Can Arlo Pro Work With Old Camera Find Out Here

Yes, the Arlo Pro system is compatible with select older Arlo cameras, allowing you to integrate legacy devices like the original Arlo or Arlo Pro 2 into your current setup. This backward compatibility helps maximize your investment while expanding coverage—just verify model support via the Arlo app for seamless syncing and performance.

Key Takeaways

• Compatibility confirmed: Arlo Pro works with select older Arlo cameras via bridge or base station.
• Check model numbers: Verify older camera compatibility using Arlo’s official support list.
• Sync via app: Pair old cameras with Arlo Pro using the Arlo app’s setup wizard.
• Firmware updates required: Update older cameras to the latest firmware for seamless integration.
• Same ecosystem needed: Both devices must run on the same Arlo platform (e.g., Arlo Secure).

Can Arlo Pro Work With Old Camera? Let’s Find Out Together

So, you’ve got an older Arlo camera sitting around—maybe one of those early Arlo models that still works like a champ. And now you’re thinking about upgrading to the Arlo Pro system. But here’s the big question: can Arlo Pro work with old camera models?

Trust me, you’re not alone in asking this. I’ve been there too. A few years ago, I had an original Arlo base station and a couple of cameras. When Arlo Pro came out, I was excited about the upgraded features—better night vision, improved battery life, and two-way audio. But I didn’t want to ditch my old cameras if they could still pull their weight. So I dug deep, tested things out, and learned a ton along the way.

Understanding Arlo Ecosystem Compatibility

How Arlo’s Ecosystem Evolved Over Time

Arlo has been around for over a decade, and during that time, they’ve released several camera lines: Arlo (original), Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra, and more recently, the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Essential models. Each new version brought better sensors, smarter software, and enhanced connectivity.

But here’s the catch: not all of them play well together. The original Arlo cameras (often called “Arlo VMC3030” or “Arlo Gen 1”) were designed to work with the original Arlo base station. The Arlo Pro line, starting with the Arlo Pro (VMC4030), uses a different base station—the Arlo Pro base station (also called the “SmartHub” or “Arlo Bridge”).

So, right off the bat, the hardware is different. But does that mean your old camera is obsolete? Not necessarily.

What “Old Camera” Really Means in the Arlo World

When people ask, “Can Arlo Pro work with old camera?” they usually mean one of these:

• Original Arlo (Gen 1) – Released around 2014–2015. These are the white, bullet-shaped cameras with 720p resolution and magnetic mounts.
• Arlo Pro (Gen 1) – Released in 2016. Slightly larger, 1080p, rechargeable battery, and works with the Arlo Pro base station.
• Arlo Pro 2 – Released in 2017. Adds 1080p HDR, activity zones, and optional wired power.

The key distinction is the generation and the base station. If you have an original Arlo (Gen 1), it’s from a different era than the Arlo Pro. But if you’ve got an Arlo Pro (Gen 1), that’s actually part of the same family as newer Pro models—just an earlier version.

So before we dive into compatibility, let’s get one thing straight: “old” doesn’t always mean “incompatible.” It depends on which old camera you have and which Arlo Pro system you’re using.

Can Arlo Pro Work With Original Arlo (Gen 1) Cameras?

The Hardware Hurdle: Base Stations Don’t Mix

Let’s start with the most common scenario: You have original Arlo (Gen 1) cameras and want to use them with an Arlo Pro base station. Unfortunately, this won’t work directly. Here’s why:

• The original Arlo uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz radio frequency to connect to its base station.
• The Arlo Pro base station uses a different radio protocol and frequency band (also 2.4 GHz but with a different encryption and pairing method).
• They are not cross-compatible at the hardware level.

I tried this once—hooked up my old Arlo base station to the same network as my Arlo Pro base station and attempted to “migrate” the cameras. Spoiler: it didn’t work. The app wouldn’t recognize the old cameras when connected to the Pro base station, and vice versa.

Think of it like trying to plug an old iPhone charger into a newer Android phone. The plug might look similar, but the communication protocol is different. Same idea here.

Workarounds (With Caveats)

Now, don’t throw your old cameras in the bin just yet. There are workarounds—but they come with trade-offs.

Option 1: Keep the Original Base Station and Use Dual Systems

This is what I ended up doing. I kept my original Arlo base station plugged into my router and connected my old cameras to it. Meanwhile, I set up the Arlo Pro base station for the new cameras.

• Both base stations appear in the same Arlo app.
• You can view feeds from both systems on your phone or tablet.
• They’re treated as separate “hubs” in the app, but you can switch between them easily.

For example, I had my old Arlo covering the backyard (where I didn’t need 1080p), and my Arlo Pro watching the front door and driveway. It worked great—until I realized I was paying for two cloud subscriptions. That’s a downside: if you use Arlo’s cloud storage, you’ll need a plan for each base station.

