To fix red tint on your Arlo camera, recalibrate the IR cut filter through the Arlo app’s video settings—this is the fastest, most effective solution in 2026. Ensure the camera lens is clean and free of obstructions, and disable night vision temporarily to reset the sensor. For persistent issues, update firmware or toggle HDR mode to restore natural color balance effortlessly.

How to Fix Red Tint on Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Solutions

Key Takeaways

• Adjust IR settings: Disable IR or switch to auto mode to reduce red tint.
• Clean the lens: Wipe the camera lens to remove dust or smudges causing tint.
• Update firmware: Install the latest Arlo app updates for bug fixes and improvements.
• Check lighting conditions: Avoid direct IR light sources to prevent overexposure and tint.
• Reset camera settings: Restore defaults if tint persists after troubleshooting.
• Use night mode wisely: Toggle night mode off/on for better color balance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever looked at your Arlo camera feed and thought, “Wait, is that sunset… or did my camera catch fire?” If you’ve seen a strange red tint in your Arlo footage—especially at night—you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that can make your otherwise crisp security footage look like a horror movie.

The red tint usually shows up during nighttime recording. You’re expecting clear black-and-white or color night vision, but instead, everything has an eerie red glow. It’s not just annoying—it can make it hard to identify people, cars, or objects. And let’s be honest: if your security camera can’t give you a clear image, what good is it?

This happens because of how Arlo cameras handle infrared (IR) night vision. The IR sensors and the color sensor sometimes don’t play well together, especially when there’s ambient light or reflections. Over the years, Arlo has improved this with firmware updates, but in 2026, some models—especially older ones or those with third-party mounts or accessories—still struggle.

The good news? How to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions are more accessible than ever. No need to call tech support or replace your camera. With a few tweaks, you can get back to clean, usable footage—fast.

And no, it’s not just “a feature.” It’s a fixable glitch. I’ve dealt with this on my own Arlo Ultra 2 and Pro 4, and after testing every trick in the book, I’ve got a clear path to fix it. Let’s get into it.

What You Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need a toolkit or a degree in engineering. Most of what you need is already on your phone or tablet. Here’s the short list:

• Your smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android, doesn’t matter. You’ll use the Arlo app.
• Arlo app (latest version) – Make sure it’s updated. Older versions miss key settings.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – Your camera needs to sync with the app.
• A few minutes of patience – No rush. We’re doing this right.
• Access to your camera’s location – For physical checks (optional but helpful).

Optional but helpful:

• A microfiber cloth – For cleaning the lens.
• A small flashlight – To check for IR reflections.
• Your camera’s model number – Found in the app under Device Settings. Some fixes vary slightly by model.

No special tools, no soldering. Just you, your phone, and a little know-how. That’s the beauty of how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions—it’s designed for real people, not just tech geeks.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Fix Red Tint on Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Solutions

Step 1: Check for Physical Obstructions and Lens Issues

Before diving into settings, let’s rule out the obvious. Sometimes, the red tint isn’t a software issue—it’s dirt, condensation, or something reflecting IR light.

Go to your camera. Look at the lens. Is it clean? If there’s dust, smudges, or even a tiny spider web, that can scatter light and create a red cast. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting only to realize a bug had crawled into the housing and was reflecting IR light like a disco ball.

• Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lens and the IR sensors (the small black dots around the lens).
• Check the camera housing for condensation—especially if it’s in a humid area. Let it dry out if needed.
• Look around the camera. Are there shiny surfaces nearby? Mirrors, glass doors, or even a car bumper can reflect IR light back into the lens, causing a red glow.

Pro tip: If you’re using a third-party mount or cover, try removing it temporarily. Some materials block or reflect IR in weird ways. I learned this the hard way with a “weatherproof” silicone sleeve that turned my night vision into a red haze.

This step is quick but often overlooked. And it’s a crucial first step in how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions—because sometimes, the fix is just a wipe away.

Step 2: Update Your Arlo App and Camera Firmware

Outdated software is a sneaky culprit. Arlo rolls out firmware updates regularly to fix bugs, including IR calibration issues. If your camera hasn’t updated in months, that red tint might be a known glitch that’s already been patched.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone.
2. Tap on your camera (or the Devices tab).
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings).
4. Look for “Firmware Update” or “Device Health.”
5. If an update is available, hit “Update Now.”

