How to Get the IP Address of My Arlo Camera Quick Guide

How to Get the IP Address of My Arlo Camera Quick Guide

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Yes, you can get the IP address of your Arlo camera by accessing your router’s connected devices list or using the Arlo app’s device information section. This quick guide walks you through both methods to help you locate the IP address for troubleshooting or network management in minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Arlo cameras don’t expose IPs directly due to cloud-based design and security protocols.
  • Check your router’s admin panel to find connected Arlo devices via MAC address lookup.
  • Use Arlo app for device details like status and connection, but not IP addresses.
  • Network scanning tools reveal IPs if your Arlo camera is on a local network.
  • Contact Arlo Support for help if troubleshooting requires advanced network information.

Why You Might Need Your Arlo Camera’s IP Address

Let’s be honest—smart home security cameras like Arlo are amazing. They let us keep an eye on our homes from anywhere, whether we’re at work, on vacation, or just lounging on the couch. But sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as we’d like. Maybe your Arlo app is acting up, your camera isn’t connecting properly, or you’re trying to integrate it with another smart system. That’s when the question pops up: “Can I get the IP address of my Arlo camera?”

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users find themselves wondering the same thing. Unlike traditional IP cameras, Arlo devices are designed to work through a cloud-based system, which means they don’t expose their IP addresses in the same way. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, setting up advanced integrations, or just curious about your camera’s network behavior, knowing how to find your Arlo camera’s IP address can be a game-changer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from why it’s tricky to how you can (sometimes) get it, and what to do with it once you do.

Understanding Arlo’s Network Architecture

How Arlo Cameras Connect to the Internet

Before we dive into finding the IP address, it helps to understand how Arlo cameras connect to your network. Unlike standalone IP cameras that connect directly to your router, Arlo devices typically use a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station) as a bridge. The cameras connect to the base station via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and the base station handles the communication with your home router and the internet.

This means your Arlo camera doesn’t have a direct public-facing IP address. Instead, it operates within a private network (your local subnet), and the base station uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to manage traffic. So, when you’re trying to find the IP address of your Arlo camera, you’re really looking for its local IP address—the one it uses on your home network.

Why Arlo Hides the IP Address

Arlo’s design prioritizes security and ease of use. By routing all communication through the cloud, Arlo can:

  • Prevent unauthorized access from outside your network
  • Simplify setup—no port forwarding or static IPs needed
  • Enable remote access without exposing your internal network

Think of it like this: you don’t need to know your phone’s IP address to make a call, right? Arlo works the same way. But just like your phone has an IP address on your Wi-Fi network, so does your Arlo camera—even if it’s not front and center in the app.

That said, there are legitimate reasons why you might want to find it. For example, if your camera keeps disconnecting, checking its IP address can help you see if it’s getting a stable connection. Or if you’re using a firewall, you might need to whitelist the camera’s IP to allow video streaming.

Methods to Find Your Arlo Camera’s IP Address

Using Your Router’s Admin Panel

This is the most reliable method—if your camera is connected to your network. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to your router. Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Enter your username and password.
  2. Find the connected devices list. Look for a section like “Attached Devices,” “DHCP Clients,” or “Network Map.” This shows all devices currently on your network.
  3. Look for Arlo-related names. You might see entries like “Arlo,” “ArloCam,” or even the model name (e.g., “Arlo Pro 4”). Some routers display device names based on MAC addresses.
  4. Note the IP address. Next to the device name, you’ll see its assigned local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.50).

Tip: If you don’t see a clear Arlo entry, check the MAC address. Arlo devices typically use MAC addresses starting with 2C:3E:EA (Netgear, which owns Arlo). You can cross-reference this with your router’s list.

Using Network Scanning Tools

If your router doesn’t show device names clearly, a network scanner can help. Tools like Fing (free on iOS/Android) or Advanced IP Scanner (Windows) scan your network and list all connected devices with their IPs, MAC addresses, and sometimes device names.

Here’s how to use Fing:

  • Download Fing from the app store.
  • Open the app and tap “Scan.”
  • Wait for the results. Look for devices with “Arlo” or “Netgear” in the name or vendor field.
  • Tap the device to see its IP address and more details.

