Can I Have Arlo Cameras at Two Different Locations A Complete Guide

Yes, you can have Arlo cameras at two different locations by using separate Arlo accounts or a single account with multiple locations enabled in the app. This setup allows seamless monitoring of both properties with customizable alerts, shared access, and cloud storage—ideal for managing home and vacation properties efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use Arlo cameras at two locations with a single account for centralized control.
• Sync each camera to its base station at the respective location for optimal performance.
• Use the Arlo app to manage multiple sites easily with location-based grouping and alerts.
• Ensure strong Wi-Fi at both sites to avoid connectivity issues and stream interruptions.
• Assign unique names to cameras to quickly identify which location each feed belongs to.
• Check subscription plan coverage to confirm multi-site support and storage limits.

Can I Use Arlo Cameras at Two Different Locations?

Imagine this: You’ve got a cozy home in the suburbs, but you also own a vacation cabin in the woods. Both places mean a lot to you, and you want to keep an eye on them—without breaking the bank or your brain. That’s where Arlo cameras come in. But can you really use them at two different locations?

Yes, you absolutely can. But like most things tech-related, it’s not always as simple as plugging in and walking away. I’ve been there—setting up security systems at multiple properties, juggling logins, and wondering if I’d accidentally spy on my neighbor instead of my backyard. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Arlo cameras at two different locations, from setup and app management to potential pitfalls and smart workarounds. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real talk from someone who’s tried it.

Understanding How Arlo Systems Work Across Multiple Properties

Before diving into multi-location setups, let’s get clear on how Arlo actually functions. Arlo is a cloud-based smart security system that connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi (or a base station for older models). Each camera records video, detects motion, and uploads footage to the cloud—where you access it through the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.

The magic lies in the app. It acts as your command center, letting you view live feeds, receive alerts, review recordings, and even talk through two-way audio. But here’s the key: Arlo doesn’t limit you to one physical location by default. You can add as many cameras as you want—across as many homes, offices, or cabins as needed.

How the Arlo App Handles Multiple Locations

The Arlo app organizes devices by “hubs” or “base stations.” Think of each hub as a home base for a group of cameras. If you have:

• One base station at your main house with four outdoor cameras,
• Another base station at your lake house with two indoor cams and one doorbell,

then the app sees these as two separate systems. But here’s the best part: you can manage both under the same Arlo account. No need to log in and out or switch profiles.

You simply tap between locations in the app—like switching tabs in a browser. For example, during a storm, you could check your suburban backyard first, then swipe over to see if the lake house dock got damaged. Super convenient.

Single vs. Multi-Location Setup: What’s the Difference?

Technically, there’s no difference in hardware. Whether you’re setting up one camera or ten across two states, the process is the same:

1. Install the Arlo app (iOS or Android).
2. Create an Arlo account or log in.
3. Add a base station (if using one) and connect it to your router.
4. Pair each camera to its respective hub via the app.

But psychologically, managing multiple locations changes things. Suddenly, you’re thinking about:

• Wi-Fi strength at each site
• Power sources (battery life, solar panels, etc.)
• Local internet reliability
• Who might tamper with cameras (neighbors, wildlife, kids)

So while the setup isn’t harder, the planning becomes more complex. And that’s where most people run into trouble—not because the tech fails, but because they didn’t plan ahead.

Setting Up Arlo Cameras at Two (or More) Locations: Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through a real-world scenario. Say you own a primary residence in Austin and a mountain retreat in Colorado. You want full coverage at both places, with motion alerts and cloud storage. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Choose Your Arlo Hardware

Start by deciding which Arlo models make sense for each location. Not all cameras are created equal.

• Arlo Pro 5S: Great for high-traffic areas (driveways, entrances). Weatherproof, 2K video, color night vision.
• Arlo Essential Indoor/Outdoor: Budget-friendly, good for basic monitoring. Battery-powered, no base station needed.
• Arlo Ultra 2: Premium choice. 4K HDR, spotlight, siren. Best for critical zones.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: Perfect for front doors. Two-way talk, package detection.

Pro tip: Mix and match based on needs. Use higher-end models at the main house (where you spend most time) and essentials at the remote cabin. This saves money without sacrificing coverage.

Step 2: Set Up Base Stations (If Needed)

Older Arlo models (like Pro 3/4) require a base station. Newer ones (Essential, Pro 5S) can connect directly to Wi-Fi. But even if direct connection is possible, a base station has advantages:

• Centralized power (no dead batteries mid-recording)
• Local storage option (with USB drive)
• Better signal stability for multiple cameras

For two locations, install one base station per property. Plug it into a wall outlet and connect it to the router via Ethernet (not Wi-Fi) for best performance.

