Can I Add Two More Cameras to My Arlo System Here Is How

Yes, you can easily add two more cameras to your Arlo system—whether you’re expanding coverage or enhancing security, Arlo’s flexible setup supports seamless integration with most models. Just ensure compatibility with your base station or hub, then follow the in-app prompts to sync and position your new cameras for optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility first: Ensure new cameras match your Arlo system’s hub or base station.
• Subscription limits apply: Adding cameras may require upgrading your Arlo service plan.
• Use the Arlo app: Follow in-app prompts to pair additional cameras seamlessly.
• Power options matter: Choose wired or battery-powered cameras based on placement needs.
• Wi-Fi strength is key: Verify strong signal where cameras will be installed for optimal performance.
• Maximize coverage: Position cameras to eliminate blind spots and enhance security.

Understanding Your Arlo System’s Camera Limits

If you’ve invested in an Arlo home security system, you’re likely already enjoying peace of mind from its sleek, wireless design, crisp video quality, and smart features. But as your home or property grows—maybe you’ve added a new shed, a side gate, or just want more coverage—you might be wondering: Can I add two more cameras to my Arlo system?

The short answer is yes, but with some important details to consider. Arlo systems are modular by design, which means you can usually add more cameras. However, whether you can add two (or more) depends on your specific base station, subscription plan, and power setup. Think of it like a puzzle: each piece has to fit. I learned this the hard way when I tried to add a third camera to my Arlo Pro 3 system and hit a wall with my old hub. It wasn’t the cameras—it was the hardware and software limits.

Whether you’re a first-time Arlo user or upgrading your setup, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about expanding your system. We’ll cover compatibility, power options, subscription impacts, and even troubleshooting tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to add two more cameras—and whether it’s worth it for your needs.

How Arlo Systems Work: Base Stations, Hubs, and Compatibility

Before you start plugging in new cameras, it’s crucial to understand how Arlo systems are structured. Not all Arlo cameras work with every base station or hub, and this is where many users get stuck. Let’s break it down.

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

Arlo uses two main types of central devices: the Base Station (used with older Arlo and Arlo Pro systems) and the SmartHub (used with newer models like Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential). These aren’t interchangeable.

• Base Station (e.g., VMB4000): Supports up to 5 cameras. It connects to your router via Ethernet and handles local video storage.

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• SmartHub (e.g., VMB5000, VMB4540): Supports up to 15 cameras (some models up to 20). Offers local storage, better Wi-Fi range, and supports newer features like 4K video and color night vision.

For example, if you have the original Arlo Base Station (VMB4000), you can only add up to 5 cameras total. So if you already have 4, adding two more isn’t possible without upgrading the hub. But if you’re on a SmartHub, you’re likely in the clear—especially if you’re below 10 cameras.

Camera-to-Hub Compatibility: Mixing and Matching

Arlo is generally good about backward and forward compatibility, but there are caveats. Here’s what works:

• Arlo Pro 2/3/4 and Arlo Ultra work with SmartHubs and newer Base Stations (like VMB4540).
• Arlo Essential Wire-Free and Wired work with the Arlo SmartHub or directly via Wi-Fi (no hub needed).
• Older Arlo cameras (e.g., Arlo Q, Arlo Go) may require a Base Station and have limited support with newer hubs.

Pro tip: Always check the “Works With” list on Arlo’s official website or in the Arlo app. For instance, I tried adding an Arlo Go (cellular camera) to my SmartHub VMB5000—it worked, but only after a firmware update. Without it, the app kept showing “device not supported.”

Real-World Example: Upgrading from 3 to 5 Cameras

Let’s say you have 3 Arlo Pro 3 cameras connected to a VMB5000 SmartHub. You want to add two more Pro 3s. Great! The SmartHub supports up to 15 cameras, and Pro 3 is fully compatible. Just sync the new cameras via the app, and you’re done. But if you’re using a VMB4000 Base Station with 4 Arlo Pro 2 cameras, adding two more would exceed the 5-camera limit. You’d need to upgrade to a SmartHub first.

Subscription Plans and Cloud Storage: Do You Need More?

Adding cameras isn’t just about hardware—your Arlo subscription plan plays a big role in how many cameras you can use and what features you get. This is often overlooked, but it’s critical.

Free vs. Paid Plans: What You Get

Arlo offers a free plan and several paid tiers. Here’s the breakdown:

• Free Plan: 7-day cloud storage, 30-second video clips, motion detection, basic notifications. Limited to one camera.
• Arlo Secure (Basic): $2.99/month per camera. 30-day cloud storage, 30-second clips, smart alerts (person, vehicle, animal).
• Arlo Secure (Plus): $9.99/month for up to 10 cameras. Everything in Basic, plus 30-day storage, 1-minute clips, activity zones, and e911.
• Arlo Secure (Premier): $14.99/month for up to 20 cameras. 30-day storage, 2-minute clips, 4K video support, and advanced AI detection.

