Swann Camera Troubleshooting

Let’s discuss Swann camera troubleshooting. Like any other brand of Wi-Fi or IP camera for consumer-grade surveillance, you will come across common errors that you can solve easily in a DIY fashion. Refer to this guide for more details.

The Swann brand claims itself to be security made smarter. It backs up its claim by making some of the world’s best value security system. They’re able to compete against the likes of Ring, Nest, Arlo, Bink, and Wyze by providing the smartest of features and the most intuitive of controls.

Regardless, in case your Swann camera stops working, isn’t recording, isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi, or has issues with playback, “ Swann camera Troubleshooting – Problems and Solutions with Swann security cameras” got your back.

Swann camera not working: How to Fix

If your Swann camera isn’t turning on, check the wiring or battery. If it’s offline or has hampered function, disconnect the cameras, disconnect the power supply, and then restart to see if that fixes the problem. Your camera can also stop working if it’s overheated. Cool it down and try again later.

If worse comes to worst, your Swann camera might be “bricked” or rendered completely broken and non-functioning. If it’s still in warranty, you can get it replaced for free or at least get a discount for a replacement.

See More :

• Swann device Password Reset for all model
• How to Install SwannView Link
• SWANN LATEST FIRMWARE UPDATES

Swann camera not recording: How to Fix

If your Swann cam is not recording, it might be because recording is disabled. Go to “Main Menu” the select record. Fix “Record Setup” and “Motion Setup”. You can also set up the “Record Schedule” too.

Check “Motion Setup” to see if that’s the reason why your camera isn’t recording (it only records when it detects motion).

You can also connect one camera only to your DVR or NVR to see if that fixes the recording issues. You can setup an isolation test, cross-check the camera and cable, and interpret the results to narrow down the issue.

Swann camera not connecting: How to Fix

Check your router and make sure the Wi-Fi password entered is correct. Sometimes, your Swann camera might unsuccessfully establish connection with your router simply because you misread a character or capitalized the wrong letter (it’s case-sensitive).

The cam could also be out of coverage area of the router. Make sure the router and the camera(s) are close to one another to ensure a smooth connection.

If the camera is still have issues with Wi-Fi connection, reset or power-cycle your router and try again. It might be an ISP problem. If you believe the camera is in error, you can reset it back to factory settings using the recommendation outlined below.

Swann playback not working: How to Fix

To playback a video, tap the “Playback” icon, then the “Camera” icon, and then set a start and end date and time. You can also search recordings on the recorder below the calendar then tap “Start Playback”.

Sometimes, when you attempt to playback videos, you get blue lines to show it was recorded but get an “open failed” error message when you attempt to play it. This could be caused by bad configurations, lack of storage space, corrupted video files, and failing DVR components.

This could also root from the latest software update. It mostly affects iPhone users but even Android users are affected. Contact a Swann technician or consider replacement if the problem consists.

Swann camera black screen: How to Fix

Some Swann cam users experience CCTV cam black screen or a blank video at night. This might mean the camera lacks infrared night vision, especially if it continues to record and works fine during the daytime or if you put a lamp or light source where it’s supposed to record things.

Maybe you simply forgot to turn the IR on. Fix this by checking camera settings and enabling the infrared light. If that’s not the case, then the infrared night vision camera might lack an IR cut filter.

It could also have a faulty IR sensor. Either way, you might need to have the device fixed by a technician or replaced altogether depending on the severity of the damage or the state of its warranty.

Off-warranty products might require some repair and finagling from third-party repairmen but this means it’s now outside the jurisdiction of Swann.

How to reset Swann camera?

To reset Swann Camera models NHD-805/806/810/811/815/815AF/816/817/818/819, here’s how to go about it. Locate the reset button. You might need to use a reset key or a pin in order to press it for 10 seconds to start the reset process.

Disconnect the camera from the NVR first before resetting it. You’ll also need to remove it from the PoE switch or power adapter to turn it off completely. Some devices require a pin or cable key to access the small reset button.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions in regards to the Swann cam.

Where is reset button on Swann camera?

On most Swann cams, the reset button is found on the bottom of the device. However, this might vary depending on the model. This button typically requires a needle or pin to push until you hear a click sound. You need to hold the button for 10 seconds to reset the device.

How to find Swann IP camera default password?

The default all-access admin password for Swann is “12345” on the username “admin”. To reset the password for cameras, NVRs, or DVRs, you might need to get the MAC address by downloading some sort of app.

Alternatively, you can reset the camera to default settings by pushing the pin-sized reset button for 10 seconds in order to get the default password back.

Swann DVR default password: How do I find my Swann DVR password?

If “12345” is not the password being used by NVR’s “admin” account and you’ve forgotten what the password is, reset it by downloading and installing the HomeSafe Config Tool first. Open the app, click on your device’s IP address, and note the MAC address.

Now, you can go to the login screen of the DVR, click on “Forgot Password”, and enter the MAC address provided to you by HomeSafe. Click “OK” when you’re done then set a new password.

Why have my Swann cameras stopped working?

You should check first that your camera power supply (or supplies) are properly connected to a wall socket or power strip. If you do have the power supply connected to a power strip, try a wall socket just in case the power strip is faulty or is a specialised unit that doesn’t have all the sockets active at all times.

How do I reset my Swann camera?

Disconnect the camera from the NVR (or from a PoE switch or a power adapter) to turn it off completely. Press and hold the reset button. While holding down the reset button, plug the camera back to the NVR (or to the PoE switch or a power adapter) and continue holding down the reset for 30 seconds, then release.

Why is my security camera black screen?

Some users experience CCTV camera black screen or video going black at night, it’s likely that the camera lacks infrared night vision, or the IR night vision camera doesn’t have an IR cut filter or a faulty IR sensor, or you simply forget to turn the IR on. Quick Fixes: Check camera settings to make sure the IR is on.

How do I get my Swann cameras back online?

All you need to do to get back online is to re-register the camera. Follow the steps below:First, go into the home interface (this is the screen it goes to when you start the app) and tap the “Camera” button on the bottom. On the next screen, tap the camera where it says “Camera is Offline”.

How long do Swann security cameras last?

Unfortunately, details aren’t provided for how long the Lithium Ion battery will last on a single charge, but it’s likely to be around 8-10 weeks based on our use. Obviously, if it’s not practical to take the device down every couple of months, then it may be worth investing in the solar panel accessory as well.

Why is the blue light flashing on my Swann DVR?

The first time you power up your camera, the camera LED will be blinking blue to indicate pairing mode.

Why does my security camera keep going offline?

Security cameras go offline for three main reasons: power outages, loss of internet, or failure of the camera’s components (broken parts or wires). Knowing some quick troubleshooting tips will help you get your camera back up and running in no-time.

What happens if you unplug a security camera?

When your house, the cameras won’t record. When you are away from the home, the cameras record. They’ll still be “working” but not recording.

What to do if all cameras display no image on the DVR monitor?

Is this an existing camera that was working and at some point had video loss? Follow these troubleshooting steps.

1. Test Your Power Supply.
2. Check Power Supply Box Fuses.
3. Test Camera on a Different DVR Port.
4. Use a Test Monitor.
5. Use a Test Cable and Spare Power Supply.

Why is my Swann security camera not connecting?

Make sure that the connection is successful by checking your router and ensuring that your Wi-Fi password is correct. If the camera is still having issues connecting to Wi-Fi, reset the router and try again once it’s back up.

Why does my EUFY camera keep going offline?

Your Eufy camera goes offline if the battery has run out of charge, has lost connection to the HomeBase and Wi-Fi, or you need to update your Eufy app. You should check your battery and check the Wi-Fi settings to ensure that they are working correctly or reboot your camera to solve the problem.

Is Swann a Chinese company?

Swann has always been a leader. From humble beginnings in Melbourne, Australia the business now has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Hong Kong and China and a presence in over 40 countries on 6 continents.

Can Swann cameras be hacked?

A popular wireless security camera designed to safeguard businesses and homes was vulnerable to a spying hack. The flaw meant it was possible to hijack video and audio streamed from other people’s properties by making a minor tweak to Swann Security’s app.

Are Swann 4k cameras any good?

The quality of the cameras are excellent. They feel, look and operate great. Simple setup and easy to use.

What does the blue light on my DVR mean?

The blue light indicates that the DVR (or other receiver) is outputting an HD signal. It could be the HDMI negotiation with your new TV causes it to stay on when the TV is off. If it’s too bright for you, a small piece of opaque tape is recommended.

What does it mean when Blink camera flashes red?

The Blink Video Doorbell flashes a red LED on the ring surrounding the doorbell button when it is seeking connection. During setup, and change of system or Wi-Fi, the red LED shows if the doorbell is ready to connect. If the red LED is not flashing as expected, remove one battery for five seconds and replace it.

What does a blue light mean on a camera?

LED setup reference guide

A flashing blue light on a security camera means you are ready for the WiFi protected setup.

Why do my wireless cameras keep disconnecting?

There are two main reasons that a camera may lose WiFi connection. It may be installed too far from your WiFi router, or it may not have sufficient bandwidth on your WiFi. Please contact our customer support for help in diagnosing this issue and confirming the cause.

Why won’t my security camera connect to my Wi-Fi?

Hold your phone in the location of your camera and check the number of dashed Wi-Fi coverage on your phone. If the connection is poor, if possible, reduce the distance between the camera and your Wi-Fi router. Consider a wired installation or consult your internet provider for solutions.

Why does my IP camera lost connection?

Network Conditions

Surveillance Station may lose connection to your camera when the Internet connection is poor or if changes are made to bandwidth, firewall, or IP address settings.

How do I disable Swann camera?

How do I disable Swann camera?

1. Yea, it’s possible to turn off the INTCAM manually.
2. Try this procedure, using the button on the back of the cam –
3. Press and hold the Pair button for 30 seconds.
4. To turn it back on, just press the Pair button for a second, Don’t hold too long or it’ll go into pairing mode.

Will DVR still record if unplugged?

The Cloud will continue to record your set programs while the physical DVR is unplugged. You are also correct that if your additional TV boxes are unplugged, this will not affect your planned recordings.

How do I stop my security camera from being unplugged?

Indoor cameras

1. Run your camera’s power cable behind furniture or shelving so that it’s harder to spot and unplug.
2. Install cable clips to help keep the power cord attached to the wall. Check your local hardware store for availability.

How do you troubleshoot a security camera?

How do you troubleshoot a security camera?

1. Know your login details.
2. Check the power source (most cameras are PoE)
3. Check to see if cameras work from inside or outside the network.
4. Check the cabling.
5. Reboot the system.
6. Check for IP conflict.
7. Check ARP tables.
8. Update software & firmware.

Conclusion

Even though Swann isn’t as well-known as Ring, Arlo, or Nest, it has a significant share of the Wi-Fi cam market because it caters to a significant niche. Many people are curious how to troubleshoot this camera because they’re loyal Swann customers.

There’s great demand to know how to make sure their Swann devices work and operate smoothly. They also wish to know whether their Swann is broken or fixable in some DIY way.

