How to Install Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless

How to Install Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless

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Installing the Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless is simpler than you think—even if you’re not a tech expert. This guide walks you through every step, from checking compatibility to final testing, ensuring a secure and reliable setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Check compatibility first: Ensure your existing doorbell wiring meets Arlo’s voltage requirements (16–24V AC) to avoid damage or malfunction.
  • Use the Arlo app for setup: The official app guides you through pairing, Wi-Fi connection, and customization—no need for extra software.
  • Mount securely for best performance: Position the doorbell at 48–60 inches high and within 30 feet of your Wi-Fi router for optimal signal strength.
  • Test after installation: Always test motion detection, video quality, and notifications to confirm everything works before finishing.
  • Troubleshoot common issues: If the doorbell won’t power on or connect, check wiring, Wi-Fi signal, and app permissions.
  • Consider a chime kit: If your existing chime isn’t compatible, use Arlo’s wireless chime or a plug-in chime for audible alerts.
  • Maintain regularly: Clean the lens monthly and update firmware via the app to keep performance sharp.

How to Install Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve decided to upgrade your front door with the Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless—smart choice! This sleek, feature-packed doorbell lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere using your smartphone. Whether you’re replacing an old wired doorbell or installing one for the first time, this guide will walk you through the entire process with clear, easy-to-follow steps.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to install your Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless safely and correctly. We’ll cover everything from checking your home’s compatibility to mounting the device, connecting it to your Wi-Fi, and troubleshooting common issues. No prior experience? No problem. We’ve kept the language simple, the instructions straightforward, and the tone friendly—just like a helpful neighbor lending a hand.

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

How to Install Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless

Visual guide about How to Install Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless

Image source: knowbend.com

Before you grab your tools and head to the door, make sure you have everything on hand. Rushing out mid-installation to buy a missing screwdriver or adapter is no fun.

Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless kit (includes doorbell, mounting plate, screws, wire nuts, and chime connector)
  • Screwdriver (Phillips head, usually #2)
  • Drill and drill bits (if mounting on brick, stucco, or concrete)
  • Level (to keep the doorbell straight)
  • Smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed (iOS or Android)
  • Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz band required; 5 GHz not supported)
  • Existing doorbell wiring (16–24V AC recommended)
  • Optional: Wire strippers, electrical tape, voltage tester

Having these items ready will save you time and frustration. Now, let’s make sure your home is ready for the upgrade.

Step 1: Check Compatibility and Power Requirements

Not all doorbells are created equal—and neither are home wiring systems. Before you remove your old doorbell, it’s crucial to verify that your current setup can support the Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless.

Check Your Existing Doorbell Wiring

The Arlo doorbell is designed to work with existing low-voltage doorbell wiring. Most homes built after the 1980s have this type of system. Here’s how to check:

  1. Turn off power to your doorbell at the circuit breaker. Safety first!
  2. Remove your current doorbell button from the wall.
  3. Look at the wires behind it. You should see two thin wires (usually white and red or black).
  4. Check the voltage using a multimeter or voltage tester. Set it to AC voltage and touch the probes to the two wires.

If the reading is between 16 and 24 volts AC, you’re good to go. If it’s below 16V, the doorbell may not power on reliably. If it’s above 24V, you risk damaging the device.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a multimeter, many hardware stores rent them for a small fee, or you can ask an electrician to check for you.

Verify Your Chime Compatibility

The Arlo doorbell works with most mechanical and digital chimes, but some older or high-voltage systems may cause issues. Arlo includes a chime connector in the box to help with compatibility.

If your chime doesn’t work after installation, you may need to:

  • Install the chime connector (we’ll cover this later)
  • Use Arlo’s optional wireless chime (sold separately)
  • Switch to app-based notifications only

Ensure Strong Wi-Fi Signal

Since the Arlo doorbell streams video over Wi-Fi, a strong signal is essential. The ideal range is within 30 feet of your router, with minimal obstructions like thick walls or metal doors.

You can test your Wi-Fi strength using your phone:

  • Stand at your door and open a speed test app (like Speedtest by Ookla).
  • Look for at least 5 Mbps upload speed for smooth video streaming.

If your signal is weak, consider:

  • Moving your router closer to the front door
  • Using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network
  • Installing the doorbell in a spot with better coverage

Once you’ve confirmed compatibility, it’s time to prepare for installation.

