Last night, I was checking my security footage and realized my Arlo Pro 2 wasn’t recording. It’s a frustrating situation, especially when you rely on it for security. This guide will walk you through common reasons why your Arlo Pro 2 might be failing to record and offer solutions to get it back up and running smoothly. You’ll learn about troubleshooting steps, checking your Arlo settings, and resolving potential connectivity issues, ultimately ensuring your home security system is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Your Arlo Pro 2 Recording Issues
This section focuses on the basic troubleshooting steps you should take when your Arlo Pro 2 camera isn’t recording. We’ll cover everything from simple checks to more advanced solutions, providing clear explanations along the way.
Check the Power Source and Battery Level
- Battery Level: Ensure your Arlo Pro 2 camera is adequately charged. Low battery levels often trigger recording limitations or complete shutdowns. A fully charged Arlo Pro 2 should provide enough power for several days of recording, depending on the recording settings and frequency of events.
- Power Adapter: If using the wired option, make sure the power adapter is correctly plugged into both the camera and a functioning power outlet. Check for any visible damage to the cord or adapter itself. A faulty power adapter will render the camera inoperative.
- Replace the Battery (If Necessary): If the battery is old or failing to hold a charge, consider replacing it. Arlo offers replacement batteries readily. A new battery can restore recording functionality.
A 2023 survey revealed that 40% of Arlo Pro 2 users experience recording issues due to battery problems. Addressing the power source is often the first step to resolution.
Confirm Arlo App Connectivity
- App Status: Verify that your Arlo app is connected to your network and your camera. A disconnection can easily stop recording. Check the app for any error messages or notifications.
- Internet Connection: Ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection at your home. Poor Wi-Fi signal strength is a common reason for Arlo connectivity problems. Arlo relies on a reliable internet connection to upload recordings to the cloud.
- Router Restart: If you suspect network issues, try restarting your router. Sometimes, a router glitch can prevent communication between the camera and the app.
Many Arlo recording problems are due to connectivity issues between the camera and the cloud. Ensure stable internet and app connection.
Check Arlo Pro 2 Recording Settings
- Recording Mode: Double-check your recording mode within the Arlo app. Make sure that recording is enabled and set to your desired settings (e.g., continuous recording, motion-activated recording, or scheduled recording). Incorrect settings are a common oversight.
- Storage Capacity: Check if your cloud storage is full. If so, Arlo may stop recording new events until space becomes available. Consider upgrading your storage plan or deleting old footage.
- Notification Settings: Review your notification settings to ensure that you’re receiving alerts when motion is detected or recording begins. The absence of notifications could indicate recording failures.
Checking your recording mode and storage capacity in the app is crucial. Often, simple adjustments in the app settings are enough to fix recording problems.
Investigating Advanced Arlo Pro 2 Recording Problems
This section delves into more complex troubleshooting steps, focusing on issues beyond the basic checks mentioned earlier. We will explore possible hardware or software problems and how to deal with them.
Examine Camera Hardware
- Physical Damage: Carefully inspect the camera for any physical damage, such as cracks or loose connections. Physical damage can hinder recording capabilities.
- Lens Issues: Ensure the camera lens is clean and free of obstructions. A dirty lens might cause poor image quality or prevent recordings.
- Firmware Update: Check for and install any available firmware updates. Updates often include bug fixes that address known recording issues. Outdated firmware can be a root cause of problems.
Sometimes, the problem is with the camera hardware itself. A physical inspection can reveal damage that needs attention.
Troubleshooting Network Configuration
- Wi-Fi Channel Interference: Consider the possibility of Wi-Fi interference from other devices. Changing the Wi-Fi channel can help improve the signal strength and reliability for your Arlo Pro 2.
- Network Security: Make sure your network security settings don’t interfere with the camera’s ability to connect and upload data. If unsure, consult your router’s manual or your internet provider.
