VMB5000 NA

[Billman]

I bought a home with an Arlo doorbell and two cameras.... System might be as old as 13 years old. I  can't seem to sync with my wifi system. My home wifi network offers both a 6.0 and a 2.4 connection. My Arlo is supposed to hook up to the 2.4 which I don't seem to be able to do. Is this a wifi problem ? An Arlo issue ? Or is our Arlo system just too old ?

[StephenB]

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@Billman wrote:

I bought a home with an Arlo doorbell and two cameras.... System might be as old as 13 years old. I  can't seem to sync with my wifi system. My home wifi network offers both a 6.0 and a 2.4 connection. My Arlo is supposed to hook up to the 2.4 which I don't seem to be able to do. Is this a wifi problem ? An Arlo issue ? Or is our Arlo system just too old ?

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It could be the age.

Are the cameras fully charged?  (LED solid blue)?

Can you give us details of the camera and base models?  

• Look for a VMBxxxx label on the base
• Open the camera housing and remove the battery - there is a label behind it.

Most older cameras won't connect to your home wifi directly.  They connect through the hub (which needs to be installed first).

[Billman]

cameras are fully charged/ charging. 

VBM5000 NA

-Arlo Essentials cameras  best I can tell ( original I think, not 2nd generation ). Does not open up. Sealed outdoor cameras.

-Base station is connected, but will not sync with the cameras, or doorbell. It chimes, but no video.

My mobile app is the problem. My wifi has both 2.4, and 6.0 offered, but I'm not able to switch to the 2.4 to sync it to wifi. All other devices ( cell, laptops, etc. use the 6.0

[StephenB]

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@Billman wrote:

-Arlo Essentials cameras  best I can tell ( original I think, not 2nd generation ). Does not open up. Sealed outdoor cameras.

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Likely correct.  A couple ways to tell:

• Gen 1 have the sync button under the charging flap at the bottom
• Gen 1 uses microUSB cables
• Gen 2 have the sync button on the top
• Gen 2 uses USB-C cables

Gen 1 also have the model number embossed on the charging flap.  That can be hard to see - placing the camera so the flap is reflecting the light can help.  You might need to take a picture on your phone to read it.

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@Billman wrote:

My mobile app is the problem. My wifi has both 2.4, and 6.0 offered, but I'm not able to switch to the 2.4 to sync it to wifi. All other devices ( cell, laptops, etc. use the 6.0

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I also have 2.4/5/6 ghz wifi, with no way to set up different SSIDs for different bands.  But I've found that with my router I can just ignore the prompt that says to use 2.4 ghz.  Have you tried that?

Also, you can try using a PC (my.arlo.com) - ideally using a PC connected with ethernet.

Either way, you need to set up the base first (connecting it with ethernet to your router).  Then add the Essentials (connecting them through the base).  You do need to be careful to select the correct camera model when you use "add device".