Arlo Camera: Video Turning Black Problem
Arlo camera video turning black? Diagnose and fix common Arlo camera black screen issues. Expert tips for Canadian homes, cold weather, and WiFi issues.
Arlo camera video turning black? Diagnose and fix common Arlo camera black screen issues. Expert tips for Canadian homes, cold weather, and WiFi issues.
Lithium batteries are recommended due to their superior performance in cold temperatures compared to alkaline batteries. Ensure they are new and of good quality.
Try repositioning your router, adding a Wi-Fi range extender, or moving the camera closer to the router. Ensure there are minimal obstructions (walls, metal objects) between the camera and the router.
Arlo recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per camera. Higher resolutions require faster upload speeds. Test your upload speed using an online speed test tool.
The Arlo camera transmits video data wirelessly (Wi-Fi, potentially Zigbee for older models) to a base station or directly to the cloud. Intermittent black screens can arise from issues affecting power delivery, wireless signal integrity (RSSI/dBm), image sensor failure, or firmware glitches. Power consumption spikes associated with IR illumination can strain battery capacity, particularly in cold Canadian winters where battery impedance increases drastically. Video encoding errors can also be triggered by low processing power in the camera itself.
Video feed from the Arlo camera intermittently displays a black screen for several seconds or minutes, then returns to normal operation. No error messages displayed in the Arlo app. The camera's LED indicator may be solid blue (connected) or flashing amber (disconnected) during the black screen event. High latency spikes observed during the event in the Arlo app’s device health section.
Do not attempt to disassemble the camera. Lithium batteries can pose a fire hazard if mishandled or improperly disposed of. Always use the correct type of batteries and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Protect your Arlo account with a strong password and enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
- Regularly check the battery levels of the cameras, especially before the onset of cold weather. Replace batteries proactively. - Monitor the Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI) near the cameras periodically. Adjust router placement or add range extenders as needed. - Schedule regular firmware updates through the Arlo app to ensure the cameras are running the latest software. - Periodically clean the camera lens to remove dirt and debris. - Check camera for physical damage/ingress.
Try performing a hard reset of the Arlo camera by holding down the sync button for 15 seconds. This will restore the camera to its factory default settings and may resolve software glitches. Note: You'll need to re-pair it to the base station afterward.