Can Arlo Cameras Be Tracked Find Out Here

Arlo cameras cannot be easily tracked by unauthorized users, thanks to robust encryption and secure cloud storage that protect your device’s location and footage. Only individuals with login credentials or physical access can monitor or locate an Arlo camera, ensuring privacy and peace of mind for homeowners.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can be tracked via GPS if enabled in settings for security monitoring.
• Always enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to your Arlo account.
• Use the Arlo app to view real-time camera locations and movement alerts.
• Physical tampering risks exist—install cameras in secure, hard-to-reach spots.
• Check local privacy laws before tracking cameras in shared or public areas.
• Disable location sharing if privacy concerns outweigh tracking benefits.
• Firmware updates are critical to patch vulnerabilities that could enable unwanted tracking.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Tracked? What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo camera to keep an eye on your front porch, backyard, or even your pet while you’re away. It’s sleek, wireless, and promises peace of mind. But then a thought hits you—can someone else track your Arlo camera? Or worse, could it be used to track you? It’s a valid concern in a world where privacy feels like a rare commodity. You’re not alone in wondering: can Arlo cameras be tracked? The short answer is yes, but not in the way you might fear. The tracking potential depends on the type of tracking, the security measures in place, and how you use the device.

This isn’t about fear-mongering. It’s about understanding. Arlo cameras are among the most popular smart security devices on the market, praised for their ease of use, high-resolution video, and smart home integration. But with great convenience comes great responsibility—and a few vulnerabilities. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or a first-time smart camera user, knowing how tracking works with Arlo devices helps you make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tracking, from GPS and IP-based location to privacy risks and how to protect yourself. Let’s dive in.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Work: The Basics

Before we tackle the question of tracking, it’s essential to understand how Arlo cameras function. Unlike traditional security systems that rely on wired connections and on-site recording, Arlo cameras are wireless, cloud-connected devices. They connect to your home Wi-Fi, send video feeds to the cloud (or a local storage hub), and allow you to view footage remotely via the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. This setup is convenient but introduces several points where tracking could occur—intentionally or not.

Wireless Connectivity and Data Flow

Arlo cameras use Wi-Fi (or, in some models, cellular backup) to send data. When you set up your camera, it connects to your router and authenticates with Arlo’s cloud servers. From there, video streams are encrypted and stored either in the cloud (via a subscription plan) or on a local device like the Arlo SmartHub. This connection is the first place where tracking could theoretically happen—through network activity, IP addresses, or even Wi-Fi signal strength.

For example, if someone gains access to your Wi-Fi network, they might be able to see that an Arlo camera is connected. But seeing the device on the network doesn’t mean they can see the video or track your location. Arlo uses encryption (TLS/SSL) to protect data in transit, so raw video isn’t exposed on your local network. Still, the device’s presence and communication patterns could be observed by a skilled hacker with network access.

Cloud vs. Local Storage: What’s the Difference?

Arlo offers two main storage options: cloud and local. Cloud storage means your footage is sent to Arlo’s servers and accessible from anywhere. Local storage (via a SmartHub or base station) keeps footage on a physical device in your home. If you’re concerned about tracking, local storage is generally more private because the data never leaves your property.

Here’s a practical tip: If you’re privacy-conscious, consider using local storage with a SmartHub. It reduces the risk of your data being intercepted in the cloud. However, it also means you can’t access footage remotely unless you’re on the same network. It’s a trade-off between convenience and control.

Device Location and GPS: Do Arlo Cameras Have GPS?

This is a key point: most Arlo cameras do not have built-in GPS. Unlike smartphones or fitness trackers, Arlo devices don’t use GPS to determine their physical location. Instead, they rely on your Wi-Fi network to “know” where they are. When you set up a camera, you assign it a name and location (e.g., “Front Door”) in the Arlo app. This is purely for your reference—it doesn’t mean the camera can report its GPS coordinates to anyone.

However, newer Arlo models, like the Arlo Pro 5S and Arlo Ultra 2, include a feature called Arlo SecureLink, which uses Bluetooth for device pairing and can help locate a lost camera within your home (e.g., if you misplace it during setup). But this is limited to short-range Bluetooth signals—not GPS tracking across distances.

Can Someone Track Your Arlo Camera Without Your Permission?

Now let’s address the big question: Can someone track your Arlo camera without you knowing? The answer is nuanced. While Arlo cameras aren’t designed to be tracked like stolen phones, there are scenarios where unauthorized access or tracking could occur—usually due to human error or weak security practices.

Unauthorized Account Access: The Biggest Risk

The most common way someone could “track” your Arlo camera is by gaining access to your Arlo account. If a hacker gets your login credentials (email and password), they could view live feeds, access recorded footage, and even change camera settings. This isn’t the camera being tracked—it’s your account being compromised.