How to Connect Swann Camera?

If you wish to learn how to connect your Swann cam to Wi-Fi, to your phone, to your TV, to your laptop, to your MacBook, to Alexa, to the Internet, and so forth, you’ve come to the correct guide.

People are curious about the Swann camera because it provides a dependable and affordable alternative to your Ring cams, Arlo cams, and Nest cams. It does everything those cams could do in terms of Wi-Fi-based and app-based operation but in a format much closer to CCTVs.

It’s this dependability that Swann got a loyal consumer base who’d read articles like this about “How to connect Swann camera?” and whatnot. So let’s discuss how to connect the smart cam to different devices already!

How to connect the Swann camera to Wi-Fi?

In order to connect your Swann Wi-Fi or IP cam to Wi-Fi, you need to pair it up with your Swan Security app.

• Go to the Menu: To do so, tap the menu on the upper-left corner of the screen, then select “Pair Device”. Afterwards, tap “Start”.
• Scan QR Code: Attached to your camera is a QR code sticker. Have your smartphone scan that. If you don’t have the QR code, tap “Manual Pair” and get the MAC address above the serial number of your cam.
• Enter Wi-Fi Password: Now you can enter the Wi-Fi password and tap “Next”. Enter a camera name then tap “Next”. Set the camera into “Pairing Mode” by pressing and holding the rest or pair button until the LED blinks blue. Now tap “Next”. Then tap “Start”.
• Congratulations Message: If your cam successfully connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll see an overview on the app. After that’s done, tap “Next”. You’ll get a “Congratulations!” message once setup is complete.

How to connect Swann security cameras to Phones? (iPhone, iPad, Android)

Remember the section above, where you had to download an app and scan a QR code via the app in order to pair up your camera with your phone (whether it’s an Android, iPad, or iPhone)? That’s how you connect your mobile device to your Swann cam.

Get SAFE by Swann for Android devices, SwannView Plus for iOS devices, and SwannCloud for iPad and Android tablets. Swann Security App and SwannView Link can be used for multiple devices.

Finally, download HomeSafe View for desktop PCs doing NVR/DVR remote viewing and AlwaysSafe for NVW-485, NVW-490 & SWWHD-PTCAM Cameras.

See more:

How to connect the Swann camera to the TV?

You can hook up your Swann cam to your TV using the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). It has a hard disk of your recorded footage that a modern smart TV or flatscreen TV with an HDMI connection should be able to read and review videos with.

You can also connect Swann cam to your FireTV by first connecting the Swann cam to Alexa (more on this below).

How to connect Swann camera to Laptop, Macbook?

Download the HomeSafe View for desktop PCs in order to connect your Swann Camera to your MacBook or Laptop. To view Swann cam on your Windows PC, launch the Device Configuration Tool and have it detect the camera and NVR (Network Video Recorder).

Any cameras directly connected to the NVR won’t be shown. The cam’s IP address should be visible here.  Click on it like a link to launch Internet Explorer and view it from there.

How to connect the Swann camera to Alexa?

Open the Amazon Alex app. Click the three lines icon on the upper-left corner of the screen. Select “Skills and Games” tab. Search for the “Swann Skill”. Select the skill then login to your Swann account.  Press “Done” and then select “Discover Devices”.

The new Alexa Skill should then detect your Swann cams and have them listed on the “Devices” tab. Amazon Alexa works with Swann cameras to stream live camera video to your Echo Spot, Echo Show, or 4K Fire TV.

See more here:

How to connect Swann DVR to the Internet?

In order to connect your Swann DVR to the Internet, you need to first connect the DVR with your phone or tablet care of SwannLink. From there, it should have the ability to link to the Internet by proxy.

SwannLink connects systems care of peer-to-peer technology. Just scan your ID number or QR code to SwannLink in order for it to directly connect your smart devices to your DVR via the cloud, with the Swann DVR verifying the ID of your smart device as well as the username and password of the Wi-Fi.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Here is the most frequently asked questions section of this guide.

Why is my Swann camera not connecting?

Your ISP or router might have a bad Internet connection. Reset or power-cycle the router to get it back online. If the issue persists, contact your ISP for more details. Or maybe your cam is out of the router’s coverage area. Make sure they’re both near one another for best results.

Finally, check the Wi-Fi password. Make sure this case-sensitive password has been entered correctly when prompted by your app.

How do I get my Swann cameras back online?

Enter the Wi-Fi password again and make sure it’s correctly entered since it’s case-sensitive. Put your cam nearer the router. Reset the router and make sure your ISP is providing you with a solid Internet connection.

If the camera itself is failing to connect to a perfectly fine Wi-Fi, you might need to troubleshoot the cam, its connection to the app, its connection to the NVR or DVR, and so forth. You might need to reset it to factory settings altogether.

How do you reset a Swann security camera?

To reset Swann Camera models NHD-805/806/810/811/815/815AF/816/817/818/819, locate the small reset button (usually found on the underside of the device) and press it with a reset key, needle, or pin for about 10 seconds. Before doing a reset, disconnect the camera from the NVR and PoE switch.

See more: https://support.swann.com/s/article/tAM37IZ5qr

What app do I use for Swann security cameras?

The Swann Security App manages all of your Swann cameras in one central hub. The HomeSafe View app for the PC or Mac is the desktop program for remote viewing of NVRs and DVRs.

AlwaysSafe is the app for NVW-485, NVW-490 & SWWHD-PTCAM Cameras. You can also download SAFE by Swann for Android devices, SwannView Plus for iOS devices, SwannView Link for multiple devices, and SwannCloud for iPad and Android tablets.

How to access Swann DVR from the computer?

To view Swann on PC, You can see this post: https://securitycamcenter.com/view-swann-cameras-homesafe-view-software/

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has shown you everything you need to know about Swann cameras when it comes to setting them up, connecting them to different devices, and troubleshooting any errors you might encounter when operating them.

How to Reset Swann Camera?

You’ve reset one camera you’ve reset them all, right? Well, kind of. In the case of the Swann Camera or any other Wi-Fi security camera out there, it’s some variation of finding the reset button, waiting for the light to change, and then you’re done.

The Swann brand claims to produce some of the world’s best value security solutions that also offer the most intuitive controls and the smartest of features. They intend to empower you, the consumer when it comes to their quality products like their Wi-Fi or smart device cameras.

Although they’re not as well-known as Ring, Arlo, or Blink, they have their own market share and niche to cater to. This is why so many people are curious about how to reset the Swann camera. It’s not exactly the same as resetting cameras from Ring and Arlo.

How to Reset Swann Camera

In regards to how to reset Swann Camera models NHD-805/806/810/811/815/815AF/816/817/818/819, here’s the nitty-gritty. There’s an extra cable for the models above that isn’t a connector but a reset button. It looks like a reset key to use on a keyhole or pinhole to prevent accidental resets.

When resetting the Swann Cam to factory settings, you need to disconnect it from the NVR first. Or from its power adapter or PoE switch. This will turn it off completely. Now locate the reset button press and hold it. Some devices might require a cable key or pin to access the button.

Reconnect While Resetting Then Disconnect Afterwards

While holding the button down, plug the camera back to the NVR, PoE switch, or power adapter. Continue holding it down for about 30 seconds before releasing. At this point, disconnect the camera again to turn it off completely.

This should reset your cam to factory settings. Unlike other Wi-Fi camera models, Swann Cams make it more complicated to do a reset to avoid accidental resets, like you accidentally pressing the button or inserting a pin into the reset pinhole when you have no intention to reset to factory settings.

Why Do You Need to Reset the Swann Camera?

Sometimes, the Swann Cam—like any other sophisticated piece of electronics, such as your laptop, smartphone, and tablet—can encounter a glitch or an error that keeps it from properly connecting to your Wi-Fi, using its motion alerts, or uploading its footage to the cloud (if you paid for the service).

You can do a host of things to troubleshoot such errors, including power cycling the device like a wayward router or fixing your router itself to re-establish your Wi-Fi connection if the problem isn’t with the Swann hardware itself.

If push comes to shove and none of those tips work, you can do a hard reset to factory settings (the settings right off of the box or the factory line) to get it working back to normal. You’ll still need to put back your customizations afterwards though.

The History of Swann 101

Swann traces its roots back to Melbourne, Australia. It eventually grew from its humble beginnings, with it now being an international or multinational company with offices in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Hong Kong, and Mainland China as well as Australia.

It even has a presence in over 6 continents and 40 countries. What separates Swann from other security companies riding the Wi-Fi cam thread is that it’s a pioneer in the field of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) security with its often imitated features taken from many of its products.

It has doubtlessly done its part in making households and neighborhoods safer compared to before, when the only cameras regular consumers could afford were Nanny Cams and Baby Cams.

Swann’s Membership with the Infinova Group

At present, Swann serves as an Infinova Group member, thus providing major commercial institutions and startup businesses alike with enhanced security device production through better manufacturing abilities, cutting-edge research and development, and state-of-the-art innovations.

They’re at the forefront of networking and security solutions plus they’re not limited to the video doorbell or Wi-Fi security camera market like the Amazon-backed Ring and Blink camera lines. They’ve also expanded their international network access thanks to their Infinova Group backing.

They’re specifically dependable when it comes to making the one-app ecosystem standard work superbly in their models of smart devices, as opposed to others that use multiple apps or one app per camera model.

Swann’s Focus on Crime Prevention

While other companies would rather turn their Wi-Fi camera offerings into Swiss Army Knives of functionality that assist in making the Smart Home future of the 21^st Century a reality, Swann has established its market presence with a different tactic.

They’re more about giving consumers true security, which means they have more of a focus on crime prevention. They provide their cameras with alarms and direct lines to the police for emergencies instead of turning their camera into the next smartphone with non-essential features.

This is also why most Swann cameras offers two-way talk, sirens, alarms, sensor lighting, motion sensors, night vision, and more. This deters not only midnight prowlers and burglars but also package thieves and neighborhood brats.

Swann’s Enforcer Cameras

Swann’s Enforcer Cameras take crime deterrence to another level by using True Detect detection sensors that detect heat, motion, and people. The people detection in particular keeps down power usage and false alarms involving strays and wildlife like cats, chipmunks, birds, and raccoons.

When triggered, True Detect activates the alarms and chimes with all its trimmings. You’ll get mobile alerts, spotlights, flashing lights, video recordings, and more as though you’ve tripped the museum alarms that alert the security guards (or your closest neighbors).

Many of Swann’s more sophisticated inventions include vehicle and pet detection, face recognition, and the peace of mind that your home is protected through cloud and local recordings. This is why it has camera reset included to deal with software errors from all those settings.

Things of Note

We believe that the Swann Camera allows customers to protect and stay connected to their home and/or businesses no matter the circumstances through best-value and intuitive design. This is reflected upon the ease by which you can reset their cameras.

This proves that Swann is one of the global leaders in security monitoring with consumer electronics or smart devices as well as security-centric solutions for smart homes and commercial establishments of the present and the future. What more can you ask for a renowned company with affordable wares?