Also, make sure your Arlo app is up to date. Go to your app store (Google Play or App Store) and check for updates. An outdated app can misread camera settings or miss critical features.

Warning: Never unplug the camera during a firmware update. It can brick the device. Wait until it’s done—usually takes 2–5 minutes.

After the update, restart your camera by powering it off and on (or removing/reinserting batteries). Then check the night vision. Often, this alone fixes the red tint. It’s one of the most reliable steps in how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions.

Step 3: Adjust Night Vision Mode Settings

This is where most people get stuck. Arlo cameras have different night vision modes, and the wrong setting can cause a red tint—especially if you’re using “Color Night Vision” in low-light conditions.

Let’s break it down:

• IR Night Vision (Black & White): Uses infrared light. Clean, no red tint. Best for total darkness.
• Color Night Vision: Uses ambient light (streetlights, porch lights) to show color. But if there’s not enough light, it can fall back on IR, creating a red glow.
• Auto Mode: Switches between color and IR based on light levels. Can cause flickering or inconsistent color.

To change the setting:

1. In the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings.
2. Tap “Video Settings” or “Night Vision.”
3. Look for “Night Vision Mode” or “Color Night Vision.”
4. Try switching to IR Night Vision Only.

Test it at night. If the red tint is gone, great! But now you’re in black and white. That’s okay if you just need clarity. If you want color, try this next:

• Switch to Color Night Vision, but only if there’s a steady light source nearby (like a porch light or streetlight).
• If it’s too dark, the camera will mix IR and color sensors, causing the red tint. In that case, stick with IR.

My real-world fix: I have a Pro 4 under my garage eave. No nearby light. I switched to IR-only, and boom—no red tint. For my front porch (with a light), I use color night vision. Works perfectly.

This setting is a game-changer in how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions. It’s not one-size-fits-all, but once you find the right mode, the problem vanishes.

Step 4: Calibrate the IR Cut Filter (Advanced but Effective)

This one’s for the persistent red tint that won’t go away. The IR cut filter is a tiny mechanical shutter inside the camera that blocks infrared light during the day and lets it through at night. If it’s stuck or misaligned, it can cause a red tint even in IR mode.

Arlo doesn’t let you manually control this filter, but you can trigger a calibration:

1. Go to your camera’s settings in the Arlo app.
2. Tap “Device Utilities” or “Advanced Settings.”
3. Look for “IR Cut Filter Calibration” or “Night Vision Calibration.”
4. Tap “Calibrate Now.”
5. Wait for the camera to cycle through light/dark modes (takes 1–2 minutes).

After calibration, check the feed. The red tint should be reduced or gone. This works especially well on Arlo Ultra, Ultra 2, Pro 4, and newer models.

Note: Not all models have this option. If you don’t see it, skip to Step 5. But if you do—use it. I ran this on my Ultra 2 after a power outage, and the red tint disappeared instantly.

This is a deeper fix, but it’s part of the full toolkit for how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions. It’s not flashy, but it works when others fail.

Step 5: Adjust Motion Zones and Lighting Conditions

Sometimes, the red tint isn’t constant—it only shows up when motion is detected. Why? Because motion triggers the camera to switch modes, and that transition can cause a temporary red glow.

Here’s what to do:

• In the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings.
• Tap “Motion Detection” or “Activity Zones.”
• Reduce the motion zone size. Big zones mean more IR activity, which can cause flicker and red tint.
• Enable “Smart Detection” if available. It reduces false triggers and stabilizes the night vision mode.

Also, check your lighting:

• If you have a motion-activated light (like a floodlight), make sure it turns on before the camera detects motion. That way, the camera uses color night vision from the start—no IR mixing.
• Use a steady, non-flickering light source. LED flicker can confuse the camera and cause red artifacts.

Real-life example: My backyard camera had a red tint every time the dog walked by. I realized the motion zone was huge, and the porch light flickered. I shrank the zone and replaced the bulb. Problem solved.

This step is about optimizing your setup—not just the camera. It’s a key part of how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions because environment matters.

Step 6: Reset and Re-Pair the Camera (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, it’s time to reset. This clears any corrupted settings and re-syncs the camera with your base station or Wi-Fi.

Here’s how:

1. In the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings.
2. Tap “Remove Device” or “Factory Reset.”
3. Follow the prompts to reset (usually involves pressing a button on the camera).
4. Wait for the camera to restart.
5. Re-pair it to your Arlo account through the app.

