topic Re: Essential Spotlight Camera Battery DOA (VMC2032) in Arlo Essential Wire-Free Cameras

Essential Spotlight Camera Battery DOA (VMC2032)

DrAzin — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 21:41:38 GMT

I bough a 4-pack of Arlo Essential Spotlight Cameras, and initially deployed two of them, and then later, when ready, attempted to deploy the remaining two. One of the remaining cameras worked fine just like the other two, but the last one (never before used) would never charge the battery. I have tried all of the troubleshooting tips in the support chat: press and hold the sync button for 15 seconds to reset (while plugged in, otherwise it's without power), but the light stays solid blue and never blinks. When I first plug it in, the light flashes blue for a couple of seconds and then goes solid. Pressing sync button never yields a flashing blue or other color. If I ever unplug it, it goes dead.

How can I get this fixed or replaced?

Thank you!

Re: Essential Spotlight Camera Battery DOA (VMC2032)

StephenB — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 23:03:58 GMT

@DrAzin wrote:

How can I get this fixed or replaced?

The warranty is 12 months, so hopefully it is still covered.

One option is to exchange with the seller. The second is to contact support using the support area of the app. If you have a subscription, you will see a phone option there.

Don't google for a support number, that will lead to a scam support site.

Re: Essential Spotlight Camera Battery DOA (VMC2032)

DrAzin — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:34:01 GMT

Thanks for the reply...the problem is that, even though I never used it until this last month, I bought it in early 2021 (so over a year)...but it's brand new, unused!

I wonder if this is a common problem, and/or there are any possibilities to fix (or if it is just bad manufacturing/parts that have to be replaced)...

Re: Essential Spotlight Camera Battery DOA (VMC2032)

StephenB — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:27:09 GMT

@DrAzin wrote:

even though I never used it until this last month, I bought it in early 2021 (so over a year)...but it's brand new, unused!

Unfortunately all warranties start from date of purchase.

@DrAzin wrote:

I wonder if this is a common problem, and/or there are any possibilities to fix

The camera isn't repairable (at least Arlo doesn't offer a repair service, and I don't know of any third party who does either).

While I have seen some out-of-the-box failures reported here, I don't think it's that common. All gadgets have some number of out-of-the-box failures, so it is important to test them when you receive them.