Camera Site Features

Verkada sites have several features that make managing and viewing the devices in a site easier. This article details the features available for camera sites.

Read Next :

• How To Use Femii Security Cameras
• How to Add Cameras to Google Home
• How to Add Cameras to Amazon Alexa

Note: These options are only available to users with Site Admin permissions

Steps

1. Select the Cameras button from the All Products menu

2. Hover over a site until the ellipsis ⋮ appear next to the site name

3. Select the ellipsis ⋮ to view the site options

This menu has the following options:

• Add a Floorplan

  • Floor plans are a great way to plan and visualize your Verkada system. They can also be useful for a myriad of reasons, from historical activity hotspots to active motion detection.

• Reorder Cameras

  • The reorder cameras feature allows users to change the order in which they see the cameras. This feature is helpful as it allows the user to prioritize the feeds they want to see in a specific order.

• View as Grid

  • This feature displays all the cameras in the site as a grid.

• View Site Stats

  • View trends of data usage for cameras at the site and individual level

• Share Site

  • You can share cameras in bulk to give people temporary access to a site, sub-site, or specific floor plan.

• Add Devices to Site

  • This feature allows a user to quickly add a device to a site with the site name already configured.

     

   

Enabling Wi-Fi on Supported Verkada Cameras

Verkada CD61, CD61-E, CB61-E, CB61-TE, CM61, and D50W models support Wi-Fi. This article covers the process of enabling and using Wi-Fi.

In order to enable and use Wi-Fi on Verkada cameras, a few conditions must be met:

1. The camera model must be one of the following models:

   1. CD61

   2. CD61-E

   3. CB61-E

   4. CB61-TE

   5. CM61

   6. D50W

2. Wi-Fi must be enabled at the organization level. Contact Verkada Support to enable this if it is not already enabled. Verkada Support will only need a support token to perform this action, and you can generate one using this article for reference.

3. The Verkada camera must be connected to an Ethernet network and must be online to receive the Wi-Fi configuration. It is possible to enable Wi-Fi and configure your SSID and password if the device is offline, but it will need to connect to a wired network to pull this new configuration.

First, navigate to the camera’s settings by clicking the gear icon on the camera’s live feed page.

 

Next, click Device to navigate to the Wi-Fi option, and click Configure.

 

Finally, toggle on Enable camera Wi-Fi, select your wireless network, and enter your password to connect the camera. Click Connect once you’re ready to save.

 

Now you’re done! The camera will retain this configuration on reboot. You can confirm which connection is in use via the checkbox.

 

Note: If the SSID or password changes for the Wi-Fi network, you must pre-configure the new Wi-Fi network on the camera or use a wired network to re-configure the camera. If the camera is offline, it will not pull a new wireless configuration.

Low Bandwidth Mode

Reduce network utilization for your cameras

Verkada camera architecture is optimized to provide organizations with the best user experience with minimum bandwidth usage. In normal operation, Verkada cameras consume as low as 20-50 Kbps upload bandwidth depending on the camera model and features enabled. However, there are cases where Verkada cameras need to be deployed in extremely bandwidth constrained environments, such as remote locations, mobile deployments or sites with high camera densities.

For such deployments, we offer Low Bandwidth Mode that further reduces the resting bandwidth consumed by Verkada cameras by up to 75% and streaming bandwidth by up to 33% with a slight decrease in video quality and video scrubbing experience. Low Bandwidth Model enables customers to run their day to day security operations and incident response use cases without downtime, loss in productivity or overwhelming existing mission critical workloads. Low Bandwidth Mode is available for all Verkada cameras and can be enabled from Command for a single camera or in bulk for multiple cameras at the same time.

 

What features contribute to internet bandwidth consumption

Video streaming: remote video streaming (live or historical) constitutes the bulk of internet bandwidth consumption, with standard quality consuming 300-600 Kbps and high quality video consuming 1500-3000 Kbps of internet bandwidth depending on camera model and mode (live video vs historical playback). Details of bandwidth consumed by different camera models can be found here. Special notes:

• Remote playback of video consumes upload bandwidth on the camera’s network but consumes download bandwidth on the client’s network.

• If the client and camera are on the same network local video flows directly from the camera to the client and does not consume any internet bandwidth. Learn more about local streaming in this Knowledge Base article.

• If cloud backup has been enabled then the video upload to the cloud consumes upload bandwidth on the camera’s network. If the requested video is present in the cloud, the video flows directly from the cloud to the client, so no additional bandwidth is consumed for historical playback.

Resting bandwidth: Verkada cameras upload thumbnails once every 20 seconds. However, if the camera sees any motion in the 20 second interval, the camera uploads an additional thumbnail to capture the motion event. So, during active hours Verkada cameras send 2 thumbnails every 20 seconds.

In addition to thumbnails, cameras upload camera health metrics, and video metadata throughout the day. The thumbnails are used to deliver a smooth video scrubbing experience on the single cameras page and history player. The camera health metrics are used to monitor the health of the camera and ensure it is behaving as expected. The metadata helps with smooth video streaming and playback experience. Note that:

• Thumbnails constitute the majority of upload bandwidth

• People analytics, vehicle analytics, and timelapse features consume additional internet bandwidth.

• Timelapse needs high-resolution JPEG images to be periodically sent to the Verkada cloud and consumes additional bandwidth

 

How does Low Bandwidth Mode reduce the bandwidth consumed

Video streaming bandwidth:

Low Bandwidth Mode reduces the high quality video bitrates on 4K cameras (CD61, CD61-E, CD62, CD62-E, CB61-E, CB61-TE, CM61) and fisheye camera (CF81-E) from 3 Mbps to 2 Mbps that allows more video streams to play with minimal loss in video quality.

 

Note: The cloud backup feature cannot be used if the camera is operating in low bandwidth mode

 

Resting bandwidth:

Under Low Bandwidth Mode, non-motion thumbnails are uploaded only once every 5 minutes. Motion thumbnails are still uploaded at most once every 20 seconds if the camera sees motion during the 20 second interval. In addition to thumbnail upload frequency, thumbnail quality and size are also reduced to minimize thumbnail size.

 

Note:

1. The timelapse feature cannot be used if the camera is operating in low bandwidth mode.

2. When Low Bandwidth Mode is enabled for a camera any older or cached thumbnails stored on the camera are deleted and only new thumbnails from that point onwards are uploaded to the cloud.

 

Enabling Low Bandwidth Mode

Low Bandwidth Mode is available for all cameras and can be enabled at an individual camera level or in bulk for multiple cameras at the same time.

 

Enabling it for a single camera

The feature can be toggled on from the camera settings menu.

 

 

 

Enabling it for multiple cameras

From the Devices page, select all cameras that need Low Bandwidth Mode and click on Edit Settings in the top left-hand corner.

 

Permissions

Only Org Admins or Site Admins can enable or disable Low Bandwidth Mode.

Configuring License Plate Recognition

This guide goes over how to configure the LPR feature on the bullet series cameras

Our bullet series cameras can perform license plate recognition. This guide will take you through the requirements and steps to ensure LPR delivers the best results. For a more detailed explanation of how LPR works navigate to this guide.

 

Note: You must be an organization admin to enable LPR Mode.

 

Note: After enabling LPR mode on a camera and configuring it, it will take up to 5 minutes for results to populate.

 

Installing the LPR camera

Before installing your LPR Camera, there are a few considerations to keep in mind for the best results.

1. Lane Monitoring

   • The CB51 & CB61 cameras should be positioned to face a single lane of traffic for vehicles traveling 20 MPH or less, such as an entrance or drive-thru.

   • The CB52 cameras can be positioned to face a single lane of traffic for vehicles traveling 80 mph / 128 kph

   • The CB62 cameras can be positioned to face multiple lanes of traffic for vehicles traveling 80 mph / 128 kph

      

2. Optimal Plate Detection

   • To ensure optimal license plate detection with the CB51-E & CB61-E cameras, it is recommended that vehicles be within 60ft / 18m of the camera.

   • To ensure optimal license plate detection with the CB52-TE & CB62-TE cameras, it is recommended that vehicles be within 115ft / 35m of the camera. However, it is possible to detect license plate details from up to 164ft / 50m away or further.

   • To ensure optimal license plate detection with the CB52-E & CB62-E cameras, it is recommended that vehicles be within 46ft / 14m of the camera. However, it is possible to detect license plate details from up to 66ft / 20m away or further.

      

3. Proper Positioning Improves Accuracy

   • The CB51 & CB61 cameras should be positioned no more than 20º horizontally and/or 40º vertically from the location of the license plate.

   • The CB52 & CB62 cameras should be positioned less than 30° vertically or horizontally from the location of the license plate. It is acceptable to have a larger angle for lower speeds (e.g. 45° for parking lot deployments) and recommended to have a smaller angle for fast speeds (e.g. 15° for highway deployments). The camera may still be able to capture adequate images outside of these angles, but with a lesser degree of accuracy.

      

4. Lighting

   If the area where license plates will be captured is far away and not well lit, it is strongly recommended to use an external IR illuminator to improve the visibility of the license plates.

Enabling LPR on a camera

Note: You must be an organization admin to enable LPR Mode.

 

To enable LPR Mode

1. Navigate to the designated LPR Camera

2. Select Settings

3. Select Analytics

4. Next to License Plate Recognition (LPR) Mode select Enable

Once LPR has been enabled the camera will go through a firmware update which may take five minutes or more to finish.

 

Configuring the LPR camera

Once LPR mode has been enabled on a camera follow the prompts to complete the setup.

1. Ensure that the camera image is set to the recommended mounting angles then click Next.

2. Configure the Optical Zoom so that the passing vehicle takes up more than half of the frame. Use Auto Focus or Manual Focus if the image becomes blurry after using the Optical Zoom then click Next.

3. Click and drag a region of interest over the area that license plates will pass through then click Next. The selected area must be less than half of the entire frame.

4. Optional: Add a context camera to capture the scene for the full view of vehicle events then click I’m done.

Note: You can also get back to this menu by clicking the cogwheel to the right of a license plate event on the Events page.

 

Viewing License Plates on the Events Page

Viewing license plates captured

Once a camera has been enabled for LPR mode a new section of Command will be available to view under the Events page of all captured license plates. This area will show all the captured license plates along with a clip of when the capture happened.

 

 

 

Filtering for specific license plates

You can use the search bar to find a specific license plate. Entering the license plate will bring up the exact clip(s) of when it was seen. You are also able to filter for a specific camera along with a specific day.

 

Enable License Plates of Interest Alerts

First, ensure you have alerts enabled for license plates. Click the bell icon next to the License Plates button.

 

Next, select the methods you wish to use to receive notifications.

 

To enable license plates of interest, select the bell icon next to the search bar to see a list of all the license plates of interest.

 

Click Add to add plates to the detection system.

 

Note: Any plate added as a license plate of interest affects all other users. If you add a plate, any other user configured to receive alerts will be notified if that plate is detected.

