Arlo Camera Clicking Noise: Fix It Step by Step

If your Arlo camera is making a repeated clicking sound, it usually means the motorized pan/tilt mechanism is struggling to move or the camera is rapidly switching between night and day mode. This guide walks you through the most common causes and fixes, from simple resets to adjusting settings, so you can stop the noise quickly.

What You’ll Need

Arlo camera (Arlo Pro, Ultra, or similar with pan/tilt)
Access to the Arlo app on your phone or tablet
A small paperclip or pin (for reset button)
A soft cloth (for cleaning)
Optional: replacement USB cable and power adapter

Step-by-Step

Identify the source of the click. Stand close to the camera and listen. If the click comes from the base, it’s the motor. If it comes from the lens area, it’s likely the IR filter switching.
Power cycle the camera. Remove the battery (if removable) or unplug the power cable. Wait 30 seconds, then reinsert or reconnect. This resets the internal electronics and often stops a stuck motor or sensor loop.
Check for obstructions. Gently rotate the camera head manually (if it’s a pan/tilt model) to see if anything is blocking the movement. Remove dust, cobwebs, or debris from the joint. Wipe the lens and the IR sensor area with a soft cloth.
Update the camera firmware. Open the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices, select your camera, and tap Firmware Update. Ensure the camera is charged or plugged in during the update. A buggy firmware can cause the motor to twitch repeatedly.
Adjust night vision settings. If clicks happen only at dusk or dawn, the camera is likely toggling between color and night mode. In the app, go to Device Settings > Night Vision and set it to “Auto” or “Off” temporarily to see if the clicking stops. If it does, the IR filter is the culprit.
Disable motion-triggered pan/tilt. For pan/tilt models, if the camera is set to follow motion, it may continually try to reposition. In the app, go to Device Settings > Motion Detection and turn off “Auto Track” or “Activity Zones” that cause excessive movement.
Reset the camera to factory defaults. Use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button on the camera (usually on the bottom or back) for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks. Then set it up again in the app. This clears any stuck settings.
Check power supply. A weak or failing power adapter can cause the motor to stutter. Use the original Arlo power adapter and cable. If you’re using a third-party one, replace it. For battery cameras, ensure the battery is fully charged.
Relocate the camera. If the camera is mounted on a surface that vibrates (e.g., a thin metal pole), the vibration can trigger the motor to try to stabilize. Move it to a solid surface or add a rubber mount.
Contact Arlo support. If none of the above works, the motor or IR filter may be physically defective. Check your warranty and reach out to Arlo support for a replacement.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring the power source: Many users assume the battery is fine, but a low battery can cause erratic motor behavior. Always charge to 100% before troubleshooting.
Forgetting to update firmware: Outdated firmware is a leading cause of recurring clicks. Always check for updates first.
Using third-party chargers: Non-Apple or non-Arlo chargers may not provide stable voltage, causing the motor to click repeatedly.
Not cleaning the camera: Dust on the IR sensor or lens can make the camera think it’s dark, triggering the IR filter to flip back and forth.

Tips

If the clicking is intermittent, record a video of the sound and note the time of day. This helps identify if it’s related to lighting changes.
Set up a schedule for night vision mode if your camera supports it, so it only switches once per day.
If you have multiple Arlo cameras, try swapping power adapters to see if the problem follows the adapter.
Keep the camera’s firmware set to auto-update to avoid known bugs.

Troubleshooting

If the clicking continues after following all steps:

Check the app for error messages. Sometimes the camera will show a warning like “Motor stuck” or “Low battery.”
Try a different outlet. If using a wired camera, plug it into a different wall socket to rule out power fluctuations.
Perform a full factory reset again, but this time set up the camera as a new device. Don’t restore from a backup, as the backup may carry the same glitch.
Test the camera indoors. If the clicking stops indoors, the issue is environmental (e.g., temperature, wind, or vibration).
If the camera is under warranty, request a replacement. A defective motor or IR filter cannot be fixed by software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Arlo camera click at night?

This is usually the IR cut filter switching on/off. If it’s clicking repeatedly, the camera may be detecting light changes (e.g., a porch light turning on) and toggling back and forth. Adjust the night vision mode to “Off” or “Auto” with a fixed schedule.

Can a low battery cause clicking?

Yes, a low battery can cause the motor to receive insufficient power, making it stutter or click. Charge the camera fully and see if the noise stops.

Will resetting my Arlo camera delete my recordings?

No, factory reset only clears camera settings. Your recordings are stored in the cloud or on your local storage device and remain intact.

Is the clicking sound a sign of a hardware failure?

Not always. Often it’s a firmware bug or a simple obstruction. But if the click persists after a reset and firmware update, it may indicate a failing motor or IR filter, which requires hardware replacement.

How do I know if it’s the motor or the IR filter?

Listen carefully: a motor click is usually deeper and comes from the base, while the IR filter click is a sharp, quick “tick” from the lens area. Also, if the click happens only in low light, it’s the IR filter.

Can I disable the pan/tilt feature to stop the clicking?

Yes, on pan/tilt models, you can disable auto-tracking in the app. This stops the camera from trying to move on its own, which is a common cause of repeated clicking.

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