Complete Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Setup Guide

If you’re having questions related to Arlo essential spotlight camera setup, make sure to stick around by the end of this post!

We will provide you with the complete process of how to install your Essential spotlight camera in a detailed step-by-step guide.

To set up your Arlo Essential spotlight camera, first, find a suitable spot for the device. If it is indoors, install the USB cable and then get the mobile app on your phone. Use the sync button to wake the camera up and pair it with your smartphone.

Next, we’re going to review the process in a step-by-step tutorial and later help you solve any potential issues that might appear. Let’s get started.

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Install Tutorial

Before proceeding any further you should decide whether your camera is going to be installed inside of your house or outdoors.

Our installation guide is universal for indoor/outdoor installation but it’s better if you determine this first.

Now let’s proceed with downloading the mobile app in the first step:

Step #1 Get The Mobile App

The first step to installing & connecting your camera is to acquire the mobile app.

The application will provide your camera with a variety of features and will also allow you to configure the settings your camera has.

To install the mobile app on your smartphone, follow these steps:

1. Get your smartphone and make sure it is connected to the internet.
2. Head to the Google Play/App Store, depending on the type of your smartphone.
3. In the search field of the app store, write “Arlo”and tap on the first result.
4. Wait for the download & installation of your Arlo app.

Once installed, proceed with the next step to learn how to log in & configure the Arlo app.

Step #2 Create Your Arlo Account

Once you have the Arlo app on your smartphone, your next step is to create your Arlo account.

If you’re registered, simply tap on the “Login” button and write down your account’s credentials.

If you’re not registered, however, follow these steps to create your Arlo account:

1. Tap on the “Sign Up” button on the Arlo login page.
2. Insert the required credentials and double-write your password.
3. Confirm your account through the message sent to the provided email.
4. Log in to your Arlo account.

Once you’re logged in to your Arlo app, it’s time to configure the camera.

Step #3 Awake Your Arlo Camera

Once taken out of the box, your Arlo camera will instantly go to a low-power mode.

In other words, your camera will shut down to reduce power usage until installed.

To connect the camera to your Arlo app, you must first wake the device. To wake your Arlo camera, simply press the Sync button on the top panel of the device.

The wake-up process might take several seconds and once the LED starts beeping, then the device is ready to pair.

The next step is to connect the camera to the internet so let’s find out how it’s done in the next step.

Step #4 Connect Arlo To The Internet

Before scanning the QR code on your Arlo app, you must first choose a network for your Arlo camera to connect with.

Here are the instructions on how to set up the network for your Arlo camera:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the “+” button.
2. Choose “Wireless” in the connectivity type tab.
3. In the next window, search for your network and tap on it.
4. Insert your WiFi security key and press “Confirm”.

Now that you’ve established the network of your device, let’s complete the setup process by scanning the QR code in the next step.

Step #5 Connect Arlo Camera To App

Once connected with the internet, your camera will be in a state that’s ready to connect with the mobile app.

The only requirement to connect your Arlo camera is to scan the QR code on the back of the device.

The QR code is usually located on the back of your Arlo camera, so this is why you must first connect the camera, then mount it on your wall.

After connecting the Arlo camera to the internet, you will be prompted to scan for the QR code on the back of the device.

If a chime sound of your camera is heard, then this means that it is successfully paired with your phone.

When the camera and app are finally connected, it’s time to install the camera.

Step #6 Mount Your Camera

After connecting the camera to your phone, you need to choose a suitable location to mount your camera.

As we’ve mentioned above, you must decide whether your camera is going to be outside or inside of your home.

In order to install your Arlo camera, you will need a power drill with a 6mm (15/64) drill bit, a flat screwdriver, and the screw mount that came with your Camera.

Once you have acquired the tools, here is how to mount your Arlo camera:

1. Grab the screw mount and place it on the mount location.
2. Mark the three holes from the mount.
3. Use the 6mm drill to dig into those holes.
4. Place the screw mount upon the wall and get it in position.
5. While holding the screw mount upon the wall, use the screwdriver to tighten the screws in those holes.
6. Grab your Arlo camera and screw it around the already installed wall mount.
7. Adjust your camera by tilting it around.

Once your camera is positioned, use the mobile app to track motion detection.

At this point, everything should be set up properly. If however there are any functionality issues, feel free to proceed further where we’ll discuss well-known problems and how to solve them.

Dealing With Arlo Essential Spotlight Setup Issues

Unfortunately, plenty of Arlo users are having a hard time with the setup process due to various reasons.

If you didn’t manage to complete the guide without any issue, here are some of the causes that might be causing trouble:

1. Problem with the Network

Users struggle to set up their Arlo, due to a fault with their network.

Ensure that both your phone and camera are connected to the same network so you can establish a connection.

2. Incorrectly Scanned QR Code

If your phone’s camera didn’t scan the QR code appropriately, you would have to go back to step #5 and re-do the scanning.

3. Temporal Glitch/Bug

Potential malfunction found in your Arlo camera, might prevent it from connecting to the app. Try resetting your camera by removing it and then adding it to your Arlo mobile app.

4. Device Issue

A fault with your mobile device might prevent the camera from connecting. Make sure to reboot your smartphone and then try reconnecting Arlo.

If your problem is not related to any of these possibilities then you would have to reach out to Arlo and report your problem.

With a little luck, they will be able to help you set up your camera.

Read Next: Can a TV Screen be Used as a Camera?

Bottom Line:

To connect an Arlo camera, first get the mobile app and connect the camera to the internet. Then, scan the QR code on the back of your Arlo camera and mount the device to the desired location.

Now when you’re familiar with the Arlo essential spotlight camera setup process, you should be able to install your camera in the snap of a finger.

If you struggle with anything, use our solution methods above, and as a last resort contact the Arlo support team for help.