Wide Dynamic Range

How and when to enable WDR on your camera

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) is a technology used to compensate for dramatic differences in light exposure across a camera’s image. It works by making brighter parts of the image darker while making darker parts of the image brighter to create a more balanced image.

 

WDR Disabled

WDR Enabled

To enable/disable WDR on your camera

1. Select the video quality button in the bottom left of the camera live feed

2. Select WDR

3. Choose ON or OFF

Naming a Camera

Naming your camera in Command

Once you’ve added your camera to Command, you can give it a name.

 

Note: You will need to have the role of Site Admin to make this change.

 

How to change the name of a camera

1. Select the camera you want to change the name on

2. Click the Settings button

3. Enter the desired name in the Name field

   

    

 

Adding a device to your Command account

To activate your Verkada device in Command, enter its serial number or scan its QR code

Once you’ve plugged your device into a PoE-enabled device, it will automatically begin to boot. You’ll then need to add your device to your Verkada Command account. You can either do this through the Command portal or the iOS app.

 

Verkada supports up to 1,000 sites with up to 2,500 cameras per site.

 

Note:

In order to add a new camera to your organization, you must be one of the following:

• An Organization Admin

• A Site Admin of the site you are adding cameras to

In order to add a new access controller, air quality sensor, or alarm panel you must be:

• An Organization Admin

Click here for more information on user permissions.

 

Command Website

On a desktop, laptop, or smartphone log into your Command account and select Devices from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner. From here, select + Add Devices in the top right-hand corner.

 

Next, choose the site to put the device in and set the location. Then enter the device’s serial number. Click Activate to add the device to your Org.

 

You can also add all the devices in an order to bulk import cameras.

Click Add an Entire Order on the Add Device page. Select the site and location for the new cameras and enter the order number The order number should be the following order V1S-1234-5678 or V2S-1234-5678.

 

Quick Camera Setup

When adding new cameras to Command you will have the option to copy settings from any camera in the same site onto these new cameras. Once you click activate on the Devices page a quick setup menu should pop up. From the dropdown menu in the top right-hand corner, you can select a camera from the site to copy the settings from. Once the desired camera is selected select Activate with above settings to add the cameras. If you want to skip this step and add the cameras with default settings select Activate with default settings.

Adding cameras via the Command Mobile App

Select the > button in the bottom right-hand corner and select the Add Device button. Align the QR code on the camera or box within the 4 blue corners of the scan area.

 

Once aligned the code will automatically scan and the camera will be added to your organization. You’ll be brought to the camera’s settings page and can either add more cameras or tap DONE to return to the previous page.

 

Camera Online

Once you’ve entered or scanned your camera’s serial number, the camera will begin transmitting video. Typically it takes 3-4 minutes for the video stream to become visible in Command. A solid blue status light on the front of the camera will indicate that it is connected, recording, and transmitting video.

Camera Settings Page

View and edit your camera’s name, location, site and other settings in Command

To view a camera’s administration settings, select the Settings tab located below the video player. From the General tab, you can view general camera settings information such as time zone, serial number, model, storage, etc. For more information on configurable settings click on the links below.

 

 

From this page you can change the following tabs:

• General

  • Site

  • Name

  • Location

  • Reboot Device

  • Schedule Firmware Updates

  • Audit log

• Device

  • Orientation

  • Low Bandwidth Mode

  • Timelapse

  • RTSP

  • Audio

  • Autofocus

  • Identify

  • Onboard Retention

  • Delete Device

• Events

  • Motion events

  • Crowd events

  • Tamper events

  • Manage Alerts

• Privacy

  • Data Storage Location

  • Privacy Regions

• Analytics

  • People History

  • Vehicle History

• Backup

   

Navigating the Verkada Command Mobile App

Guide to understanding both icons and functionality for the Command video app

The Command mobile app allows you to bring your Verkada cameras right to your fingertips. Once logged in you will be greeted with many tools that will allow you to access Command from anywhere.

 

Command App Home Screen

 

The organization bar (located at the bottom) will allow you to easily navigate through the following from left to right:

• Home screen

• Search

• Notification events

• Archives

• Account settings

Just like in the Command web application, once logged in you will be able to navigate through all of your organization’s sites.

 

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Sites

On each site you can quickly tell if a camera is offline. There will also be three dots on the right-hand side which represent more options.

 

This will bring up the following:

• Site name

• Amount of cameras

• Ability to share a public link

 

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Viewing a camera

Once the desired camera is selected you will have the following tools to choose from:

 

• Face Search

  

   

• Calendar icon: This allows you to pick a specific date and time that will show all face results within that time frame.

• Upload a face icon: This allows you to either take a picture of someone’s face or upload a picture from your phone’s camera roll.

  • Once a face is uploaded then all faces captured on the camera that match that photo will appear.

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People History

People analytics uses powerful edge-based camera capabilities to detect people and faces.

 

Appearance: This filter searches based on the apparent sex, clothing color, and whether or not a backpack is present.

Calendar icon: This allows you to pick a specific date and time that will show all face results within that time frame.

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Vehicle History

Vehicle analytics uses powerful edge-based capabilities to detect vehicles.

 

Appearance: This filter searches based on the vehicle color and vehicle type.

Calendar icon: This allows you to pick a specific date and time that will show all vehicle results within that time frame.

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Motion Search

Motion search allows you to quickly find key events.

 

Calendar icon: This allows you to pick a specific date and time that will show all motion results within that time frame.

Grid search: Once clicked, the live stream will have a grid overlay. From there you can easily drag your finger over the boxes you would like to search, and the results will show any motion detected within those boxes.

 

 

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Settings

All of the following can be found under Camera Info and Settings.

 

• Camera settings – Camera name, site name, location, and orientation

• Serial number

• Model

• Firmware version

• Local IP address

   

Camera Deployment Best Practices Guide

How best to prepare for camera installation and what to do if you run into issues.

During a hardware installation, problems can arise. Issues can be caused by the network, physical environment, component failure, misconfiguration, or improper installation techniques. This guide covers ways to solve and prevent installation challenges by presenting a best-practice deployment approach in the field. It also suggests a simple staging process intended to mitigate costs and complexities related to post-install troubleshooting. The six parts to deployment are:

1. Preparing Command for install

2. Preparing the network

3. Staging cameras before installation

4. Installing cameras

5. Finalizing deployment

6. Troubleshooting installed cameras

Preparing Command for Install

• Create an Organization and set up your Command account

  • A Command organization is required to manage Verkada devices. Each camera needs to be added to the organization

• The installer should be an organization admin and a site admin for all sites containing cameras so they can confirm the devices are working and provide a support access token at the request of Verkada Technical Support in the event there is a technical issue

  • The installer can add the camera(s) to the organization using their order number which can be found on the packing slip or in the order confirmation email

     

• For security purposes, ensure that all Verkada devices are added to the organization prior to installation

Note: Verkada Technical Support requires a support access token to troubleshoot Verkada cameras. This token can only be generated by users who have admin permissions in the organization containing their cameras.

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Preparing the network

Network requirements

Verkada cameras require connectivity to the Verkada Cloud and NTP servers located on the internet. Without network connectivity, the platform will have limited functionality and may report inaccurately in Command.

 

Before installing a Verkada system, the network environment needs to support the following protocols and services:

• DHCP – Cameras receive their IP address and network settings via the DHCP protocol. They do not support static IP configurations. A DHCP server must be present on the LAN to provide the cameras with an IP address, default gateway, subnet mask, and DNS servers

• DNS – Cameras use the Domain Name System to resolve Verkada URLs to their associated IP addresses

• HTTPS – Cameras communicate with Verkada Command using HTTPS over TCP port 443

• NTP – Each camera is hardcoded with well-known NTP servers on the internet. NTP is used to sync the camera time so footage timestamps are correct. The correct time is also required for HTTPS to work

Refer to this KB for more detail on network requirements.

 

Verkada Technical Support will ask to troubleshoot these services when there is a network issue. The troubleshooting process can require a packet capture of network traffic to analyze the root cause.

 

Note: Cable integrity is important to supply PoE and data to a camera. Cable termination, interconnects, distance, and bends must all be taken into account.

 

Power budgeting

Each Camera requires PoE power to function. Make sure your network switch has enough PoE power to support all of the connected cameras at full power draw.

 

Don’t forget: Cameras use less power during the day. When cameras switch to night mode, the IR emitters activate to illuminate the scene for better visibility. The IRs increase power draw. If multiple cameras are connected to the same PoE switch, the PoE draw can increase significantly at night. If the switch does not have enough power to deliver to all the cameras, some cameras will go offline. A telltale sign of your switch not having enough power is that cameras will go offline each night around the same time as other cameras on the same switch when entering into night mode.

 

An easy way to spec power on a switch is to multiply the number of cameras connected by 30 Watts which is the maximum power delivered by PoE+. For example, if you had 10 cameras you would calculate like this:

 

10 cameras X 30 Watts = 300 Watt PoE budget on the switch

 

Note: Full power draw can be found on the datasheet for your camera model. Remember, each switch port should be able to supply the maximum amount of power required by the camera.

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Staging cameras before installation

Staging devices helps you to avoid the costs and difficulties of troubleshooting a faulty camera after it has been installed (such as needing a lift to physically access the camera). Staging involves confirming the devices function correctly before they are installed at their intended locations. Once a camera is staged correctly, further troubleshooting can focus on the physical and network environments.

 

Stage devices as follows:

1. Connect each device to your PoE switch

2. Allow the device to check in to the Command portal and update

   1. If the device does not check in or update in 30 minutes you will need to troubleshoot

3. Make sure that you are getting a video feed in Command

4. Make sure history is being populated in Command

Note: The plastic protective film on the camera dome should not be removed before installing at the actual end location.

 

Building a staging lab

Verkada Technical Support recommends investing in a mobile staging environment to test and upgrade devices before installing them at their final install location. A mobile staging lab can be transported in a case and shipped to a site before installation. The staging lab is made up of the following components:

• Internet uplink

• Managed PoE+ switch

• Router (includes, DHCP, DNS)

• Known good short ethernet patch cables

• Computer with Ethernet adapter

• PoE injector

• 5G mobile hotspot router with adequate data plan (optional)

Typically your staging lab will use the customer network for internet access. It is good practice to include a 5G mobile hotspot router in your staging kit so the cameras can get internet access when the customer network is not prepared or is having issues.

 

Pro Tip: Verkada Technical Support recommends not using a firewall in your staging environment because blocking the camera’s traffic could result in additional troubleshooting. The staging lab should only contain what is necessary for the cameras to operate.

 

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Installing cameras

Once staging is complete the cameras should be ready to install in their intended locations. You can find step-by-step guides to installing each camera model here. When you install cameras be sure to take into account image quality during the day and the night when determining orientation and placement.

 

Pro Tip: Verkada Technical Support recommends using the Verkada Command Mobile App during the installation process. You will be able to see the camera stream on your phone which will allow more accurate placement and orientation of the device when installing it in its final location.