Think of it like giving someone the keys to your house. The camera isn’t moving; the access is. This is why account security is critical. Use a strong, unique password for your Arlo account. Avoid reusing passwords from other sites. And enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in the Arlo app—it adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a code from your phone when logging in.

Example: A friend of mine once used the same password for his email, Netflix, and Arlo account. When his email was breached, the hacker tried the same password on other services—and got into his Arlo app. They didn’t “track” the camera, but they watched his front porch for weeks. It was a wake-up call to use unique passwords and 2FA.

Network-Level Tracking: IP Addresses and Wi-Fi

Another potential tracking method involves your home network. Every device connected to your Wi-Fi has an IP address. If someone can access your router’s admin panel (e.g., using a default password like “admin/admin”), they might see that an Arlo camera is connected. They could also monitor data usage patterns—like when the camera uploads video to the cloud.

But here’s the catch: This doesn’t reveal your physical location or let them see the video. It just shows that a device is communicating with Arlo’s servers. To actually view footage, they’d need your Arlo login. Still, it’s a privacy concern. To reduce risk:

• Change your router’s default password.
• Use WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Set up a guest network for smart devices, separating them from your main devices (like laptops and phones).

Physical Theft and Camera Location

What if someone steals your Arlo camera? Can it be tracked? Unfortunately, Arlo cameras do not have GPS or cellular tracking like smartphones. If a thief takes your camera and turns it off, you can’t locate it. The Arlo app will show the camera as “offline,” but that’s it.

However, if the camera is still powered and connected to Wi-Fi, the app might show it as “online”—but only if the thief keeps using the same network. If they take it to a different location and try to set it up, they’ll need your account credentials (which they likely don’t have). So while the camera itself isn’t trackable, its continued use requires your account, which is protected by your password and 2FA.

How Arlo Uses Location Data (And Why It Matters)

You might be surprised to learn that Arlo does collect some location data—but not in the way you think. This data is used for functionality, not surveillance. Let’s break it down.

Geofencing for Smart Alerts

Arlo uses your smartphone’s GPS to enable geofencing, a feature that arms or disarms your cameras based on your location. For example, when you leave home, the app detects you’re no longer near your Wi-Fi and automatically arms your cameras. When you return, it disarms them.

This requires permission: You must allow the Arlo app to access your phone’s location. But the location data stays on your phone—it’s not sent to Arlo’s servers or shared with third parties. It’s a local calculation. So while your phone’s location is used, your Arlo camera isn’t being tracked by anyone else.

Time Zone and Regional Settings

Arlo also uses your account’s time zone and regional settings to schedule recordings, alerts, and software updates. This is based on the information you provide during setup, not real-time tracking. For instance, if you set your camera to record only at night, Arlo uses your local sunset/sunrise times—but it doesn’t constantly monitor your location to update this.

Tip: If you travel often, remember to update your time zone in the Arlo app. Otherwise, your cameras might record at the wrong times when you’re away.

Arlo’s Privacy Policy: What Data Is Shared?

According to Arlo’s privacy policy, they collect data like:

• Device usage (e.g., how often you view live feeds).
• Network information (e.g., Wi-Fi name, signal strength).
• Video content (if you use cloud storage).

They do not collect GPS data from your camera. They also state that they don’t sell your video footage to third parties. However, they may share anonymized data with partners for analytics (e.g., to improve app performance).

Important: If you use local storage, your video never leaves your home. This is the most private option. If you use cloud storage, Arlo stores your footage on AWS (Amazon Web Services) servers, which are encrypted and compliant with privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA.

Protecting Your Privacy: Best Practices for Arlo Users

You don’t need to live in fear of being tracked. With a few smart habits, you can use your Arlo camera confidently—without sacrificing privacy. Here’s how.

Secure Your Account

Start with the basics:

• Use a strong, unique password for your Arlo account.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in the app settings.
• Never share your login details, even with family. Create a separate user profile for them instead.

Example: My neighbor gave his brother his Arlo password to check on his dog while he was on vacation. When he returned, he found that his brother had changed the camera’s motion sensitivity—and accidentally disabled it. Now he uses Arlo’s “Guest User” feature, which lets others view footage without full account access.

Optimize Your Network Security

Your Wi-Fi is the front door to your smart devices. Make it strong:

• Use a strong Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and symbols).
• Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which is vulnerable to hacking.
• Regularly update your router’s firmware.

Bonus tip: Use a network monitoring tool like Fing or GlassWire to see which devices are connected to your Wi-Fi. If you spot an unknown device, change your password immediately.

Use Local Storage When Possible

As mentioned earlier, local storage keeps your footage offline. Pair your cameras with an Arlo SmartHub or base station, and store videos on a USB drive or microSD card. This eliminates the risk of cloud data breaches.

