Slow Amber Blink
Arlo Smart Doorbell
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Arlo doorbell slow amber blinking LED indicates the doorbell is trying to connect to WiFi but failing.
Cause is usually weak signal at the doorbell location, the WiFi password having changed, or the router being down.
The doorbell records motion events to local memory while disconnected, but you cannot see them in the app until WiFi recovers.
Affected Models
- Arlo Video Doorbell (wireless)
- Arlo Pro 5 Wireless Doorbell
- Arlo Essential Wireless Doorbell
Common Causes
- WiFi signal too weak at doorbell location
- WiFi password changed without updating the doorbell
- Router rebooted and IP assignment took longer than usual
- 2.4 GHz network unavailable (some Arlo models need it)
- Doorbell firmware out of date
- MAC address blocked at the router
How to Fix It
-
Check the router.
Confirm the router is on and the WiFi network is broadcasting.
Test from your phone — connect to the same WiFi the doorbell uses.
If your phone cannot connect either, fix the router first. -
Check signal at the doorbell location.
Stand next to the doorbell with your phone.
Open WiFi settings, look at signal bars or use a WiFi analyser app.
Below 2 bars is unreliable.
Add a WiFi extender or move the router closer if signal is weak. -
Restart the router.
Unplug the router for 60 seconds, then plug back in.
Wait 2-3 minutes for full reboot.
The doorbell tries to reconnect automatically once the network is back. -
Update WiFi credentials in Arlo app.
If the WiFi password changed, update it in the doorbell setup.
Arlo app → device settings → Network → Reconfigure WiFi.
Walk through the WiFi setup with the new password. -
Confirm 2.4 GHz availability.
Most Arlo doorbells need a 2.4 GHz WiFi network — they cannot connect to 5 GHz only.
Check your router settings — both bands should be enabled.
Some routers default to 5 GHz only after firmware updates. -
Check MAC address filter.
If your router uses MAC address filtering, the doorbell's MAC may not be allow-listed.
Check the doorbell's MAC in the Arlo app, then add it to the router's allow list.
Or disable MAC filtering temporarily to test. -
Restart the doorbell.
Press the reset/sync button briefly to restart the doorbell.
It rejoins WiFi after boot.
If still slow amber blinks, walk through full setup again. -
Update doorbell firmware.
Once the doorbell is back online, check for firmware updates in the Arlo app.
Newer firmware fixes some WiFi connection bugs.
Apply during a session where the doorbell has full battery and strong signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motion events lost while WiFi is down?
Newer Arlo doorbells with onboard storage record locally during outages and upload once WiFi recovers.
Older models with no local storage drop motion events that occur while disconnected.
Check your model's spec to know which behaviour applies.