 

Keep the following in mind when installing cameras:

• If IRs are reflected or obstructed they will cause glare in the image in night mode

  • Ensure the IRs are not facing a white or reflective surface

  • Ensure the IRs are not obstructed by camera housing

• Make sure outdoor cameras have a water-tight seal. Confirm the cable gland is properly secured and the seal is properly tightened

  • Make sure the desiccant pack is installed inside the camera case to prevent condensation build-up

• Do not remove the plastic film on the camera dome until you have positioned the camera properly to cover it until properly installed on location. If a dome gets grime it will show as glare in night mode. It may even make the image blurry in day mode

  • Do not touch the inside or outside of the camera dome because it will get fingerprints that cause glare when the IR illuminators come on

  • If you remove the plastic cover, wipe down the dome with a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove grime and fingerprints

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Finalizing the deployment

The most important aspect of an installation is delivering a working solution to the customer that they can maintain and get help on when you leave. This means demonstrating to them that they have access to all of the devices they purchased and that the devices are fully functional. Complete the checks below to demonstrate that the installation was successful before you leave the site.

1. Make sure the plastic film is removed from all the camera domes

2. Make sure at least two customer users are added as org admins and site admin for all sites

3. Have the customer login and confirm they can see all of their cameras

4. Check with the customer to confirm the expected number of cameras are added to Command

5. Verify IR glare is not present at night

6. Check with the customer to confirm each camera is live streaming in HQ, SQ, local streaming, and recording history as expected

7. Once you confirm all the cameras are working and accessible, have the customer remove your account from their org if you are not going to manage their account on their behalf. You will want to confirm the customer access to the support page so they can leverage Verkada Technical Support if needed

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Troubleshooting deployed hardware

When installing cameras into production, issues may surface that were not present during staging.

 

Pro tip: Before contacting Verkada Technical Support for camera troubleshooting assistance:

• Find the serial number on the back of the camera and ensure you can find that serial number in Verkada Command

• Have an active support token available for Technical Support. If the issue involves live streaming or history, ensure video access is enabled for the token

LED Status

Most issues yield LED behavior that suggests a probable root cause. Below are the LED statuses, their associated causes, and remediation steps. The LED is located on the front bezel of any Verkada camera.

 

What if the camera worked in staging, but doesn’t work when installed in the install location?

• If a camera worked in staging but not when it is installed, take the device back to your staging lab to see if it works

• If it does, you can show this to the customer and work with them to resolve the issue

• If the device does not work in staging, contact Verkada Technical Support so they can help diagnose the problem in the staging environment

LED Status	Issue	Troubleshooting step 1	Troubleshooting step 2
Flashing Blue	Network issue	Connect the camera with a known-good short patch cable to a known-good switch port	If the camera continues flashing blue, go through Troubleshooting network issues at the bottom of this document
LED Solid Orange	If the camera is solid orange for more than 5 minutes, it is not receiving enough power or the boot process has failed	Connect the camera with a known-good short patch cable to a known-good switch port	If the camera remains solid orange, take the camera to the staging lab and contact Verkada Technical Support
LED Solid Blue and the device shows offline in Command	The camera is not added to Command	Confirm the serial number on the backplate of the camera matches the serial number of the camera in Command. If they don’t match, add the correct serial number and wait for the camera to check-in	If the serials match, take a picture of the serial number on the device and contact Verkada Technical Support
LED Flashing Orange	If the camera LED continues flashing orange for 30 minutes or more, it is unable to finish a firmware upgrade	Connect the camera with a known-good short patch cable to a known-good switch port and wait 30 minutes to see if it clears	If the camera does not upgrade on the direct connection, take the camera to the staging lab and contact Verkada Technical Support
No LED	If LED is not illuminated it is not receiving power	Connect the camera with a known-good short patch cable to a known-good switch port. Try using a PoE injector	If the camera LED does not illuminate, take the camera to the staging lab and contact Verkada Technical Support

​​Troubleshooting network issues

First, try to eliminate the core network as the issue. With your mobile testing kit, you can test using your mobile hotspot, taking the customer network out of the equation.

 

Network Diagnostic Tests

This simple battery of tests uses your laptop and the IP address used by the camera to confirm the network is configured to work with Verkada.

1. Work with the DHCP server admin to get the following for the Camera: IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. The camera can be identified on the DHCP server by its MAC address. You can find the MAC address on the backplate of the camera.

2. Disconnect the camera from the network. (This avoids an IP conflict when you configure your laptop to the same IP address.)

3. Assign your laptop the same IP settings as the camera

4. Connect your laptop to the same cable used previously by the camera

5. Verify that you can access the URLs in your browser:

   • https://access.control.verkada.com/ping

   • https://api.control.verkada.com/ping

   • https://relay.control.verkada.com/ping

   • https://index.control.verkada.com/ping

   • https://firmware.control.verkada.com/ping

     Expect to see an Access Denied response for the above URL

   • https://update.control.verkada.com/ping

6. Verify NTP reachability for Verkada’s NTP servers

   • For Mac users, open a terminal window and enter

     • sudo sntp -sS time.control.verkada.com

     • sudo sntp -sS 34.216.15.26

   • For Windows users, open a command prompt and enter

     • w32tm /stripchart /computer:time.control.verkada.com /samples:3 /dataonly

     • w32tm /stripchart /computer:34.216.15.26 /samples:3 /dataonly

If any of the above requests fail, work with the network administrator to permit outbound connections:

• TCP port 443 to

  • access.control.verkada.com

  • api.control.verkada.com

  • relay.control.verkada.com

  • Index.control.verkada.com

  • Firmware.control.verkada.com

  • update.control.verkada.com

• Bidirectional UDP port 123 for

  • time.control.verkada.com

  • time.cloudflare.com

  • 34.216.15.26

• TCP Port 4460 to

  • time.cloudflare.com

Checking network bandwidth

Run an Internet speed test to confirm the network has adequate upload and download bandwidth. You should have enough upload bandwidth to support the number of cameras the customer plans to view simultaneously.

 

If all the above tests succeed yet the camera LED continues to flash blue, reach out to Verkada Technical Support.

Device Firmware Updates & Integrity

Verkada devices update their firmware automatically

Verkada releases regular updates to its firmware. These updates enhance security and functionality, and they are included at no cost as part of your cloud license.

 

Scheduling firmware updates

Firmware is pushed automatically, if you would like to schedule firmware updates to happen during a certain time of day follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to the Settings tab of the camera you want to schedule updates on

2. Select General

3. Toggle on Schedule Firmware Updates

4. Set the desired window for when updates should occur

   Note: The update window needs to be a minimum of 2 hours and the camera may reboot during this time

Automatic failover

To ensure failsafe updates, each Verkada device is equipped with a dual-partition firmware bank. In the unusual event that a firmware update fails, the device will automatically revert back to the previous version of the firmware, and try the update at a later time.

 

If you have any questions, please email us at support@verkada.com.

 

Firmware integrity checks

Verkada runs a firmware integrity check periodically on all cameras to ensure there hasn’t been any tampering with our firmware. If a device were to fail an automated check, our security team would be notified immediately and you will be contacted.

 

Does my camera stop recording during firmware updates?

We take extra care to ensure failsafe firmware updates and minimize service interruptions. Your camera will go offline for a few moments as the software update process is being finalized. These updates should occur during our regularly scheduled maintenance windows so service interruptions are minimal.

Changing a Camera’s Orientation

Rotate and flip your camera’s feed to match the installation angle or if it’s upside down

In most cases, you’ll want to install your camera with normal orientation so that the video stream in Command appears as you’d expect. Some install locations may benefit from being installed in a non-standard orientation to maximize the field of view.

 

For example, a camera may be installed at 90 degrees to capture a full view of a long hallway or stairwell.

 

In these cases, you’ll want to rotate the orientation of your camera in Command.

 

Configuration Steps

1. Select the desired camera

2. Select the Settings tab

3. Select the Device tab

4. Under Orientation click Change and select the desired option

5. Select the desired orientation and select Save

 

 

Verkada Fisheye Mode

The CF81-E supports the following Fisheye Modes:

• Panoramic – Provides a 180° panoramic view which is best when the camera is wall mounted

• Four-Way Split – Splits out the panoramic view into 4 sections for a 360° view used mainly when the camera is ceiling mounted

• Pan/Tilt/Zoom – You can decide to show the video feed either as a 360° view, as a tiles view with different angles, or explore the video with your digital PTZ functionality

Note: Click here to learn more about the CF81-E modes.

 

To change the fisheye mode follow the steps below:

1. Select the desired camera

2. Select the Settings tab

3. Select the General tab

4. Under Fisheye Mode click Change and select the desired option

    

   

    

5. From the dialog box, select the desired mode and save. The camera will reboot to implement this change.

 

Privacy Regions

Privacy regions allow you to block out part of the camera’s field of view

Privacy regions allow a user to configure portions of a camera’s view to be blocked out. Areas blocked by a privacy region will be blocked out on the camera’s live feed and in historical footage.

 

Note: you will need to have Site Admin permissions to configure privacy regions for a camera.

 

Creating and Deleting a Privacy Region

Navigate to the camera you want to configure, then select the Settings tab

 

Select the Privacy tab, then select Mark Privacy Regions

 

To create the region, use the grid in the dialog box; click and drag over the area you want to hide. You will see a black box drawn over the area.

 

To delete the region, select the X on each configured privacy region in the dialog box.

 

The changes will save automatically. Once the camera updates (typically under a minute), you can expect your live feed to contain the privacy regions.

 

Privacy regions are not retroactive. The camera may take a minute or two to update its configuration, after which you will see the privacy region on the camera’s live feed and associated historical video going forward.

 

Note: the D80 does not support privacy regions.

Using Focus and Optical Zoom

Optical Zoom and Focus on D30, D50, CD51, CD61, CB51, and CB61

Verkada’s D30, D50, CD51, CD52, CD61, CD62, CB51, and CB61 cameras are equipped with a varifocal lens to zoom and focus. Optical zoom is meant to adjust the field of view during installation, not for continual adjustments. To zoom in on live or historical view you’ll want to use digital zoom.

 

Note: Zooming or focusing a camera requires Site Admin permissions.

 

Optical Zoom

• Select the camera

• Select the SQ/HQ menu in the bottom left-hand corner of the video player

• Select Optical Zoom

• Use the slider to adjust the zoom

Note: It may take 30-45 seconds to fully complete the zoom adjustment and auto-focus cycle.

 

Auto Focus

Fix blurry images with Auto Focus

A camera will attempt to intelligently focus on several regions automatically. In the event an image is blurry, rerun autofocus to bring the image into focus.

• Select the camera

• Select the SQ/HQ menu in the bottom left-hand corner of the video player

• Select Auto Focus

• Wait while the camera intelligently focuses the image

Fixing a blurry image with a custom focal point

If the image is still blurry after running autofocus or you want to select a certain object as the focal point, you can set a custom focal point.

