If your Arlo Pro 5S device not found error is preventing you from accessing live video or receiving motion alerts, you're not alone. This common issue typically occurs when your camera loses connection to the Arlo SmartHub or your Wi-Fi network, after firmware updates, or when the device enters a deep power-saving state. The good news: most Arlo Pro 5S device not found problems can be resolved in minutes without replacing hardware. Follow the step-by-step troubleshooting guide below to restore your camera's connection and get your security system back online.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, these rapid solutions resolve the majority of Arlo Pro 5S device not found cases:
1
Check Camera LED Status: Locate the LED on your Arlo Pro 5S camera. A solid blue light means connected; blinking amber indicates a connection problem; no light suggests the battery is depleted or the camera is powered off. Press the sync button briefly to wake the device and observe the LED response.
2
Verify Battery Charge Level: Open the Arlo Secure app, tap Devices, and select your Pro 5S camera. If battery shows below 15%, remove and charge the battery using the official Arlo charger until the LED turns solid blue (approximately 3-4 hours). Low battery is the leading cause of unexpected disconnections.
3
Power Cycle Your SmartHub or Base Station: Unplug your Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 or VMB4540 from power for 60 seconds, then reconnect. Wait for the SmartHub LED to turn solid blue (about 2 minutes). This refreshes the Zigbee and Wi-Fi connections that the Pro 5S relies on.
Advanced Reconnection Steps
If quick fixes don't resolve the Arlo Pro 5S device not found error, proceed with these deeper troubleshooting methods:
4
Resync the Camera to Your SmartHub: Press and hold the sync button on your SmartHub for 2 seconds until the LED blinks amber. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the sync button on your Pro 5S camera until the LED blinks blue rapidly. Release when you hear the confirmation chime or see solid blue light, indicating successful pairing.
5
Remove and Re-Add the Device in the Arlo App: In Arlo Secure, go to Settings > My Devices, select the problematic Pro 5S, tap Remove Device, and confirm. Then tap Add New Device > Cameras > Pro 5S and follow the guided setup. Have your Wi-Fi password ready, as you'll need to reconfigure network settings.
6
Check Router Settings and Signal Strength: Ensure your router broadcasts 2.4 GHz (required for initial Pro 5S setup) and that band steering is temporarily disabled. Position your SmartHub within 10 feet of your router during setup. Verify ports 443, 80, and 123 are open if using advanced firewall configurations. After setup, the Pro 5S can operate on 5 GHz via the SmartHub.
Warning: Do not perform a factory reset on your Arlo SmartHub unless all other steps fail. A factory reset erases all device pairings, custom modes, and recorded footage stored locally on any attached USB drive. Document your current settings before proceeding with this nuclear option.
Still Need Help With Your Arlo Device?
If these steps didn't resolve the device not found issue, our certified technicians can help.
Why does my Arlo Pro 5S show "device not found" after working fine for months?
Seasonal temperature changes, router firmware updates, or automatic channel switching can disrupt the camera-SmartHub link. Additionally, Arlo occasionally pushes firmware updates that may require a manual resync. Check for pending updates in the Arlo Secure app under Settings > My Devices > Firmware.
Can I fix the device not found error without removing the camera from its mount?
Yes, if the battery has sufficient charge. Use the Arlo Secure app to attempt a remote restart first. Navigate to Settings > My Devices, select your Pro 5S, and tap Restart Device. If this fails, you may need physical access to press the sync button or swap the battery.
Does the Arlo Pro 5S require a subscription to stay connected?
No, basic connectivity and live streaming function without any Arlo Secure subscription. However, cloud recording, advanced AI detection, and extended video history require a paid plan. The "device not found" error is unrelated to subscription status and indicates a network or hardware communication problem.