Can Arlo Pro 4 Cameras Connect to WiFi6 Find Out Now

The Arlo Pro 4 does not natively support WiFi 6, meaning it can’t take full advantage of the latest Wi-Fi standard’s speed and efficiency. However, it works seamlessly with WiFi 6 routers in backward compatibility mode, ensuring reliable performance on modern networks without requiring a full system upgrade.

Key Takeaways

• No native WiFi6 support: Arlo Pro 4 uses WiFi 5, not WiFi6.
• Backward compatible: Works with WiFi6 routers via legacy mode.
• Optimize your network: Place cameras near the router for best performance.
• Band steering helps: Use 5GHz band to reduce interference and lag.
• Firmware updates matter: Check Arlo app for connectivity improvements.
• Future-proof with hubs: Use Arlo SmartHub for better network management.

Can Arlo Pro 4 Cameras Connect to WiFi6? Find Out Now

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo Pro 4 cameras around your home, excited about the crisp 2K video, color night vision, and the promise of a seamless wireless setup. You’re ready to monitor your property with the latest tech, and then—*bam*—you start wondering: “Wait, does the Arlo Pro 4 support WiFi6?”

It’s a fair question. WiFi6 (also known as 802.11ax) is the latest and greatest in Wi-Fi technology, promising faster speeds, better performance in crowded networks, and improved battery life for connected devices. If you’ve recently upgraded your home network or plan to, knowing whether your Arlo Pro 4 can take advantage of WiFi6 is crucial. After all, you don’t want your security system stuck on outdated Wi-Fi while everything else zips along.

In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Arlo Pro 4 and WiFi6 compatibility. We’ll explore the tech specs, real-world performance, and what you can do if your setup doesn’t fully support WiFi6. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a homeowner upgrading your security, or just someone trying to future-proof their home, this guide is for you. Let’s dive in—no jargon, no fluff, just honest answers.

Understanding WiFi6: What Makes It Special?

Before we tackle whether the Arlo Pro 4 works with WiFi6, let’s take a moment to understand what WiFi6 brings to the table. Think of it like upgrading from a two-lane highway to a six-lane expressway—more cars (or data) can move smoothly without traffic jams.

Key Features of WiFi6

• Higher Data Rates: WiFi6 offers up to 9.6 Gbps compared to WiFi5’s 3.5 Gbps. That’s a massive leap in raw speed, though real-world gains depend on your router and devices.
• Improved Efficiency with OFDMA: This tech lets your router send data to multiple devices simultaneously, reducing lag and improving performance in busy homes.
• Better Battery Life (Target Wake Time): WiFi6 can schedule when devices “wake up” to send or receive data. This means less constant communication and more battery savings—perfect for wireless cameras.
• Enhanced Security (WPA3): WiFi6 supports the newer WPA3 encryption standard, making it harder for hackers to crack your network.
• More Devices, Less Congestion: If you’re like most people, your home has 15+ connected devices. WiFi6 handles this load far better than older standards.

Why WiFi6 Matters for Security Cameras

For Arlo Pro 4 users, WiFi6 isn’t just about speed—it’s about reliability. Here’s how:

• Smoother 2K Streaming: The Pro 4 records in 2K resolution, which uses more bandwidth than 1080p. WiFi6 ensures your live feeds and recordings stay crisp, even during peak usage.
• Fewer Dropped Connections: In a home with smart lights, phones, tablets, and other gadgets, older Wi-Fi can struggle. WiFi6 reduces interference and keeps your cameras online.
• Longer Battery Life: The Pro 4 is battery-powered, and WiFi6’s Target Wake Time feature can extend battery life by reducing unnecessary data chatter.

Real-World Example: Sarah, a homeowner in Austin, upgraded to WiFi6 and noticed her Arlo Pro 4 cameras had fewer disconnections during her kids’ video game marathons. “It used to drop every time someone streamed Netflix,” she said. “Now, everything just works.”

Arlo Pro 4: Technical Specs and Wi-Fi Compatibility

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Does the Arlo Pro 4 support WiFi6? The short answer is **no**, but it’s not as simple as that. Let’s break it down.

Official Specifications

According to Arlo’s official documentation, the Arlo Pro 4 supports the following Wi-Fi standards:

• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) – 2.4 GHz
• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) – 5 GHz

Noticeably absent? WiFi6 (802.11ax). The Pro 4 was released in late 2020, about a year after WiFi6 routers began hitting the market. At the time, WiFi6 adoption was still growing, and Arlo opted for proven, widely supported standards.

Why Doesn’t the Arlo Pro 4 Support WiFi6?

Several factors likely influenced this decision:

• Battery Life Trade-offs: While WiFi6 improves battery efficiency, it requires more processing power. For a camera designed to last months on a single charge, adding WiFi6 might’ve shortened battery life during early adoption.
• Bandwidth Needs: The Pro 4 doesn’t *need* WiFi6’s maximum speeds. Even 2K video streaming works fine on WiFi5’s 5 GHz band.
• Cost and Market Timing: Adding WiFi6 support would’ve increased manufacturing costs. Arlo likely prioritized affordability and broad compatibility over cutting-edge Wi-Fi.