• Select the camera

• Select Settings

• Select the Devices tab

• Select Custom under Autofocus and choose Change Focus Point

• Select the desired focus point from the grid, the changes will autosave

   

Manual focus

• Select the camera

• Select the SQ/HQ menu in the bottom left-hand corner of the video player

• Select Manual Focus

• Use the slider to manually focus the camera

• Wait a while the camera focuses the image

Troubleshooting

If none of the steps above work, try zooming in slightly and then run the autofocus feature.

• Select the camera

• Select the SQ/HQ menu in the bottom left-hand corner of the video player

• Select Optical Zoom

• Click the + button on the far right twice

• Wait for the optical zoom to adjust

• Run the autofocus by clicking the Autofocus button in the SQ/HQ menu

• Wait for the autofocus to finish

   

Using Sites and Sub-Sites

Sites and Sub-Sites divide your cameras into groups to manage permissions

Sites

Verkada makes it easy to keep all of your cameras organized by site within your organization. Users can only see cameras in the sites they have been granted permissions to. This allows you to scope which cameras are accessible to each user or group. Because site permissions are broken down into roles, you also have the ability to specify the type of access each user or group has to the cameras within a site (viewer or admin). Please see the article on user permissions for more information.

 

Creating a Site

1. Select Cameras from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner

2. Select Manage Sites in the top right-hand corner

3. Click Create Site in the top right

4. Name your site and click Add

Adding Cameras to an Empty Site

1. Select Cameras from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner

2. Scroll until the empty site is shown

3. Click the +camera icon

4. Select Move Cameras to this site and add the cameras you would like to move

5. Select Add New Cameras to be taken to the Add Devices page with this site preselected

Moving Cameras to a New Site

1. Select the checkbox in the top left-hand corner of the camera’s feed on the home page

2. Once the camera(s) have been selected, a bar will appear at the top of the page

3. Use the Select Site dropdown box to select the destination site to move the cameras to

4. Select Move camera(s).

Sub-Sites

Sub-sites are used to grant permissions to one or more cameras within a site. This eliminates having to create a new site each time you need to scope permissions to one or more cameras. A sub-site can be nested in other sub-sites providing a hierarchy of permissions for better access control.

 

Creating a Sub-Site

1. Select Cameras from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner

2. Select Manage Sites in the top right-hand corner

3. Hover over the site you would like to create a sub-site for

4. Select Add Sub-site on the right-hand side

5. Name your site and click Add sub-site

Deleting a Site or Sub-Site

Note: You cannot delete a site or sub-site until all cameras and sub-sites have been removed.

1. Select Cameras from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner

2. Select Manage Sites in the top right-hand corner

3. Hover over the site you would like to delete

4. Select the bin icon on the right-hand side

5. Select Delete to confirm

    

Change the location of the camera

Instructions on changing the map placement of a camera

Changing a camera’s location affects two things – the camera’s position on the map and its time zone. You can change a camera’s location from the camera’s settings page or from the Devices page.

 

Note: When a camera’s location is changed the camera will be removed from any floor plans it is currently on.

 

Change a Camera’s Location from the Settings page

1. Select the camera

2. Select Settings

3. Select General

4. Under Location select Change to update the address

5. A map and search bar will appear, enter the address of the location in the field and select it from the dropdown menu.

6. Select Save to apply the change

 

Change a Camera’s Location from the Devices Page

1. Select Devices from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner

2. Select the camera for which you would like to change the location

3. Select the Location box in the camera details panel on the right

4. A map and search bar will appear, enter the address of the location in the field and select it from the dropdown menu

5. Select Save to apply the settings

    

Bulk change a Camera’s Location from the Devices Page

1. Select Devices from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner

2. Select the checkbox next to any camera you would like to change the location on

3. Select Edit Settings at the top of the page

4. Next to Location select Change

5. A map and search bar will appear, enter the address of the location in the field and select it from the dropdown menu

6. Click Save to apply the settings

Note: Changing a camera’s location to certain jurisdictions may limit the people analytics features of the camera (i.e. gender search, face detection, and person of interest).

Camera Stats

Check motion, online status, and bandwidth consumption with camera stats

Camera stats can be used to check trends of the following information over a period of time:

• The volume of motion activity in the frame

• Camera connectivity

• Camera uptime

• Bandwidth consumption

Navigating Camera Stats

Check camera stats by selecting a live camera stream and navigating to the Stats icon under the live view. The default timeline is 24 hours but it can be changed to a week or month to see stats over a longer period of time.

 

Motion activity

The Motion timeline shows the volume of motion detected in the frame over a period of time. You can move your cursor over the timeline and see the stats associated with the motion.

 

Camera connectivity

The online timeline shows the camera’s connectivity to the Verkada cloud over a period of time. Blue bars indicate the camera was connected to the Verkada servers while red indicates the camera lost connectivity to the cloud. Place your cursor over the timeline to see the date, time, and outage duration.

 

The uptime timeline shows the period of time a camera was powered on and recording. Under most circumstances the two charts will be the same, however, if a network interruption is occurring the uptime will remain blue. Significant differences between the uptime and online timelines may indicate a local network issue.

 

Bandwidth Consumption

Traffic Out and Traffic In show the upload and download bandwidth consumption over a period of time.

 

 

Traffic Out indicates the camera upload bit rate. The following data contributes to the upload bit rate; thumbnails, metadata, streams, archives, and cloud backups.

 

Traffic In indicates the camera download bitrate. The following data contributes to the download bitrate; firmware downloads, configuration changes, as well as commands sent from the cloud such as a reboot request.

Devices Page Overview

An overview of the devices details from the Devices page

The Devices page allows for quick navigation through your Verkada devices. Here you will be able to add devices to the org, see device information, change a camera’s site location, and reach individual camera live streams. Devices are also sorted by the site that they are placed in for easy visibility.

 

Add a device

At any time you can add a device to your organization by clicking + Add Devices button on the top right-hand corner.

 

Change devices view from sites to a list

At any time you can change the device page view from the Sites view to a List by clicking the list button on the top right corner.

 

In the List view use the triple dot icon in the top right-hand corner to add/remove columns from the view.

 

Change a device’s site location

Once a device is selected, you will be able to change its site location by clicking Site then selecting the pertaining site for the device to be, click Save to confirm.

 

 

Change a device’s physical address

Once a device is selected, you will be able to change its physical address by clicking Location then enter the desired address and select it from the drop-down, click Save to confirm.

 

 

 

Bulk changes

Lastly, the Devices page can be used to make bulk changes to a site. Currently, we support the following bulk option:

• Site

• Location

• Motion events

• Tamper events

• Crowd events

• Data storage location

• Analytics features

Simply click the check box next to the cameras you wish to change and select Edit Settings, you may also bulk delete cameras by selecting Delete.

 

Find a Camera’s MAC Address

Find your camera’s MAC address in Command

Note: All Verkada MAC addresses start with E0:A7:00

 

In some cases, such as for troubleshooting, static DHCP assignments, firewall whitelists, etc. it is useful to know the MAC address of the camera.

 

There are two main ways to find your camera’s MAC address:

1. Printed on the camera label – On the bottom of each camera is a label containing the serial number, a quick-add QR code, as well as the MAC address.

   

    

2. Camera Info Page – Once the camera has come online in command, you can find the MAC address from the camera’s info page:

   1. Select the devices tab

   2. From the list of devices, select the camera in question

   3. You will find the MAC address on the camera info section on the right

Note: Viewing the camera’s MAC address from Command requires the Org Admin permission level.

 

People Heatmaps for Floorplans

People heatmaps offer a more detailed view of activity within a building by displaying a history of individuals’ movements on floorplans using color-coded contours. This feature can help businesses better understand how their spaces are being used, such as identifying high-traffic areas and analyzing traffic patterns and behavior.

 

In order to use people heatmaps you will need at least one floorplan uploaded with cameras placed on it. The cameras will need to be calibrated to set up regions of interest.

 

Note: People analytics needs to be enabled on a camera before it can be calibrated.

 

How To Access

1. From the Home page select the Map icon in the bottom right-hand corner.

2. Select the desired building and floor you want to view.

3. In the top right-hand corner, People Heatmap should already be selected. If not, select the dropdown to select it from the menu.

    

   

    

4. From here, you can select the desired time interval in the bottom right-hand corner. The default is 1 hour but you can increase it up to 1 day.

    

   

    

   You can also select a date and time from the calendar menu in the middle of the page.

    

   

    

    

5. In the bottom left-hand corner, you can play a time timelapse to see people’s movement over time.

Example of the timelapse feature

Deleting a Camera

Instructions for deleting or factory resetting a camera

Organization Admins and Site Admins have the ability to delete a camera. Deleting a camera can be used to accomplish two things:

1. Remove a camera from your organization

2. Erase all recorded footage

IMPORTANT: Deleting a camera from Command will erase all of its recorded footage and it will not be able to be recovered!

Deleting a Camera

Sometimes you need to remove a camera from your account either because you want to use it in a different organization or it is no longer needed. Follow the steps below to delete a camera from your organization.

Note: If you plan to re-add the camera, make sure you document the camera’s serial number.

1. Select Devices from the All Products menu in the top left-hand corner

2. Select the camera(s) by clicking on the check box on the left

3. Select Delete

4. Enter the verification code and select Delete

Deleting cameras from the Command App

1. Press and hold the camera you want to delete

2. Select Edit Device

3. Select Delete Camera

4. Enter the 4-digit code to confirm that you want to delete the camera

 

Resetting a Camera

If you need to erase footage on a camera and start over, follow the above steps to delete the camera. Once the camera is removed from your organization, follow the steps in this article to re-add the camera to your Command account.

 

Note: This option resets the camera name, site, settings, and map location

Calibrating Cameras for Floorplan Heatmaps

Instructions to calibrate cameras for the heatmaps feature on floor plans

In order to use people heatmaps on floorplans, you will need to calibrate the cameras you want to see heatmaps for. People heatmaps will only show on a floorplan for motion detected by cameras that have been calibrated.

 

Note: Before calibrating cameras please ensure that you have enabled people analytics on all cameras you wish to calibrate. Cameras will need to be placed on the floorplan map for them to start collecting motion data. If a camera is removed from the floor plan, this will reset its calibration.

 

For best results, the camera’s field of view should be pointed straight down towards the floor/ground as much as possible. An angle of at least 70 degrees from the horizontal is recommended.

 

Process

1. Select Floorplans on the top right-hand corner of the Home page

2. Select the floorplan you wish to calibrate cameras on

3. Select the camera you wish to calibrate and select the Calibrate for heatmap button

    

   

    

4. In the floor plan, click and drop 4 points to select the area where you wish to track people’s motions with the camera.

5. In the camera view, click to drop 4 points in the same order and for the same area as in the last step to complete the calibration.

    

   Note: The sequence of the dropped points is important and should be identical between the floor plan and the camera floor footage. The video below illustrates how to calibrate cameras with dropped points in the correct sequence.

Compatible models: Certain models like D30, D50, or D80 which don’t have analytics can’t be calibrated. Additionally, certain camera settings which disable analytics are also not compatible with calibration like CF81s on ePTZ mode or cameras used for LPR.

What is a Tp-link tapo FAQ camera & how do you install a Tapo camera outside?

