Struggling with low volume on your Arlo Audio Doorbell? This guide walks you through simple steps to increase the chime and speaker volume using the Arlo app, your base station, and smart home integrations. Get clear, loud alerts every time someone rings your doorbell.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Arlo app to adjust doorbell volume: Open the app, go to your doorbell settings, and increase the chime and speaker volume sliders.
- Check your base station volume: The Arlo Audio Doorbell relies on a base station; ensure its volume is turned up using the physical buttons.
- Update your doorbell firmware: Outdated software can cause audio issues—keep your device updated via the Arlo app.
- Test volume after changes: Always ring the doorbell after adjusting settings to confirm the volume is loud enough.
- Use smart home integrations: Connect your doorbell to Alexa or Google Assistant for louder, customizable alerts.
- Position your base station properly: Place it in a central, elevated location away from obstructions for better sound distribution.
- Troubleshoot low volume issues: If volume remains low, try resetting the device or contacting Arlo support.
How to Bring Up Volume on Arlo Audio Doorbell: A Complete Guide
Have you ever missed a visitor because your Arlo Audio Doorbell was too quiet? You’re not alone. Many homeowners love the convenience of smart doorbells but get frustrated when the chime or speaker volume is too low to hear—especially if you’re in another room, wearing headphones, or have a large home. The good news? You can easily bring up the volume on your Arlo Audio Doorbell with a few simple steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to boost your Arlo Audio Doorbell’s volume. Whether you’re using the Arlo app, adjusting settings on your base station, or integrating with smart speakers, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to make your doorbell loud, clear, and impossible to miss.
Understanding the Arlo Audio Doorbell System
Before diving into volume adjustments, it’s helpful to understand how the Arlo Audio Doorbell works. Unlike traditional wired doorbells, the Arlo Audio Doorbell is a wireless, battery-powered device that connects to a base station (also called the Arlo Chime or Arlo SmartHub). When someone presses the doorbell, the signal is sent to the base station, which plays the chime. The base station also relays audio to your smartphone via the Arlo app, allowing you to talk to visitors remotely.
Visual guide about How to Bring Up Volume on Arlo Audio Doorbell
Image source: downloads.arlo.com
The volume of your doorbell experience depends on two main components:
- The base station’s chime volume: This is the sound you hear inside your home when someone rings the doorbell.
- The speaker volume on the doorbell itself: This affects how clearly visitors can hear you when you speak through the app.
Both of these can be adjusted independently, giving you full control over your audio experience. Let’s explore how to increase each one.
Step 1: Adjust Volume in the Arlo App
The Arlo app is your central hub for managing all Arlo devices, including your Audio Doorbell. It’s where you’ll make most of your volume adjustments. Here’s how to do it:
Open the Arlo App
Launch the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account associated with your doorbell. If you have multiple Arlo devices, ensure you’re viewing the correct one.
Navigate to Your Doorbell Settings
Tap on the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen. Find your Arlo Audio Doorbell in the list and tap on it. This will open the device’s main control panel.
Access Audio Settings
Look for the Settings icon (usually a gear or three dots) and tap it. Scroll down until you find the Audio or Chime section. This is where you’ll adjust the volume.
Increase the Chime Volume
You’ll see a slider labeled Chime Volume or Doorbell Volume. Drag the slider to the right to increase the volume. The app may show a percentage or a visual indicator (like bars) to help you gauge the level. We recommend setting it to at least 75% for clear audibility.
Adjust the Speaker Volume
Below the chime volume, you’ll find a Speaker Volume slider. This controls how loud your voice sounds to visitors when you speak through the app. Increase this slider to ensure your voice is clear and easy to understand.
Save Your Changes
Once you’ve adjusted both sliders, tap Save or Done to apply the settings. The app will sync the changes with your doorbell and base station.
Pro Tip: After adjusting the volume, test it by pressing the doorbell button. Listen carefully to see if the chime is loud enough in different areas of your home. If not, go back and increase the volume further.
Step 2: Increase Volume on the Base Station
The base station plays a crucial role in your doorbell’s audio output. Even if you’ve maxed out the volume in the app, the base station’s physical volume controls can limit how loud the chime actually sounds. Here’s how to check and increase it:
Locate the Base Station
The base station is usually plugged into a wall outlet near your front door or in a central location. It has a small speaker and LED lights to indicate status.
Find the Volume Buttons
On most Arlo base stations, there are two small buttons labeled with a plus (+) and minus (–) sign. These control the chime volume directly.
Press the Volume Up Button
Press the + button repeatedly until the volume reaches your desired level. Each press increases the volume in small increments. You’ll hear the chime play at the new volume after each press.
Test the Volume
After adjusting, press your doorbell to test the sound. Walk through different rooms to ensure the chime is audible throughout your home.
