Arlo wired doorbell installation process - step by step

The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is one of the most advanced smart security cameras in the market today.

Unlike some of its competitors, this Arlo wired doorbell has a built-in siren that can be manually activated or set to go off when the camera detects motion or sound in your front door.

This, coupled with a market-leading camera system with a 12x digital zoom, is a great way to deter intruders from entering your property.

Another selling point for the Arlo Video Doorbell is its capability to completely replace your existing doorbell.

Yes, this smart device can use the existing doorbell wiring in your house to operate, so you can skip calling your trusty electrician on this one.

Well, you won't be able to utilize these features if you can't install your Arlo Video Doorbell properly.

Don't fret. Let us walk you through the entire installation process.

For the sake of this guide, we'll be using the wired version as reference.

Equipment you'll need

First off, you'll have to secure the following tools:

• The items that came in your Arlo video doorbell's package:

  • Plate

  • Angled mounting wedge

  • Power Kit

  • Release pin

  • Wall screws and anchors

  • Wire extensions, fasteners, and extra screws

• Arlo Secure App

• Screwdriver

• A power drill (optional)

• 10VA doorbell transformer (16-24VAC)

Arlo includes doorbell transformers in devices sold in Europe. If your existing doorbell transformer doesn't provide 16-24VAC, use the one included in the box.

Things to check before the installation

Before you install your Arlo Video Doorbell, here are some things to take note of:

• Check if you have all the tools listed above.

• Ensure that you have the Arlo app installed in your mobile device.

• Locate the existing chime box. To do this, ring the doorbell and follow where the sound is coming from.

• Turn off power at the breaker. Ring the doorbell again to check if there's still power in your chime box. The chime box shouldn't ring.

Now, you're ready to install your Arlo Wired Video Doorbell.

How to install Arlo wired video doorbell step by step

1. Remove your existing doorbell

   

   Remove your existing doorbell from the wall. Disconnect the wires. Make sure the wires don't fall inside the wall. You can tape them to the wall to prevent this.

2. Determine where to put the power kit

   Before installing the Power Kit, find out if it's compatible with your existing chime box. You should find wires and/or batteries inside. Depending on your chime box's configuration, it might not be compatible with the Power Kit.

    

   

   If you only find wires, as long as it can provide between 16-24V AC, then it's good to go.

   If you find both battery and wire, it's compatible with your doorbell camera.

   Unfortunately, battery-powered chime boxes aren't compatible with the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired.

   Attach the wires from the Power Kit to the chime box terminals. Use the Arlo App to know which terminal each wire connects to.

    

   

   Place the Power Kit in a safe spot, preferably somewhere it won't affect how the chime works.

3. Mount the doorbell bracket

   

   Attach the mounting bracket onto the doorbell area. Hold the mounting plate against the wall and mark the points where you want to drill holes.

   You can use a screwdriver to make the holes. You can also use a power drill.

   Using the mounting wedge is optional, but it can dramatically improve your viewing angles should you choose to install it.

   The included wedge adjusts horizontally, but there wedges like the Wasserstein Vertical Wedge for the Arlo doorbell, which can give you a 0° to 20° vertical view.

4. Connect the wires to the Arlo video doorbell

   

   Remove the wires from being taped and connect them to the back of your Arlo Video Doorbell. The power and chime wires can attach to either screw. Once you've securely attached the wires, mount the doorbell onto the bracket by sliding it upward.

5. Turn on the power and check the light

   

   Turn the on power at the breaker and check the LED indicator on the doorbell. If the LED doesn't turn on, give it five more minutes. Otherwise, check if your wiring is correct.

   An amber LED means there's not enough power being supplied, or the temperature is too low.

6. Connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi

   

   Use the Arlo app on your phone to connect the doorbell to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Follow these instructions:

   • For the Arlo Secure App experience with Feed:

     1. From your devices screen, tap the + sign

     2. Tap Doorbells & Chimes

     3. Select Essential Video Doorbell Wired

   • For the Arlo Secure App experience with Library:

     1. Tap Add New Device +

     2. Go to Doorbells & Chimes

     3. Select Essential Video Doorbell Wired

FAQ

Does Arlo wired doorbell need a chime?

Yes, the Arlo Wired Doorbell needs to be connected to a wired mechanical or digital chime.

How do I install my Arlo wired doorbell without chime?

Although the Arlo Wired Video Doorbell is designed to replace an existing wired doorbell, you can still install your doorbell without any existing doorbell or chime. You can use a 16-24V plug in AC transformer with at least 1A output.

Does Arlo wired doorbell need a base station?

No, the Arlo Video Doorbell doesn't need the Arlo Base Station to operate. You can just directly connect your doorbell to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.

How do I connect my Arlo wired doorbell to my base station?

To reconnect your Arlo to a base station from a direct Wi-Fi connection, you'll have to remove the device from your account and reinstall it. Refer to this guide by Arlo for the step-by-step process.

Connecting your device to the base station means it connects directly to the cloud, which could be helpful if you only rely on local storage.

What is difference between the Arlo wired and wireless doorbell?

Essentially, the the wired version has the same capabilities as its Arlo wireless counterpart. Their only difference is the power source, motion range (16.4ft for the wired and 9.8ft for the wireless), and price (wireless is more expensive).