Arlo Essential Indoor Camera User Manual

Essential Indoor Camera
User Manual
Contents
1. Get to Know Your Camera 5
Front and back views .......................................................................................................................... 5
Privacy Shield ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Get the Arlo app ................................................................................................................................... 6
Do more with Arlo ................................................................................................................................ 7
2. Get Started 8
Use the Arlo app for installation and setup .................................................................................... 8
Find a good location for your camera ............................................................................................. 8
Plug in your camera indoors ............................................................................................................. 9
Check the LED ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Wall mount your camera .................................................................................................................. 10
Test motion detection ...................................................................................................................... 11
3. WiFi Setup and Connections 13
WiFi connection options ..................................................................................................................13
Tips for optimal WiFi performance ................................................................................................13
Connect your mobile device to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network during setup .................................... 14
Move your camera’s WiFi connection to a SmartHub or base station .................................... 15
Move your camera’s WiFi connection to a direct router connection ...................................... 16
4. Use Your Essential Indoor Camera 17
The Privacy Shield ............................................................................................................................. 18
Close the Privacy Shield ................................................................................................................... 18
View your camera feeds ................................................................................................................... 19
Record clips from live video.............................................................................................................20
Take a snapshot from live video ..................................................................................................... 20
Motion detection activity zones ...................................................................................................... 21
2-Way Audio ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Turn the camera’s siren on and o manually ............................................................................... 23
View recordings and snapshots ...................................................................................................... 23
5. Modes, Rules, and Alerts 27
Modes ................................................................................................................................................... 27
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Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
Select a mode ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Arm or disarm all devices ................................................................................................................. 28
Rules for modes ................................................................................................................................. 28
Change motion sensitivity ............................................................................................................... 29
Use a rule to activate the camera’s siren .......................................................................................29
Add a rule with an optional base station siren trigger ...............................................................30
Add a custom mode .......................................................................................................................... 30
Arm only outdoor cameras connected to an optional SmartHub or base station 31
Manage alerts ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Mute Notications ............................................................................................................................. 33
Schedule when your camera is armed .......................................................................................... 33
Set up Arlo Geofencing ..................................................................................................................... 34
Geofencing with multiple mobile devices .................................................................................... 36
6. Change Your Settings 38
Two-step verication ........................................................................................................................ 38
Use face or ngerprint authentication .......................................................................................... 39
Customize your prole ..................................................................................................................... 40
Change your Arlo password .............................................................................................................41
Reset a forgotten password ............................................................................................................. 41
Grant access to friends ..................................................................................................................... 42
Change the time zone ....................................................................................................................... 44
Camera settings .................................................................................................................................44
Video Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 45
Adjust the audio settings ..................................................................................................................46
Adjust the icker setting ................................................................................................................... 46
Turn the Essential Indoor Camera on and o .............................................................................. 46
Restart the camera from the Arlo app ........................................................................................... 47
View device information ................................................................................................................... 47
Remove a device from your account ............................................................................................. 47
Optional SmartHub and Base Station settings ............................................................................ 48
7. Troubleshooting 50
Scan a QR code during setup .......................................................................................................... 50
Arlo doesn’t discover your camera during setup ........................................................................ 51
Troubleshoot Arlo Geofencing ........................................................................................................ 51
3Contents User Manual
Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
Can’t see video streams in a browser ............................................................................................ 52
WiFi signal interference .................................................................................................................... 52
Reset the camera to its factory settings ........................................................................................54
8. Arlo Connect 55
Use Arlo with Amazon Alexa ............................................................................................................ 55
Add your camera to the Google Assistant app ............................................................................ 56
Use Arlo with IFTTT ........................................................................................................................... 57
4Contents User Manual

1. Get to Know Your Camera

Protect your home while away, without compromising your privacy when at home. Your Arlo
Essential Indoor Camera captures 1080p video and oers a way to reassure your privacy with
an automated privacy shield, controllable through the Arlo app. Receive motion alerts and
use 2-way Audio to hear and speak to visitors. You can place your camera on a at surface or
mount it to a wall.