Example: In Austin, place the base station near the garage router. In Colorado, put it in the basement near the internet modem. Label each clearly—“Austin Base” and “Cabin Base”—so you don’t mix them up in the app later.

Step 3: Pair Cameras to Their Respective Hubs

Now, sync each camera to its local hub. Open the Arlo app, go to “Add Device,” and follow the prompts. The app will guide you to press the sync button on the base station, then scan a QR code on the camera.

Important: Always pair cameras to the hub closest to them. Don’t try to link a camera in Colorado to a hub in Texas—it won’t work well (or at all). Each camera must communicate directly with its local hub.

After pairing, name each camera clearly. Instead of “Front Yard,” try “Austin Front Yard” and “Cabin Driveway.” This avoids confusion when switching between locations.

Step 4: Configure Wi-Fi and Network Settings

Wi-Fi is the lifeline of your Arlo system. Weak signals mean missed alerts, laggy live feeds, and failed recordings.

At each location:

• Ensure the base station (or direct-connect cameras) are within strong Wi-Fi range.
• Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system if needed—especially at the cabin, where signal might be spotty.
• Set up a dedicated network for security devices (e.g., “Home_Security”) to reduce interference from other gadgets.

Real-life tip: When I set up my cabin, I used a TP-Link RE605X Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal to the back porch. Without it, the camera dropped connection every 30 minutes. With it? Flawless 24/7 streaming.

Step 5: Test and Optimize

Once everything’s installed, test the system thoroughly:

• Trigger motion detection manually (walk in front of each camera)
• Check live view response time
• Verify cloud uploads and notifications
• Try night vision and two-way audio

If something’s off, tweak the camera angle, reposition the base station, or upgrade Wi-Fi gear. It’s worth the extra 30 minutes now to avoid headaches later.

Managing Two Locations in the Arlo App: Tips & Tricks

Now that your cameras are live, how do you actually use them? The Arlo app makes it easy—but only if you know the tricks.

Switching Between Locations

At the top of the Arlo app home screen, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Location” or “Hub.” Tap it to switch between your Austin and Colorado setups.

Each location shows:

• Live camera thumbnails
• Recent activity timeline
• Battery status (for wireless cams)
• Weather conditions (if supported)

Bonus feature: You can favorite frequently checked cameras (like the front door or garage) so they appear first when you open the app. Huge time-saver when you’re in a hurry.

Customizing Alerts and Notifications

Getting alerts from two locations means double the notifications—which can get annoying fast. Avoid alert fatigue with smart filtering:

• Set different alert tones for each location. (e.g., chime for Austin, buzz for cabin)
• Enable smart motion zones to ignore pets, trees, or passing cars.
• Use activity zones to focus on high-risk areas (e.g., driveway, porch).
• Schedule “do not disturb” hours (e.g., 11 PM–7 AM) to silence non-critical alerts.

My rule: I get alerts for any motion at the cabin (remote area = higher risk), but only for people and vehicles at home (urban area = more false alarms).

Sharing Access with Family or Neighbors

Want your sibling to check the cabin while you’re away? Or your neighbor to keep an eye on your driveway? Arlo lets you share access securely.

Go to Settings > Users > Add User. You can grant:

• Viewer access (view only, no changes)
• Admin access (full control, including settings)

Important: Share only what’s necessary. Give your neighbor viewer access to the front camera, not the entire system. And always revoke access when it’s no longer needed.

Using Arlo Secure for Multi-Location Protection

Arlo Secure is the subscription service that unlocks advanced features:

• Cloud storage (30-day history)
• AI object detection (people, packages, vehicles)
• Emergency response (911 dispatch)
• Smart activity zones

With two locations, you have two options:

1. One Arlo Secure plan covering all cameras (best for small setups)
2. Two separate plans (better for large systems or different needs)

For example, I use a single “Arlo Secure Plus” plan for all five cameras across both properties. It costs $12.99/month and gives me 30-day cloud storage for up to 10 devices—plenty for my setup.

But if you have 15+ cameras, splitting into two plans might save money. Check Arlo’s pricing page for current options.

Common Challenges (And How to Solve Them)

Using Arlo across two locations isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are the biggest issues people face—and how to fix them.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Problem: Cameras drop offline, especially at remote sites.

