FAQ - Arlo Essential Wire-Free Camera Series

This article applies to:

This FAQ applies to the wire-free Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (VMC2030), Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera (VMC2032), and Arlo Essential Camera (VMC2020).

Arlo Essential Series cameras

1. What is the difference between the three wire-free Arlo Essential cameras?
   All three Essential camera models capture video in 1080p resolution. The Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera comes with an integrated extra-length (XL) battery, which provides additional battery life before recharging. Both the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera and the Essential Spotlight Camera include an integrated spotlight and color night vision, while the Arlo Essential Camera (VMC2020) does not include a spotlight and has standard night vision.
2. Are the wire-free Essential Series cameras completely wire-free?
   Yes. The Essential wire-free cameras are fully wire-free and powered with an integrated battery. However, you can use a VMA3600 Solar Panel or a VMA3700 Outdoor Charging Cable to keep your Essential wire-free camera outdoors with continuous power. 
3. How much longer does the Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera battery last?
   The Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera comes with an integrated extra-length (XL) battery that lasts one year without charging. The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera and Arlo Essential Camera both come with an integrated battery that lasts six months without charging. 
4. Can I use the Essential wire-free cameras indoors and outdoors?
   Yes. The Essential wire-free cameras are weather resistant, wire-free, and outdoor compatible. They do not require a continuous AC power connection.
5. Can I remove the battery in my Essential wire-free camera?
   No. The battery in your Essential wire-free camera is fully integrated and cannot be removed. You can recharge the Essential wire-free camera with the indoor charging cable that came in the package with the camera. 
6. What is the minimum upload bandwidth speed required?
   You must have a high-speed Internet connection that can sustain a minimum of 1 Mbps upload per Arlo Essential wire-free camera. 

Image quality

7. What video resolution do the Essential wire-free cameras output?
   The Essential wire-free cameras record and output Full HD 1080p at a 16:9 aspect ratio.
8. How wide is the viewing angle on the Essential wire-free cameras?
   The lens provides a 130-degree diagonal field of view (FOV) for a wide viewing angle.
9. Do the Arlo Essential wire-free cameras have color night vision?
   The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (VMC2030) and Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera (VMC2032) have color night vision. The Arlo Essential Camera (VMC2020) has standard night vision.

Features

10. Do all the Arlo Essential wire-free cameras have an integrated spotlight?
    The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (VMC2030) and Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera (VMC2032) have an integrated spotlight. The Arlo Essential Camera (VMC2020) does not have an integrated spotlight.
11. When does the integrated spotlight turn on?
    The spotlight can be set to trigger when motion is detected within the camera’s field of view. You can also manually turn it on or off. 
12. Do the Essential wire-free cameras include an integrated siren?
    Yes. A siren sound plays directly from the camera. It can be set to trigger manually or automatically when motion is detected. 
13. Doo the Essential wire-free cameras have an integrated microphone?
    Yes. All three Essential wire-free cameras come with a single, high-sensitivity microphone that allows you to speak with a visitor in crystal clear audio.
14. Do the Essential wire-free cameras support full two-way audio?
    Yes. You can use your Essential wire-free camera and the Arlo Secure app to have a full-duplex two-way conversation.
15. Am I able to mount my Essential wire-free camera from a ceiling?
    Yes. You can use the included screw mount to mount your Essential wire-free camera to the ceiling. Ensure you mount the camera to a sturdy surface to avoid accidental dropping or displacement.
16. Do the Essential wire-free cameras include an Arlo Secure trial?
    Yes. Essential wire-free cameras come with a trial of Arlo Secure. 

Accessories and compatibility

17. Do the Essential wire-free cameras require a SmartHub or Base Station?
    No. An Arlo SmartHub or Base Station is optional to use an Essential wire-free camera. You can use an existing Wi-Fi router to connect your Essential wire-free camera directly to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If you want to connect your Essential wire-free camera to a SmartHub or Base Station, you can connect it to a VMB5000, VMB4540, VMB4500, VMB4000 SmartHub or Base Station. 
18. Can I use a solar panel to charge my Essential wire-free camera?
    Yes. Your Essential wire-free camera is compatible with the VMA3600 Solar Panel. 
19. Can I use my Essential wire-free camera to cross-trigger other Arlo cameras?
    Yes. You can set your other Arlo cameras to record when your Essential wire-free camera detects motion.
20. What mounting options do I have with my Essential wire-free camera?
    Your Essential wire-free camera comes with an adjustable screw mount that you can use indoors or outdoors. You can also visit Arlo.com to search for additional mounting accessories. 
21. What kind of charging cable can I use with my Essential wire-free camera?
    Your Essential wire-free camera comes with a micro USB type-A charging cable that you can use to charge your camera indoors. You can also use a VMA3600 Solar Panel or a VMA3700 Outdoor Charging Cable to charge your camera outdoors.
22. What kind of power adapter can I use with the indoor charging cable that came with my camera?
    To charge your Arlo Essential wire-free camera, plug the included charging cable into any USB power source. Power sources with higher wattage charge your camera faster, we recommend using at least 5V-2A for best results.