Hey guys! Are you looking to boost your home security with the Arlo Wired Doorbell? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the Arlo wired doorbell installation process, ensuring you get it up and running smoothly. We'll cover everything from prepping your existing doorbell wiring to connecting your new Arlo doorbell to the app. Let's dive in and make your home a safer place!

What's in the Box? Unboxing Your Arlo Wired Doorbell

Before we jump into the Arlo wired doorbell installation itself, let's make sure you have everything you need. When you open your Arlo Wired Doorbell box, you should find the following items:

• Arlo Wired Doorbell unit
• Mounting plate
• Security screws and screwdriver
• Wire extenders and wire nuts
• Chime kit (if required for your existing chime)
• Quick start guide
• Important safety information

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these components. Knowing what each piece is for will make the installation process much easier. Make sure you have all the parts listed. If anything is missing, contact Arlo support right away. Now, let's move on to the crucial first steps: preparing your existing doorbell wiring.

Step 1: Safety First! Disconnecting Power and Assessing Your Wiring

Okay, this is the most important step, guys. Before you even think about touching any wires, you must disconnect the power to your doorbell circuit. This is crucial for your safety and prevents any accidental shocks. Head to your electrical panel and locate the breaker that controls your doorbell. Flip it to the "off" position. To double-check, you can use a non-contact voltage tester near your existing doorbell wires to ensure there's no power flowing.

Now that you've killed the power, let's assess your existing wiring. Carefully remove your old doorbell from the wall. You'll likely see two low-voltage wires connected to the terminals. Take a good look at the condition of these wires. Are they frayed, corroded, or damaged in any way? If so, you might need to replace them before proceeding with the Arlo wired doorbell installation. Use a multimeter to verify that there is no voltage in the wires. This will ensure that the power is completely off before you proceed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with electricity!

Next, identify your existing doorbell chime. Is it mechanical (a traditional "ding-dong" chime) or digital (plays a melody)? This is important because you might need to install the included chime kit to ensure compatibility with your Arlo doorbell. Don't worry, we'll cover chime kit installation in a later step. For now, just make a note of your chime type. This careful preparation is key to a successful and safe Arlo wired doorbell installation.

Why is this step so important? Working with electrical wiring can be dangerous if you're not careful. Disconnecting the power eliminates the risk of electric shock, which can be severe or even fatal. Assessing your wiring beforehand allows you to identify any potential issues that could prevent a successful installation. Damaged wires can cause your Arlo doorbell to malfunction or even pose a fire hazard. Taking the time to properly prepare will save you headaches (and potential shocks!) down the road.

Step 2: Mounting the Arlo Doorbell and Connecting the Wires

Alright, with the prep work out of the way, let's get to the fun part: mounting your new Arlo doorbell! Grab the mounting plate that came in the box. Hold it against the wall where your old doorbell was, making sure it's level and in the desired position. Use a pencil to mark the screw holes. If you're mounting on brick or concrete, you'll need to use a drill and appropriate drill bit to create pilot holes for the screws. For wood or drywall, you can usually just screw directly into the wall.

Once the mounting plate is securely attached, it's time to connect the wires. Remember those low-voltage wires we identified earlier? Take the wires from your wall and connect them to the terminals on the back of the Arlo doorbell. It doesn't matter which wire goes to which terminal, as long as they're securely connected. If your existing wires are too short, use the wire extenders and wire nuts included in the box to lengthen them. Make sure the connections are snug and secure. Loose connections can cause your doorbell to malfunction.

Carefully tuck the wires into the wall cavity behind the mounting plate. Now, attach the Arlo doorbell unit to the mounting plate. You'll likely need to use the security screws and the included screwdriver to secure it in place. This helps prevent theft and ensures your doorbell stays put. Double-check that the doorbell is firmly attached and doesn't wiggle. A secure mount is crucial for the longevity and proper functioning of your Arlo wired doorbell installation.

Pro Tip: Before you fully attach the doorbell, take a moment to test the connection. Temporarily restore power to the doorbell circuit by flipping the breaker back on. The Arlo doorbell should light up or make a sound indicating it's receiving power. If it doesn't, double-check your wire connections and ensure the power is indeed on. Once you've confirmed it's working, turn the power back off before proceeding.

Step 3: Chime Kit Installation (If Required)

Remember how we talked about identifying your chime type earlier? If you have a mechanical chime, you'll likely need to install the included chime kit. This little gadget ensures that your existing chime works properly with the Arlo doorbell. Without it, your chime might not ring, or it might make a buzzing sound.

The chime kit installation process can vary slightly depending on your specific chime model, but the general steps are the same. Locate your existing chime box. It's usually mounted on a wall inside your home, often near the doorbell. Remove the cover of the chime box. You'll see several terminals inside, labeled something like "TRANS," "FRONT," and "REAR."

