Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Full Troubleshooting Guide

The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is an excellent wireless outdoor security camera. However, like any electronic device, it can sometimes run into issues that can be frustrating, but you’re in luck as this article has got you covered.

This guide covers troubleshooting tips for the most common Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera problems. We’ll provide solutions for connectivity, detection, audio, video, battery, recording, alarm, resetting, and other issues.

Let’s get started.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Full Troubleshooting Guide

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Not Connecting to Wi-Fi

If your Arlo camera won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try the following:

  1. Make sure you are connecting to your router’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Arlo cameras don’t relate to 5GHz networks. If you’re using a dual-band router, make sure that you enable or choose only the 2.4GHz band and not the option to switch between both.
  2. Move the Camera closer to your router while setting it up. If the camera is connected to a router more than 300 feet away, you may have issues relating to the network. If you can move them closer to each other, add a Wi-Fi extender to help improve the network.
  3. Check if other Wi-Fi devices are experiencing connectivity issues. If so, reboot your router. This can help fix the connectivity issues if the problem is with your router.
  4. Forget the current Wi-Fi network on the Camera using the Arlo app and reconnect from scratch. Alternatively, you can use another router or Wi-Fi network to see if it fixes the problem.
  5. Reset your Camera to factory settings by pressing the sync button for 10-15 seconds. Then, reconnect.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Live Stream Not Working

If you’re having trouble accessing the live stream from your camera in the Arlo app or web browser, here are some steps you can try: 

  1. Force quit and restart the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. If the problem persists, clear the cache for the app and try again. 
  2. Check the speed and reliability of your internet connection. Live streams require fast and consistent Wi-Fi. 
  3. Ensure that your camera is plugged in (if indoors) or has sufficient battery charge (if outdoors). Low power can cause streaming issues. 
  4. If the above steps don’t restore streaming functionality, you can try factory resetting the camera.
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Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Motion Detection Not Working

 The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera uses a PIR sensor and image analysis to detect motion. If notifications aren’t working correctly:

  1. Open the Arlo app and ensure the camera’s notifications and motion detection are enabled. Adjust sensitivity within the Arlo app if needed, as this can increase the rate at which the camera detects motion.
  2. Check and ensure that notifications are enabled on your mobile device. Also, make sure that you give the Arlo app permission to send notifications and access the notification tray of your mobile device. 
  3. Position the camera with a clear line of sight in the area you want to monitor. The FOV is 130 degrees. You can tilt the camera and ensure it’s facing the area where you want it to detect motion.
  4. At night, make sure the spotlight turns on when motion is detected. If not, refer to the Spotlight Not Working solutions.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Two-Way Audio Not Working

To troubleshoot two-way audio issues:

  1. Confirm that the Live Stream is working correctly in the Arlo app first. Audio depends on video streaming. Ensure your smartphone’s microphone function or speaker piece is working correctly. You’ll have to change it if it’s faulty.
  2. Ensure speaker volume is turned up appropriately on both the Camera and your smartphone. Also, ensure you’ve not muted the microphone function on the Arlo; check it to be sure.
  3. Check that the camera microphone and phone microphone aren’t obstructed or damaged. You’ll have to replace them if faulty or damaged for the two-way audio function to work effectively.
  4. Weather conditions like wind and rain can interfere with audio quality outdoors. Position the Camera in a sheltered spot. Also, ensure that your smartphone device firmware is updated to the latest version with that of the Camera.
  5. As a last resort, factory reset your Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera, then reinstall the audio feature. Contact Arlo support if the problem persists.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Night Vision Not Working

If night vision isn’t activating automatically in low light:

  1. The first step is confirming that the Camera’s Live Stream works correctly in daytime light. If not, refer to the connectivity section to troubleshoot the issue, then continue with the following troubleshooting if everything looks good.
  2. Ensure that night vision is toggled on in your Arlo camera settings (enabled by default). If it’s already enabled, turn it OFF and then ON and check if this fixes the problem.
  3. Check if dust, dirt, or spiderwebs are covering the camera lens. Gently clean the lens if there is one and see if this fixes the problem.
  4. Position the Arlo Spotlight Cam to face outward with minimal obstructions in its field of view.
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Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Spotlight Not Working

If the spotlight isn’t turning on when motion is detected:

  1. Ensure that motion detection is enabled and configured in the Arlo app settings.  
  2. Manually toggle the Spotlight On/Off button during a Live Stream session. If it doesn’t activate, contact Arlo Support.
  3. Check the spotlight lens for any debris, dirt, or bugs that may obstruct light emission. Gently clean the lens.  
  4. Make sure night vision is toggled ON. The spotlight relies on this mode to know when to activate.  