After re-pairing, go through Steps 1–5 again. Set your night vision mode, calibrate the IR filter, and adjust motion zones.

Warning: This erases all custom settings (motion zones, schedules, etc.). Write them down first. I learned this after resetting and having to redo everything at midnight.

Resetting is a nuclear option, but it’s saved me more than once. It’s the final piece in how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions—when all else fails, start fresh.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting my own Arlo setup and helping friends, I’ve picked up a few golden nuggets. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Don’t assume it’s broken. A red tint is rarely a hardware failure. It’s usually a settings or environment issue. Save the RMA for last.
• Test at night. Don’t judge the night vision during the day. The red tint only appears in low light.
• Check for IR bleed. Some outdoor lights (like halogen) emit IR. They can flood the scene with invisible light, causing a red cast. Switch to LED.
• Avoid reflective surfaces. Even a white wall 10 feet away can reflect IR back into the lens. Angle the camera slightly downward or sideways.
• Update regularly. Set a reminder every 3 months to check for firmware updates. Arlo fixes bugs often.

Big mistake I made: I once used a third-party solar panel with my Arlo Pro 4. It worked fine—until I noticed the red tint. Turns out, the panel’s frame was reflecting IR at a weird angle. Switched to the official Arlo solar panel, and the tint vanished.

Also, don’t rush to buy a new camera. Most red tint issues are fixable. The how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions above work on models from 2020 to 2026. Even older ones like the Pro 3 respond well to these tweaks.

And one last thing: be patient. Sometimes, a firmware update takes a few days to fully apply. If you don’t see results immediately, wait 24–48 hours before trying the next step.

FAQs About How to Fix Red Tint on Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Solutions

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often—straight and honest.

Q: Why does my Arlo camera have a red tint only at night?

Because of infrared (IR) night vision. In darkness, the camera uses IR light to “see.” If the IR and color sensors don’t sync properly, or if there’s ambient light, you get a red glow. It’s not broken—it’s just confused.

Q: Will switching to IR-only mode reduce video quality?

Yes and no. You’ll lose color, but the image will be sharper and free of red tint. For security, clarity matters more than color. If you need color, add a porch light and use “Color Night Vision.”

Q: Can I fix this on an older Arlo model, like the Pro 2?

Yes! The steps work on Pro 2, Pro 3, Ultra, and newer models. Older cameras may not have “IR Cut Filter Calibration,” but the night vision mode and firmware updates still help.

Q: Does the red tint affect motion detection?

Not directly. But if the video is too dark or distorted, you might miss details. Fixing the tint improves usability—so yes, it indirectly helps detection.

Q: What if the red tint comes back after a few days?

It means a setting changed. Check for firmware updates, and make sure no one else adjusted the night vision mode. Also, verify that motion-activated lights are working properly.

Q: Can I use a filter or cover to block the red tint?

Not recommended. Filters can block IR, but they also reduce visibility. Stick to software fixes. If you must, use Arlo’s official accessories—they’re tested for IR performance.

Q: Is the red tint covered under warranty?

Not typically. It’s considered a software/environment issue, not a defect. But if you’ve tried everything and the camera is under 1 year old, contact Arlo support. They might offer a replacement if it’s a known batch issue.

These answers are based on real experience, not just the manual. That’s what makes how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions so valuable—it’s tested, practical, and honest.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real: a red-tinted camera is frustrating. It undermines the whole point of having a security system. But here’s the good news—it’s fixable. And you don’t need to be a tech genius.

Start with the basics: clean the lens, update the firmware, and check your night vision mode. Most people solve it in under 10 minutes. If not, work through the steps. Calibrate the IR filter, adjust your lighting, and if needed, reset and re-pair.

Remember, the how to fix red tint on Arlo camera in 2026 easy solutions aren’t magic—they’re just smart troubleshooting. And once you’ve fixed it, your camera will give you clear, reliable footage for years to come.

Don’t give up after one try. I’ve had cameras that needed two or three fixes before the tint disappeared. Stay patient. Test at night. And keep your app updated.

Your home’s security is worth the effort. And now, with these steps, you’ve got the tools to fix it—easily, affordably, and without calling a technician.

Now go check your Arlo feed. I bet it’s looking better already.