Step 2: Turn Off Power and Remove the Old Doorbell

Safety is paramount when working with electrical wiring. Even though doorbell voltage is low, it’s still important to turn off the power.

Turn Off the Circuit Breaker

  1. Go to your home’s electrical panel (usually in the basement, garage, or utility closet).
  2. Locate the breaker labeled “doorbell,” “chime,” or “front door.” If unsure, turn off the main breaker to be safe.
  3. Test the old doorbell to confirm power is off—press the button; the chime shouldn’t sound.

Important: Never assume the power is off. Always test before touching wires.

Remove the Old Doorbell Button

  1. Unscrew the old doorbell from the wall using a screwdriver.
  2. Gently pull it away to expose the wires.
  3. Take a photo of the wiring setup for reference—this helps if you need to reconnect later.
  4. Loosen the terminal screws and disconnect the two wires.
  5. Cap the wires with wire nuts to prevent them from touching each other or the wall.

Now that the old doorbell is out, you’re ready to install the Arlo.

Step 3: Install the Mounting Plate

The mounting plate is the backbone of your installation. It holds the doorbell securely and connects to the wiring.

Position the Mounting Plate

The ideal height for a doorbell is 48 to 60 inches from the ground

  • Hold the mounting plate against the wall at the desired height.
  • Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
  • Mark the screw holes with a pencil.

    • If you’re mounting on wood or siding, you can screw directly into the wall. For brick, stucco, or concrete, you’ll need to drill pilot holes and use wall anchors.

    Drill and Secure the Plate

    1. Drill pilot holes at the marked spots (use a masonry bit for hard surfaces).
    2. Insert wall anchors if needed.
    3. Align the mounting plate and screw it into place using the provided screws.
    4. Ensure it’s tight and level—this prevents the doorbell from tilting later.

    Pro Tip: If your wall is uneven, use the included angled mounting plate (sold separately) to adjust the angle for a better view.

    Step 4: Connect the Wiring

    Now it’s time to connect the doorbell to your home’s wiring. This step is simple but critical.

    Prepare the Wires

    1. Remove the wire nuts from the two doorbell wires.
    2. If the wire ends are frayed or too short, use wire strippers to expose about 1/4 inch of copper.
    3. Twist the exposed ends to keep them neat.

    Attach Wires to the Doorbell

    The Arlo doorbell has two terminals labeled “Front” and “Trans.” It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—polarity isn’t an issue.

    1. Loosen the terminal screws on the back of the doorbell.
    2. Insert one wire into each terminal.
    3. Tighten the screws to secure the wires.
    4. Gently tug to ensure they’re snug.

    Caution: Don’t overtighten—this can damage the wires or terminals.

    Optional: Install the Chime Connector

    If your indoor chime doesn’t work after installation, you may need the chime connector (included in the box).

    1. Turn off power at the breaker.
    2. Open your chime unit (usually behind a cover or in the basement).
    3. Disconnect the two wires from the chime terminals.
    4. Connect those wires to the chime connector’s input terminals.
    5. Connect two new wires from the chime connector’s output terminals back to the chime.
    6. Mount the connector inside the chime box or nearby.

    This device regulates power and prevents interference, ensuring your chime works reliably.

    Step 5: Attach the Arlo Doorbell

    With the wiring complete, it’s time to mount the doorbell.

    Snap the Doorbell onto the Plate

    1. Align the doorbell with the mounting plate.
    2. Gently press it into place until it clicks.
    3. Use the provided security screw and screwdriver to secure it from the bottom.

    This screw prevents theft—don’t skip it!

    Turn the Power Back On

    1. Go back to the circuit breaker and turn the power back on.
    2. Wait 30–60 seconds for the doorbell to power up.
    3. You should see a light on the front—usually a blinking blue or white LED.

    If the light doesn’t appear, double-check your wiring and power supply.

    Step 6: Set Up the Arlo App

    The Arlo app is your control center for the doorbell. It’s where you’ll view live video, receive alerts, and customize settings.

    Download and Open the App

    1. Download the Arlo app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
    2. Open the app and create an account (or log in if you already have one).

    Add Your Doorbell

    1. Tap the “+” icon or “Add Device.”
    2. Select “Video Doorbell” and choose your model.
    3. Follow the on-screen prompts.
    4. When prompted, scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell or enter the serial number manually.

