Arlo security cameras are designed to work seamlessly with their base stations, ensuring a reliable connection for home security. However, if your Arlo camera isn’t syncing with the base station, it can be frustrating. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue quickly so you can get your system back up and running.
Common Reasons Arlo Cameras Won’t Sync
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand the possible causes:
- Camera is out of range of the base station.
- Low battery or power issues preventing the camera from connecting.
- Base station is offline or experiencing a network issue.
- Interference from other devices disrupting the connection.
- Firmware updates pending on either the camera or base station.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Ensure the Camera is in Range
- Place the camera within 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) of the base station during setup.
- Avoid placing the camera near thick walls, metal objects, or electronic devices that could cause interference.
Pro Tip: After syncing, you can move the camera to its desired location while ensuring a strong signal.
2. Check the Base Station Status
- Ensure the base station is powered on and connected to the internet.
- Check the LED lights on the base station:
- Power Light: Should be solid green.
- Internet Light: Should be solid green (not blinking amber or off).
- Camera Sync Light: Should blink green when syncing.
If the internet light is off or blinking amber:
- Restart your router and base station by unplugging them for 30 seconds and plugging them back in.
- Ensure your base station is wired to the router via an Ethernet cable.
3. Verify the Camera’s Battery or Power Source
- If using a battery-powered Arlo camera:
- Make sure the battery is fully charged or insert fresh batteries.
- Try removing and reinserting the battery to reset it.
- If using a wired camera, ensure it is properly plugged into a power source.
4. Manually Sync the Camera with the Base Station
If automatic syncing fails, try a manual sync:
- Press the Sync button on the base station for 2 seconds.
- The camera sync LED should start blinking green.
- Press the Sync button on the camera within 10 seconds.
- The camera LED should blink blue to indicate successful syncing.
If the LED blinks amber instead of blue:
- Move the camera closer to the base station.
- Wait 10 seconds and try again.
- Check if the base station has reached its maximum device limit (varies by model).
5. Update Firmware for the Camera and Base Station
Outdated firmware can cause syncing failures.
To check for updates:
- Open the Arlo Secure App.
- Go to Settings > My Devices.
- Select the Base Station or Camera.
- Check for and install any available firmware updates.
Pro Tip: Keep automatic updates enabled to prevent future issues.
6. Reset the Arlo Camera and Base Station
If the issue persists, a factory reset might help:
Reset the Camera:
- Press and hold the reset button (usually on the bottom of the camera) for 10–15 seconds.
- Wait for the camera to restart and try syncing again.
Reset the Base Station:
- Press and hold the reset button on the back of the base station for 10 seconds.
- Release the button when the LEDs turn amber.
- Wait for the base station to reboot and reconnect your devices.
Note: Resetting will remove all settings, so you’ll need to set up your system again.
When to Contact Arlo Support
If your Arlo camera still won’t sync after following these steps, it could be due to:
- A hardware issue with the camera or base station.
- A faulty power supply preventing connection.
- ISP-related issues affecting your internet connection.
You can contact Arlo Support through their official website or app for further assistance.
Final Thoughts
Syncing issues with Arlo cameras can be frustrating, but in most cases, they can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps. By ensuring a strong Wi-Fi connection, updating firmware, and manually syncing when needed, you can restore your Arlo camera’s functionality quickly.
Did this guide help you? Let us know in the comments, and share your experience with Arlo troubleshooting!