Installing an Arlo video doorbell is simpler than you think—even if you’re not a tech expert. This guide walks you through every step, from checking your doorbell wiring to syncing the device with the Arlo app, so you can enjoy 24/7 home security with crystal-clear video and instant alerts.
Key Takeaways
- Check your existing doorbell wiring: Most Arlo video doorbells require a wired connection, so ensure your current setup has compatible low-voltage wires (16–24V AC).
- Use the Arlo app for setup: The official Arlo app guides you through installation, syncing, and configuration with step-by-step instructions and real-time feedback.
- Install the mounting bracket securely: A stable mount ensures optimal camera angle and prevents tampering or accidental falls.
- Enable two-way audio and motion alerts: Customize settings in the app to receive notifications and speak to visitors remotely.
- Test the chime and Wi-Fi connection: After installation, verify that the doorbell chime works and the video streams smoothly over your home network.
- Keep firmware updated: Regular updates improve performance, security, and add new features—check the app periodically.
- Contact support if needed: Arlo offers live chat, phone support, and online resources if you run into issues during or after installation.
How to Install an Arlo Video Doorbell
Welcome to your complete guide on how to install an Arlo video doorbell! Whether you’re upgrading from a traditional doorbell or installing your first smart doorbell, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you get up and running quickly and confidently. Arlo video doorbells are known for their sharp HD video, motion detection, two-way audio, and seamless integration with smart home systems. But before you can enjoy those features, you need to install the device properly.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything from checking your existing wiring to syncing the doorbell with the Arlo app. We’ll cover tools you’ll need, safety tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and troubleshooting advice. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional smart doorbell that keeps your home secure and gives you peace of mind—no matter where you are.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Visual guide about How to Install an Arlo Video Doorbell
Image source: downloads.arlo.com
Before you remove your old doorbell or drill any holes, gather the right tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the installation process smoother and faster.
Tools and Materials
- Arlo video doorbell (model such as Arlo Essential Video Doorbell or Arlo Pro 4 Doorbell)
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Drill and drill bits (if mounting on brick, concrete, or hard surfaces)
- Level (to ensure the doorbell is straight)
- Wire strippers (if you need to trim or expose wires)
- Electrical tape
- Smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
- Stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz network recommended)
- Optional: Voltage tester (to confirm power is off)
Check Your Existing Doorbell System
Most Arlo video doorbells are designed to replace wired doorbells, so you’ll need to confirm your current setup is compatible. Here’s what to look for:
– **Existing doorbell transformer:** Your home should have a doorbell transformer that converts standard household voltage (120V) to low voltage (typically 16–24V AC). This powers the doorbell.
– **Two wires at the doorbell location:** You should see two low-voltage wires (usually labeled “front” and “transformer”) connected to your current doorbell.
– **Working doorbell chime:** The chime inside your home should ring when the button is pressed.
If you don’t have a wired doorbell, Arlo offers a battery-powered version (like the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell), but most models require wiring. If you’re unsure, use a multimeter or voltage tester to check the voltage at the doorbell terminals. It should read between 16 and 24 volts AC.
Download the Arlo App
Before you start physically installing the doorbell, download the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet. It’s available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app is essential for setup, configuration, and ongoing management of your doorbell.
Once installed, create an Arlo account or log in if you already have one. The app will guide you through the entire installation process, including pairing the device and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Doorbell
Safety first! Before touching any wires, turn off the power to your doorbell at the circuit breaker. This prevents accidental shocks or short circuits.
Locate the Correct Circuit Breaker
Doorbell circuits are often labeled “Doorbell,” “Chime,” or “Front Door.” If you’re not sure which one controls your doorbell, turn off breakers one by one and test the doorbell until it no longer rings.
Test the Wires
After turning off the power, remove the faceplate of your existing doorbell and gently pull the wires away from the terminals. Use a voltage tester or multimeter to confirm there’s no current flowing. This extra step ensures your safety.
Label the Wires (Optional but Helpful)
If your wires aren’t clearly labeled, use a piece of tape to mark them (e.g., “Front” and “Transformer”). This makes reinstallation easier and prevents confusion later.
Step 2: Remove the Old Doorbell
Now that the power is off and the wires are safe to handle, it’s time to remove your old doorbell.
