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Why Is My Arlo Camera Night Vision Not Working Properly?

Arlo GuideSecurity Cameras
easy difficulty 10 minutes 63 views 3 found helpful Updated
This guide applies to: Arlo Arlo Pro Camera (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra)
At a glance — most common causes
  • Color night vision needs ambient light
  • Auto night vision disabled
  • Camera lens dirty
10 minutes11 solutions coveredeasy level

Expert Review & Technical Scope

DeviceArlo Arlo Pro Camera
Model CoveragePro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra
Fix Time10 minutes
DifficultyEasy
Required ToolsLevel, Clean microfiber cloth, Replacement batteries, Ethernet cable
Network / ProtocolWi-Fi / app-based troubleshooting context

Problem Description

Your Arlo Pro Camera has stopped working properly and is not performing its normal functions. When this happens, you lose the ability to control the Pro Camera through the Arlo app, scheduled automations, and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. This is a common issue with security cameras devices and usually stems from connectivity problems, outdated firmware, or configuration changes on your network. The steps below walk you through diagnosing and fixing the problem so your Pro Camera works reliably again.

Symptoms

  • Night video stuck in black and white
  • Color night vision not working
  • Night vision doesn't turn on
  • Very dark night footage
  • IR lights not illuminating

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

  • Color night vision needs ambient light
  • Auto night vision disabled
  • Camera lens dirty
  • IR LEDs failing
  • Incorrect settings

Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.

Warning

IR night vision illuminates up to 25 feet. Beyond that distance, subjects will be dark.

Tools & Requirements

LevelClean microfiber clothReplacement batteriesEthernet cablePower adapter

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Check Power Supply

Verify the camera is receiving power. For wired cameras check the outlet and power adapter. Try a different outlet. For battery cameras check the charge level in the app. For PoE cameras verify the ethernet cable is fully seated at both ends. A camera without proper power will show offline even with good WiFi.

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2

Test WiFi Signal Strength

WiFi cameras need strong signal for reliable streaming. Check signal strength in the camera settings within the app. If signal is weak, consider moving your router closer or adding a WiFi extender near the camera. Thick walls and metal siding severely reduce signal. Aim for at least 2 bars of signal strength.

3

Power Cycle the Camera

Unplug the camera from power or remove the battery. Wait 30 seconds then reconnect power. For PoE cameras disconnect the ethernet cable briefly. Allow 60 to 90 seconds for the camera to fully restart and reconnect to your network. Check the app to confirm it shows online before testing live view.

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4

Adjust Motion Detection Settings

Open camera settings and find motion detection or alerts. Set sensitivity to medium as a starting point. Define detection zones to focus on important areas and exclude high-traffic zones like streets. Test by walking through the detection area. You should receive an alert within a few seconds.

5

Clean Camera Lens and Sensors

Dust and debris on the lens cause blurry video. Spider webs trigger false motion alerts. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean the lens. For night vision issues clean the infrared LED ring around the lens. Avoid using harsh chemicals. A clean lens dramatically improves image quality.

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6

Update Camera Firmware

Open the camera settings in your app and check for firmware updates. Install any available updates which fix bugs and security issues. The camera may restart during the update. Do not unplug power during firmware updates. After updating test all features including live view, recording, and alerts.

Quick Solutions

Add ambient lighting for color
Enable auto night vision
Clean camera lens
Check LED status
Adjust settings

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

Camera issues that start suddenly almost always trace back to an upload bandwidth drop — run a speed test before assuming hardware failure.

Pro Tip

Arlo's spotlight uses battery power. If you want frequent color night vision, consider wired power.

Real-World Insight

Live view problems that start suddenly usually trace back to an upload speed drop — the camera itself is fine, the bandwidth path to the cloud isn't.

What Usually Goes Wrong
  • Color night vision needs ambient light
  • Auto night vision disabled
  • Camera lens dirty
  • IR LEDs failing
  • Incorrect settings

Official Manufacturer Manual

If you need the complete manufacturer documentation for advanced setup, wiring diagrams, or detailed specifications, you can download the official manual below. The manual includes full technical instructions directly from the manufacturer and may help if your issue requires deeper troubleshooting.

Download the Official Arlo Pro Camera Manual

Source: arlo.com

Need More Help? Arlo Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Arlo's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.