Note: Some base stations have a maximum volume limit. If the chime still seems too quiet, consider placing the base station in a more central or elevated location, such as a hallway or living room shelf. Avoid placing it behind furniture or in closets, as this can muffle the sound.
Step 3: Update Your Doorbell Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause audio glitches, including low volume or distorted sound. Arlo regularly releases updates to improve performance and fix bugs. Keeping your doorbell updated ensures you get the best possible audio quality.
Check for Updates in the Arlo App
Open the Arlo app and go to the Devices tab. Tap on your Audio Doorbell, then tap the Settings icon. Look for Device Info or Firmware Version.
Look for an Update Option
If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt like Update Available or Install Update. Tap it to begin the process. The app will download and install the update automatically.
Wait for the Update to Complete
The update may take a few minutes. During this time, your doorbell may be temporarily offline. Avoid pressing the doorbell button until the update is finished.
Restart the Device
Once the update is complete, restart your doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (if applicable) or power-cycling the base station. This ensures the new firmware takes effect.
Tip: Enable automatic updates in the app settings to ensure your doorbell stays up to date without manual checks.
Step 4: Use Smart Home Integrations for Louder Alerts
If your home has smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Nest, you can integrate your Arlo Audio Doorbell for louder, more customizable alerts. These devices often have much louder speakers than the base station, making them ideal for large homes or noisy environments.
Connect to Amazon Alexa
Open the Alexa app and go to Skills & Games. Search for “Arlo” and enable the Arlo skill. Follow the prompts to link your Arlo account. Once connected, say, “Alexa, discover devices.” Alexa will find your doorbell and add it to your smart home.
Set Up Doorbell Announcements
In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Devices > Echo & Alexa. Select your Echo device and enable Doorbell Press Announcements. You can choose a custom voice alert, like “Someone is at the front door.”
Use Google Assistant
Open the Google Home app and tap the + icon. Select Set up device > Works with Google. Search for “Arlo” and link your account. Once connected, you can say, “Hey Google, show me the front door,” to see a live feed on a Nest Hub.
Customize Alerts
You can also set up routines. For example, when the doorbell is pressed, Google Home can say, “Visitor at the door,” and turn on a light. This adds both audio and visual alerts for maximum awareness.
Bonus: Some users connect their doorbell to smart lights that flash when pressed—perfect for hearing-impaired individuals or noisy households.
Step 5: Optimize Base Station Placement
Even with maximum volume settings, poor placement can reduce sound quality. The base station should be positioned for optimal audio distribution.
Choose a Central Location
Place the base station in a central area of your home, such as a hallway, living room, or kitchen. Avoid placing it in a bedroom or basement, where sound may not carry well.
Elevate the Device
Place the base station on a shelf, table, or mounted bracket. Elevating it helps sound travel more freely throughout your home.
Avoid Obstructions
Keep the base station away from thick walls, furniture, or appliances that can block sound. Don’t place it inside a cabinet or behind a TV.
Test Sound Coverage
After repositioning, test the doorbell from different rooms. If you can’t hear it clearly, try moving the base station closer to high-traffic areas.
Example: One user placed their base station on a bookshelf in the entryway and noticed a 50% improvement in volume compared to when it was plugged into a low outlet behind a couch.
Troubleshooting Low Volume Issues
If you’ve followed all the steps above and your doorbell is still too quiet, try these troubleshooting tips:
Reset the Base Station
Unplug the base station for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This can resolve temporary glitches affecting volume.
Check Battery Level
Low battery on the doorbell can reduce audio performance. Replace the battery if it’s below 20%.
Re-pair the Doorbell
In the Arlo app, go to your doorbell settings and select Remove Device. Then, re-add it by following the setup instructions. This can fix connection issues affecting audio.
Test with Another Device
If possible, test the doorbell with a different smartphone or tablet to rule out app-related issues.
Contact Arlo Support
If none of the above works, reach out to Arlo customer support. They can run diagnostics and may offer a replacement if the device is faulty.
Final Tips for Maximum Volume
- Use a second base station: Arlo allows multiple base stations. Add one upstairs or in a back room for full-home coverage.
- Clean the speaker: Dust or debris on the doorbell or base station speaker can muffle sound. Gently wipe with a dry cloth.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep the base station away from heaters, air conditioners, or drafty windows, as temperature extremes can affect performance.
- Use high-quality batteries: Cheap batteries may not provide consistent power, leading to lower volume.
Conclusion
Bringing up the volume on your Arlo Audio Doorbell doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right settings in the Arlo app, proper base station placement, and smart home integrations, you can ensure your doorbell is loud, clear, and always heard. Whether you’re in the kitchen, basement, or backyard, you’ll never miss a visitor again.
Remember to test your changes, keep your firmware updated, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Arlo support if issues persist. A well-configured doorbell not only enhances security but also adds convenience to your daily life. So go ahead—turn up the volume and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is always connected.