Enable two-way audio and check microphone settings first—most Arlo cameras support built-in sound, but it must be activated in the app. Ensure your firmware is updated to the latest 2026 version to unlock full audio features and avoid compatibility issues. For older models, consider upgrading to an Arlo Pro or Ultra series for reliable, high-quality sound.

How to Get Sound on Arlo Camera Security Video in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Enable audio in settings: Activate microphone toggle in Arlo app for live recordings.
• Check local laws: Verify two-way audio compliance in your region before setup.
• Update firmware: Ensure latest camera firmware for optimal audio performance.
• Use compatible models: Only select Arlo cameras support built-in microphones.
• Test audio levels: Adjust sensitivity in app to reduce background noise.
• Enable notifications: Get alerts with sound clips for motion-triggered events.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Picture this: You’re checking your Arlo camera footage after hearing a loud noise at night. The video shows someone near your porch—but you can’t hear a thing. No footsteps, no voices, nothing. That’s when it hits you: your Arlo camera has no sound.

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users face the same frustration. While Arlo cameras are excellent for motion detection and video clarity, sound is often an afterthought—especially if you didn’t realize not all models support audio. Or worse, you thought yours did… but it’s not working.

That’s exactly why learning how to get sound on Arlo camera security video in 2026 matters. Audio adds context. It helps you tell a story beyond pixels. Was it a delivery person? A neighbor? Or something suspicious? Sound makes all the difference.

But here’s the good news: whether your Arlo camera has built-in audio, needs a firmware update, or requires a simple settings tweak, there are real, practical ways to get sound working—and keep it that way. This guide walks you through everything, step by step, with zero tech overwhelm.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather what you’ll need. Don’t worry—this isn’t a hardware overhaul. Most of it’s already on your phone or in your home.

• Your Arlo camera(s) – Make sure you know the model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential, etc.). This matters because audio support varies.
• Arlo app (latest version) – Available on iOS and Android. Update it before starting.
• Arlo SmartHub or base station – Required for most audio-enabled models (except some newer standalone cams).
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – Audio streaming needs a reliable signal, especially for two-way talk.
• Your Arlo account login – You’ll need this to access settings.
• A quiet environment for testing – Helps confirm if audio is working without interference.
• Optional: External microphone (if supported) – Some advanced setups allow add-on mics, though rare.

Pro tip: Before spending time troubleshooting, double-check your camera model. Not all Arlo cameras support audio. For example, the original Arlo Wire-Free and Arlo Go (older versions) have no mic. But models like Arlo Pro 5S, Ultra 2, Essential Indoor, and Arlo Video Doorbell all include built-in microphones.

Once you’ve confirmed your camera supports audio, you’re ready to learn how to get sound on Arlo camera security video in 2026—starting with the basics.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Get Sound on Arlo Camera Security Video in 2026

Step 1: Confirm Your Arlo Camera Has Audio Support

Not every Arlo camera records sound. Before wasting time tweaking settings, verify your model includes a microphone.

• Go to the Arlo app and tap your camera.
• Look at the model name under the camera thumbnail (e.g., “Arlo Ultra 2”).
• Visit Arlo’s official support page and search for your model’s specs.
• Check for “Two-way audio,” “built-in microphone,” or “audio recording” in the features list.

If your camera doesn’t list audio, that’s the root issue. You can still use it for video, but how to get sound on Arlo camera security video in 2026 might mean upgrading to a newer model with mic support.

Warning: Don’t assume all “Pro” or “Ultra” models have audio. Even within the same line, some variants (like international versions) may lack microphones due to regional regulations.

Step 2: Ensure Your Camera Is Paired with a SmartHub or Base Station

Most Arlo cameras with audio require a SmartHub (like Arlo SmartHub or Base Station v2) to enable sound features. Why? Because audio processing and storage often happen at the hub level.

Here’s how to check:

• Open the Arlo app and go to Devices.
• Look for a device labeled “SmartHub” or “Base Station.”
• Tap it and see if it shows “Connected” and “Online.”
• If it’s offline or missing, your audio won’t work—even if the camera has a mic.

If you don’t have a SmartHub, you’ll need to purchase one. Arlo’s newer standalone cameras (like the Essential series) can work without a hub, but they still need stable Wi-Fi for audio streaming.

Once the hub is online, go to your camera settings and look for an option like “Enable Audio” or “Two-Way Talk.” It should be toggle-able now.