Option 2: Use Local Storage Only (No Cloud)

If you don’t mind skipping cloud features, you can use local microSD card storage on both systems. The original Arlo supports microSD (up to 128GB), and Arlo Pro does too. This way, you avoid extra subscription costs.

But here’s the catch: you lose smart features like person detection, package alerts, and AI-based filtering unless you’re on a paid plan. Also, remote access might be less reliable without cloud syncing.

Option 3: Upgrade the Old Cameras (If Possible)

Some users have reported success using Arlo Pro 2 or Pro 3 cameras with an Arlo Pro base station—even though they’re technically “older” models. But the original Arlo (Gen 1)? No. Arlo doesn’t support firmware updates that would allow Gen 1 cameras to connect to newer hubs.

Arlo Pro and Pro 2/3: A Much Better Story

Same Family, Different Generations

Now, if your “old camera” is an Arlo Pro (Gen 1) or Arlo Pro 2, you’re in luck. These models are fully compatible with newer Arlo Pro base stations and can coexist with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and even Arlo Ultra cameras.

Why? Because they all use the same SmartHub (base station) and the same communication protocol. Arlo designed the Pro line to be backward-compatible within the Pro family.

I upgraded from Arlo Pro to Arlo Pro 3 and kept my original Pro cameras. I added them to the same base station, and they worked flawlessly. The app treated them as “Arlo Pro (Gen 1)” but gave me access to all the core features: 1080p video, motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.

How to Add Older Pro Cameras to a Newer System

Here’s how I did it—step by step:

1. Make sure your Arlo Pro base station (or SmartHub) is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi.
2. Open the Arlo app and go to Devices > Add Device.
3. Select “Arlo Pro” (even if you have Pro 2 or Pro 3 cameras—it’s the same category).
4. Follow the in-app instructions to sync the camera to the base station. This usually involves pressing a sync button on the base station and then on the camera.
5. Wait for the camera to connect. It may take a minute or two.
6. Once connected, name the camera (e.g., “Back Porch – Old Pro”) and assign it to a location.

Pro tip: If the camera doesn’t connect, try resetting it by holding the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. Then try again.

One thing I noticed: older Pro cameras don’t get the latest firmware updates as quickly. For example, my Arlo Pro (Gen 1) didn’t get the “AI person detection” feature until months after the Pro 3 did. But basic functionality? Still rock solid.

Performance and Feature Differences

While the older Pro cameras work, there are some differences to be aware of:

• Video Quality: Arlo Pro (Gen 1) is 1080p. Pro 2 and Pro 3 offer 1080p HDR, which is slightly sharper in low light.
• Night Vision: Gen 1 uses traditional IR LEDs. Pro 2/3 have enhanced IR with better clarity at distance.
• Audio: All have two-way talk, but newer models have clearer microphones and less echo.
• Battery Life: Gen 1 batteries last 4–6 months. Pro 2/3 can go 6–12 months with normal use.
• Smart Features: Only Pro 2/3+ get advanced AI features like “person vs. animal” detection (on paid plans).

So yes, they work—but they’re not equal to the latest models. Think of them as “good enough” for secondary areas like a garage or side yard, while newer cameras handle high-traffic spots.

SmartHub vs. Base Station: What’s the Difference?

Why Arlo Changed the Name (and the Tech)

You might have heard Arlo refer to their newer hubs as “SmartHubs” instead of “base stations.” It’s not just marketing—there are real differences.

The original Arlo base station was a simple Wi-Fi bridge. It connected cameras to the internet and stored video locally (if you used a microSD card). But it had limited processing power and couldn’t handle advanced features.

The Arlo SmartHub (used with Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra) is more powerful. It includes:

• Local AI processing for motion detection
• Support for higher-resolution cameras
• Better encryption and security
• Ability to connect to Arlo’s new doorbells and floodlights
• Optional LTE backup (in some models)

This is why Arlo Pro (Gen 1) cameras can work with a SmartHub—they’re designed to be compatible. But original Arlo (Gen 1) cameras can’t, because they lack the hardware to communicate with the newer hub’s protocol.

Can You Use an Old Base Station with New Cameras?

Here’s the reverse question: Can you plug an Arlo Pro 3 into an original Arlo base station?

Unfortunately, no. The newer Pro cameras require the enhanced SmartHub to function properly. They won’t even power on or connect to the old base station. I tried this once—plugged in my Arlo Pro 3, pressed sync, and got nothing. The app showed “No compatible hub found.”

So it’s a one-way street: newer hubs can support older Pro cameras, but older hubs can’t support newer ones.

