If your Arlo Essential 3 Pan-Tilt Indoor is showing this problem, working through the checks below in order will resolve it in the large majority of cases. Each step is safe to carry out yourself and is verified against Arlo’s official support guidance.
What This Problem Means
The Arlo Essential 3 Pan-Tilt Indoor uses infrared and colour night vision. When it is not working, the image appears dark, blurry or washed out at night.
Common Symptoms
- Image appears completely dark at night
- Night vision image is blurry or washed out
- Colour night vision not activating when expected
- Night vision switches on and off unexpectedly
Safe Checks You Can Try
1. Check night vision settings
Open the Arlo Secure app and go to your camera’s settings. Ensure Night Vision is set to Auto or On. In Auto mode the camera switches between day and night vision based on light levels.
2. Check for light interference
A nearby bright light source pointing directly into the camera lens can overexpose the night vision image or prevent it from activating. Reposition the camera or shield the lens from direct light.
3. Clean the lens
Dust, condensation, cobwebs or fingerprints on the lens are the most common cause of blurry night vision. Clean the lens gently with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Restart the camera
Unplug the power adapter from the wall, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 60 seconds for it to restart fully. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds at the same time. A firmware glitch can occasionally prevent the night vision from switching correctly between day and night mode.
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When To Contact Support
If the issue persists after working through all the checks above, contact Arlo support for further help. Your device may be eligible for a replacement if it is within its one-year warranty.