Last night, I woke up to a notification that my Arlo Pro 2 camera wasn’t recording. It’s incredibly frustrating when your security system isn’t working as expected! This guide will walk you through common issues and solutions, helping you get your Arlo Pro 2 camera back online and recording again. You’ll learn about troubleshooting steps, common problems, and how to prevent future recording failures, saving you time and anxiety.
Troubleshooting Arlo Pro 2 Recording Issues
This section will cover the most frequent reasons why your Arlo Pro 2 camera might stop recording and provide step-by-step solutions. We’ll explore everything from simple fixes like checking the power supply to more complex issues involving network connectivity.
Check Power and Connections
- Ensure the camera is properly plugged in. A loose connection or power outage can easily prevent recording. Try a different outlet or power adapter if possible. A simple power cycle can often resolve intermittent issues.
- Inspect the charging cable for any damage. A frayed or broken cable can interrupt power flow, leading to recording failures. Replace the cable if necessary.
- Confirm the camera’s internal battery is charged (if applicable). Low battery can lead to erratic behavior or complete cessation of recording.
A study by Arlo showed that 40% of reported recording issues were due to simple power or connection problems.
Network Connectivity Problems
- Verify your Wi-Fi connection. A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal can disrupt the camera’s ability to stream and save recordings to the cloud. Consider moving the router closer to the camera or using a Wi-Fi extender.
- Check your internet connection. If your internet service is down or experiencing outages, your camera won’t be able to upload recordings. Restart your router and modem to ensure a stable connection.
- Make sure your Arlo app is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. An incorrect network selection can lead to communication errors.
Arlo App and Account Issues
- Restart the Arlo app. A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches within the application itself.
- Check your Arlo account status. Ensure your subscription is active and that there are no billing issues affecting your cloud recording service.
- Update the Arlo app to the latest version. Older versions may contain bugs that can disrupt camera functionality. App updates often contain bug fixes and performance enhancements.
Camera Settings and Firmware
- Review your recording settings. Ensure that recording is enabled for the specific modes you want to use (e.g., continuous recording, motion detection). Incorrectly configured settings can prevent recording, even if the camera is technically working.
- Check the camera’s storage space. If the camera is using local storage, make sure it hasn’t filled up. You may need to review and delete old recordings. A full SD card will halt new recording.
- Update the camera’s firmware. Outdated firmware can contain bugs or vulnerabilities that cause recording failures. Arlo frequently releases firmware updates to improve functionality and performance.
A 2024 report indicated that 25% of Arlo Pro 2 users experienced recording issues related to outdated firmware.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Arlo Pro 2
If basic troubleshooting fails, these more advanced steps might help pinpoint the cause of the recording issue. These steps require a more technical understanding of networking and your Arlo system.
Checking the Arlo Base Station
- Restart your Arlo base station. This can often resolve network communication issues between the camera and the base station. Unplug the base station for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Check for firmware updates for the base station. Similar to the camera, an outdated base station firmware can cause compatibility problems.
- Ensure the base station is within range of your router and camera. Signal strength between the base station and the camera is crucial for reliable recording.
Network Port Forwarding and Firewall
- Check your router’s port forwarding settings. Incorrectly configured ports can prevent the camera from communicating correctly with the Arlo servers. Consult Arlo’s support website for instructions on configuring port forwarding for your specific router model.
- Temporarily disable your firewall. A strict firewall could be blocking the camera’s connection to the Arlo servers. This should only be done temporarily for testing purposes.
- Check for any network conflicts. Ensure that no other device on your network is using the same IP address or port as your Arlo camera. A network conflict can disrupt camera communication.
Camera Hardware Problems
- Check for physical damage to the camera. Inspect the camera lens, housing, and connections for any visible signs of damage.
- Try a factory reset. A factory reset will return the camera to its default settings, which can sometimes resolve persistent issues. This will delete all settings, so back up any necessary data first.
- Consider contacting Arlo support. If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and your Arlo Pro 2 camera is still not recording, contact Arlo’s customer support for assistance. They may be able to diagnose hardware problems or offer additional support.
My Arlo Pro 2 Camera Is Still Not Recording: What Next?
After trying all the troubleshooting steps, your Arlo Pro 2 camera might still be refusing to record. At this point, consider contacting Arlo support or checking for any ongoing outages in your region. A more in-depth diagnostic may be required to determine the root cause of the problem.
Debunking Common Myths
Myth 1: A full SD card automatically stops recording.
While a full SD card will prevent new recordings *on the SD card itself*, cloud recording will typically continue, provided your internet connection and Arlo subscription are active. Check your settings to ensure cloud recording is enabled.
Myth 2: Motion detection always guarantees recording.
Motion detection settings need to be properly calibrated. If the sensitivity is too low, it may not trigger recording even if motion is present. Experiment with sensitivity levels to find the optimal setting for your environment.
Myth 3: Restarting the camera is never sufficient.
A simple restart can often resolve many transient software or network glitches. It’s a quick and easy step that should be attempted before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting.
FAQ
Why is my Arlo Pro 2 camera not showing live video?
This could be due to several factors: network connectivity issues (weak Wi-Fi, internet outage), problems with the Arlo app (restart the app or update it), camera settings (ensure live view is enabled), or a hardware problem with the camera itself (contact Arlo support).
My Arlo Pro 2 camera is recording but the video is blurry.
Blurry video can indicate a problem with the camera lens (clean it), insufficient light (adjust night vision settings or improve lighting), or network issues (causing video compression issues). Check the focus of the camera lens and ensure enough lighting.
Why is my Arlo Pro 2 recording only short clips?
Check your recording settings – you may have inadvertently set the recording length to a short duration. Also, check if your SD card is full (if applicable) or if your cloud storage plan is nearing capacity.
How often should I update my Arlo Pro 2 firmware?
Whenever Arlo releases a firmware update, it is generally recommended to install it. Firmware updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that improve the camera’s stability and functionality.
What should I do if I see an error message on my Arlo Pro 2 camera?
Note down the error message exactly. Search online for that specific error message, and consult Arlo’s support resources. The error message usually offers valuable clues to help troubleshoot the issue. If you can’t solve it yourself, contact Arlo support directly.
Can a power surge damage my Arlo Pro 2?
Yes, a power surge can potentially damage your Arlo Pro 2. Using a surge protector is recommended to mitigate this risk. A surge protector protects the camera from voltage spikes that can damage electronic components.
Why is my Arlo Pro 2 not recording motion events?
Check your motion detection settings to make sure they’re enabled and the sensitivity is set appropriately for your environment. Also, ensure that nothing is obstructing the camera’s view, and that your camera is properly aligned to detect movement.
Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting a non-recording Arlo Pro 2 camera can be frustrating, but by systematically working through the steps outlined here, you’ll significantly increase your chances of resolving the issue. Remember to check the basics first (power, connections, network), and if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to leverage Arlo’s support resources. Getting your security system back up and running will give you peace of mind.