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Battery Draining Quickly

If your Arlo Spotlight camera’s rechargeable battery is draining faster than expected, try the following:

  1. Stream and record fewer video clips per day. Frequent motion-triggered recordings drain the battery quickly.
  2. Turn the spotlight off and rely on night vision to conserve power at night.  
  3. Make sure the camera gets several hours of direct sunlight per day. Solar charging tops up the battery. 
  4. In very cold weather, battery drains may increase. Move the camera to a sheltered location.  
  5. If the battery performance suddenly drops, factory reset, then fully recharge the camera.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Not Recording

If your Arlo Essential camera unexpectedly stops recording activity:

  1. Open the Arlo app and confirm that recording mode is enabled. Toggle it Off/On if needed.
  2. Check that motion detection is working correctly. Recordings rely on motion triggers.  
  3. Ensure your Arlo Smart cloud storage subscription is active, with available storage space. Local storage requires a microSD card (sold separately). Renew your subscription if it has expired.
  4. If the camera is frequently offline or has connectivity problems, recordings may be disrupted. Refer to that section for troubleshooting.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Alarm Siren Not Working

To troubleshoot problems with the camera’s built-in alarm siren:

  1. Open the Arlo app to test the siren manually. If it doesn’t make any noise, contact Support, as they will help you fix the problem or ask you to return it for a change.  
  2. Make sure alarms are enabled in the Arlo app notifications settings. Customize triggers as needed.
  3. Check that warning alerts are successfully reaching your phone. If connectivity is poor, alarms may also be impacted. So, ensure that you maintain good network connectivity.
  4. Alarm testing mode prevents the siren from sounding but still sends alerts. Toggle it off in the camera settings.
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If the problem persists, contact the Arlo support team for further assistance.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Geofencing Not Working

Arlo’s Geofencing feature automatically arms or disarms cameras based on your mobile device location. If it fails unexpectedly:

  1. Make sure GPS and location permissions are enabled for Arlo in your phone Settings. Also, ensure your mobile device is not in Airplane mode.
  2. Check that your router’s WiFi range extends to the desired Home/Away perimeter. Add a WiFi extender to improve the range and network.
  3. Try adjusting the Geofencing radius to be slightly larger. Conditions like thick walls can interfere with signals. 
  4. Force quit and restart the Arlo mobile app after changing any Geofence settings.

How to Factory Reset Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera

To reset your Arlo Essential spotlight camera, follow the instructions below:

  1. Locate the sync button at the back of the camera
  2. Press and hold the sync button for 10-15 seconds until the LED blinks blue rapidly. 
  3. Release the button
  4. Re-add and reconfigure the camera from scratch after the factory reset.

Conclusion

This guide has helped you get your Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera up and running smoothly again! Feel free to contact Arlo Support if any other issues persist after troubleshooting. They can diagnose device-specific causes and might even issue a replacement camera. With regular testing and preventive maintenance, you can minimize disruptions and take full advantage of all the excellent monitoring, alerting, and recording capabilities built into this versatile outdoor security camera system. 

Read more about Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera connectivity issues and how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Wireless Range of the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera?

The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera has an impressive wireless range of up to 300 feet in optimal conditions with limited interference. Just ensure you’re connected to a 2.4GHz WiFi network band and that the network is vital to avoid network connectivity issues.

Can I Use Solar Charging With the Arlo Spotlight Cam Battery?

Yes! The integrated solar panel on the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera allows it to recharge its long-lasting battery when placed in a particular position or exposed to sunlight. You can Position the camera outdoors, facing the sun, if it has the Solar panel installed.

What Does the Sync Button on the Arlo Camera Do?

Press and hold the sync button inside the battery compartment for 10-15 seconds to factory reset your Arlo Spotlight Camera. This resets it to default settings in case of glitches, resolving many issues before needing to contact Support or replace it.  

Can the Spotlight Camera Record Continuously?

For nonstop 24/7 recording, you would need an Arlo Smart cloud recording subscription or local continuous recording enabled using a microSD card (sold separately). But the camera can capture motion-triggered clips whenever it detects activity within range day and night.

What Batteries Are Compatible With the Arlo Spotlight Camera?

The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera and Arlo Essential Camera use a 3.63V 5080mAh 18.44Wh rechargeable lithium polymer battery that provides reliable power and solar charging capability. You cannot replace the internal battery, but Arlo support can guide you through replacement options if you are out of warranty.