Yes. Just log in to your Arlo account, tap the + icon or click Add Device, and follow the instructions.

How is the Arlo Q picture and audio quality?

Arlo Q delivers video in 1080p HD. It also comes with two-way audio so that you can both listen and talk back and forth.

How are Arlo Q cameras different from Arlo Wire-Free cameras?

Arlo Wire-Free cameras are weatherproof and battery powered. You can use Arlo Wire-Free cameras both indoors and outdoors.

Arlo Q cameras are AC powered and work best indoors. For more information, see Arlo Wire-Free compared to Arlo Q.

Do Arlo Q cameras record 24/7?

Yes. To enable Arlo Q cameras to record 24/7, use the Arlo app to add the Continuous Video Recording plan to your Arlo Q camera. For more information, see What is continuous video recording and how do I get it?.

What is the best camera to use indoors or outdoors?

Arlo Wire-Free cameras are weatherproof and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Arlo Q cameras deliver the best experience indoors.

When do I need a base station?

You need a base station to connect Arlo Wire-Free cameras. You don’t need a base station with Arlo Q cameras. Arlo Q cameras connect directly to your Wi-Fi router.

What are the wireless frequencies used by Arlo Q cameras?

Arlo Q cameras use 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

What is the maximum video resolution of Arlo Q cameras?

View Arlo Q cameras in HD with a crystal clear resolution of 1080p.

How far can I place my Arlo Q camera from my router?

Place your Arlo camera within 300 feet of your Wi-Fi router. This distance can vary depending on obstacles such as concrete or stucco walls, metallic barriers, or Wi-Fi interference.

How well does motion detection work on Arlo Q cameras?

Arlo Q cameras can detect motion from as far as 50 feet away. In addition, you can create up to three motion detection zones so that motion in detected in specific areas within the camera frame.

How much of my internet connection’s bandwidth does Arlo Q video streaming use?

Arlo Q cameras use the following bandwidth when they are streaming:

• 1080P = 1500 kbps
• 720P = 700 kbps
• 480P = 300kbps
• 360P = 200kbps
• 240P = 100kbps

However, when you are not logged in or when the camera does not detect motion, bandwidth is reduced to about 100 kbps at 1080P.

Do Arlo Q cameras have audio capability?

Yes. Arlo Q cameras let you listen or speak to who or what is being viewed on the camera. Arlo Q cameras employ half-duplex transmission and work similarly to walkie-talkies.

Do I need batteries for my Arlo Q camera?

No. Arlo Q cameras are powered cameras. You need to plug the camera into an electrical outlet and connect it to your Wi-Fi router.

Can I use a phone USB cable or power adapter to operate my Arlo Q camera?

We recommend that you use the USB cable and power adapter that came with your Arlo Q camera. Different USB cables or power adaptors might not be able to provide stable or enough power to Arlo Q.

What’s in the Arlo Q box?

Arlo Q camera boxes include the following:

• 1 1080p HD Security camera (VMC3040)
• 1 Power adapter and cable
• 1 Wall mount plate
• 4 Mounting screws
• 1 Arlo window decal
• 1 Quick start guide

Arlo Q Plus FAQ

Can my Arlo Q Plus camera record 24/7?
Yes. Continuous video recording, or CVR, is an optional feature available on Arlo Q Plus cameras.

What type of microSD card do I need for my Arlo Q Plus camera?
We support microSD cards, class 10 or higher, with up to 128 GB capacity, file format FAT32.

What is the maximum video resolution of my Arlo Q Plus camera?
Your Arlo Q Plus has a maximum video resolution of 1080p. The default video resolution is 720p. You can change this setting to a higher or lower resolution.

What wireless frequencies does my Arlo Q Plus camera use?
Your Arlo Q Plus camera uses the wireless frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

How far can my Arlo Q or Arlo Q Plus camera be from my router?
Do not place your camera farther than 300 feet (91 meters) from your WiFi router. This length can vary depending on obstacles such as concrete or stucco walls, metallic barriers, or WiFi interference. For longer distances, consider connecting the camera with an Ethernet cable.

Can I use a phone USB cable or power adapter to operate my Arlo Q Plus camera?
No. We recommend that you use the USB cable and power adapter that comes with your Arlo Q Plus camera. Different USB cables and power adapters might not provide stable power to your camera.

Do I need batteries for my Arlo Q Plus camera?
No. Your Arlo Q Plus is a powered camera, which means that it must be plugged into either an electrical outlet or a power over Ethernet (PoE) switch and connected to your wireless router.

Can I use my Arlo Q Plus camera outdoors?
No. Arlo Q Plus cameras are not weatherproof and must be used indoors.

How to set up an Arlo Q or Arlo Q Plus Camera

To set up an Arlo Q or Arlo Q Plus Camera:

1. Launch the Arlo Secure app.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Add New Device.
3. On the Select your Arlo device screen, tap Cameras.
4. On the Select your Arlo model screen, tap Others.
5. On the Legacy screen, tap Q & Q Plus.
6. On the Select your connection type screen, tap Wi-Fi, Ethernet (Q Plus Only), or PoE (Q Plus Only).

Note: The Ethernet and PoE options are for Arlo Q Plus only. For more information on Ethernet and PoE connections, visit: What is the difference between Arlo Q Plus PoE and Ethernet?

7. For Wi-Fi conections, power your camera by plugging it into a wall outlet.
8. When the LED light turns solid amber, tap Continue.

Note: Make sure the camera is within 3 to 6 feet of your Wi-Fi router during the setup process. Avoid placing the camera within close proximity to other Wi-Fi devices to avoid signal interference during the setup process.

9. Enter your Wi-Fi credentials, to include SSID (network name) and Wi-Fi password.
10. Tap Continue.
11. Hold the Sync button on your camera for about two seconds, and then release.

• The Blue LED will start blinking to confirm it is ready.

12. Tap Continue.
13. Hold the QR code about eight inches in front of your camera.

• You should hear a chime.
• If you didn’t hear a chime, visit: My Arlo camera will not scan the QR code during setup

14. Tap Continue.

• The Looking for device screen displays.
• If Arlo does not discover your device, visit: What to do when Arlo is unable to discover your device during an install or setup directly to a Wi-Fi router

15. After Arlo discovers your device, select an Arlo Camera to claim from the Available Devices list.

Note: Verify the Serial Number displayed in the list matches the Serial Number on the bottom of your camera.

16. Type a name for your Arlo device.
17. Tap Continue.

• Your camera is now active.

18. Tap Finish.

Arlo Go 2 LTE / Wi-Fi Security Camera FAQs

Learn about the Arlo Go 2 Security Camera with both Wi-Fi and wireless LTE connectivity.

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Arlo Go 2 Features

• What’s the difference between Arlo Go and Arlo Go 2 Cameras? 
  The redesigned Arlo Go 2 is loaded with new features like LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, 1080p video resolution, color night vision, a spotlight, two-way audio, a siren, and GPS camera location.
• Where can I use Go 2? 
  Monitor nearly any location with a Wi-Fi or LTE connection. The camera is portable so you can take it with you and rely on a backup connection to the cellular network to ensure your cameras remain armed even when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
• Is it better to connect to a Wi-Fi signal or wireless mobile signal on my Go 2?  
  Go 2 is designed to be flexible. For example, you can use your Wi-Fi with cellular mode as a backup, so you’re always protected even if the Wi-Fi goes out. Or you can take your Go 2 to a remote location with no Wi-Fi and use LTE mode by itself. To learn more about both options, visit: What are the benefits of connecting my Go 2 Camera via mobile or Wi-Fi?
• Do I need a SIM card for Arlo Go 2 mobile coverage?  
  Yes. Your Arlo Go 2 camera requires an activated SIM card with a mobile data plan to access the mobile network. For help with your mobile service plan, contact the carrier of the SIM card that was provided. If no SIM card was included, visit your local wireless carrier to activate a service plan and receive a SIM card.
• What options do I have if I do not have an activated SIM card?  
  If you do not have an activated SIM card, you can set up the device Wi-Fi mode. To learn more, visit: What are the benefits of connecting my Go 2 Camera via mobile or Wi-Fi?
• Does Arlo Go 2 come with an Arlo subscription? 
  Go 2 has a free 3-month subscription to Arlo Secure. Some retailers will also sell Go 2 with a voucher for an additional 24-months of Arlo Secure. This voucher will be included in the box.
• What are the storage options for the Go 2? 
  Use your Arlo Secure subscription to store videos in the cloud. Or install a microSD card (not included) to store your data locally.

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Arlo Go 2 Mobile Providers

• Which mobile service providers can I use with Arlo Go 2 in the United States?  
  Arlo Go 2 currently works with:
  • AT&T
  • Cellcom
  • T-Mobile
  • U.S. Cellular
  • Verizon Wireless
• Which mobile service providers can I use with Arlo Go 2 in Canada?  
  Arlo Go 2 currently works with:
  • Bell Canada
• Which mobile service providers can I use with Arlo Go 2 in the EU and UK?  
  Providers vary by country:
  • Vodafone: UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands
  • EE and BT: UK
  • 3 Mobile: UK, Austria
  • Deutsche Telekom: Germany
  • Mobilcom Debitel: Germany
  • O2: Germany
  • Bouygues: France
  • Telenor: Sweden
  • Telia: Sweden
  • KPN: Netherlands
  • Swisscom: Switzerland
  • Elisa: Finland
  • BITĖ: Lithuania, Latvia
• How much cellular data does Arlo Go 2 use? 
  Data use varies based on your environment and mobile service provider. Data consumption should range from 700MB to 2GB on a monthly basis, depending on the number of motion triggers and length of recordings.

To monitor Arlo Go 2 cellular data usage, contact your wireless provider. For more information, visit:

• How to connect Arlo device to Apple HomeKit?
• Verkada Cameras Install Guide
• Vivint Smart Home App User Guide

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Arlo Go 2 Installation

• Is the Arlo Go 2 battery powered? 
  Yes. Arlo Go 2 has an extra-large rechargeable lithium polymer battery and does not require wiring. To learn more about installation, visit: How do I insert the battery in my Arlo Go 2 camera?
• Where should I place Arlo Go 2? 
  For best results, we recommend placing your Arlo Go camera in a location where the Arlo Secure app displays at least three bars of mobile network signal strength. To optimize signal strength, visit: How can I optimize mobile signal strength for my Arlo Go series camera?
• How do I use the GPS location feature? 
  The Arlo Go 2 Camera has outdoor GPS in case you install it in a remote area and need help finding it later. For more information, visit: Use GPS to locate an Arlo Go 2 Camera

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Arlo Go 2 Accessories and Partners

• Which Arlo accessories are compatible with Arlo Go 2? 
  • Outdoor Mounts
    VMA1000-10000S (white)
    VMA1000B-10000S (black)
  • Dual-Battery Charging Station
    VMA5400C-100xxS
  • Solar Panel Charger
    VMA5600-100S
  • Extra Rechargeable Battery
    VMA5420-10000S
  • Magnetic Indoor/Outdoor Charging Cable
    VMA5600C-100xxS (white)
    VMA5601C-100xxS (black)
  • Indoor Charging Adapter
    VMA5000C-100xxS (white)
    VMA5001C-100xxS (black)
  • Black Housing
    VMA3800H-100S

• Which smart home services does Arlo Go 2 support? 
  Arlo Go 2 works with Alexa, IFTTT, and Google Home/Google Assistant.

