Why Won't My Arlo Doorbell Ring or Send Alerts?
- Chime not compatible
- Notifications disabled
- Button stuck
Problem Description
Your Arlo Video Doorbell is having video quality, recording, or streaming issues. The Video Doorbell may show blurry footage, fail to record events, or have difficulty streaming a live feed, which compromises your ability to monitor your home. Specifically, the issue involves not ringing or sending alerts. The steps below walk you through diagnosing the root cause and applying proven fixes so your Video Doorbell works reliably again.
Why This Happens in Real Homes
An Arlo doorbell that doesn't ring or alert splits into two paths: the physical chime (a wired chime that's incompatible, or a stuck button) and the app notifications (disabled, or a weak WiFi connection dropping the alert).
Start by checking notifications are enabled for the doorbell in the app and on your phone, and that the doorbell has a solid signal. For the in-home chime, confirm compatibility and wiring (or set up an Arlo Chime), and make sure the button isn't stuck. A subscription isn't needed to ring, but it is for recorded video.
Symptoms
- Existing chime doesn't ring
- No push notifications
- Button press not detected
- Alerts very delayed
- Only some button presses work
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Chime not compatible
- Notifications disabled
- Button stuck
- WiFi too slow
- Arlo Secure subscription needed
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Doorbell transformer under 10VA may not provide enough power. Upgrade transformer if chime rings weakly.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
Level
9 Inch Torpedo Level Magnetic, Shock-Proof Small Lev...
microsd card
4 Channel 360° Dash Cam Front Rear Inside & Left Rig...
Multimeter
Klein Tools 80196 Digital Multimeter Kit with Case, ...
Replacement batteries
Duracell Coppertop Double AA Batteries with Power Bo...
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Step-by-Step Solution
Check notification settings on your phone
If the doorbell detects presses but your phone does not alert you, the issue is usually phone-side notification settings. On iOS, go to Settings, Notifications, Arlo, and verify notifications are enabled with sounds. On Android, go to Settings, Apps, Arlo, Notifications, and check that the notification channel is not muted. Also check Do Not Disturb mode — it silences all notifications including Arlo.
Verify the doorbell button is working
Press the physical doorbell button and watch for the LED indicator. The button should illuminate or flash when pressed. If nothing happens, the button mechanism may be stuck or damaged. Check for paint, dirt, or ice buildup around the button edges. On battery models, a dead battery means no button response at all. On hardwired models, check the transformer and wiring connections.
Check the Arlo app ring notification setting
In the Arlo app, select the doorbell and go to Device Settings. Verify that Ring Notifications or Doorbell Press alerts are enabled. Some users accidentally disable these while adjusting other motion notification settings. Also check if a silent mode or schedule is active that suppresses doorbell alerts during certain hours.
Link the doorbell to a chime
If you want an audible ring inside your home (not just a phone notification), link the doorbell to an Arlo Chime or a mechanical doorbell chime. Without a chime, the only alert is through the Arlo app on your phone. If you have existing doorbell chime wiring, a hardwired Arlo doorbell can ring your existing mechanical chime. For battery Arlo doorbells, you need the Arlo Chime 2 accessory.
Check for firmware and app updates
Arlo has fixed several doorbell notification bugs in past updates — including one where the doorbell detected presses but failed to send push notifications. Update the doorbell firmware through the Arlo app and update the app itself. After updating, test by pressing the doorbell and confirming you receive a notification within 5-10 seconds.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
Notification delays almost always return after a major iOS or Android update — background app refresh gets reset to restricted on every major OS version.
Wire-free Arlo doorbell runs on battery and won't ring existing chimes - you need the wired version or Arlo Chime accessory.
Notification delays over 2 minutes are almost never the device's fault — background app restrictions quietly re-enable themselves after every OS update.
- Chime not compatible
- Notifications disabled
- Button stuck
- WiFi too slow
- Arlo Secure subscription needed
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
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Official Manufacturer Manual
Arlo provides official product documentation through their online manual rather than downloadable PDF. Access setup guides, troubleshooting steps, and product specifications for your Arlo Video Doorbell.
Source: us.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.