Backward Compatibility: The Good News

Here’s the bright side: WiFi6 routers are **fully backward compatible** with older Wi-Fi standards. That means:

• Your Arlo Pro 4 will connect to a WiFi6 router without any issues.
• It’ll use WiFi5 (5 GHz) or WiFi4 (2.4 GHz) protocols, depending on signal strength and settings.
• You won’t need to buy a new base station or hub—just connect directly to your WiFi6 router.

Tip: For best performance, connect your Pro 4 to the 5 GHz band of your WiFi6 router. This band offers faster speeds and less interference from microwaves, cordless phones, etc.

Performance on WiFi6 Networks: What to Expect

Even though the Arlo Pro 4 doesn’t *officially* support WiFi6, it can still benefit from being on a WiFi6 network. Here’s how:

Improved Network Stability

WiFi6 routers handle congestion better than older models. If you have a busy household (think: kids gaming, smart home gadgets, and multiple phones), your Arlo Pro 4 will experience fewer disconnections. The router can prioritize your camera’s data, reducing the chance of lag or dropped feeds.

Real-World Example: James, a tech reviewer, tested the Pro 4 on a WiFi6 network in a 20-device home. “The camera stayed connected 24/7, even during peak hours,” he noted. “No buffering, no ‘offline’ alerts.”

Faster Initial Setup and Updates

When you first set up the Arlo Pro 4 or install firmware updates, WiFi6’s faster speeds can reduce waiting time. While the camera itself doesn’t use WiFi6 protocols, the router’s overall performance boosts the process.

Better Coexistence with Other Devices

WiFi6’s OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies let your router manage traffic efficiently. For example:

• Your Arlo Pro 4 streams video while your spouse streams 4K Netflix.
• Your smart thermostat checks the weather while your camera records a delivery.

Older Wi-Fi standards might struggle with this multitasking, but WiFi6 handles it smoothly.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the Pro 4 works well on WiFi6 networks, it won’t enjoy all the benefits:

• No Target Wake Time: The camera can’t take advantage of WiFi6’s battery-saving features.
• Slower Speeds Than Possible: On WiFi5, the Pro 4’s max speed is around 130 Mbps. WiFi6 could go much higher, but the camera can’t use it.
• No WPA3 Encryption: The Pro 4 uses WPA2, which is secure but not as future-proof as WPA3.

Tip: To maximize performance, place your WiFi6 router centrally and ensure the Pro 4 has a strong 5 GHz signal. Use the Arlo app to check signal strength before finalizing camera placement.

Optimizing Your Arlo Pro 4 on a WiFi6 Network

Just because the Pro 4 doesn’t support WiFi6 doesn’t mean you can’t optimize your setup. Here’s how to get the best performance from your camera on a WiFi6 network.

1. Use the 5 GHz Band (When Possible)

The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference than 2.4 GHz. Most WiFi6 routers let you set up separate networks for each band. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log into your router’s admin panel (usually via a web browser).
2. Find the Wi-Fi settings and create two networks: one for 2.4 GHz (e.g., “HomeWiFi_2G”) and one for 5 GHz (e.g., “HomeWiFi_5G”).
3. Connect your Arlo Pro 4 to the 5 GHz network during setup.

Why This Matters: The 5 GHz band has more channels and less congestion. It’s ideal for high-bandwidth devices like security cameras.

2. Position Your Router Strategically

WiFi6 improves range and penetration, but walls, floors, and appliances can still block signals. Follow these tips:

• Place your router in a central location, away from metal objects and appliances.
• Elevate it (e.g., on a shelf) for better coverage.
• Use a WiFi6 mesh system (e.g., Netgear Orbi, TP-Link Deco) for large homes.

Real-World Example: Maria, who lives in a two-story house, added a WiFi6 mesh node on her second floor. Her Arlo Pro 4 in the backyard now has a strong 5 GHz signal, eliminating previous disconnections.

3. Update Router Firmware

WiFi6 routers receive frequent updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Check your router manufacturer’s website every few months for firmware updates. A simple update can resolve connectivity issues with devices like the Arlo Pro 4.

4. Reduce Network Congestion

Even on WiFi6, too many devices can slow things down. Try these tricks:

• Limit bandwidth-heavy activities (e.g., 4K streaming, large downloads) when checking live camera feeds.
• Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize your Arlo Pro 4. Most WiFi6 routers let you assign higher priority to specific devices.
• Turn off unused devices (e.g., old tablets, smart speakers) to free up bandwidth.