Arlo Ultra 2 FAQ

What is the difference between Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Ultra?
Arlo Ultra 2 has all the same features as the original Arlo Ultra and more. These features include increased connectivity range, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 4K Arlo Secure trial.
For more information, visit: What is the difference between the Arlo Ultra 2 and Arlo Ultra cameras?

Can I place my Arlo Ultra 2 camera further away from my SmartHub or Base Station than my Arlo Ultra camera?
Yes. Arlo Ultra 2 has better range than Arlo Ultra, so it can be placed farther from your SmartHub or Base Station.
For help positioning your camera, visit: Arlo Camera Placement Tips

Do I get an Arlo Secure trial when I purchase an Arlo Ultra 2 camera?
Yes. Arlo Ultra 2 cameras come with a trial to Arlo Secure, with 4K streaming and recording included.
For more information, visit: What is included in the Arlo Secure trial?

Image Quality

Does Arlo Ultra 2 output 4K resolution?
Yes. Arlo Ultra 2 outputs 3840×2160 resolution at 16×9 aspect ratio.

Does Arlo Ultra 2 have HDR?
Yes. Your Arlo Ultra 2 camera automatically determines when to use HDR to optimize high-contrast areas in the camera’s field of view.
For more information, visit: How do I use HDR with my Arlo camera?

How wide is the viewing angle on Arlo Ultra 2?
The lens is a 180-degree diagonal lens with a matching wide range for motion detection. This provides a panoramic view as if your eyes were there.

What does color night vision mean?
Typical night-time video footage from security cameras is displayed in black and white. Arlo Ultra 2 can output images in color, even at night.

 

Design and Installation

Can I use Arlo Ultra 2 indoors and outdoors?
Yes. Arlo Ultra is outdoors weather-resistant. It is wire-free and does not require continuous power. With an additional, outdoor-rated charge cable, you can use Arlo Ultra outdoors.

Does Arlo Ultra 2 have two microphones?
Yes. The microphones can be used for two-way full-duplex conversations; they also enable noise-cancelling and wind noise reduction.

Does Arlo Ultra 2 include a siren?
Yes. A siren sound plays directly from the camera. It can be set to trigger manually or automatically when motion or audio is detected.
For more information, visit: How do I turn the siren on my Arlo camera on or off?

 

Accessories and Compatibility

Does Arlo Ultra 2 have the same mounting options as Arlo Ultra?
Yes. Arlo Ultra 2 can use the same magnetic or screw-in mounts that are compatible with the original Arlo Ultra. You can purchase mounting accessories on Arlo.com.

Can I use Auto Zoom and Tracking with Arlo Ultra 2?
Yes. Auto Zoom and Tracking is compatible with Arlo Ultra 2, Ultra, Pro 3, and Pro 3 Floodlight.
For more information, visit: What is Auto Zoom and Tracking and how do I use it?

What Arlo SmartHubs or Base Stations are compatible with Arlo Ultra 2?
You can connect Arlo Ultra 2 to a VMB5000, VMB4540, VMB4500, and VMB4000 SmartHub or Base Station.
For more information, visit: Arlo SmartHub and Base Station Compatibility

What is the minimum upload bandwidth speed required?
Arlo recommends an average upload bandwidth speed of 3Mbps per Ultra 2 camera.

Which smart home and voice assistant systems is Arlo Ultra 2 compatible with?
Arlo Ultra 2 is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

Will 4K work on the Arlo Ultra 2 when powered by battery?
Yes. An efficient video encoding scheme as well as battery optimization algorithms between the camera and SmartHub allow 4K to work with the Arlo Ultra 2 battery.

Can I use the XL Battery with the Ultra 2?
Yes. The Arlo XL Battery is fully compatible with the Ultra 2.
For more information, visit:  Arlo XL Rechargeable Battery & Housing

What are the available outdoor charging solutions for my Ultra 2?
You can charge the Ultra 2 outdoors using either the 25-ft. Outdoor Magnetic Charging Cable or Solar Panel. For more information, visit:

Arlo Secure

Is 4K recording free?
Yes. Arlo Ultra 2 cameras come with an Arlo Secure trial that allows 4K streaming and cloud recording. You can also record 4K clips to local storage.
For more information, visit: How do I record 4K videos to a local storage device?

Can I use continuous video recording (CVR) with Arlo Ultra 2?
Yes. You can purchase a separate CVR subscription for your Arlo Ultra 2 camera.
For more information, visit: What is continuous video recording (CVR) and how do I use it?

What Arlo Secure subscription do I need to record and save 4K videos on the Arlo cloud?
To save videos to the Arlo cloud, you must have an Arlo Secure Plus subscription plan.
For more information, visit: Arlo Secure Plans

Arlo Secure App FAQ

The Arlo app is now Arlo Secure in alignment with our service offerings and communicates our commitment to keep you and your family protected.

What is the difference between the Arlo Secure app and the Arlo app?
Arlo Secure is the new name for the existing Arlo app.

Does this change affect my Arlo account or recordings?
No. This change does not affect your Arlo account, recordings, subscription plans, or setup.

What is the difference between the Arlo Secure app and the Arlo Safe app? 
The Arlo Secure app is a smart home security app that allows you to set-up, access, and control Arlo security devices; making it simple to protect what matters most.
The Arlo Safe app is a personal safety app for total protection and peace of mind with one-touch emergency activation on your phone. If you ever feel in danger, are involved in a car accident, or want to check in with a family member, help is there. Note: Arlo Safe is only available in the US.
For more information, visit: What is the difference between Arlo Secure App and Arlo Safe App?

Do I need a different account for the Arlo Safe app and Arlo Secure app? 
No. You can use the same Arlo account for both the Arlo Secure app and Arlo Safe app; however, you will need to trust each app separately on your mobile device. For more information, visit: Why do I have to trust my device for both the Arlo Safe App and Arlo Secure app?

Arlo Pro 4 FAQ

Does Arlo Pro 4 output 2K resolution?
Yes. Arlo Pro 4 outputs 2560×1440 resolution at 16×9 aspect ratio.

Do I need an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station to use Arlo Pro 4?
No. An Arlo SmartHub or Base Station is optional. You can connect Arlo Pro 4 directly to your Wi-Fi router.

What are the benefits of connecting my Arlo Pro 4 to a SmartHub or Base Station?
The Arlo SmartHub or Base Station helps to protect your footage by adding a secure, personal network to your router. The SmartHub or Base Station also helps to regulate Wi-Fi traffic, can improve battery life, and is compatible with local storage.
For more information, visit: Arlo SmartHub and Base Station Compatibility

How wide is the viewing angle on Arlo Pro 4?
The lens is a 160-degree diagonal lens with a matching wide range for motion detection.

What does color night vision mean?
Typical night-time video footage from security cameras is displayed in black and white. Arlo Pro 4 can output images in color, even at night.

What is High Dynamic Range (HDR)?
HDR solves the problem with over or under exposed images with both bright and dark areas in the same picture. Arlo Pro 4 automatically determines when to use HDR.

Can I use Arlo Pro 4 indoors and outdoors?
Yes. Arlo Pro 4 can be used indoors and is weather resistant for outdoor use. The magnetic charging cable that was included with your camera is for indoor use only. If you wish to charge your camera outside, you must use the Outdoor Magnetic Charging Cable.

Does Arlo Pro 4 have an integrated spotlight?
Yes. The spotlight turns on in low-light settings. You can also manually turn it on or off.

Does Arlo Pro 4 include an Arlo Secure trial?
Yes. Arlo Pro 4 comes with a trial of Arlo Secure.

Is Arlo Pro 4 compatible with the Arlo XL Rechargeable Battery & Housing?
Yes. Arlo Pro 4 is compatible with the Arlo XL Rechargeable Battery & Housing.

Is Arlo Pro 4 compatible with the Arlo Solar Panel?
Yes. Arlo Pro 4 is compatible with the VMA5600 Solar Panel.
For more information, visit: Arlo Solar Panel Compatibility

Am I able to mount my Arlo Pro 4 camera from a ceiling?
Yes. You can use the included magnetic mount to mount your Pro 4 camera on the ceiling. If you use a Total Security Mount, you can purchase a Ceiling Adapter to mount your camera from the ceiling.

Does Arlo Pro 4 have an integrated siren?
Yes. A siren sound plays directly from the camera. It can be set to trigger manually or automatically when motion or audio is detected.

What is the minimum upload bandwidth speed required?
Arlo Pro 4 uses an average of 2 Mbps upload bandwidth per camera.

Does Pro 4 support full 2-way audio?
Yes. You are able to have full conversational audio with Arlo Pro 4.

Does 2K recording require a subscription?
Arlo Pro 4 cameras come with an Arlo Secure trial that allows 2K streaming and cloud recording. You can also record 2K clips to local storage with the use of an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.   When your trial expires, you will need to renew the subscription to continue 2K cloud recording.
For more information on Arlo subscription plans, visit: What are the available Arlo subscription plans and how much cloud recording is available?
For more information on local storage, visit: How do I set up local storage backups on my Arlo Base Station or SmartHub?

 

Step 1. Launch the Reolink App and log in your Reolink account, and then you will find the Smart Home option.

Step 2. Enable the device you want to add to Amazon Alexa in the Smart Home page.

Step 3. Launch the Amazon Alexa APP, sign in your account and then tap on “Devices” in the bottom right corner.

Step 4. Select “Your Smart Home Skills” and tap “Enable Smart Home Skills“. Please click the “Search” icon at the top right corner and search Reolink Smart Home.

Step 5. Tap “Enable to Use“, type in your Reolink account, and then click “Log in“.

After logging in successfully, the App will remind that “Reolink Smart Home has been successfully linked“. Tap “Done” to go to the next step.

Step 6. Tap on “Discover Devices” or use voice command “Alexa, discover devices“. Alexa will scan and show the devices bound to your Reolink account.

Step 7. Tap on “Set up Device”, you can choose a Group for the camera or you can SKIP this step. Tap on “Continue” to finish the setup.

Step 8. Done! Now you’ve added the Reolink camera to Amazon Alexa successfully.

To test your camera, launch the Echo dot and Echo Show, say “Alexa, show [name of the camera]” to view the live stream and say “Alexa, stop [name of the camera]” to stop the live stream.

What Devices Do I Need in Order to Make the Cameras Work with Alexa

To integrate your Reolink cameras with Amazon Alexa, you need to have the following devices and apps set up: Reolink camera, an Amazon Echo Show or an Amazon Echo dot, the Reolink APP and Amazon Alexa APP on your mobile device. If the current camera firmware is not compatible with Alexa, please go to Download Center upgrading to the latest firmware.