If you’re on the free plan and add a second camera, only one will record to the cloud. The others will only record locally (if your hub supports it) or not at all. That’s a major limitation for remote access.

Adding Two Cameras: Plan Impact

Let’s say you have one Arlo Pro 3 on the free plan. You add two more Pro 3s. Now you have three cameras, but only one has cloud recording. That’s risky—what if your hub fails or gets stolen?

To get full functionality, you’ll likely need to upgrade. For example:

• Option 1: Pay $2.99/month per camera (total $8.97/month for 3 cameras).
• Option 2: Upgrade to Arlo Secure Plus ($9.99/month for up to 10 cameras)—more cost-effective if you plan to add more later.

Tip: The Plus plan is a sweet spot for most users. At $10/month, it covers 10 cameras and includes activity zones—handy for reducing false alerts from trees or passing cars.

Local Storage: A Free Alternative

If you want to avoid subscription costs, use local storage. SmartHubs and Base Stations support microSD cards (up to 2TB). This lets you record 24/7 without cloud fees. But:

• You’ll need to manually retrieve footage (no remote access).
• If the hub is damaged or stolen, your footage is gone.
• Not all cameras support local recording (e.g., Arlo Essential Wire-Free needs the hub).

I use a 512GB microSD in my SmartHub. It stores about 10 days of 1080p footage from 5 cameras. It’s a great backup, but I still keep the cloud plan for remote alerts.

Power Options: Keeping Your Cameras Running

Adding two more cameras means two more power sources. Arlo offers several options, but not all are equally reliable. Let’s explore the best ways to keep your new cameras charged and online.

Battery-Powered Cameras: Pros and Cons

Most Arlo wire-free cameras (like Pro 3, Essential) run on rechargeable batteries. Here’s what to expect:

• Pros: Easy to install, no wiring, great for outdoor use.
• Cons: Batteries last 3–6 months (less in cold weather), require manual charging, can die during storms.

If you’re adding two battery cameras, plan for charging. I keep two extra batteries on hand and charge them monthly. That way, I always have a backup.

Solar Panels: The Game-Changer

Arlo’s Solar Panels (sold separately) are a lifesaver. They keep cameras charged 24/7 with sunlight. Key points:

• Each panel powers one camera.
• Works with Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wire-Free.
• Requires direct sunlight (not under eaves or trees).

I added solar panels to my two backyard cameras. After 3 months, battery levels stayed above 80%. No more climbing ladders to charge! But in winter (shorter days, less sun), I still check monthly.

Wired Options: For 24/7 Reliability

For critical spots (like front door, garage), consider wired cameras:

• Arlo Pro 4 XL: Comes with a 25-foot power cable.
• Arlo Essential Wired: Plugs into standard outlets.

Wired cameras never need charging. But they require access to power outlets—which may mean drilling holes or using extension cords. I used outdoor-rated extension cords for my driveway camera. It’s not pretty, but it works.

Power Tip: Mix and Match

You don’t have to use the same power method for all cameras. For example:

• Front door: Wired Arlo Essential (always on).
• Backyard: Solar-powered Pro 3 (low maintenance).
• Side gate: Battery-powered Pro 3 (with extra battery).

This mix saved me time and money. I didn’t need solar panels for the front (wired), and the backyard gets full sun.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Two Cameras to Your Arlo System

Now that you know the requirements, let’s walk through the actual process. Whether you’re using a SmartHub or Base Station, these steps work for most Arlo setups.

Step 1: Check Your Hub’s Camera Limit

Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Hub]. Look for “Cameras Connected” or check the model number. If you’re near the limit (e.g., 4/5 on a Base Station), consider upgrading the hub first.

Step 2: Choose Compatible Cameras

Buy cameras that match your hub. For example:

• SmartHub VMB5000: Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Essential.
• Base Station VMB4000: Arlo Pro, Pro 2 (not Pro 3).

Tip: Buy from Arlo or authorized sellers. Third-party sellers sometimes sell incompatible models (e.g., Arlo Pro 3 “for Base Station”—which doesn’t exist).

Step 3: Sync the Cameras

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap + > Add Device > Arlo Camera.
3. Follow the prompts to sync (usually involves pressing the sync button on the camera).
4. Repeat for the second camera.

Syncing usually takes 2–5 minutes. If it fails, restart the camera and hub. I once had to reset my SmartHub (unplug for 30 seconds) to get a new camera to sync.