Front and back views

Microphone
Ambient light sensor

Privacy Shield

Sync button
Status LED
Privacy Shield
Use the Arlo app to open and close the Privacy Shield.
Speaker
Indoor Micro USB cable
Base
Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

Get the Arlo app

Download the Arlo app. The Arlo app lets you create an Arlo account in the cloud and set up and manage all your Arlo devices.
Note: If you already use the Arlo app, make
sure that you’re using the latest version. To
nd out if an update is available, go to the app store and search for Arlo.
Features
Capture clear details in full high-denition. Record video in 1080p for a clear picture.
Protect your privacy. Ensure your moments are private when needed by closing the automated privacy shield.
Receive alerts when motion or audio is detected. Notications are sent directly to your phone.
See at night, even without a light. Black-and-white night vision turns on automatically once it’s dark.
Clearly hear and speak with visitors. Tap a button in the app to use 2-Way Audio.
Keep an eye on what matters with a wide eld of view. 130° viewing angle lets you see more.
Security in the palm of your hand. Watch live streams or recorded video from your smartphone or tablet using the Arlo app.
Take action faster. Get notications when your camera spots people, packages, vehicles, or animals with Arlo Smart
Ward o unwanted guests with the built-in siren. Set the built-in siren to trigger manually
or automatically from the Arlo App.
1
.
1 Arlo Smart service is not available in certain countries. See www.arlo.com/ArloSmart for details.
6Get to Know Your Camera
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Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

Do more with Arlo

Add more Arlo cameras and devices. Cover more areas in and around your home by adding cameras, security lights, and more.
Upgrade your Arlo subscription. For more information,visit What are the available Arlo
subscription plans and how much cloud recording is available?
7Get to Know Your Camera
User Manual

2. Get Started

Protect your home while away without comprising your privacy when at home. Arlo Essential
Indoor Camera captures 1080p video and oers a way to reassure your privacy with an
automated privacy shield, controllable through the Arlo App. Receive motion alerts and use 2-way audio to hear and speak to visitors.

Use the Arlo app for installation and setup

The free Arlo app helps you complete setup and guides you through the installation process.
1. Open the Arlo app and connect to your WiFi network. If you don’t have the app, you can download it and create your Arlo
account. Once you set up your Arlo account, you can access it from the Arlo
app on a smartphone or tablet, or from a computer using a web browser. If you’re using a computer, enter https://my.arlo.com/#/login in the address bar of the browser.
2. Select Add Device and add your camera.

Find a good location for your camera

Select a location for your camera with a clear vantage point to fully optimize the wide eld of
view. For the best experience, choose a location with a strong WiFi signal. You can check the WiFi signal strength in the Arlo app.
Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

Plug in your camera indoors

Your Essential Indoor Camera is a wired product powered by a USB cable and a 5V 2A power adapter. A micro USB cable and power adapter came in the box with your camera. The cable and power adapter are for indoor use only.
1. Connect the micro USB charging cable to your camera.
2. Connect the other end of the charging cable to the power adapter and plug it into a power outlet.

Check the LED

Your Essential Indoor Camera LED lights to indicate the status of the camera. The LED lights
blue briey when the camera is rst powered on.
LED
LED behaviors during setup
Slow blinking blue. The camera is in the process of pairing to a WiFi network.
Fast blinking blue. The camera successfully paired with a WiFi network.
Slow blinking amber. A setup error occurred. For help, see Chapter 7. Troubleshooting on page 50.
LED behaviors aer setup
Fast blinking blue. The camera was factory reset. For more information, see Reset the
camera to its factory settings on page 54.
9Get Started
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Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
Solid amber. An internet connectivity error occurred. Make sure that your WiFi router is connected to the internet and your camera is connected to your WiFi network.
Alternating blue and amber. A rmware update is in progress.

Wall mount your camera

You can place your Essential Indoor Camera on a at surface or you can mount it on a wall.
Your camera comes with a mount and a screw kit.
Note: You must follow the instructions in the Arlo app when you rst install your camera. Do
not begin mounting your camera before the Arlo app instructs you to during the installation process.
You need the following items to mount your Essential Indoor Camera:
A power drill with a 15/64 inch (6 mm) drill bit
A Phillips-head screwdriver
A pencil (optional)
The wall plate and screw kit that came with your camera
To wall mount your camera:
1. Place the wall plate that came with your camera on the wall where you want to mount your camera.
2. Use a pencil to mark the location of the two holes in the wall plate and then remove the wall plate.
3. Use a 15/64 inch (6 mm) drill bit to drill two holes into the wall.
4. Place the wall plate back onto the wall, and align it with the holes.
5. While holding the wall plate in position, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to fasten a screw into each hole.
If you’re mounting the camera on drywall, use the drywall anchors we provide.
10Get Started
User Manual
Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
6. Align the camera with the wall plate, and push the camera onto the wall plate.
7. Slide the camera base down until you hear an audible click.
8. Plug in the camera.
9. Tilt and swivel to adjust the camera angle.
Note: To unmount your Essential Indoor Camera, slide the camera up until you hear an
audible click, then pull the camera away from the wall plate.