The Arlo chime kit comes with its own set of wires. You'll need to connect these wires to the appropriate terminals on your chime. The instructions that came with your chime kit will provide specific guidance for your chime model. Typically, you'll connect one wire from the chime kit to the "TRANS" terminal and another wire to either the "FRONT" or "REAR" terminal, depending on which doorbell the chime is associated with. Use the wire nuts provided to secure the connections.

Once the chime kit is wired up, you can tuck it inside the chime box and replace the cover. Now, when someone presses your Arlo doorbell, your existing chime should ring just like it used to, but with the added benefit of Arlo's smart features. This step is a critical part of the Arlo wired doorbell installation for many users, so don't skip it if you have a mechanical chime!

Why is the chime kit necessary? Mechanical chimes operate using a physical mechanism that strikes a metal plate to create the sound. The Arlo doorbell sends a different type of signal than a traditional doorbell button, which can confuse the chime. The chime kit acts as an intermediary, translating the Arlo's signal into a format that the chime understands. This ensures that your chime rings reliably and consistently.

Step 4: Connecting to the Arlo App and Setting Up Your Doorbell

Fantastic! You've mounted the doorbell, connected the wires, and installed the chime kit (if needed). Now, it's time to bring your Arlo doorbell to life by connecting it to the Arlo app. This is where you'll configure all the settings, such as motion detection, recording preferences, and notifications.

First, download the Arlo app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). If you already have an Arlo account, simply log in. If not, you'll need to create a new account. The app will guide you through the process, which is pretty straightforward.

Once you're logged in, tap the "Add New Device" button (or a similar option) within the app. Select "Doorbell" from the list of device types. The app will then walk you through the setup process, which typically involves scanning a QR code on the doorbell and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password handy!

The app will also prompt you to name your doorbell and configure its settings. This is where you can customize how your doorbell works. For example, you can adjust the motion detection sensitivity to reduce false alerts, set up activity zones to focus on specific areas, and choose whether you want to receive push notifications when someone presses the doorbell or motion is detected. Take some time to explore the settings and tailor them to your needs.

After the initial setup, the Arlo app provides access to live video feed, recorded clips, and two-way audio communication. You can see who's at your door, speak to them remotely, and even deter potential intruders. This connectivity is a major advantage of the Arlo wired doorbell installation and significantly enhances your home security.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you're having trouble connecting your doorbell to the app, make sure your Wi-Fi network is strong and stable. Try moving your Arlo base station (if you have one) closer to the doorbell or restarting your router. You can also consult Arlo's support website for troubleshooting tips and FAQs.

Step 5: Testing and Fine-Tuning Your Arlo Doorbell

Congratulations, guys! You've completed the Arlo wired doorbell installation! But before you kick back and relax, it's essential to test everything thoroughly and fine-tune your settings to ensure optimal performance.

First, give your doorbell a good test run. Press the doorbell button and make sure your chime rings correctly (if you have a traditional chime). Check the live video feed in the Arlo app to ensure the camera is working and the image is clear. Try the two-way audio feature to see if you can hear and speak through the doorbell.

Next, test the motion detection. Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger the motion sensors. Verify that you receive a notification in the Arlo app and that the doorbell records a video clip. Playback the recorded clip to check the video quality and ensure the motion detection is working as expected. If you're getting too many false alerts (e.g., from passing cars or animals), you can adjust the motion sensitivity in the app or set up activity zones to focus on specific areas.

Finally, review your recording preferences. The Arlo doorbell typically offers different recording options, such as recording only when motion is detected or continuous recording. Choose the option that best suits your needs and storage capacity. Keep in mind that continuous recording will consume more storage space and may require a subscription to Arlo's cloud storage service.

Fine-tuning your Arlo doorbell is an ongoing process. You might need to adjust the settings over time as your needs change or as you learn more about how the doorbell performs in different conditions. The Arlo app provides a wealth of customization options, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. By taking the time to test and fine-tune your setup, you'll ensure that your Arlo wired doorbell installation provides reliable security and peace of mind for years to come.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Enhanced Home Security!

And there you have it, guys! You've successfully completed the Arlo wired doorbell installation. Give yourselves a pat on the back! You've not only upgraded your home security but also gained a convenient way to monitor your doorstep from anywhere in the world. With its smart features, clear video quality, and two-way audio, your Arlo doorbell will provide peace of mind and help you stay connected to your home.

Remember to regularly check for software updates for your Arlo doorbell and base station (if applicable). These updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features. Also, consider exploring Arlo's other security products, such as cameras and alarms, to create a comprehensive home security system.

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, don't hesitate to consult Arlo's support resources or seek professional assistance. Stay safe, and enjoy your new Arlo Wired Doorbell!