Solutions:

• Use a cellular backup device like the Arlo Connect LTE (for direct-connect cameras). It switches to 4G if Wi-Fi fails.
• Install a Wi-Fi mesh system (Google Nest, Eero, etc.) to eliminate dead zones.
• For cabins without broadband, consider a Starlink satellite internet setup. It’s pricey but reliable.

Real story: My cabin lost power during a blizzard. Wi-Fi went down, but my Arlo Pro 5S (on battery) stayed online because I had a portable hotspot plugged into the base station. Crisis averted.

Battery Life and Power Management

Problem: Wireless cameras run out of juice faster when used heavily.

Solutions:

• Use Arlo Solar Panels to keep batteries charged. One panel per camera works great in sunny areas.
• Enable power-saving mode in camera settings. Reduces video quality slightly but extends battery life.
• For critical cameras (like doorbells), hardwire them or use the Arlo SmartHub with battery backup.

Tip: Check battery status weekly in the app. Set a phone reminder if needed.

False Alarms and Nuisance Alerts

Problem: Trees, animals, or passing cars trigger alerts constantly.

Solutions:

• Refine motion zones to exclude irrelevant areas.
• Upgrade to Arlo Secure for AI detection. It distinguishes between people, animals, and vehicles.
• Lower sensitivity in high-traffic zones (like driveways).

My fix: At the cabin, I excluded the tree line from motion detection. Now I only get alerts for actual intruders—not falling leaves.

Data Usage and Internet Bandwidth

Problem: Multiple 4K cameras eat up bandwidth, slowing down your network.

Solutions:

• Lower video quality to 1080p in non-critical areas.
• Use local storage (USB drive in base station) to reduce cloud uploads.
• Schedule recordings to avoid peak usage hours.

According to Arlo, a single 4K camera uses ~15–20 GB/month. Two locations with 6 cameras could hit 100+ GB. Monitor your ISP data cap!

Data Table: Arlo Multi-Location Setup Comparison

Factor	Single Location	Two Locations	Recommendation
Base Stations	1	1 per location	Use base stations for stability
Wi-Fi Requirements	One strong network	Two independent networks	Test signal strength at each site
Arlo App Management	Simple	Requires location switching	Label cameras clearly
Battery Life	Standard	May drain faster due to usage	Add solar panels or hardwire
Alert Volume	Moderate	High (double the alerts)	Customize notification settings
Subscription Cost	One plan	One or two plans	Choose based on camera count

Final Thoughts: Is Multi-Location Arlo Right for You?

So, can you have Arlo cameras at two different locations? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s easier than you might think. With careful planning, the right hardware, and a few smart app tweaks, you can monitor multiple properties seamlessly.

The key is treating each location as its own mini-system. Think of them as separate homes, even if they’re under one account. Give each one:

• Strong, reliable Wi-Fi
• Clear camera labeling
• Customized alert settings
• Regular maintenance checks

And don’t forget the human element. Share access with trusted friends or family. They’re your backup when the internet fails or the battery dies. (I once got a call from my sister because my cabin camera spotted a bear—she saved the footage before it got overwritten!)

Arlo isn’t perfect. Battery life can be finicky, cloud storage costs add up, and Wi-Fi issues are inevitable at remote sites. But for the peace of mind it brings? Totally worth it.

If you’re on the fence, start small. Try one camera at each location, see how it feels, then scale up. Before you know it, you’ll be checking in on both homes with a simple tap—no matter where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Arlo cameras at two different locations under one account?

Yes, you can manage Arlo cameras at two different locations using a single Arlo account. Simply add each camera to its respective location in the Arlo app under “Settings > Location.”

How do I set up Arlo cameras at multiple properties?

To set up Arlo cameras at multiple properties, create separate locations in the Arlo app and assign each device to the correct one. This helps organize alerts and recordings by physical site.

Do I need a separate Arlo subscription for each location?

No, a single Arlo subscription can cover cameras across two different locations. However, plan limits (e.g., number of cameras) apply to your total setup, not per location.

Can I share access to Arlo cameras at two locations with family members?

Yes, use the “Grant Access” feature in the Arlo app to share cameras at both locations with others. Each user can view feeds and alerts based on your permission settings.

Will Arlo’s AI detection work across multiple locations?

Yes, Arlo’s AI features (e.g., person, package detection) function independently at each location. Ensure each camera has a Smart subscription for these advanced features.

Is there a limit to how many locations I can add in the Arlo app?

Arlo allows up to 10 locations per account, so managing cameras at two different locations is well within the limit. Each location can support multiple cameras and base stations.