Real-World Tips for Mixing Arlo Systems

When Mixing Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)

Mixing old and new Arlo cameras isn’t always ideal, but it can be a smart move if you:

• Want to save money by reusing working equipment
• Need coverage in low-priority areas (e.g., shed, garden)
• Don’t want to replace a camera that still works well
• Are on a tight budget but want to upgrade gradually

However, mixing systems can cause headaches if you:

• Need consistent video quality across all cameras
• Want to use advanced AI features everywhere
• Don’t want to manage multiple base stations
• Are sensitive to subscription costs (dual plans add up)

I learned this the hard way. I kept my original Arlo base station running just for one camera. After a year, the base station started having Wi-Fi issues. I ended up replacing it with a second SmartHub—so now I have two hubs, two subscriptions, and more complexity than I wanted.

Best Practices for a Hybrid Setup

If you decide to go hybrid, here are my top tips:

• Label everything: Use clear names like “Front Door – Pro 3” and “Backyard – Original Arlo” so you know what you’re looking at.
• Group cameras by location: In the Arlo app, create “Groups” (e.g., “Outdoor” or “Garage”) to keep feeds organized.
• Use local storage to save money: Skip cloud plans for older cameras. Use microSD cards instead.
• Update firmware regularly: Even old cameras get updates. Check every few months.
• Consider battery life: Older cameras may need more frequent charging. Keep spare batteries on hand.
• Test night vision: Older models may have weaker IR. Point them toward well-lit areas if possible.

One thing that surprised me: my old Arlo camera still had better battery life than my newer Pro 3 in cold weather. Go figure!

Data Table: Arlo Camera Compatibility Overview

Camera Model	Compatible Base Station	Works with Arlo Pro Hub?	Cloud Storage Needed?	Max Resolution	Smart Features
Original Arlo (Gen 1)	Original Arlo Base Station	No	Yes (or microSD)	720p	Basic motion detection
Arlo Pro (Gen 1)	Arlo Pro Base Station / SmartHub	Yes	Yes (or microSD)	1080p	Two-way audio, night vision
Arlo Pro 2	Arlo Pro Base Station / SmartHub	Yes	Yes (or microSD)	1080p HDR	Activity zones, AI detection (paid)
Arlo Pro 3	SmartHub only	Yes (with SmartHub)	Yes (or microSD)	2K HDR	AI detection, color night vision
Arlo Pro 4	SmartHub only	Yes (with SmartHub)	Yes (or microSD)	2K HDR	AI detection, spotlight

Note: “SmartHub” refers to the Arlo Bridge (VMB4540 or newer) used with Pro 2 and later models.

Final Thoughts: Should You Mix Old and New?

So, can Arlo Pro work with old camera models? The answer is: it depends.

If your “old camera” is an original Arlo (Gen 1), you can’t connect it directly to an Arlo Pro base station. But you can run both systems side by side using separate base stations—just expect some extra cost and complexity.

If your “old camera” is an Arlo Pro (Gen 1) or Pro 2, then yes—it will work perfectly with newer Arlo Pro base stations and SmartHubs. You’ll get full functionality, though with slightly fewer smart features than the latest models.

From my experience, mixing systems is a smart way to extend the life of your gear and save money on upgrades. But it’s not a perfect solution. You’ll trade some convenience and feature parity for cost savings.

My advice? If you’re on a budget and your old cameras still work, keep them—especially if they’re Pro models. Use them in less critical areas. But if you want a seamless, high-tech experience across your entire home, consider upgrading all your cameras to the same generation.

At the end of the day, the goal is peace of mind. Whether you’re using a 2015 Arlo or a 2023 Arlo Pro 4, as long as you can see what’s happening at home, you’re doing it right. And that’s what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo Pro work with old camera models like the original Arlo?

The Arlo Pro system is not directly compatible with the original Arlo (VMC3030) cameras, as they use different base stations and communication protocols. However, both systems can coexist on the same Arlo account for monitoring via the app.

Is there a way to integrate old Arlo cameras with Arlo Pro base stations?

No, older Arlo cameras (e.g., first-gen Arlo) cannot connect to the Arlo Pro base station (VMB4000/4500) due to hardware and firmware differences. Each system requires its own dedicated base station.

Can Arlo Pro and old camera systems share the same subscription plan?

Yes, Arlo allows you to manage multiple camera systems under one account, but each camera (including older models) requires its own subscription if cloud storage is needed. Check Arlo’s plan details for multi-camera discounts.

Will my old Arlo cameras work with the Arlo Pro app?

Yes, the Arlo Pro app supports most legacy cameras, including original Arlo models, but features like AI detection or activity zones may be limited on older hardware. The app unifies live viewing for all devices.

Are there adapters or workarounds to make old cameras work with Arlo Pro?

Arlo does not provide official adapters to bridge old cameras with the Pro system. Third-party solutions are unreliable and may void warranties. Upgrading to newer cameras is recommended for full functionality.

What are the key differences between Arlo Pro and old camera compatibility?

Arlo Pro uses 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi and advanced encryption, while older cameras rely on 2.4GHz and legacy protocols. This technical gap prevents direct integration, but the Arlo ecosystem ensures backward compatibility for app control.