Unscrew the Faceplate
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the old doorbell to the wall. Gently pull the faceplate away, exposing the wires and mounting bracket.
Disconnect the Wires
Loosen the terminal screws and carefully remove the wires. Don’t let them fall back into the wall—use a piece of tape to hold them in place or gently pull them out.
Remove the Mounting Bracket (If Necessary)
If your old doorbell used a different mounting system, remove the bracket. You’ll replace it with the Arlo mounting plate, which comes with your new doorbell.
Step 3: Install the Arlo Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is the foundation of your Arlo video doorbell. It must be secure and level to ensure the camera captures the best view of your doorstep.
Position the Bracket
Hold the Arlo mounting bracket against the wall where you want to install the doorbell. Use a level to make sure it’s straight. The ideal height is about 48 inches from the ground—this gives a clear view of visitors and packages.
Mark the Screw Holes
Once the bracket is level, use a pencil to mark the screw hole locations on the wall.
Drill Pilot Holes (If Needed)
If you’re mounting on wood, you can screw directly into the wall. For brick, concrete, or stucco, drill pilot holes using a masonry bit. Insert wall anchors if required.
Secure the Bracket
Align the bracket with the holes and screw it into place using the provided screws. Make sure it’s tight and doesn’t wobble.
Optional: Use the Angle Mount
If your door is recessed or you want to adjust the camera angle, Arlo includes an angle mount. Attach it to the bracket before securing the doorbell. This helps point the camera toward the walkway or driveway.
Step 4: Connect the Wires to the Arlo Doorbell
Now it’s time to connect your home’s wiring to the Arlo video doorbell. This step is crucial for power and functionality.
Prepare the Wires
If the wire ends are frayed or too short, use wire strippers to expose about 1/4 inch of copper. Twist the strands gently to keep them neat.
Attach Wires to the Doorbell
The Arlo doorbell has two terminal screws—usually labeled “Front” and “Transformer.” Connect one wire to each terminal. It doesn’t matter which wire goes where, as long as both are connected securely.
Tighten the Screws
Use a screwdriver to tighten the terminal screws. Make sure the wires are held firmly and won’t slip out.
Tuck Wires Neatly
Gently push the excess wire back into the wall cavity. Avoid bending the wires sharply, as this can damage them over time.
Step 5: Attach the Arlo Video Doorbell
With the wires connected, you can now mount the doorbell onto the bracket.
Align the Doorbell with the Bracket
Hold the Arlo doorbell so the mounting tabs align with the slots on the bracket. Slide it down until it clicks into place.
Secure with the Security Screw
Use the small security screw (included) to lock the doorbell to the bracket. This prevents tampering and ensures the device stays in place.
Check the Camera Angle
Look through the Arlo app (once connected) or visually inspect the camera view. Adjust the angle mount if needed to capture the desired area—like your front walk, driveway, or porch.
Step 6: Turn the Power Back On
Once the doorbell is securely mounted, it’s time to restore power.
Flip the Circuit Breaker
Go back to your electrical panel and turn the doorbell circuit back on.
Wait for the Doorbell to Power Up
The Arlo doorbell will take a few seconds to boot up. You’ll see a light on the front—usually blinking blue or white—indicating it’s initializing.
Listen for the Chime
Press the doorbell button. If your indoor chime rings, the wiring is working correctly. If not, double-check the connections and power supply.
Step 7: Set Up the Arlo Doorbell in the App
Now comes the fun part—configuring your doorbell through the Arlo app. This is where you connect it to Wi-Fi, customize settings, and test features.
Open the Arlo App
Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into your Arlo account.
Tap “Add Device”
On the home screen, tap the “+” or “Add Device” button. Select “Video Doorbell” from the list.
Scan the QR Code
The app will prompt you to scan the QR code on the back of your Arlo doorbell. Use your phone’s camera to scan it. This pairs the device with your account.
Connect to Wi-Fi
The app will ask you to connect the doorbell to your home Wi-Fi network. Choose your 2.4 GHz network (most Arlo doorbells don’t support 5 GHz). Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.
Wait for Connection
The doorbell will attempt to connect to your network. This may take 1–2 minutes. You’ll see a progress bar in the app.
Name Your Doorbell
Once connected, give your doorbell a name—like “Front Door” or “Main Entrance.” This helps if you have multiple Arlo devices.