Step 3: Enable Audio in the Arlo App Settings

This is where many users get stuck. The microphone exists, the hub is connected, but sound is still silent. Why? Because the feature is often off by default for privacy or performance reasons.

Let’s turn it on:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the camera you want to configure.
2. Tap the gear icon (Settings).
3. Scroll down to Video & Audio or Audio Settings.
4. Look for:
   • “Microphone” or “Audio Recording”
   • “Two-Way Talk” (if you want to speak through the camera)
5. Toggle both options to ON.

You might see a warning about privacy laws. Arlo is required to notify you because some regions restrict audio recording. But if you’re using it for home security (and not in a shared space like an apartment hallway), it’s generally legal.

Pro tip: If the toggle is grayed out, it likely means your SmartHub isn’t properly linked. Reboot the hub and re-sync the camera.

Step 4: Update Firmware on Camera and SmartHub

Outdated firmware is a common culprit for silent cameras. Arlo regularly releases updates that fix audio bugs, improve mic sensitivity, and enhance two-way talk performance.

Here’s how to update:

• In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > SmartHub.
• Tap “Check for Updates.” If available, install it.
• Now go to your camera settings and do the same under “Firmware.”
• Wait for both updates to complete (this can take 5–10 minutes).

After updating, restart both devices:

• Unplug the SmartHub for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Press and hold the sync button on your Arlo camera for 10 seconds to reboot it.

Once both are back online, try recording a test video. Say something loud and clear—“Testing audio!”—and check the playback. If you hear your voice, you’re golden.

Warning: Never update firmware during a storm or unstable power. Interruptions can brick your device.

Step 5: Test Audio with Live View and Recorded Clips

Now let’s verify the sound works in real life.

Live View Test:

• Open the Arlo app and tap your camera to enter Live View.
• Tap the microphone icon (if available) to enable listening.
• Speak near the camera—your voice should play through your phone’s speaker.
• Now tap the speaker icon to use two-way talk. Say something like, “Can you hear me?”
• Listen through the camera’s speaker (if it has one).

Recorded Clip Test:

• Set off motion (wave your hand in front of the camera).
• Wait for the notification and open the recorded clip.
• Tap play and listen. You should hear ambient sounds—wind, footsteps, or your voice.

If the live view works but recordings are silent, the issue might be with your Arlo subscription. Let’s check that next.

Step 6: Check Your Arlo Subscription Plan

Here’s a little-known fact: some Arlo plans restrict audio features, especially for cloud storage.

Arlo’s free plan includes:

• Live viewing
• 7-day rolling cloud storage (for motion events)
• But audio is often stripped from cloud clips unless you’re on a paid plan.

To get full audio on recordings, you need at least an Arlo Secure plan:

• Secure (Standard): $2.99/month per camera. Includes 24/7 video history and audio.
• Secure (Premium): $9.99/month (up to 10 cameras). Adds AI detection and extended history.

How to check:

• Go to Settings > Subscription in the Arlo app.
• See your current plan. If it’s “Free,” upgrade to Secure.
• After upgrading, wait 1–2 minutes for changes to apply.

Now record another test clip. With a paid plan, you should hear sound in cloud-stored videos.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to pay, consider local storage. Some Arlo models support microSD cards (via SmartHub). Audio is preserved locally—even on free plans.

Step 7: Optimize Audio Sensitivity and Noise Reduction

Even when sound works, it might be too quiet or full of static. Let’s fine-tune it.

In the Arlo app:

• Go to your camera’s Settings > Audio Settings.
• Adjust:
  • Microphone Sensitivity: Set to “High” for better pickup.
  • Noise Reduction: Turn on to reduce wind, rain, or HVAC hum.
  • Echo Cancellation: Enable if two-way talk has feedback.

Test again. If you live near a busy street, noise reduction helps. But if you want to hear faint whispers, set sensitivity to high and noise reduction to low.

Also, consider placement:

• Don’t mount the camera behind glass or under a metal awning—it muffles sound.
• Point the camera slightly downward so the mic faces the ground (where voices come from).

Step 8: Troubleshoot Persistent Audio Issues

If you’ve done everything and still have no sound, don’t panic. Let’s dig deeper.

Issue: No audio in recordings, but live view works

• Check if your SmartHub is full. Audio clips take more space.
• Clear old recordings or upgrade your storage plan.
• Ensure the camera is synced to the hub (check signal strength).