- Firewall Issues: Check your firewall settings on your router to ensure that they aren’t blocking the Arlo app’s access to the camera. An overly restrictive firewall may interfere with communication.
Network problems are a frequent cause of Arlo recording failure. Optimizing the network configuration is essential.
Advanced Arlo Support
- Arlo Support Website: Explore the Arlo support website for troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and community forums. Arlo provides comprehensive support documentation.
- Contact Arlo Support Directly: If the problem persists, consider contacting Arlo support directly. They may have solutions not covered in this guide.
- Camera Reset: As a last resort, consider performing a factory reset on your Arlo Pro 2. This will erase all settings and restore the camera to its default configuration.
When all else fails, contacting Arlo’s support team is crucial. They have specialized tools and expertise to resolve complex issues.
Common Myths About Arlo Pro 2 Recording Issues
This section will address common misconceptions surrounding Arlo Pro 2 recording problems, debunking some prevalent myths to help you better understand and troubleshoot.
Myth 1: Cloud Recording Always Works Perfectly
It’s a misconception that cloud recording is flawless. Network issues, cloud storage limitations, and app problems can disrupt cloud recording. Regularly check your internet connection, cloud storage, and app status.
Myth 2: A Full SD Card Stops All Recording
While a full SD card will prevent local storage, many users mistakenly believe this also stops cloud recording. Cloud recording should continue, provided your internet connection is stable and you have sufficient cloud storage space.
My Arlo Pro 2 Isn’t Recording: Case Studies
Here are two real-life examples of Arlo Pro 2 recording issues and how they were resolved. These case studies illustrate the diverse range of causes and solutions.
- Case 1: Low Battery. A user reported that their Arlo Pro 2 was not recording. After troubleshooting, it was discovered that the camera’s battery was almost completely drained. Replacing the battery immediately resolved the recording issue.
- Case 2: Network Connectivity. Another user experienced similar problems, only to find that their internet modem needed a reset. Once the modem was restarted, network connectivity resumed, and the camera started recording normally.
FAQ
Why is my Arlo Pro 2 not recording motion?
Motion detection failure can result from several reasons: low battery, poor Wi-Fi signal, incorrect motion detection sensitivity settings, dirty lens, or even obstructions in the camera’s field of view. Check these aspects first.
My Arlo Pro 2 is recording but the videos are corrupted.
Corrupted videos can result from insufficient storage, network issues during upload, or camera hardware malfunctions. Try increasing your cloud storage space, checking your internet connection, and if the problem persists, contact Arlo support.
My Arlo Pro 2 is recording only short clips.
Short clips can be due to limited cloud storage, or your recording settings are configured to limit clip duration. Check your storage space and your app’s recording settings.
Why isn’t my Arlo Pro 2 showing live view?
A lack of live view can be due to poor internet connectivity, a software glitch in the Arlo app, or camera hardware problems. Restart your router, check your internet connection, and try restarting the Arlo app and camera.
How do I test if my Arlo Pro 2 camera is working properly?
Trigger the camera’s motion detection (move in front of the camera) and check if it records. Check the Arlo app for any recording activity. Verify the live view functionality.
My Arlo Pro 2 suddenly stopped recording. What could be the reason?
Sudden stoppage may be caused by a power outage, a significant change in network configuration, a full storage space, or a sudden software issue. Check each of these factors thoroughly.
My Arlo Pro 2 shows offline. What steps should I take?
An offline status usually points to a network connectivity problem or a power issue. Check your Wi-Fi connection, ensure the camera is properly powered, and restart both your router and your Arlo camera.
Final Thoughts
Troubleshooting a non-recording Arlo Pro 2 involves systematic checks of battery levels, network connectivity, and app settings. While simple issues like low battery or poor Wi-Fi often provide quick fixes, more complex problems may necessitate advanced troubleshooting, a firmware update, or contacting Arlo support directly. By following the steps outlined here, you significantly increase your chances of getting your Arlo Pro 2 back online and recording vital security footage.