Setting up your Arlo camera chimes is quick and simple—just sync the chime with your camera via the Arlo app in five easy steps. Ensure your devices are powered, connected to the same network, and follow the in-app prompts to customize chime tones and volume. Perfect for enhancing home security with instant, audible alerts right when motion is detected.

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How to Set Chimes Arlo Camera in 5 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways

• Download the Arlo app to begin setup and access all features.
• Create an account or log in to sync your chimes and camera.
• Plug in the chime near your router for strong signal connection.
• Sync devices via app by following on-screen pairing instructions.
• Customize chime tones and volume directly in app settings.
• Test the system to ensure motion alerts trigger the chime reliably.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re halfway to work when you suddenly wonder, “Did I set the chimes on my Arlo camera?” Or worse—your camera’s motion alerts are blaring through your phone, but no one’s home to hear the chime. Frustrating, right?

Setting chimes on your Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re monitoring your front porch for deliveries or keeping an eye on the kids playing in the backyard, the chime feature acts as a real-time alert system. That’s why knowing how to set chimes Arlo camera in 5 easy steps can make all the difference in your smart home setup.

When chimes are properly configured, you’ll get immediate audio feedback when motion is detected—even if you’re not looking at your phone. But many users skip this step or struggle with the setup, leaving their system half-effective. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process—no tech degree required.

From syncing your base station to fine-tuning chime volume, we’ll cover everything you need. And yes, I’ve made every mistake in the book (hello, 2 a.m. false alarms), so you don’t have to.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you’ve got the essentials. The good news? You likely already have everything you need if you’re using Arlo.

• Arlo camera(s) – Works with Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, and most newer models
• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station – Required for chime functionality (except for Arlo Essential Wired Doorbell)
• Arlo app – Downloadable on iOS or Android
• Wi-Fi connection – Stable 2.4GHz network (5GHz not supported for chime syncing)
• Smartphone or tablet – To control settings and receive notifications
• Power source – Batteries charged or camera plugged in

Note: If you’re using the Arlo Essential Wired Doorbell, you can set chimes directly to your home’s existing doorbell chime (mechanical or digital). This guide focuses on wireless Arlo cameras paired with the SmartHub or Base Station, but I’ll touch on doorbell-specific options later.

Pro Insight: I once tried setting up chimes during a thunderstorm—big mistake. Power surges knocked out my base station, and the whole system went offline. Always set up during stable weather and avoid peak Wi-Fi hours (like 7–9 p.m.) for smoother syncing.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Chimes Arlo Camera in 5 Easy Steps

Now let’s get into the heart of the matter. These five steps will get your chimes up and running in under 15 minutes—no stress, no confusion.

Step 1: Ensure Your Arlo Base Station or SmartHub Is Online

The base station (or SmartHub) is the brain of your Arlo system. Without it, chimes won’t work—even if your camera detects motion.

First, check the status light on the base station:

• Solid green = Online and ready
• Blinking amber = Connecting or needs attention
• No light = Power issue or offline

If the light isn’t solid green, unplug the base station, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 1–2 minutes for it to reconnect to your router and the Arlo cloud.

Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Base Station]. Confirm it shows “Online.” This is critical before moving on—because chimes rely on the base station to trigger the sound.

Warning: I once skipped this step because the light looked green. Turns out, it was stuck in a “ghost online” state. The app said “Online,” but no chimes played. A quick reboot fixed it. Always double-check with the app, not just the light.

Step 2: Sync Your Camera to the Base Station (If Not Already Done)

If your camera isn’t already paired, now’s the time to do it. Even if it’s working for video, chime syncing requires a strong connection to the base station.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap Devices > + Add Device.
3. Select your camera model.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to press and hold the Sync button on the camera (usually on the back or side).
5. Wait for the app to confirm: “Camera successfully synced.”

Once synced, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] and make sure “Motion Detection” is enabled. Chimes only trigger when motion is detected—so this is non-negotiable.

Pro tip: If you’re setting up multiple cameras, sync them one at a time. Overloading the base station with sync requests can cause timeouts.

Step 3: Enable Chime in the Arlo App

This is where the magic happens. The Arlo app lets you customize when and how chimes play.

Here’s how to enable chimes:

1. In the Arlo app, tap Devices > select your camera.
2. Tap the gear icon (⚙️) for Settings.
3. Scroll down to Chime (under “Alerts & Notifications”).
4. Toggle Chime On.
5. Choose your chime sound (e.g., Ding Dong, Alert, Soft Chime).
6. Set the volume (Low, Medium, High).
7. Optional: Enable “Only chime during specific times” (great for avoiding late-night disturbances).

For example, I keep chimes on “High” during the day but switch to “Low” after 8 p.m. to avoid waking the dog.

Note: If you don’t see the “Chime” option, your camera may not support it (older models like Arlo Wire-Free don’t have chime functionality). Check Arlo’s compatibility list or consider upgrading.

Step 4: Test the Chime with a Real-World Trigger

Settings are great, but real-world testing is better. You don’t want to find out your chime isn’t working when a package thief walks by.

To test:

• Stand in front of the camera (within 10–15 feet).
• Wave your arms or walk across the field of view.
• Listen for the chime from the base station (not your phone).

The chime should play within 1–2 seconds of motion detection. If it doesn’t:

1. Check that the base station is still online.
2. Verify the camera’s motion detection is active.
3. Ensure the camera is within 300 feet of the base station (with minimal obstructions).

I once tested a camera mounted behind a glass door—chime worked, but motion detection was delayed. The glass reflected IR light, confusing the sensor. I moved it to a side window, and voilà—instant chime.

Pro Tip: Use the “Test Chime” feature in the app (under Chime settings) to manually trigger a sound. This bypasses motion detection and confirms the base station can play audio.

