How Strong Is the Cellular Signal on My Arlo Go 2?
- Mounting spot has poor LTE coverage
- Obstructions/terrain blocking the signal
- Camera oriented away from the tower
Problem Description
You want to check and improve the cellular signal strength on your Arlo Go 2 camera. Signal strength is displayed in the Arlo app on the device settings page. Weak signal causes slow video loading, failed uploads, and missed events. This guide covers checking signal bars, repositioning the camera, and using an external antenna.
Why This Happens in Real Homes
On the Go 2, cellular signal is everything — weak LTE means dropped connections, buffering live view, and recordings that never upload. The app's signal indicator is your guide, and small changes in position or height can move it a bar or two.
Start by checking the indicator and repositioning the camera higher and with a clearer line toward the nearest tower, avoiding metal structures that shield the antenna. On a marginal link, lowering video quality reduces the data it has to push; some setups support an external antenna for stubborn low-coverage sites.
Symptoms
- Weak cellular signal
- Camera drops on LTE
- Slow or failed uploads
- Low signal bars in the app
- Live view buffers on cellular
- Signal varies by position
- Offline in a low-coverage spot
- Recordings not uploading
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Mounting spot has poor LTE coverage
- Obstructions/terrain blocking the signal
- Camera oriented away from the tower
- Carrier coverage weak at the location
- Metal/structures shielding the antenna
- High data use on a weak link
- SIM/APN not optimal
- Firmware out of date
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Security cameras should be installed at least 8 feet high to prevent tampering. Check local laws regarding recording audio and video. Never aim cameras at neighboring private property. Outdoor cameras should be rated IP65 or higher for weather resistance.
Tools & Requirements
Step-by-Step Solution
Check signal strength in the Arlo app
Open the Arlo app, select the Go 2 camera, and check the signal strength indicator in Device Settings or the device info page. The signal shows as bars or a dBm value. Three or more bars (or better than -85 dBm) is good. Two bars (-85 to -100 dBm) is marginal — expect occasional upload failures. One bar or worse (-100+ dBm) causes frequent missed events and poor live view quality.
Reposition the camera for better signal
LTE signal varies significantly with position. Higher mounting points generally get better signal. Move the camera even 3-5 feet higher and recheck. Avoid mounting inside metal buildings, behind concrete walls, or in valleys. The camera antenna is internal, so the front face of the camera should point toward the cell tower direction if possible. Check cell tower maps online to identify the nearest tower.
Use an external antenna if supported
Some Arlo Go 2 models have an external antenna port. If your signal is consistently weak (1-2 bars), an external LTE antenna can dramatically improve reception. Directional panel antennas pointed at the nearest cell tower provide the best improvement — 10-15 dB gain is common, which can take a 1-bar signal to 3-4 bars. Omnidirectional antennas are easier to install but provide less gain.
Reduce data demands to work with weak signal
If you cannot improve the signal, reduce the camera data requirements to work within the weaker connection. Drop resolution to 720p, reduce clip length to 10 seconds, and narrow activity zones to minimize the number of recordings. Avoid live view streaming when signal is weak — it drops frames and uses data for incomplete video. Review clips from the Library instead.
Monitor data usage to detect signal problems
Check your monthly data usage in the Arlo app. If data usage is higher than expected relative to the number of events, the camera may be re-uploading failed clips due to signal drops. High data usage with few completed clips indicates a signal problem causing retransmissions. This wastes your data plan without providing reliable recordings. Relocate the camera or add an antenna.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
If this comes back after following these steps, check whether a recent app or firmware update reset a default setting — the fix works, but the setting gets reverted silently.
Set up activity zones to monitor only the areas that matter like your front porch and driveway and exclude the street. This dramatically reduces false alerts while ensuring you never miss an actual event at your property.
Cellular backup failures are invisible until you actually need them — most users discover the error during a monitoring incident, not a routine check.
- Mounting spot has poor LTE coverage
- Obstructions/terrain blocking the signal
- Camera oriented away from the tower
- Carrier coverage weak at the location
- Metal/structures shielding the antenna
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
Most popular upgrades chosen by Arlo Go 2 owners.
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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 Go 2 ManualSource: 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.
How Does Arlo Compare?
Before replacing your Arlo device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.
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