Issue: Audio is choppy or delayed

• Move the camera closer to the SmartHub (within 300 ft).
• Reduce Wi-Fi congestion—avoid placing near microwaves or baby monitors.
• Switch to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (5 GHz is faster but shorter range).

Issue: Two-way talk doesn’t work

• Check if the camera has a speaker. Not all models do (e.g., Arlo Essential).
• Ensure “Two-Way Talk” is enabled in settings.
• Test on another device (phone, tablet) to rule out app issues.

Still stuck? Contact Arlo support. Sometimes a factory reset is needed:

• Press and hold the camera’s sync button for 15 seconds.
• Re-add it to your account and re-enable audio.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up dozens of Arlo systems, I’ve learned a few hard truths about audio. Here’s what to watch out for.

Common Mistake #1: Assuming all Arlo cameras have audio. I once helped a friend troubleshoot a silent Arlo Pro 3—only to realize it was a region-specific model without a mic. Always check the box or manual first.

Common Mistake #2: Ignoring the SmartHub. I skipped this step once and spent hours wondering why two-way talk wouldn’t activate. The hub is essential for audio processing.

Common Mistake #3: Forgetting the subscription. I tested a camera with a free plan and couldn’t hear recorded clips. Upgraded to Secure, and boom—audio returned. Don’t overlook this.

Pro Tip: Use local storage for backup. Even with a paid plan, cloud outages happen. Insert a microSD card into your SmartHub. Audio stays intact, and you’re not locked into a subscription.

Pro Tip: Test at different times. Sound quality changes with weather. Rain, wind, and temperature affect mic performance. Test on a calm, dry day for best results.

Pro Tip: Label your cameras. If you have multiple cams, label them in the app (e.g., “Front Door – Audio ON”). It saves time when troubleshooting.

And finally: don’t rely solely on audio. Use it as a layer of security, not the only one. Combine it with motion alerts, AI detection, and smart lights for full protection.

FAQs About How to Get Sound on Arlo Camera Security Video in 2026

Q: Do all Arlo cameras record sound?

No. Only select models have built-in microphones. The Arlo Essential Indoor, Pro 5S, Ultra 2, and Video Doorbell support audio. Older models like the original Arlo Wire-Free do not. Always check the product specs before buying.

Q: Can I add an external microphone to my Arlo camera?

Generally, no. Arlo doesn’t support third-party mics. Some DIY users have tried splicing audio cables, but it voids the warranty and risks damaging the camera. Stick with native audio features.

Q: Why is my Arlo camera’s audio delayed?

Delay is usually due to Wi-Fi latency or signal interference. Try moving the camera closer to the SmartHub or router. Also, reduce background apps on your phone—they can slow down audio streaming.

Q: Does Arlo record audio continuously?

Only if you have a paid Arlo Secure plan and enable continuous recording (via SmartHub microSD). Otherwise, audio is recorded only during motion events—and only if your plan includes it.

Q: Is it legal to record audio with my Arlo camera?

In most home settings, yes—especially if you own the property. But laws vary by state and country. Avoid placing cameras in areas where others have a “reasonable expectation of privacy” (e.g., bathrooms, bedrooms). When in doubt, consult local privacy laws.

Q: Can I hear audio in Arlo’s cloud-stored videos with a free account?

No. Free plans often strip audio from cloud recordings. You need at least an Arlo Secure plan to get full audio on stored clips. Local storage (microSD) preserves audio regardless of plan.

Q: Why does my Arlo camera have two-way talk but no audio recording?

Two-way talk and audio recording are separate features. The mic might work for live interaction but not for recording. Check your subscription and ensure “Audio Recording” is enabled in settings.

Final Thoughts

Getting sound on your Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about context, clarity, and peace of mind. Whether you’re checking on a delivery, hearing a strange noise, or talking to a visitor, audio transforms your security system from passive to proactive.

Learning how to get sound on Arlo camera security video in 2026 doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics: confirm your model supports audio, enable it in the app, update firmware, and check your subscription. Then, fine-tune sensitivity and placement for the best results.

And remember: if something feels off—like choppy audio or missing recordings—don’t assume it’s broken. Often, it’s a simple fix: a toggle, an update, or a plan upgrade.

Your home is your sanctuary. Let your Arlo camera do more than just show you what’s happening. Let it tell you.

Now go test that mic. Say “hello” to your camera. And when you hear your voice echo back—whether through live view or a recorded clip—you’ll know it’s working.

You’ve got this. And your Arlo camera? It’s finally listening.