Your Arlo camera worked perfectly yesterday — and now it says “Offline.” No live view. No recordings. Just… nothing.

Before you reset everything, breathe. This is one of the most common Arlo issues, and the fix is usually simple.

Let’s go step-by-step to bring your Arlo camera back online — and keep it there.

🔍 Step 1: Check Internet & Router First

Your Arlo system relies on Wi-Fi and internet connectivity. If your home Wi-Fi is down, your Arlo camera will appear offline — even if it’s fine.

Try this first:

• Check if other devices (like your phone or smart TV) are online
• Restart your Wi-Fi router and Arlo SmartHub/Base Station
• Wait 2–3 minutes and refresh the Arlo app

🔋 Step 2: Check the Camera’s Battery or Power Source

If you’re using a wire-free model (like Arlo Pro, Pro 4, or Essential), the battery might be drained — even if it shows full in the app.

Do this:

• Remove and reinsert the battery
• Plug in the charger to verify it powers up
• If it’s a wired model, check the cable and adapter

📡 Step 3: Confirm Wi-Fi or Base Station Connection

Depending on your model, your camera connects either directly to Wi-Fi or to an Arlo SmartHub/Base Station.

Check:

• If using Wi-Fi: Is the camera in range? Did the Wi-Fi password change recently?
• If using a base station: Are the status lights on the hub green or amber?

Fix: Move the camera closer to the hub or router temporarily and test again.

🔄 Step 4: Power Cycle the Camera

Think of this as a mini reset.

1. Remove the battery (or unplug the wired power)
2. Wait 15 seconds
3. Reinsert the battery or reconnect power
4. Wait for the camera to boot and sync

This solves most “Offline” glitches caused by minor software bugs.

📲 Step 5: Remove and Re-add the Camera (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, try removing the camera from your Arlo app and re-adding it.

Steps:

1. Open the Arlo app
2. Go to Settings → My Devices → [Your Camera]
3. Scroll down and tap “Remove Device”
4. Reset the camera (usually by holding the sync button for 10–15 seconds)
5. Re-add the camera using the + icon

Note: You may lose old recordings if they weren’t saved to the cloud.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Use a UPS for Your Router & Base Station

Power outages or router restarts can trigger offline errors. Consider adding a mini UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to keep your system online during short blackouts or network hiccups.

Final Thoughts

Seeing “Offline” on your Arlo camera can feel frustrating — especially when you rely on it for home security. But in most cases, the fix is just a few taps or reboots away.

Routine maintenance = fewer surprises. And now you know what to do the next time it happens.

👉 Need more help with your Arlo system? We offer free consultations — no pressure, just real help.

🔧 More Arlo guides are waiting in our Smart Security Devices section.