Arlo security cameras need to be timely updated so that they keep performing well. An Arlo VMC5040 user recently reported an issue that appeared right after the firmware update. According to him, he got his Arlo Ultra 2 VMC5040 security camera’s firmware updated and since after the update the camera has been behaving unusually. The camera battery keeps draining very fast. The camera still works fine and is doing its job correctly. However, there is an issue with battery usage.
If you have an Arlo camera setup done at your home and right after the firmware update, you are facing issues, then using the information given in this blog will be helpful. Bear in mind that the solutions discussed here will be helpful even if you have any other Arlo camera model installed.
Arlo VMC5040 Camera Firmware Update Issues: Fixed
This seems to be more like battery related issue rather than a firmware issue. We will cover everything in the resolution. Follow the tips given ahead:
Did You Try Power Cycling the Camera?
Before you indulge in any troubleshooting, try the power cycling the Arlo camera. This is helpful in fixing many issues related to technical devices. So, without thinking much about it, reboot your Arlo camera. Power it off and remove its batteries. Wait for some time now. You need to let the camera sit idle for some time. After that, insert the batteries back into the battery compartment carefully and power on the Arlo camera. Observe the battery usage after this process.
Is it still draining fast? If yes, then try the other hacks in line.
Fix the Connections
There is a possibility that the Arlo camera is finding it difficult to communicate either with the WiFi router or the Arlo Base Station and hence the battery is draining. You need to address the connectivity issue to get rid of the battery and firmware update issue:
1. Arlo Camera & Base Station Connection
We suggest you check the connection between the Arlo security camera and the Arlo Base Station first. Check the status. You need to access the Arlo camera login page and log in to check the status.
Secondly, check the distance between the camera and the Base Station. Reduce the distance by pulling the devices closer to each other so that there is smooth communication between them. As soon as you fix the connectivity between these two devices, the issue should be fixed.
2. Arlo Camera & WiFi Router Connection
Now, you need to examine the connection between the Arlo VMC5040 security camera and the WiFi router. Apart from power, the Arlo camera needs a WiFi connection to operate. In case these two devices have connectivity issues, then this could be the reason why the battery discharges faster. We suggest you reconnect the camera to the WiFi network and also check the distance between them. See to it that the camera sits within the network range of the router.
Replace the Camera Batteries
One more possibility is that the camera batteries need a replacement. If the batteries are getting heat up and are discharging faster then you should consider replacing them right away. We recommend using other batteries and then see if the issue has been fixed or not. Even after replacing the batteries, if you face the same trouble, then see ahead what next can be done.
Downgrade Firmware On Camera
With the firmware updated to the recent version, you began getting battery issues. Looks like the latest update was not done correctly. You should downgrade the firmware on your Arlo camera now. The process is the same as you did while updating it to the recent version.
- Make sure that your Arlo camera is powered up while you are doing this process.
- Log in to your Arlo camera using your computer via my.arlo.com
- You can also log in to the Arlo app.
- Go to Settings and then My Devices.
- Choose your camera from the list.
- Now select Device Info > Firmware > Update.
- Select the previous version of firmware that was earlier installed.
- Let the firmware installation process complete without interrupting it in between.
Soon the Arlo camera will have the previous firmware version installed on it.
Reset Arlo VMC5040 Camera
Use this as the final option when nothing else works. This will delete all the configuration changes that you have done on the camera so far. You can reset your camera in two ways:
Using Sync Button
- Unmount your Arlo security camera.
- Find the Sync button on it.
- Press and hold the button.
- As soon as the camera begins blinking blue, release the button.
- Wait for some time and the camera will be reset.
Using the Settings
- Log in to your Arlo camera on a browser or the Arlo app.
- Go to Settings > My Devices.
- Select your camera here.
- Now, select Remove Device.
- Click or tap Yes.
The Final Note
After you have reset your Arlo VMC5040 camera, you should set it up once again. Refer to the user manual for the instructions about the setup process. We are anticipating that you are no longer facing the battery related issues with your Arlo camera.