Real-life example: I once had an Arlo Pro 3 that kept dropping offline. Using Fing, I found it had an IP address of 192.168.1.42. I noticed it was on a congested Wi-Fi channel, so I changed my router settings—and the connection stabilized.

Checking the Arlo App (Indirect Method)

Unfortunately, the Arlo app doesn’t show IP addresses directly. But you can use a workaround:

  • Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices.
  • Select your camera. Look at the Serial Number and MAC Address.
  • Now go back to your router or network scanner. Search for a device with that MAC address.

This method is especially useful if you have multiple Arlo cameras and want to match each one to its IP address.

Using Command Line (For Tech-Savvy Users)

If you’re comfortable with the command line, you can use arp -a (Windows) or arp -a (macOS/Linux) to list all devices on your network.

  • Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  • Type arp -a and press Enter.
  • Look for entries with Arlo or Netgear in the vendor field.

Note: This method only works if the camera is currently connected and has recently communicated with your computer.

What You Can (and Can’t) Do With Your Arlo Camera’s IP Address

Valid Use Cases

Finding your Arlo camera’s IP address isn’t just a curiosity—it can actually help solve real problems. Here are some practical uses:

  • Troubleshooting connectivity issues. If your camera keeps going offline, check if its IP address is consistent. Frequent IP changes (due to DHCP lease renewals) can cause instability. You can assign a static IP to fix this.
  • Firewall or parental control rules. Some firewalls block video streaming by default. Knowing the IP lets you create exceptions.
  • Network monitoring. Use tools like Wireshark to analyze traffic (advanced, but useful for diagnosing lag or buffering).
  • Integration with smart home systems. If you’re using Home Assistant or another automation platform, you might need the IP for local API access (more on this below).

Example: A friend of mine set up a firewall to block all video streaming during work hours. But he wanted his Arlo cameras to work for security. By finding their IPs, he added them to a whitelist—problem solved.

Limitations and Risks

However, there are some things you can’t do—and some risks to be aware of:

  • You can’t access the camera directly via its IP in a browser. Unlike some IP cameras, Arlo doesn’t host a web interface on its local IP. Typing http://192.168.1.50 won’t work.
  • No local video streaming without the app. Arlo’s video is encrypted and streamed through the cloud. You can’t just point VLC or another player at the IP.
  • Changing network settings can break the camera. If you assign a static IP, make sure it’s outside your router’s DHCP range to avoid conflicts.
  • Security risks. Exposing your camera’s IP (e.g., by port forwarding) can make it a target. Arlo’s cloud system is designed to prevent this.

Pro tip: If you do assign a static IP, document it somewhere safe. I keep a simple spreadsheet with all my smart home device IPs—it’s saved me hours of troubleshooting.

Advanced: Local Access and Third-Party Tools

Using Arlo’s Local API (For Developers)

Arlo doesn’t officially support local API access, but the community has reverse-engineered parts of it. Tools like Arlo-CLI (Python) or integrations in Home Assistant can interact with your cameras locally—if you know the IP and have the right credentials.

For example, in Home Assistant, you can use the arlo integration to:

  • View live streams without cloud delays
  • Trigger automations based on motion (without relying on the cloud)
  • Reduce bandwidth usage

How it works: The integration logs into your Arlo account, discovers your cameras, and then uses their local IPs for direct communication. It’s not perfect—some features still require the cloud—but it’s a great middle ground.

Note: This requires technical know-how and may break if Arlo changes its API. Always back up your configuration.

Using RTSP (For Select Models)

Some newer Arlo cameras (like the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra) support RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) for local video streaming. This means you can:

  • Stream video directly to apps like VLC, Blue Iris, or Synology Surveillance Station
  • Bypass the cloud for lower latency
  • Store footage locally (great for privacy)

To use RTSP:

  1. Enable it in the Arlo app: Settings > My Devices > [Camera] > Video Settings > RTSP.
  2. Note the RTSP URL (it includes the camera’s IP address, e.g., rtsp://192.168.1.50:554/stream1).
  3. Enter the URL in your streaming app.