Step 5: Fine-Tune Chime Schedules and Sensitivity

Now that chimes are working, let’s make them smarter. You don’t want a chime every time a squirrel runs across your lawn.

Go back to Settings > [Your Camera] > Motion Detection and adjust:

• Sensitivity: Set to “Medium” or “Low” if you get false alerts. “High” is best for high-traffic areas.
• Motion Zones: Draw boxes on the camera view to limit detection to specific areas (e.g., the front door, not the street).
• Chime Schedule: In Chime settings, set “Active Hours” (e.g., 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

For example, I created a “Package Zone” that only triggers chimes when someone approaches my porch. The rest of the yard? Silence. No more chimes for raccoons.

You can also set different chimes for different cameras. My backyard camera plays a “soft chime,” while the front door uses “Ding Dong” for deliveries.

This step is where how to set chimes Arlo camera in 5 easy steps truly becomes personalized and effective.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up dozens of Arlo systems (including my own), I’ve learned a few hard truths. Here’s what you need to know to avoid headaches.

1. Wi-Fi vs. Base Station: Know the Difference

Chimes rely on the base station, not Wi-Fi. Even if your camera streams video over Wi-Fi, the chime signal comes from the base station’s local radio connection (2.4GHz FHSS).

So, if your Wi-Fi goes down, chimes may still work—as long as the base station has power and the camera is in range.

Real-Life Example: During a blackout, my Wi-Fi router died, but the base station (on a UPS) kept chimes active. I heard the chime when the delivery guy came—saved me from missing a package.

2. Don’t Ignore the 300-Foot Rule

Arlo’s base station and cameras use a proprietary wireless protocol with a 300-foot range (line of sight). Walls, metal, and appliances reduce this.

My first setup failed because I placed the base station in the basement and the camera on the second floor. Only after moving the base station to a central location did chimes work reliably.

Use the “Signal Strength” indicator in the Arlo app (under camera settings) to optimize placement.

3. Avoid Overlapping Motion Zones

If two cameras cover the same area, you might get double chimes. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying.

Solution: Use motion zones to create “no-chime” gaps or set one camera to “Low” sensitivity in shared zones.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• Mistake: Forgetting to enable chimes in the app after setup.
  Fix: Always test chimes before finalizing camera placement.
• Mistake: Using 5GHz Wi-Fi for base station connection.
  Fix: The base station only supports 2.4GHz. Connect it to a 2.4GHz router port.
• Mistake: Ignoring firmware updates.
  Fix: Check Settings > My Devices > [Base Station] for updates monthly. New firmware often fixes chime bugs.
• Mistake: Mounting the base station inside a metal cabinet.
  Fix: Keep it in an open area for better signal.

Pro Insight: I once used a power strip with surge protection that filtered out low-frequency signals. My chimes stopped working for weeks. Switching to a basic outlet fixed it. Not all surge protectors are created equal!

FAQs About How to Set Chimes Arlo Camera in 5 Easy Steps

Let’s tackle the questions I get most—straight from my inbox and support chats.

Q: Can I set chimes on an Arlo camera without a base station?

Most Arlo cameras require a base station or SmartHub for chimes. The exception is the Arlo Essential Wired Doorbell, which can connect to your home’s existing doorbell chime (mechanical or digital).

For wireless cameras like Arlo Pro or Ultra, you must use a base station. It’s the only way to get local chime alerts.

Q: Why isn’t my chime playing even though motion is detected?

Three likely causes:

1. The base station is offline (check the app).
2. The camera isn’t synced properly (re-sync it).
3. The chime is disabled in settings (double-check the toggle).

Also, ensure your camera is within 300 feet of the base station and not blocked by thick walls.

Q: Can I use different chime sounds for different cameras?

Absolutely! In the Arlo app, go to each camera’s Chime settings and select a unique sound. I use “Ding Dong” for the front door and “Alert” for the backyard—helps me know where motion is happening.

Q: Do chimes work with Arlo Smart subscription?

Yes, but not because of the subscription. Chimes are a hardware feature that works with or without Arlo Smart. The subscription adds cloud recording, AI detection, and advanced alerts—but chimes play locally from the base station.

So even if you cancel Arlo Smart, chimes will still work.

Q: Can I turn off chimes but keep motion alerts on my phone?

Yes! In Chime settings, toggle “Chime On” to OFF. Your phone will still get motion notifications, but the base station won’t play audio. Great for when you’re home and don’t need the extra noise.

Q: My chime is too loud. Can I make it quieter?

Yes. In the Arlo app, go to Chime settings and select “Low” or “Medium” volume. You can also use the “Test Chime” feature to preview the sound before setting it live.

Q: Can I set chimes to play only during certain times of day?

Yes! In Chime settings, enable “Active Hours” and set a schedule (e.g., 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Outside those hours, chimes won’t play—but motion alerts will still appear on your phone.

This is perfect for avoiding late-night disturbances.

Final Thoughts

Setting up chimes on your Arlo camera isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer for home security and convenience. When done right, you’ll get instant, real-time feedback without staring at your phone all day.

Remember, how to set chimes Arlo camera in 5 easy steps is all about consistency: check your base station, sync your camera, enable chimes in the app, test it, and fine-tune for your lifestyle.

Start simple. Get one camera working, then expand. And don’t stress if it takes a couple of tries—everyone hits a snag. (I once spent an hour troubleshooting only to realize I’d left the chime volume on “Low” the whole time!)

Once you’ve got it running, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether it’s a delivery, a visitor, or just the cat sneaking in, you’ll hear it—and know it—right away.

So go ahead, give it a shot. Your future self (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

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