Arlo has some great high-end cameras, but their setup process is never easy.
You have to mount the cameras and position them just right so that their field of view captures what you want to record.
But what can you do when the Arlo camera position mode isn’t working?
Arlo camera positioning doesn’t work because your firmware isn’t updated or the app has a bug. You can fix the camera position mode by updating your station and camera firmware, using the Arlo app on your phone or web browser, resetting the base station, or using the live mode to adjust the camera.
Read on to learn how to fix your Arlo camera positioning and how to mount the camera correctly so that it detects motion.
1. Update the Arlo Camera and SmartHub/Base Station Firmware
Your Arlo cameras and hub should have automatic updates. Arlo updates the cameras and hub between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
They do this because that’s when you’re least likely going to need the camera.
However, your camera and hub might not update due to some bug, or you may have disabled automatic updates.
Receiving regular updates is important both for security and functionality.
If your camera position mode used to work, but now it doesn’t, it’s probably due to outdated firmware.
If you don’t know what firmware is, it’s a type of software baked into your hardware and acts as a low-level software interface.
So, if your camera and hub aren’t up to date, here’s how to update the firmware on your own:
- Open the Arlo app on your phone or through the web browser (on my.arlo.com).
- Go to Settings > My Devices.
- Select the device you want to update.
- Go to Device Info > Firmware > Update.
- Wait for the update to finish. The LED on your device will blink a few times.
And that’s pretty much it! Do this for all Arlo devices in your home.
Once you’ve updated everything, open the position mode to make sure it’s working.
2. Use the Arlo App on Your Phone
If you’re trying to access the position mode through the web browser on your PC, try using your phone instead.
You can try it through your phone web browser by going to my.arlo.com, but you have a much better shot at doing it from the app.
You probably already have the app on your smartphone or tablet. But in case you don’t, here are the links to download it:
With the app downloaded, you just have to pair it to your Arlo hub and open the position mode.
If you already have the app, but it isn’t working, try to clear the cache. Here is how you do it on most phones:
- Go to Settings.
- Go to Apps / App Management.
- Open the Apps list and find the Arlo app.
- Press Clear Cache. If you can’t see it, it’s usually in the Storage / Storage Usage option.
If it still doesn’t work, you can tap on Clear Data. Note that you’ll delete all data in the app, so it should be your last resort.
3. Use the Computer Browser
Just like your web browser can be problematic, so can the app.
It’s unlikely that your app doesn’t work, especially if you have a newer smartphone model with the latest system installed.
But if it isn’t working, no matter how many times you reset the cache, try using your PC.
Go to my.arlo.com and select the camera you want to adjust. Open position mode.
If you get a prompt from your browser, click on Allow.
If position mode still doesn’t work, try opening the website with a different web browser. You can even try to open it through the browser from your phone.
Read also: Arlo Does Not Recognize Device: 6 Causes + How To Fix It
4. Reset the Base Station
Just like any other gadget, one of the easiest fixes is to restart.
If you’re interested in learning why rebooting resolves most issues, Linus on Techquickie explains it in this video:
Restarting the base station is straightforward:
- Hold the reset button on the back of your base station for 10-15 seconds. If you do it right, all LED lights will flash.
- Give the base station a few minutes to come back to life. Once it’s up and running, you’ll have to resync your cameras.
5. Use Live Mode To Adjust the Arlo Camera
If your live mode works just fine and only the position mode isn’t working, just use it instead.
The only major difference between the two is that position mode minimizes the delay between the camera and your device.
This allows you to see what the camera sees in real-time. Of course, it comes at the cost of video quality.
But for the same reason, it often doesn’t work in the app or web browser.
An easy workaround is to use the live mode instead. It’ll take a few seconds for the camera to update what it sees.
So, it requires some patience to set up, but it’s not impossible. You can have someone check the angle on the phone or PC while you adjust the camera placement.
You may also wonder: Are Arlo cameras compatible with Xfinity Home?
How To Position My Arlo Camera
The Arlo camera uses motion sensors and infrared LEDs to track motion and get night vision.
But the camera’s field of view and detection zone are different. The detection zone is slightly wider, giving the sensors time to track an object in time.
Also, before you mount your Arlo camera, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the maximum range.
Here is how far away your Arlo cameras can detect motion:
- Arlo Q and Arlo Q Plus – 50 feet (15.24 m).
- Arlo Wire-Free – 15 feet (4.57 m).
- Arlo Pro Wire-Free and Arlo Go – 23 feet (7 m).
So, it’s best to use the Arlo Q and Arlo Q plus to record outside your home. The other cameras may also work, depending on the size of your porch or patio.
As far as the vertical distance is concerned, Arlo recommends you mount the camera 7 feet (2.1 m) above the floor.
Also, the camera is most effective at tracking motion side-to-side.
Don’t mount the camera directly above your entrance door. Instead, it’s best to mount it in the corner of your house. It can have a clear view of your entrance that way.
If your camera detects motion from cars passing in the background, reduce the motion sensitivity or adjust the camera angle.
I recommend the latter to capture trespassers. I just hope that your regular trespasser is a stray dog. Nonetheless, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Remember that your camera has to be in the range of your Wi-Fi. If it isn’t, you can use a Wi-Fi extender.
I recommend the NETGEAR AC1200 Extender from Amazon.com.
It uses dual-band Wi-Fi and can increase the range by up to 1500 sq ft (139 sq m). And it takes up very little space because it plugs directly into the wall outlet.
Final Thoughts
The Arlo camera position mode is finicky and buggy. You can position your camera by using the live mode instead, but it introduces a major delay.
If you want to use the position mode, you can use a different device, such as your phone or computer.
You should update the firmware on the camera and base either way for security reasons.
When mounting your Arlo camera, make sure it has a clear side-to-side view of where you want to record. Also, the camera must have a good Wi-Fi signal.
Editor’s pick: Arlo Not Detecting Motion Through Glass: 6 Easy Fixes