Are you getting frustrated with your Arlo camera going offline unexpectedly? You’re not alone. Thousands of U.S. homeowners rely on Arlo for their home security—but when your camera suddenly shows “offline” in the Arlo app, it can feel like your peace of mind has vanished.
The good news is: offline Arlo cameras are usually easy to fix.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot Arlo camera offline issues—whether you’re using an Arlo Essential, Pro 4, Pro 5S, or Ultra 2 model. We’ll also share must-know features, common causes, expert tips, FAQs, and a few upgrade recommendations for long-term reliability.
🔍 Looking for a more reliable model?
Check out our latest picks on the Arlo Security Cameras page for smart bundles and top-reviewed products.
Contents
- 1 What Does “Camera Offline” Mean in the Arlo App?
- 2 Features That Depend on a Constant Online Connection
- 3 Top Reasons Why Arlo Cameras Go Offline
- 4 How to Troubleshoot Arlo Camera Offline Issues: Step-by-Step Fixes
- 5 Best Arlo Cameras With Improved Uptime and Connectivity
- 6 Pro Tips to Prevent Arlo Cameras from Going Offline
- 7 FAQs: Arlo Camera Offline Problems
- 8 Final Thoughts
What Does “Camera Offline” Mean in the Arlo App?
When your Arlo camera appears as offline, it means the device is not currently connected to the Arlo cloud through Wi-Fi or SmartHub. As a result, the camera:
- Won’t record footage or send motion alerts
- Can’t stream live video
- Doesn’t respond to voice assistants or schedules
This issue affects not only real-time monitoring but also security footage recording, making it critical to resolve ASAP.
Features That Depend on a Constant Online Connection
Before we dive into solutions, it helps to understand why staying online is vital for full camera functionality.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 🎥 Live View | Stream real-time video from anywhere |
| 📨 Instant Alerts | Get notified when motion or sound is detected |
| ☁️ Cloud Storage | Automatically save video clips to your Arlo account |
| 📱 App Control | Change modes, view footage, and customize alerts |
| 🔔 Smart Notifications | AI detection for people, vehicles, animals, and packages |
📡 An offline camera = zero protection. That’s why it’s important to address the issue quickly.
Top Reasons Why Arlo Cameras Go Offline
Here are the most common causes for offline status:
- 📶 Weak or dropped Wi-Fi signal
- 🔋 Low or dead battery
- 🔌 Power adapter unplugged
- ⚙️ Outdated firmware
- 🔄 Camera moved out of sync range from SmartHub
- 🚫 Network/router configuration changes
- 💡 Temporary cloud or app outage
How to Troubleshoot Arlo Camera Offline Issues: Step-by-Step Fixes
✅ Step 1: Check Camera Power & Battery
If you’re using a wire-free Arlo camera, the battery may be low or completely dead.
Fix:
- Open the Arlo app > Devices > Tap the camera > Check Battery Status
- Recharge the battery or insert a fresh one
- If using wired models, check the power cable and outlet
📶 Step 2: Check Wi-Fi or SmartHub Connection
Many Arlo cameras connect directly to your Wi-Fi, while others use a SmartHub/Base Station.
Fix (Wi-Fi Cameras):
- Move the camera closer to the router
- Restart your modem/router
- Make sure 2.4GHz band is enabled
- Ensure your network is not hidden
Fix (SmartHub Models):
- Verify the SmartHub is powered and connected via Ethernet
- Check for a solid green light on the hub
- Reboot the SmartHub and try resyncing the camera
🔄 Step 3: Reboot the Camera
Rebooting can refresh the device’s connection to the Arlo cloud.
Fix:
- Remove the battery or unplug the camera
- Wait 10 seconds
- Reinsert battery or plug back in
- Check the Arlo app for status update
🔁 Step 4: Resync the Camera to the Network
Sometimes the camera gets unpaired from the base station or Wi-Fi.
Fix:
- Tap Devices in the Arlo app
- Remove the camera from your account
- Press and hold Sync on the camera
- Follow in-app instructions to reconnect
💡 Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network during this process.
⚙️ Step 5: Update Firmware & Arlo App
Outdated software can cause stability issues and connection failures.
Fix (Firmware):
- Go to Arlo app > Settings > My Devices > Select Camera > Firmware
- Tap Update if available
Fix (App):
- Go to App Store or Google Play
- Search for “Arlo Secure” and tap Update
📱 Step 6: Log Out and Reinstall the Arlo App
In some cases, a buggy app installation can misreport camera status.
Fix:
- Log out of the app
- Uninstall it from your phone
- Reinstall from App Store or Google Play
- Log back in and refresh camera status
🌐 Step 7: Check for Arlo Server Outage
Sometimes the issue is on Arlo’s side.
Fix:
- Visit https://status.arlo.com to check for outages
- Follow @ArloSmartHome on Twitter for real-time updates
- Wait until service is restored if outage is confirmed
Best Arlo Cameras With Improved Uptime and Connectivity
If you’re facing repeated offline issues, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, more reliable Arlo model. Here are our top picks:
✅ Arlo Pro 5S 2K
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5 GHz)
- Extended battery life
- Direct-to-Wi-Fi or SmartHub compatible
- Advanced AI alerts
✅ Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
- 4K HDR resolution
- Integrated SmartHub for better connection
- Ideal for large properties
✅ Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
- Wired for uninterrupted power
- 1080p HD with 2-way audio
- Affordable and compact
🛒 Browse top-performing models on our updated Arlo Security Cameras page for bundle deals and exclusive offers.
Pro Tips to Prevent Arlo Cameras from Going Offline
- 🔋 Keep batteries charged or connect to continuous power
- 📶 Use mesh Wi-Fi systems to eliminate dead zones
- 🔄 Schedule firmware updates automatically
- 🛠 Use surge protectors for SmartHubs
- ☁️ Enable local storage backups in case of cloud outages
FAQs: Arlo Camera Offline Problems
❓ Why does my Arlo camera keep going offline?
Frequent disconnections usually point to poor Wi-Fi strength, low battery, or outdated firmware. Upgrading your network or switching to a wired model can help.
❓ How long will Arlo record if offline?
If you’ve set up local storage with a SmartHub and USB/SD card, Arlo can still record footage while offline. Otherwise, cloud functionality is disabled during disconnection.
❓ Can I reset my Arlo camera if it’s offline?
Yes. Hold down the Sync or Reset button for 15 seconds to restore factory settings. Then re-add the device in the Arlo app.
❓ Do Arlo cameras work without the internet?
They need the internet for live streaming, cloud storage, and notifications. Only SmartHub-connected models can record locally when the internet is down.
❓ Is there an offline mode for Arlo?
No dedicated offline mode exists. However, local storage via SmartHub lets you record video during internet outages. You’ll need to retrieve clips manually.
Final Thoughts
When your Arlo camera shows “offline”, it can leave your home vulnerable—but most issues are quick to diagnose and fix. From rebooting and recharging to resyncing and updating firmware, the steps above will help get your system back online in minutes.
Still having trouble? Consider upgrading to newer models with dual-band Wi-Fi, better range, and smarter detection.