Doorbell keeps disconnecting from Network

[EvilPinata]

I'm beginning to regret buying the Arlo Wired Video Doorbell. After an arduous install - two hours on the phone with technical support - my doorbell will now not stay connected to the network.  It connected long enough last night to catch a possum walking across my porch but apparently, that's all I get for the price. It now says "connecting" when I try to view live feed. The device says it's connected to the network under Device Settings. I get messages saying "Motion Detected" but there's no video stream, no images, nothing. If I try to view Live Feed, I get the same "connecting" message. Right now my live feed is a still-life of my porch last night.

It is NOT my router/WiFi. All my devices are fine and I work from home so if it was my network I'd definitely see the issue with other devices. The router is about 2.5 feet from the door with nothing blocking transmission. I'm using a 2.4 network, iphone, and Zyxcel router with MetroNet ISP.  My doorbell firmware is up to date as is the app. Yes, I have tried reset, and reconnect. The same issue persists. Looking for help or this thing goes back and I'll go to Ring.

[JamesC]

EvilPinata,

The symptoms you're describing could indicate a connectivity or interference issue. What does the signal strength icon show for the doorbell?

JamesC

[EvilPinata]

I have 3-4 bars and the router is about 4 feet from the doorbell. Any closer and I'd have to put it outside on the porch.

[LaMW]

Many WiFi modems are by default set to automatically choose the WiFi channel to use, they will do this based on nearby channel availability to avoid interference from neighboring WiFi signals.  So, set like this the channel will hop around and the Arlo may not be able to keep up with the changes.  

So, it would be worth a try to go into your WiFi's configuration and set it on a fixed channel, 1, 6 or 11 are your best options  In case you don't know this can be done through a web page generated by your router.  Perhaps you know how to get into it, or your Internet provider will help you, or do a web search by make and model and you should be able to find instructions to log into the modem and get to the settings.

[EvilPinata]

Thank you LaMW. That's the most helpful and reasonable suggestion so far. Alas, it did not change anything. My router was not set to automatically search so I didn't need to uncheck that option. I even tried setting it for 1 and 11 (it was already set to 6) but nothing helped. Still can't connect to the network. And even if it does, it drops off after an hour or two.

One more day Arlo - then I'm returning this thing for a Ring device.  Too bad because the Arlo camera definitely out performs Ring but it's useless if it won't connect a network.

[LaMW]

Sorry no solution so far, only thing else I can think of is it's under-powered so on the edge of working and not working.  If so, you would need a larger rated transformer to power it.  If you're using the Arlo along with your legacy type doorbell chime inline, the AC voltage from the power transformer is also going through the chime slightly lowering the voltage getting to the Arlo. 

[EvilPinata]

I don't know if that's it. I installed a new high-powered transformer to support the doorbell. I'm getting solid consistent power to the doorbell. In my latest reset, I'm getting "No Doorbell Found" when trying to connect to the network. Again, my router is about 3-4 feet from the doorbell so distance should not be an issue. My home office is about 8 feet, two walls and other electronics between it and the route and all those devices work just fine. 

[jguerdat]

Have you reset the doorbell?

https://kb.arlo.com/000062346/How-do-I-reset-my-Arlo-Essential-Video-Doorbell

[EvilPinata]

I've reset it multiple times. Many, many, many times.

[EvilPinata · Accepted solution]

Bought a Ring doorbell. Installed, setup and running in about 15 minutes. Versus 2 weeks of resets and restarts, and 4 hours of phone time with support for the Arlo. This goes for both Arlo doorbells (did I mention I bought a second one thinking the first was defective?) With Ring I have a consistent connection with no issues and turns out they improved the camera too.  

Bye bye Arlo. And believe me if anyone asks for a recommendation for a camera doorbell - they will hear the whole story.