Distorted sound/feedback while answering doorbell

[Jharding61]

I am now on my second Arlo doorbell, both have shown the same very annoying behaviour.  When answering the phone call the video is fine and I can hear the caller.  But as soon as I enable the mic on my Google Pixel 6 Pro I get a horrible squawking noise, that is played out of both the phone and the doorbell.  It is impossible for the caller to understand me, and the sound gets progressively louder.  Both doorbells have displayed this behaviour, the first was returned to the retailer for an exchange, but the new one does exactly the same thing.  Is this problem specific to Pixel phones?  Is there a setting for the phone  I am unaware of?  It occurs both with the phone alone, or if I try and use the phone through a Bluetooth device.  I can play the pre-recorded messages without an issue (only with the mic off during the call). Also if I connect to the camera directly both the mic and speaker are perfectly fine.  The issue seems to be specific to the phone call.

Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen 

[JamesC]

The development team is currently investigating reports of this issue. I will provide an update as soon as I have more information available to share.

JamesC

[Jharding61]

James,

           Thank you very much.  I await your further advice on this issue.

Regards,

Jackson

[JC9000]

The newly purchased Arlo video doorbell ver2 has an issue with feedback/echo noise when used in conjunction with the Google Pixel 8 phone and the Arlo secure app.  The feedback/echo noise is experienced when answering the doorbell and renders the answering function unusable. The app and doorbell work fine when used for monitoring and audio.

-have performed factory reset on doorbell

-have installed app multiple times on the Pixel 8 and updated Pixel 8 to latest firmwaren adn app software

-works fine when installed on multiple Samsung S20 phones

Help with this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Deedee65]

https://youtu.be/_oPxt5EERQE?si=9CHRpnRktSM719aI

this video helped me with my cameral issue like yours

[Jharding61]

Thank you.  This doesn't work with the Arlo cameras as they do not have those controls available when a caller uses the doorbell.  They are only available when you activate the camera directly yourself, and in that situation it already works perfectly.

[Deedee65]

oh ok, it was worth a try I guess

[Alexklimaj]

I'm having this same problem with mine. Almost unusable with the amount of audio feedback and echo I get trying to talk through the doorbell.

[Alexklimaj]

https://myapi.arlo.com/hmsfeeds/users/library/share/link/54D5CBBACF073EEB_202401

[jguerdat]

There was a recent poster who stated he used some sort of sticky putty (?) to clean out the mic opening on his camera even though it looked clean. That won't address a hardware issue but it might be worth a try.

[Jharding61]

Yes, that's exactly what is happening.  Sounds identical.  Any solution?

[JamesC]

Alexklimaj, Jharding61

What model streaming device are you using (Android/iOS)? Are you able to reproduce this issue if you use a different streaming device?

JamesC

[Alexklimaj]

Pixel 6

[Luisncrystal]

Also having the same issas  with google pixel 6 android.  It works perfectly fine on an iOS apple device as I tried connecting with my son's phone. Please look into the matter that seem to be affecting many google pixel phone users.

[Luisncrystal]

Any update as it's been over a month? And it seems to be affecting all google pixel users 

[Alexklimaj]

It appears that Arlo has no Android developers after the recent app crashing on android beta. Really regretting not going with Ring. I've had years of flawless performance on Ring at my house.

[Jharding61]

The Arlo team have been working on this.  I have been asked to beta test new firmware, and so far it is working well and has addressed the problem, at least on my device.  I suspect once testing is finished they will push the update to everyone.

[Retired_Member]

We have had this since the beginning. Horrible feedback, delays, no one can clearly hear us.

Also we have had issues where we didn't intend the answer the doorbell ring on our phones, but it must have answered automatically via a fitbit or something. While receiving the package the voices were super delayed and feedback coming out of the doorbell was horrible, we had to talk loudly to understand each other above the noise.

Literally today I was going to unplug it and order a different brand. I don't think I can wait much longer because it's a horrific feature. I wish I could turn it off from ringing to our phones at all, so there is no accidental answer and loud, grating noise our mail delivery guy flinches from.

I wouldn't buy again.

[hpatel85]

Has this been resolved? I'm having the same issue with my Gen 2 on a Samsung galaxy s23 ultra

[Sammy123]

I get the same horrible feedback on my Motorola G6 phone as well. The microphone is basically worthless, as I can speak with anyone at the Arlo 2nd Generation Doorbell. The noise is so bad, they can't hear me & I can't hear them!!!!

Also the Setting part of the App is terrible. I CANNOT find anywhere to make the advertised selections to ignore dogs/animals, cars in the camera field of view.

Totally unsatisfied with this product. The Arlo website is not very helpful. I go to the page to view a User's Manual for a number of their products & all I get is the marginal Quick Start installation instructions.

We'll see if they respond directly within a day or two to address the problems. If not I will be returning this junk for a refund & going to a Ring device!

[Mike9990]

I have the same problem with both a Nokia C100 phone and a Samsung Galaxy A03S.  Actually the screechy feedback also builds up on it's own if I open the app and go to the live view.   I have tried all solutions I have found online with zero luck.  Arlo has been no help whatsoever, and my only step is to return it and get another one which will probably have the same defect, as it has been more than 30 days. 

Needless to say, I have a feeling that Arlo is less than honest.

[LennieJ]

I have the exact same thing with my Xiaomi Mi 11 ultra. 

Unusable in communication mode if you want to answers a call. 😔

[j0042]

Confirmed still happening with 2nd gen doorbell on latest firmware and Pixel 6a. Please update us on the status. Will probably have to return the camera unfortunately. This is a key part of the functionality I need.

[yowie]

Installed yesterday and had this same issue for about half an hour or so. Loud feedback which got louder and louder which started off as echos. Assumed the phone was too close to the doorbell. But even at the other end of the house and 100 meters down the street the issue persisted. Tried switching from wifi to 4G/5G didnt make a difference, but when I added my wife to view the account as a friend and she anwered the doorbell with an Iphone it seemed to go away. My andriod phone doesnt have the feedback anymore either (Pixel 6).

[LennieJ]

Wow. How is it even possible. 

I have tried with Xiaomi 11 ultra, OnePlus 10, and Samsung pad. All same problem. 

No one in family has iphone. So can't try it out.