Important: RTSP streams are not encrypted. Only enable it on secure networks, and avoid exposing the camera’s IP publicly.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting Tips

Camera Not Showing Up in Router List

If your Arlo camera isn’t in your router’s connected devices list, here’s what to check:

  • Is the camera powered on? Check the LED light. If it’s off, the camera isn’t connected.
  • Is it connected to the base station? Arlo cameras connect to the base station, not directly to your router. If the base station is offline, the camera won’t appear on your network.
  • Wi-Fi interference. Move the camera or base station closer to your router. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check for congestion.
  • DHCP issues. Restart your router and camera. If the problem persists, try assigning a static IP to the base station.

IP Address Changes Frequently

If your Arlo camera’s IP address keeps changing, it’s likely due to DHCP lease renewals. Here’s how to fix it:

  • Assign a static IP. In your router’s DHCP settings, reserve an IP address for the camera’s MAC address. This ensures it always gets the same IP.
  • Use a shorter DHCP lease. Some routers let you adjust lease times. A shorter lease (e.g., 12 hours) can reduce conflicts.
  • Check for IP conflicts. If another device has the same IP, the camera may disconnect. Use a network scanner to verify.

Table: Arlo Camera IP Address Troubleshooting Checklist

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Camera not in router list Not powered or offline Check power, restart camera
IP address changes often DHCP lease renewal Assign static IP in router
No RTSP stream RTSP not enabled Enable in Arlo app settings
Camera disconnects frequently Wi-Fi interference Move closer to base station
Cannot access via IP No web interface Use Arlo app or RTSP

Final Thoughts: Should You Even Bother?

So, after all this—should you even bother finding your Arlo camera’s IP address? The answer depends on your needs.

For most users, no. Arlo is designed to work seamlessly through the app. If your cameras are online, recording, and you can view them remotely, you probably don’t need to dig into IP addresses. The cloud system handles everything.

But if you’re:

  • Troubleshooting persistent connectivity issues
  • Building a custom smart home setup
  • Concerned about cloud dependency or privacy
  • Just curious about how your devices work

Then yes—finding the IP address is absolutely worth it. It gives you a deeper understanding of your network and can help you solve problems that the app alone can’t.

Remember, the key is to use this knowledge responsibly. Don’t expose your camera to the internet unnecessarily. Avoid changing settings unless you know what you’re doing. And if something breaks, you can always reset the camera and start over.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are tools—and like any tool, they work best when you understand how they function. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, knowing how to find your Arlo camera’s IP address is a small but powerful step toward mastering your smart home. And who knows? It might just save you a late-night troubleshooting session. Happy tinkering!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the IP address of my Arlo camera?

To get the IP address of your Arlo camera, log in to your Arlo account via the app or web portal. Navigate to “Device Settings” and check the “Network” or “Wi-Fi” section, where the IP address is often listed. This method works best for locally connected cameras.

Can I get the IP address of my Arlo camera remotely?

No, Arlo cameras are designed to operate through cloud-based servers, so they don’t expose local IP addresses remotely for security reasons. You’ll need physical access to your home network or router to retrieve the IP address.

Is there a way to locate my Arlo camera’s IP address using my router?

Yes! Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1) and look for the “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Clients” list. Your Arlo camera should appear there with its assigned IP address and MAC address.

Why can’t I see the IP address of my Arlo camera in the app?

The Arlo app prioritizes user-friendliness and security, so it doesn’t display the IP address directly. To get the IP address, you’ll need to use your router’s interface or a network scanner tool like Fing.

Can I use a third-party tool to find my Arlo camera’s IP address?

Yes, network scanning tools like Fing or Advanced IP Scanner can detect all devices on your network, including your Arlo camera. Ensure the tool is reputable and used in compliance with Arlo’s security policies.

What if my Arlo camera keeps changing its IP address?

If your router uses dynamic IP assignment (DHCP), your Arlo camera’s IP address may change. To prevent this, set a static IP address for the camera in your router’s settings or use its MAC address to reserve an IP.