Test motion detection

You can use the motion detection test to nd the right motion sensitivity setting for your
camera.
1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap Settings > My Devices.
3. Select your camera.
4. Tap Device Utilities > Motion Detection Test.
5. Move in front of the camera. During this test, the LED blinks amber when motion is detected.
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User Manual
Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
6. Move the slider to adjust the motion sensitivity level as needed. This motion sensitivity setting is used during the motion detection test. It is not
automatically applied to the camera rules used by modes to arm your camera. When you
are satised with a particular motion sensitivity level in the test, note the setting so that
you can add it to your rules.
7. Edit the rule for your camera to enter the motion sensitivity level that you want to use.
12Get Started
User Manual

3. WiFi Setup and Connections

When you install and set up your camera, the Arlo app guides you through the process of connecting the camera to your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network or to an optional Arlo SmartHub or base station.

WiFi connection options

When you install your camera you can connect it directly to your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi band, or you can connect the camera with WiFi to an Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 or VMB4540, or an Arlo base station VMB4500 or VMB4000.
An Arlo SmartHub or base station isn’t included in the package with your camera. They are sold separately. Using your camera with a SmartHub or base station gives you access to these additional features:
Use local storage on an SD card in a VMB5000 SmartHub or on a USB storage device connected to the SmartHub VMB4540 or base station VMB4500 or VMB4000.
Use direct storage access for SmartHubs VMB5000 and VMB4540.
Aer you install and set up your camera, you can move its WiFi connection from your router
to a SmartHub or base station. You can also move your camera’s WiFi connection from a SmartHub or base station and connect it directly to your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi band. To do this, you must remove the device from your account and reinstall through the Arlo app, selecting the appropriate option to move back and forth.

Tips for optimal WiFi performance

The distance between WiFi devices can aect the WiFi signal:
Maximum recommended distance. We recommend that you place your WiFi router within 300 feet (90 meters) of the camera. The maximum line-of-sight range of 300 feet is reduced by each wall, ceiling, or other major obstruction between the camera and the router.
Minimum recommended distance. To reduce WiFi interference, allow at least 6½ feet (2 meters) between your camera and any Arlo cameras that you install.
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Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
These materials can reduce WiFi signal strength if they are located between WiFi devices:
Unusually thick walls and ceilings
Brick
Concrete
Stone
Ceramic
Glass, especially mirrors
Metal
Large quantities of water, such as the water in a sh tank or water heater

Connect your mobile device to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network during setup

If you’re connecting your camera directly to your router’s WiFi network, it’s important to understand that your mobile device must connect to the same WiFi network as the camera during setup.
Your camera can only connect to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. Many routers broadcast WiFi networks in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, so your phone might connect to the 5 GHz WiFi band. During setup, connect your phone to your 2.4 GHz WiFi network, then connect your camera to that same 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
Find your 2.4 GHz WiFi network name and password
Your phone might connect to your 5 GHz WiFi network most of the time. If you’re not sure
about how to nd the 2.4 GHz WiFi network:
Look on your WiFi router label. Many routers have a label that shows the WiFi network name, which is also called an SSID. Your 2.4 GHz network name might have a 2, 2.4, or 2G at the end. Your 5 GHz network name might have a 5 or 5G at the end. If you changed your WiFi settings, then check the place where you saved your custom settings.
If your WiFi network name or SSID doesn’t indicate whether it’s 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, ask your Internet service provider (ISP) or the person who set up your WiFi router.
If you have a mesh WiFi network, it uses only one WiFi network name for both WiFi bands.
The camera nds and connects to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. As long as you connect your
phone to the same mesh network, Arlo can discover the camera.
14WiFi Setup and Connections
User Manual
Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
Connect your iOS (Apple) device to a 2.4 GHz network
1. Unlock your device and tap Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi, near the top of the list of Settings options.
3. Turn on WiFi by tapping the switch next to Wi-Fi at the top.
Note: WiFi is activated when the switch is green.
4. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. This is commonly indicated by a 2, 2.4, or 2G at the end of the network name.
5. If prompted, enter the password for the network.
When you’re connected to the WiFi network, a blue check mark appears to the le of the
network name.
Connect your Android device to a 2.4 GHz network
1. Unlock your device and tap Settings.
2. Tap Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on WiFi by tapping Use WiFi at the top.
4. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. This is commonly indicated by a 2, 2.4, or 2G at the end of the network name.
5. If prompted, enter the password for the network. When you’re connected to the WiFi network, the word Connected appears under the network name.