    Connect to Wi-Fi

    1. The app will guide you to connect the doorbell to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
    2. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.
    3. Wait for the doorbell to connect—this may take 1–2 minutes.

    Note: The Arlo doorbell does not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Make sure you’re connecting to the 2.4 GHz band.

    Complete the Setup

    1. Name your doorbell (e.g., “Front Door”).
    2. Set up motion zones if desired (to focus alerts on specific areas).
    3. Enable notifications (push, email, or both).
    4. Test the live view to confirm video and audio are working.

    You’re almost done!

    Step 7: Test and Customize Your Doorbell

    Now that everything is installed, it’s time to test and fine-tune your setup.

    Test the Doorbell

    1. Press the doorbell button.
    2. Check if your chime sounds (if installed).
    3. Open the Arlo app and see if you receive a notification.
    4. Answer the call and test two-way audio.

    If the chime doesn’t sound, revisit the chime connector setup or consider using the Arlo wireless chime.

    Adjust Motion Settings

    The Arlo doorbell uses PIR (passive infrared) sensors to detect motion. You can customize:

    • Motion sensitivity: High, medium, or low
    • Motion zones: Draw areas on the video feed to monitor only specific spots
    • Alert schedule: Set times when you want to receive notifications

    For example, you might disable alerts during nighttime to avoid false triggers from passing cars.

    Enable Smart Features

    Take advantage of Arlo’s advanced features:

    • Package Detection: Get alerts when a package is delivered
    • Person Detection: Only receive alerts when a person is detected (reduces false alarms)
    • Cloud Recording: Subscribe to Arlo Secure for video history and extended storage

    These features enhance security and reduce unnecessary notifications.

    Troubleshooting Common Issues

    Even with careful installation, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.

    Doorbell Won’t Power On

    • Check the breaker: Make sure power is restored.
    • Test voltage: Use a multimeter to confirm 16–24V AC at the wires.
    • Inspect connections: Ensure wires are securely attached and not touching each other.

    Wi-Fi Connection Fails

    • Move closer to the router: Temporarily move the doorbell near the router during setup.
    • Restart the router: Power cycle your Wi-Fi router.
    • Forget and reconnect: In the app, remove the device and re-add it.

    Chime Doesn’t Ring

    • Install the chime connector: This is often the fix for incompatible chimes.
    • Use the Arlo wireless chime: Plug it into an outlet inside your home.
    • Check wiring at the chime: Ensure all connections are tight.

    Video Quality Is Poor

    • Clean the lens: Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
    • Improve Wi-Fi signal: Use an extender or reposition the router.
    • Update firmware: The app will notify you of updates—install them promptly.

    False Motion Alerts

    • Adjust motion zones: Exclude areas like busy streets or trees.
    • Lower sensitivity: Reduce from high to medium or low.
    • Enable person detection: This filters out animals and vehicles.

    Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance

    To keep your Arlo doorbell working like new, follow these simple maintenance steps:

    • Clean the lens monthly: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and smudges.
    • Check for firmware updates: Open the app regularly to see if updates are available.
    • Inspect wiring annually: Make sure connections are secure and wires aren’t frayed.
    • Test the doorbell quarterly: Press the button and verify alerts and video.
    • Replace the battery (if applicable): Some models have rechargeable batteries—check the app for low battery alerts.

    A little upkeep goes a long way in ensuring reliability.

    Conclusion

    Congratulations—you’ve successfully installed your Arlo Video Doorbell Wireless! You now have a powerful tool to enhance your home’s security, stay connected with visitors, and enjoy peace of mind whether you’re at home or away.

    From checking compatibility and wiring to mounting the device and customizing settings, this guide covered every step to ensure a smooth, stress-free installation. Remember, the key to success is preparation: having the right tools, verifying your home’s setup, and following instructions carefully.

    If you run into any issues, don’t panic—most problems have simple fixes, and Arlo’s customer support is available if needed. And with regular maintenance, your doorbell will serve you well for years to come.

    Now, go enjoy your smart home upgrade! Whether it’s seeing a delivery person drop off a package or chatting with a friend while you’re at work, your Arlo doorbell makes life a little easier—and a lot safer.

    Welcome to the future of doorbells.