Arlo Pro 5S - (missing events, taking snapshots). Pro 4 in same location works fine.

[chicane]

I've had ongoing headaches with my Pro 5S cameras not detecting events or taking snapshots instead.

Today I did a side by side test with a Pro 4 camera in the same location. Both devices are on 2.4GHz and connected to an outdoor Ubiquiti AP (great signal strength for both). I did try the device on 5GHz and found it to be similarly flaky so reverted to a hopefully more stable 2.4GHz connection. Unfortunately not.

Since I have done this side by side test, the Pro 4 is detecting every event (and recording a video). 

The pro 5 recorded video once, completely missed one event and recorded a snapshot instead for the third event. With the video was choppy and audio partially missing at the start, while the Pro4 was smooth and had audio for the full clip.

Both devices are active under my subscription, set identical under the routine (to record video), and smart notifications set the same.

I've had this replaced with a new sealed unit by support for the second time with the same outcome.

Are these devices inherently faulty? anyone else experiencing similar?

[BrookeN]

The firmware has started rolling out. It should be completed within the next week. As soon as that is fully rolled out the behavior you are seeing will be resolved. 

[BrookeN]

I have this escalated to the engineering team. I will update the community as soon as possible. 

[StephenB]

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@GeneralMeow wrote:

I prefer the USB-C cables 

I do agree that changing cables multiple times over the revisions is unacceptable, but USB-C is where they should have went after using micro USB for years.

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They started the transistion back in 2023 with the Essential Gen 2 cameras.  It was clear that they'd end up switching to USB-C for the Ultra/Pro cameras too.  I don't get the "changing cables multiple times over the revisions" comment, as the Ultra/Pro accessories (including cables) all were stable for 7 years (2018-2025).

Love this or hate it, it was the EU that drove this particular change.  No more lightning connectors for Apple, no more magnetic connector for Arlo, no more microUSB for anybody.  Personally I think it is a good change overall.

But one consequence is that the cables, replacement housings and solar panels also need to change.  Magnetic mounts are still compatible, but you won't be able to use them with outdoor chargers or solar panels (since the USB-C connector is now in the back of the camera).   Folks who charge-as-needed will generally find that they need to take the cameras down to charge them - at least I can't insert the cable when a camera is on a screw mount.