Now, go to “Add Device” > “Security Camera” > select your model.
5. Follow the in-app setup instructions.

During setup, you’ll need to:

• Press and hold the sync button on the camera (usually with a paperclip) for 2–3 seconds.
• Wait for the LED to blink blue (or as per your model).
• Confirm the sync in the app.

This process re-pairs the camera with your base station or Wi-Fi. It’s like giving it a fresh start.

Note: If you’re using a base station, make sure it’s online and within range. If it’s not, re-sync the base station first (see Step 3).

Step 7: Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength and Interference

Arlo cameras are sensitive to Wi-Fi signal quality. Even a strong signal can be “noisy” due to interference from microwaves, baby monitors, or other smart devices.

Here’s how to test:

• Use your phone to check Wi-Fi signal strength near the camera (look at the bars).
• Download a free app like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or AirPort Utility (iOS) to see signal strength in dBm.
• Anything above -70 dBm is weak for Arlo. -60 dBm or higher is ideal.

If the signal is weak:

• Move your router closer (if possible).
• Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system (like Google Nest Wifi or TP-Link Deco).
• Change your router’s channel to avoid congestion (use 1, 6, or 11 on 2.4 GHz).
• Switch to 5 GHz only if your Arlo model supports it (most do in 2026).

Also, avoid placing cameras behind metal, concrete, or thick glass. These materials block Wi-Fi signals.

I once had a camera go offline every time I used my microwave. Turns out, it was 2 feet away and causing interference. Moving it 10 feet fixed the issue instantly.

Step 8: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing works, it’s time for a factory reset. This erases all settings and returns the camera to its original state.

Warning: This will disconnect the camera from your account. You’ll need to set it up again from scratch.

To reset:

• Press and hold the reset button (usually on the back or side) with a paperclip.
• Hold for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
• Release and wait 2 minutes for the reset to complete.

After the reset, the camera will appear as “unpaired” in the app. Follow the setup steps again (like in Step 6).

Only do this if:

• All other steps failed.
• You suspect the camera is corrupted.
• You’re giving it to someone else.

I’ve only had to do this twice in 5 years—once after a bad firmware update, once after a power surge. Both times, it worked.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting Arlo cameras for friends, family, and my own home, here are the lessons I’ve learned—some the hard way.

Pro Tip #1: Keep your base station and cameras on the same Wi-Fi network. Don’t split them across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz unless you know what you’re doing. Mixed bands cause sync issues.

Pro Tip #2: Update your router’s firmware. In 2026, many connectivity issues stem from outdated router software, not Arlo. A quick router update can fix multiple devices at once.

Pro Tip #3: Use a dedicated Wi-Fi channel for security cameras. If your router allows it, assign Arlo to a specific channel (like 6 on 2.4 GHz) to reduce interference.

Common Mistake #1: Ignoring the base station. I see this all the time. People reboot the camera but forget the base station is the brain. Always restart it first if multiple cameras are down.

Common Mistake #2: Assuming “offline” means “broken.” The app is sometimes slow to update. Wait 2–3 minutes after a reboot before declaring it a failure.

Common Mistake #3: Using third-party power adapters. Stick to Arlo’s official chargers. Cheap knockoffs can cause voltage drops that make cameras unstable.

Common Mistake #4: Not checking battery levels. Even if the camera shows “online,” a low battery can cause intermittent disconnects. Charge it fully before troubleshooting.

And one final tip: Keep a notebook (or note on your phone) of when each camera goes offline. Patterns matter. If one camera drops every night at 7 PM, it might be interference from your neighbor’s robot vacuum or a scheduled router reboot.

FAQs About How to Fix Arlo Camera Going Offline in 2026

Q: Why does my Arlo camera keep going offline every few hours?

A: This is often due to Wi-Fi interference or a weak signal. Try moving the camera closer to the router or adding a Wi-Fi extender. Also, check if your router has a “power saving” mode that disconnects idle devices—disable it.

Q: Can I fix an Arlo camera going offline without the base station?

A: Yes, if you have a newer model like Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, or Arlo Go. These connect directly to Wi-Fi. Just make sure your router is stable and the camera is within range. Older models (Pro 2, Pro 3) require the base station.

Q: Does the Arlo app show a false “offline” status?

A: Yes, sometimes. The app syncs with the cloud, which can lag. If the camera’s LED is solid green but the app says “offline,” wait 5 minutes. If it stays offline, restart the app or your phone.

Q: What if my Arlo base station is offline too?

A: Then the problem is likely your internet or router. Restart both. If the base station still won’t connect, reset it (hold the reset button for 15 seconds). If it fails after that, contact Arlo support—it might be hardware failure.

Q: Can a firmware update cause my camera to go offline permanently?

A: Rarely, but it happens. If the update fails mid-process, the camera may get stuck in a boot loop. A factory reset usually fixes it. Always ensure strong Wi-Fi and full battery before updating.

Q: Is there a way to monitor my camera’s connection status remotely?

A: Yes. Use the Arlo app’s “Activity Log” to see when the camera disconnects and reconnects. You can also enable push notifications for “Camera Offline” alerts. That way, you’ll know the moment it drops.

Q: Should I upgrade my router to fix Arlo connectivity issues?

A: If you’re using a router older than 2020, yes. Newer routers (Wi-Fi 6 or mesh systems) handle multiple devices better and reduce interference. A $100 upgrade can prevent years of frustration.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to fix Arlo camera going offline in 2026 isn’t about being a tech genius. It’s about knowing a few simple, proven steps—and having the patience to try them in order.

Start with the basics: check the app, restart the router and base station, reboot the camera. Then move to more advanced steps like firmware updates and Wi-Fi optimization. And if all else fails, a factory reset is your safety net.

Remember, most offline issues are temporary. They’re not a sign that your camera is broken. They’re just hiccups in a system that’s constantly communicating with your home network.

So next time your Arlo goes dark, don’t panic. Take a breath. Follow these steps. And know that in 90% of cases, you’ll have it back online in under 15 minutes.

And if you’re still stuck? Don’t hesitate to contact Arlo support. They’ve seen it all—and they’re usually helpful once you’ve tried the basics.

Your security is worth the effort. Keep your cameras connected, your home protected, and your peace of mind intact.

Now go fix that offline camera—and enjoy the view.