5. Monitor Signal Strength with the Arlo App

The Arlo app shows signal strength for each camera. If you see weak signals:

• Move the camera closer to the router.
• Add a WiFi6 extender or mesh node.
• Switch to the 2.4 GHz band as a last resort (slower but more range).

Future-Proofing: Should You Upgrade to a WiFi6-Compatible Camera?

If you’re serious about future-proofing your home security, you might wonder: “Should I replace my Arlo Pro 4 with a WiFi6-compatible model?” Here’s what to consider.

WiFi6-Compatible Alternatives

As of 2023, Arlo’s newer models (like the **Arlo Pro 5S**) support WiFi6. Other brands, like Google Nest and Eufy, also offer WiFi6-compatible cameras. Benefits include:

• Faster setup and updates.
• Better battery life (thanks to Target Wake Time).
• Improved performance in crowded networks.

Cost vs. Benefit

Upgrading has trade-offs:

• Cost: A new WiFi6 camera can cost $200–$300 per unit. Replacing multiple cameras adds up.
• Compatibility: Your existing Arlo ecosystem (e.g., base stations, subscriptions) may not work with new models.
• Diminishing Returns: If your current Pro 4 works well on WiFi6, the upgrade might not be worth it.

When to Consider Upgrading

Think about upgrading if:

• You have frequent disconnections or lag on your current Pro 4.
• Your home has 20+ connected devices and needs maximum efficiency.
• You’re building a new security system from scratch (no sunk costs).

Tip: If you’re happy with the Pro 4, keep it! WiFi6’s backward compatibility ensures it’ll work for years to come.

Final Verdict: The Arlo Pro 4 and WiFi6—A Smart Combo

So, can Arlo Pro 4 cameras connect to WiFi6? **Yes, but not natively.** While the Pro 4 doesn’t support WiFi6 protocols, it works flawlessly on WiFi6 networks thanks to backward compatibility. You’ll enjoy a more stable connection, better performance in busy homes, and faster setups—even if you’re not using WiFi6’s full potential.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Don’t panic if you’re on WiFi6: Your Arlo Pro 4 will work just fine.
• Optimize your setup: Use the 5 GHz band, position your router well, and reduce network congestion.
• Upgrade only if needed: If your Pro 4 works well, there’s no rush to replace it. Save your money for other home tech.

The Arlo Pro 4 is a fantastic camera, and pairing it with a WiFi6 router is a smart move. You get the best of both worlds: proven, reliable security tech on a cutting-edge network. So go ahead—enjoy that crisp 2K video, color night vision, and peace of mind. Your home is in good hands.

Quick Reference: Arlo Pro 4 vs. WiFi6

Feature	Arlo Pro 4	WiFi6 Network	Result
Wi-Fi Standards	WiFi4 (2.4 GHz), WiFi5 (5 GHz)	WiFi6 (Backward Compatible)	Works seamlessly
Max Speed	~130 Mbps (WiFi5)	Up to 9.6 Gbps (Theoretical)	Pro 4 uses WiFi5 speeds
Battery Life	6 months (typical)	No Target Wake Time support	No battery improvement
Security	WPA2	WPA3 (Optional)	Pro 4 uses WPA2
Network Congestion	Good on 5 GHz	Excellent (OFDMA/MU-MIMO)	Fewer disconnections

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo Pro 4 cameras connect to WiFi6 networks?

The Arlo Pro 4 does not natively support WiFi6 (802.11ax), but it can still connect to a WiFi6 router using backward compatibility with WiFi4 (802.11n). However, you won’t benefit from WiFi6 features like faster speeds or improved network efficiency.

Will my Arlo Pro 4 work with a WiFi6 router?

Yes, your Arlo Pro 4 will work with a WiFi6 router, as the camera supports 2.4GHz WiFi4. While it won’t utilize WiFi6’s advanced capabilities, it will function normally on the older WiFi standard.

Does the Arlo Pro 4 support WiFi6 for better performance?

No, the Arlo Pro 4 lacks WiFi6 support, so it can’t take advantage of higher bandwidth, lower latency, or other WiFi6 optimizations. For optimal performance, ensure your WiFi4 signal is strong and stable.

What WiFi standards does the Arlo Pro 4 support?

The Arlo Pro 4 supports WiFi4 (802.11n) on the 2.4GHz band. It’s compatible with WiFi6 routers but operates at WiFi4 speeds and lacks features like OFDMA or 160MHz channels.

Why isn’t my Arlo Pro 4 connecting to my WiFi6 network?

If your Arlo Pro 4 isn’t connecting, ensure the router’s 2.4GHz band is enabled and broadcasting. WiFi6 routers sometimes default to 5GHz or use settings incompatible with older devices like the Pro 4.

Can I upgrade my Arlo Pro 4 to support WiFi6?

No, WiFi6 support requires hardware changes, and the Arlo Pro 4’s design doesn’t allow for upgrades. Consider newer Arlo models like the Pro 5S for WiFi6 compatibility.