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Arlo Camera Clicking? Check Night Vision and IR Reflections

Arlo camera clicks are usually normal infrared-filter movement. Repeated clicking can point to reflected infrared light, another IR device, or a camera skin.

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An Arlo camera’s click is usually the sound of its internal infrared filter moving as Night Vision switches on or off. A click at power-on, during a firmware update, or around morning and evening lighting changes can be normal. Repeated clicking may mean reflected infrared light or another infrared source is making Night Vision switch back and forth.

What causes the click?

Arlo says the sound comes from the camera’s internal infrared filter changing position as the camera transitions into or out of Night Vision. Its support guidance says a click can occur when the camera is first powered on, when it wakes across day and night modes, or during a firmware update. Arlo also says it is possible to hear a click approximately twice a day, during the morning and evening transitions; that is a possibility, not a guaranteed count for every camera or home. See Arlo’s explanation of camera clicking.

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When does repeated clicking point to a setup issue?

If the camera clicks repeatedly, reflected infrared light may be causing Night Vision to turn on and off excessively. Arlo identifies windows, exposed metal, and other reflective surfaces as possible contributors. Another camera or device with infrared LEDs can also affect Night Vision, particularly if cameras point directly at one another. A medium- or light-colored hooded camera skin may reflect infrared light back toward the camera’s sensors. Arlo describes these causes and remedies in its Night Vision troubleshooting guidance.

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How to troubleshoot the clicking

  1. Note when it happens. A click at startup, during a firmware update, or around the day-to-night transition is consistent with normal infrared-filter movement.
  2. Check the camera’s surroundings. Look for a nearby window, exposed metal, or another reflective surface in or near the camera’s view. If practical, move the camera so infrared light is less likely to reflect back into it.
  3. Check nearby infrared devices. Avoid pointing Arlo cameras directly at one another. If the devices’ infrared lights are interfering, Arlo suggests disabling Night Vision on one camera as a possible remedy.
  4. Inspect any camera skin. If the camera has a medium- or light-colored hooded skin, remove it and see whether the behavior changes. Arlo says such skins can reflect infrared light; a black or non-hooded skin may avoid that issue, but first verify fit for the exact camera model.
  5. Try Arlo’s lighting readjustment step. Move the camera into a lit area and then into an unlit area so it can readjust to the lighting conditions.
  6. Decide whether Night Vision is needed in that position. If the view must include a reflective surface, Arlo recommends disabling Night Vision. This may address the repeated switching, but it also means Night Vision will not be available there.

When to contact Arlo Support

Arlo’s support guidance does not set a universal number of clicks that makes the sound abnormal. If the camera continues clicking persistently after you have checked its timing, surroundings, nearby infrared sources, and skin, contact Arlo Support for help with your camera model.

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