Move your camera’s WiFi connection to a SmartHub or base station

You can change your camera’s WiFi connection from your router to an Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 or VMB4540, or an Arlo base station VMB4500 or VMB4000.
To add a SmartHub or base station and connect your camera:
1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Add the SmartHub or base station to the same Arlo account that your camera was originally connected to.
If you’re using an Arlo Smart trial associated with this account, doing this keeps the Arlo Smart trial active.
15WiFi Setup and Connections
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Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
3. Follow the Arlo app instructions to set up your SmartHub or base station and connect it to the Internet.
4. Tap Settings > My Devices.
5. Select your camera.
6. Scroll down and tap Remove Device. Your device is reset and removed from your account.
7. From My Devices, tap Add New Device > Cameras > Essential.
8. Follow the Arlo app instructions to add the camera.
9. When the Arlo app detects your SmartHub or base station, follow the instructions to connect your camera to your SmartHub or base station.

Move your camera’s WiFi connection to a direct router connection

You can change your camera’s WiFi connection from a VMB5000, VMB4540, VMB4500, or VMB4000 SmartHub or base station, and connect the camera directly to your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
To move your camera’s WiFi connection directly to your router:
1. Open the Arlo app and log into the same Arlo account that your camera is connected to. If you are using an Arlo Smart trial associated with this account, doing this keeps the trial
active so you don’t lose it.
2. Make sure that your mobile device is connected to your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi network. For more information, see Connect your mobile device to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network during
setup on page 14.
3. Tap Settings > My Devices.
4. Select your camera.
5. Scroll down and tap Remove Device. Your device is reset and removed from your account.
6. Tap Devices, and then tap Add New Device.
7. Follow the Arlo app instructions to connect your camera directly to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
16WiFi Setup and Connections
User Manual

4. Use Your Essential Indoor Camera

When you open the Arlo app, the Devices page displays your camera feeds.
Tap to turn the siren
on and o manually
Camera icon
Tap Play the camera feed
The camera is armed and detecting audio and motion
Tap a button to go to Devices, Library, Modes, or Settings
Located below each camera feed
WiFi signal from your WiFi router, SmartHub, or base station
Audio detection is on Mute the audio
Motion detection is on 2-Way Audio
to stream
Camera feed icon
Tap the camera feed to display these icons
Play/Stop
Tap to view device settings for the camera Number of new recordings
View or change the camera settings Record video manually
(requires cloud storage) Take a snapshot
(requires cloud storage)
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Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

The Privacy Shield

Your Essential Indoor Camera comes with an integrated Privacy Shield to give you an extra level of privacy. The Privacy Shield automatically covers the camera lens when the camera is disarmed, and opens when the camera is armed. Motion detection, audio detection, and the
camera microphone are turned o when the Privacy Shield is closed.
If you want to live stream your camera while it is disarmed, you must provide your Arlo
account password, face authentication (if applicable), or ngerprint authentication (if
applicable). This provides an extra layer of security to protect your privacy.

Close the Privacy Shield

The Arlo app lets you open and close the Privacy Shield by using modes, or by turning the
camera on and o. Do not use your ngers to physically open and close the Privacy Shield.
Use Disarmed mode to close the Privacy Shield
To disarm your camera and close the Privacy Shield:
1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap Mode.
3. Select your Essential Indoor Camera. A list of modes displays.
4. Tap Disarm.
Your camera is disarmed, and the Privacy Shield covers the camera lens.
18Use Your Essential Indoor Camera
User Manual
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