Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera Frequently Asked Questions
What Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera models are available?
- Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera 2K (VMC3090)
- Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera HD (VMC2090)
What are the key features of the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera?
- Solar Powered with an Integrated Solar Panel
- High-Capacity Rechargeable Battery
- Integrated Siren and 2-Way Talk
- Dual Band Wi-Fi Connection
- 130-degree Field-of-View
- Clear Color Night Vision
- Motion Detection Alerts
- IP-65 Weather Resistant
- Wire-Free Installation
What accessories are compatible with the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera?
Is a subscription required for my Essential Solar Security Camera to work after the trial ends?
- No. A subscription is not required for the Essential Solar Security Camera to work after the trial period.
- Without a subscription, you will continue to receive notifications when motion is detected and be able to view your camera's live video feed.
- However, a subscription is required to maintain premium features like Video Cloud Storage, Interactive Notifications, Video Object Detection, and more. Visit http://www.arlo.com/arlosecure for a full list of features that require a paid plan.
What is the minimum upload bandwidth required?
- You must have a high-speed Internet connection that can sustain a minimum of 2 Mbps upload per Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera.
- For more information, visit: What are the minimum requirements for installing and using my Arlo system?
Do I need an Arlo SmartHub to use the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera?
- An Arlo SmartHub is optional. You can connect this camera directly to your Wi-Fi router.
What are the benefits of connecting my Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera to a SmartHub?
- The Arlo SmartHub increases security by adding a secure, personal network to your router.
- It also helps to regulate Wi-Fi traffic, can improve battery life, and is compatible with local storage.
- For more information, visit: What are the benefits of using an Arlo SmartHub?
Does the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
- Yes. You can set up this camera using either Wi-Fi band.
How do I mount the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera?
- Mount your camera at least 7 feet (2 meters) high and aim it slightly downward for the best sensor performance.
- To detect motion closer to the camera, aim it so motion appears in the lower two-thirds of the image.
- To detect motion farther away, aim it a bit higher, so motion still appears in the lower two-thirds of the image.
- The camera’s motion sensor is more sensitive with subjects moving from side-to-side, across its field of view.
- Objects like walls, light fixtures, or eaves should not be within 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) of the sides or front of your camera, as this may cause glare or hazy video.
- For optimal performance, avoid mounting the camera in shaded areas, under eaves or roof overhangs, covered porches or patios, under heavy tree shade or branches, or in tight side yards that are between buildings.
- For more information, visit: How to mount the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera
Why does the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera have three mounting holes in the back?
- The Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera has three mounting holes to enable a wider range of motion.
- Screw the mount into whichever hole provides the most range of motion for the location you are mounting the camera in.
- Use the center mounting hole to face the camera straight, or at a slight angle.
- Use the outer mounting holes for a 90° angle range of motion.
Can the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera be mounted on brick, stucco, or concrete?
- Use the wall anchors included in the box for mounting to these types of surfaces.
- For more information, visit: How to mount the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera
How much direct sunlight does the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera need each day?
- Depending on settings, use, activity captured, and environment, the Arlo Essential Solar Camera operates on as little as 2 hours of direct sunlight per day.
How much battery capacity does the Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera have compared to other Arlo Essential cameras?
- The Arlo Essential Solar Camera has three times the battery capacity of the Arlo Essential Security Camera (3rd Gen).
What should I do if the battery level drops during winter?
- In typical use, the battery is large enough to support 50 alerts with 10-second clips each day, even when there is less sunlight during the winter.
- If you feel this won’t be enough, you can go to camera settings and choose a power-saving mode to extend battery life.
How can I reduce excessive notifications?
- Reduce excessive motion-triggered notifications with a Secure Plan by filtering alerts based on type (person, package, vehicle, animal) and location within the camera’s view (e.g., driveway vs. public street).
- Create Activity Zones to highlight specific areas you want to receive alerts from.
- You can also press and hold on Push Notification to snooze alerts for that camera for a set period of time, e.g. when gardening or washing the car.
- You can even create your own custom detections for when a particular car or person is in the driveway, or if the gate is open.
What is Arlo's privacy policy?
- We support industry standards for data protection designed to keep your personal information private and in your control.
- We are here to bring you peace of mind and you shouldn’t have to give up your privacy to feel secure.
- We support industry-leading methods and practices designed to protect your account such as multi-factor authentication, requiring access approval for new devices to verify it’s really you, and utilizing encryption to help protect your videos.
- For more details, please read our Privacy Pledge.