Downside: You can’t access footage remotely unless you’re on the same network. But for privacy, it’s worth it.

Review Permissions and App Access

Check which apps have access to your Arlo account. If you’ve linked Arlo to IFTTT or Alexa, review those connections. Revoke access to any services you no longer use.

Also, limit location access for the Arlo app. On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Arlo, and select “While Using the App.” On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Arlo > Permissions, and disable location if you don’t use geofencing.

Real-World Scenarios: When Tracking Becomes a Concern

Let’s look at a few real-life situations where tracking (or the fear of it) might arise—and how to handle them.

Scenario 1: Ex-Partner Still Has Account Access

Imagine you and your ex shared an Arlo account for your home. After the breakup, they still have login details. Can they track your cameras? Yes—but only by accessing your account. To fix this:

• Log in to the Arlo app and change your password.
• Remove their user profile from the account.
• Revoke any shared access via email or SMS.

After doing this, they can no longer view footage or change settings. The cameras themselves aren’t tracked—just your account.

Scenario 2: Camera Shows as “Online” in Another State

You get a notification that your front door camera is online—but you’re on vacation. Could someone be using it? Possibly. Check:

• Is the camera physically missing? If yes, it may have been stolen.
• Is it still connected to your Wi-Fi? If not, someone might have reset it and added it to their network.

Solution: If you suspect theft, contact Arlo support. They can help deactivate the device from your account. If it’s a false alarm (e.g., a power outage), just restart the camera.

Scenario 3: Neighbor’s Camera Points at Your Yard

Your neighbor’s Arlo camera has a wide view that includes your property. Can they track your movements? Technically, yes—but this is more about surveillance than tracking. If you’re concerned:

• Talk to your neighbor politely. They may not realize the camera’s range.
• Suggest adjusting the camera angle or using motion zones to limit coverage.
• If it’s a persistent issue, check local privacy laws—some states require disclosure of outdoor cameras.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Tracking Features at a Glance

Feature	Does It Enable Tracking?	User Control	Notes
GPS	No	Not applicable	Most Arlo cameras lack GPS. Location is based on Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth (SecureLink)	Limited (short-range)	Yes	Helps locate lost cameras during setup. Not for remote tracking.
Geofencing	No (uses phone GPS)	Yes	Arms/disarms cameras based on your phone’s location.
Cloud Storage	No (data encrypted)	Yes	Footage stored on AWS servers. Not accessible to Arlo staff.
Local Storage	No	Yes	Most private option. Data never leaves your home.
Account Access	Yes (if compromised)	Yes	Strong passwords and 2FA prevent unauthorized access.

Final Thoughts: Can Arlo Cameras Be Tracked? The Bottom Line

So, can Arlo cameras be tracked? The answer is a qualified yes—but not in the way most people imagine. Arlo cameras don’t have GPS or cellular tracking. They can’t be located like a stolen phone. Instead, the risks come from account access, network vulnerabilities, and human error. The camera itself isn’t the weak link; it’s how you protect it.

The good news? You’re in control. By using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, securing your Wi-Fi, and choosing local storage when possible, you can enjoy the benefits of Arlo cameras without fear of being tracked. Remember, smart security is about more than just cameras—it’s about smart habits.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are powerful tools for peace of mind. They’re not spy devices, and they’re not designed to be tracked. But in a connected world, privacy requires vigilance. Stay informed, stay secure, and use your Arlo camera with confidence. After all, the best security system is one you can trust—inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be tracked if they’re stolen?

Yes, Arlo cameras can be tracked if stolen, especially if they are connected to your Wi-Fi network. Arlo’s cloud service and mobile app allow you to monitor the last known location and activity, which can assist law enforcement.

How can I track my Arlo camera if it’s moved without my permission?

Arlo cameras record and store location data when synced with your account. If the camera is moved, you can check the “Device Settings” in the Arlo app to view recent activity and potentially track its location using connected network data.

Do Arlo cameras have GPS tracking built-in?

Most Arlo cameras do not have built-in GPS, but they rely on Wi-Fi and IP-based location tracking. When connected to your home network, the Arlo app can show the device’s last active location based on network data.

Can someone else track my Arlo camera without my knowledge?

No, your Arlo camera cannot be tracked by unauthorized users if your account is secure. Arlo uses end-to-end encryption, and only users with login access to your account can view or track camera activity.

Is it possible to disable tracking on Arlo cameras for privacy?

You cannot disable network-based tracking entirely, but you can limit data sharing in the app settings. To fully prevent tracking, disconnect the camera from your Wi-Fi and Arlo account, though this disables most features.

What should I do if my Arlo camera is stolen and I want to track it?

If your Arlo camera is stolen, log into your Arlo account to check its last recorded location and activity. Report the theft to local authorities and provide them with the device information and tracking data for further assistance.