How To Set Up Arlo Wireless Doorbell

To set up your Arlo wireless doorbell, you need to charge the battery, install the Arlo Secure App, and connect the doorbell to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.

What you need before you set up your Arlo wireless doorbell

Before beginning, gather these essentials. The doorbell is primarily battery-powered, so its battery must be fully charged. You need the Arlo Secure App installed on a compatible smartphone or tablet (iOS 15 or higher, Android 9 or higher). Your mobile device must be connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network during setup. You will also need your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. A high-speed internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per doorbell is required for optimal performance. The base station acts as a central hub for your doorbell, allowing it to communicate with other devices and enabling you to access its features remotely. Plug in the power adapter provided and connect the base station to your router using an Ethernet cable.

Step 1: Charge the battery and unbox the doorbell

Fully charge the doorbell battery before proceeding. While the battery charges, unbox the package and inspect all contents. You should find the doorbell, mounting plate, screws, and the battery itself. Check for any visible damage to the components.

Step 2: Add the doorbell in the Arlo Secure App

1. Open the Arlo Secure App on your phone.
2. Tap "Devices," then tap the "+" (Add) icon.
3. Select "Doorbells & Chimes," then choose "Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free."
4. Ensure your phone remains connected to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network throughout this process.

Wait for the base station to initialize. This process may take a few minutes. Once the power light turns solid green or flashes blue, you can move on to the next step.

Step 3: Connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi

1. Follow the in-app prompts to enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
2. Insert the fully charged battery into the doorbell.
3. Press the pairing button located on the back of the doorbell to put it into pairing mode. You may hear a chime or see an LED light flashing to indicate that the doorbell is in pairing mode.
4. The app will display a QR code. Hold this QR code in front of the doorbell camera until you hear a chime, confirming a successful connection. In the pairing process, you may be prompted to scan a QR code on the base station or enter a unique device code manually.

Step 4: Name your doorbell and choose a location

After the doorbell connects, the app will prompt you to name the device (e.g., "Front Door"). You will also select a mounting location from the app's list. This selection helps optimize motion detection settings for that specific area.

Step 5: Install the doorbell mount

1. To begin, find a suitable location for the base station near your router. This ensures a strong and stable internet connection for optimal performance.
2. Choose a flat, solid surface near your door, such as a wall or door frame.
3. Hold the mounting plate against the surface and use it as a template to mark the screw hole locations.
4. Drill pilot holes at the marked spots.
5. Secure the mounting plate to the surface using the provided screws.

Step 6: Attach the doorbell and test it

1. Click the doorbell onto the mounted plate until it locks in place.
2. Press the doorbell button to trigger a notification on your phone.
3. Open the Arlo Secure App to check the live video feed and test the two-way audio by speaking to the doorbell.

Optional: Hardwire your doorbell to existing wiring

Although the doorbell is wire-free and battery-powered, you can connect it to existing 16-24V AC doorbell wiring with a 10VA transformer. This provides continuous trickle charging for the battery and allows the doorbell to ring a traditional household chime. You can also consider using the Arlo Doorbell Charging Cable (sold separately) for continuous power supply. If you choose not to hardwire, you can receive chime notifications through an Arlo Chime (paired with a compatible Arlo SmartHub or Base Station), your mobile device, or smart home voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Arlo Wireless Doorbell is compatible with a wide range of popular smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

• Phone not on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi: During setup, your phone must be connected to a 2.4 GHz network. Many dual-band routers broadcast both bands under one name; temporarily disable the 5 GHz band in your router settings or move closer to the router.
• QR code not scanning: Ensure the QR code on your phone screen is in good light and held 6-8 inches from the doorbell camera. Clean the camera lens if needed.
• Doorbell not powering on: Verify the battery is fully charged and correctly inserted. Press the doorbell button to wake the device.
• Poor video or connection: Check that your internet upload speed meets the 2 Mbps minimum. Move your router or the doorbell closer together, or connect the doorbell to an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station for a stronger connection.
• If you don't see the doorbell option, make sure your base station firmware is up to date.
• If you're not receiving notifications on your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell, make sure that the Arlo app notifications are enabled. Go to your device's settings and ensure that the Arlo app has the necessary permissions to send notifications.

Basic functions like live video streaming and motion notifications do not require an Arlo Secure subscription after the initial trial, though premium features like cloud video storage do.

For those managing multiple smart devices, the Arlo Secure App also supports location tracking and NFC for convenient automation. When setting up wireless connections, ensure your phone stays on the correct network. The app simplifies managing wireless passwords by storing them securely after the initial entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the doorbell without a subscription?

Yes. Basic features such as live video streaming, two-way audio, and motion notifications work without a subscription after the trial period. Cloud video recording requires an Arlo Secure plan.

Does the doorbell work with a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network?

No. The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free only connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Your phone must also be on a 2.4 GHz network during setup.

How long does the battery last?

Battery life depends on usage, including the number of motion events and live view sessions. In typical use, a full charge lasts several months. Hardwiring to existing doorbell wiring provides continuous trickle charging.

Can I connect the doorbell to an existing Arlo SmartHub or Base Station?

Yes. The doorbell can connect directly to your home's 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router or to an existing Arlo SmartHub or Base Station for extended range and reliability.

What happens if I don't have existing doorbell wiring?

No problem. The doorbell is designed to work wire-free on battery power alone. You will receive notifications through the Arlo app on your phone, an Arlo Chime, or a smart home voice assistant.