Complete Setup
Follow the on-screen prompts to finish setup. The app may ask you to update the firmware, which is recommended for optimal performance.
Step 8: Customize Settings and Features
Your Arlo doorbell is now installed and connected, but you can enhance its functionality with personalized settings.
Enable Motion Detection
In the app, go to your doorbell’s settings and turn on motion detection. You can adjust sensitivity and set activity zones to focus on specific areas (like your walkway) and ignore others (like a busy street).
Set Up Alerts
Choose how you want to be notified—push notifications, email, or both. You can also set quiet hours to avoid disturbances at night.
Configure Two-Way Audio
Test the two-way audio feature by pressing the doorbell button and speaking through the app. Adjust the microphone and speaker volume in settings.
Enable Night Vision
Arlo doorbells have infrared night vision. Make sure it’s enabled so you can see visitors clearly after dark.
Set Up Smart Alerts (Optional)
If you have an Arlo Smart subscription, you can enable person, package, and vehicle detection. This reduces false alerts and gives you more accurate notifications.
Step 9: Test the Doorbell
Before considering the job done, test every feature to ensure everything works as expected.
Test the Video Feed
Open the Arlo app and view the live video feed. Check for clarity, angle, and lighting.
Test Motion Detection
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion alerts. Confirm you receive a notification and can view the recording.
Test Two-Way Audio
Press the doorbell button and speak through the app. Ask someone to respond to test the audio quality.
Test the Chime
Press the button and listen for the indoor chime. If it doesn’t ring, check the wiring and transformer voltage.
Check Battery Level (If Applicable)
If you’re using a battery-powered model, check the battery level in the app. Charge it if needed.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
Doorbell Won’t Power On
– Double-check that the circuit breaker is on.
– Verify the wires are connected securely to the terminals.
– Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the doorbell—should be 16–24V AC.
– Ensure the transformer is working. If voltage is low, the transformer may need replacement.
No Video or Poor Video Quality
– Check your Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell location. Weak signal can cause lag or disconnections.
– Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
– Ensure the doorbell is connected to a 2.4 GHz network (not 5 GHz).
– Clean the camera lens with a soft cloth.
Chime Doesn’t Ring
– Confirm the wires are connected to the correct terminals.
– Test the indoor chime unit—it may be faulty.
– Check the transformer voltage. If it’s below 16V, the chime may not activate.
App Can’t Find the Doorbell
– Make sure the doorbell is powered and the light is blinking.
– Restart the Arlo app and try scanning the QR code again.
– Reset the doorbell by holding the sync button for 10 seconds, then retry setup.
Motion Alerts Not Working
– Ensure motion detection is enabled in the app.
– Adjust the sensitivity and activity zones.
– Make sure the doorbell has a clear view of the area—avoid obstructions like plants or mailboxes.
Two-Way Audio Not Working
– Check microphone and speaker settings in the app.
– Ensure your phone’s volume is up.
– Test in a quiet environment to rule out background noise.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance
To keep your Arlo video doorbell working smoothly, follow these maintenance tips.
Clean the Lens Regularly
Dust, dirt, and rain can blur the camera. Wipe the lens gently with a microfiber cloth every few weeks.
Check Wi-Fi Signal Monthly
Use the Arlo app to monitor signal strength. If it’s weak, consider repositioning your router or adding a mesh network.
Update Firmware
Arlo releases updates to improve performance and security. Check the app regularly and install updates when available.
Inspect Wiring Annually
Over time, wires can loosen or corrode. Turn off power and check connections once a year.
Replace the Transformer if Needed
If your doorbell frequently loses power or the chime is weak, the transformer may be failing. Replace it with a 16–24V AC transformer rated for at least 20VA.
Conclusion
Installing an Arlo video doorbell is a smart upgrade that boosts your home’s security and convenience. With clear video, instant alerts, and two-way communication, you’ll always know who’s at your door—even when you’re not home.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to safely remove your old doorbell, mount the Arlo bracket, connect the wires, and configure the device through the app. You’ve also discovered how to customize settings, test functionality, and troubleshoot common issues.
Remember, the key to a successful installation is preparation and attention to detail. Check your wiring, use the right tools, and follow the app’s instructions closely. And if you ever get stuck, Arlo’s customer support team is ready to help.
Now that your Arlo video doorbell is up and running, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected 24/7. Welcome to the future of smart home security!