Step 4: Mount and Test

Use the app to check live view and motion detection. Adjust the angle so the camera covers your target area (e.g., front porch, driveway).

Pro tip: Test at night. Some cameras have poor night vision if mounted too high or at the wrong angle. I had to lower one camera 6 inches to avoid glare from my porch light.

Step 5: Update Subscriptions (If Needed)

If you’re adding cameras beyond your current plan, update your subscription:

• Go to Settings > Subscription > Manage Plan.
• Choose a plan that covers all cameras.

Arlo will prorate charges if you upgrade mid-cycle. I upgraded from Basic to Plus and paid the difference for the rest of the month.

Step 6: Set Up Activity Zones and Alerts

To reduce false alerts, create activity zones:

1. Open the camera in the app.
2. Tap Settings > Video > Activity Zones.
3. Draw zones where you want alerts (e.g., driveway, front door).

For example, I disabled alerts for the sidewalk in front of my house. Now, only people walking to my door trigger notifications.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips

Even with planning, things can go wrong. Here are common issues and how to fix them—based on my own mistakes and Arlo’s support guides.

“Camera Not Connecting” Errors

• Cause: Weak Wi-Fi, hub overload, or firmware issues.
• Fix: Move the camera closer to the hub (within 300 feet), restart the hub, or update firmware via the app.

I had a camera fail to connect after a power outage. Restarting the SmartHub fixed it—no need to re-sync.

Short Battery Life

• Cause: Frequent motion, extreme temperatures, or old batteries.
• Fix: Reduce motion sensitivity, use activity zones, or switch to solar/wired.

My backyard camera (facing a busy street) drained in 2 months. After creating activity zones, it lasted 5 months.

Subscription Sync Issues

• Cause: Plan doesn’t cover all cameras.
• Fix: Upgrade your plan. If a camera shows “no cloud storage,” it’s likely a subscription issue.

Wi-Fi Interference

• Cause: Too many devices on the same network.
• Fix: Use the SmartHub’s dedicated Wi-Fi (if available) or upgrade to a mesh network.

My Arlo cameras dropped offline during Zoom calls. Switching to a mesh router (Eero) solved it.

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Camera won’t sync	Weak signal or hub overload	Restart hub, move camera closer
Short battery life	High motion activity	Use activity zones, add solar panel
No cloud recording	Subscription limit	Upgrade to Arlo Secure Plus
Wi-Fi drops	Network congestion	Use SmartHub Wi-Fi or mesh router

Final Thoughts: Is Adding Two More Cameras Worth It?

Adding two more cameras to your Arlo system is absolutely possible—and often worthwhile. Whether you’re covering a new area, reducing blind spots, or just want more peace of mind, the process is straightforward if you plan ahead.

But remember: it’s not just about the hardware. Your hub compatibility, subscription plan, and power setup are just as important. Don’t assume you can just “plug and play.” Take time to check your hub’s limits, budget for subscriptions, and choose the right power method for each camera.

From my experience, the best approach is to start small, test thoroughly, and scale smartly. Add one camera first, make sure it works with your setup, then add the second. This way, you avoid surprises—like realizing your Base Station can’t handle more than 5 cameras.

And if you’re on the fence about solar panels or wired options? Go for it. They’re game-changers for reliability. I wish I’d added solar panels sooner—no more battery anxiety during winter storms.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s flexibility is its strength. Whether you have 2 cameras or 12, the system grows with you. So yes, you can add two more cameras to your Arlo system. Just do it the right way—and enjoy the extra security that comes with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add two more cameras to my Arlo system?

Yes, you can add two more cameras to your Arlo system, provided your base station or hub supports additional devices. Check your specific Arlo model’s camera limit in the user manual or app settings.

How do I add extra cameras to my existing Arlo setup?

To add extra cameras, open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your new cameras are compatible with your current system and within the maximum supported limit.

What is the maximum number of cameras I can add to an Arlo system?

Most Arlo base stations support up to 5–15 cameras, depending on the model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 supports up to 15). Adding two more cameras is usually feasible if you haven’t reached your system’s limit.

Do I need a subscription to add two more Arlo cameras?

No, a subscription isn’t required to add cameras, but Arlo’s cloud storage and advanced features (like AI detection) need a paid plan. Local storage via a USB drive is an alternative.

Are there compatibility issues when adding extra Arlo cameras?

Generally, Arlo cameras of the same generation work together. However, mixing older and newer models may limit functionality. Verify compatibility in Arlo’s official support documentation.

Will adding two more cameras affect my Arlo system’s performance?

Adding two cameras typically won’t impact performance if your Wi-Fi and base station handle the load. For large setups, consider a Wi-Fi extender or Arlo SmartHub to maintain stable connections.