Can I Monitor Arlo Cameras at Home and Work Simultaneously

Yes, you can monitor Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously using the Arlo app, which allows seamless access to multiple locations from a single account. With cloud storage and real-time alerts, you’ll stay connected to both properties on your phone or tablet, no matter where you are.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can monitor Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously via the Arlo app.
• Use multi-location support to group cameras from different sites in one dashboard.
• Assign unique names to each camera for easy identification across locations.
• Enable push notifications per location to avoid missing critical alerts.
• Upgrade to Arlo Secure for advanced features like cloud storage and AI detection.
• Check internet bandwidth at both sites to ensure smooth live streaming.

Can I Monitor Arlo Cameras at Home and Work Simultaneously

Picture this: You’re at work, halfway through a big presentation, when a notification pops up on your phone. Your home’s front door is open. Your heart skips a beat—was it a family member, a delivery person, or something more concerning? You want to check, but your office is 30 minutes away. What if you could see both your home and work security cameras at the same time, right from your phone? That’s the promise of modern smart security systems like Arlo, and it’s a question I asked myself when setting up my own cameras. Can I monitor Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously? The short answer is yes—but the real story is in the details, the setup, and the little hiccups you might face along the way.

I’ve been using Arlo cameras for over two years—first at home, then at my small office. I wanted peace of mind, not just at one location, but across both. Whether you’re a remote worker with a home office, a small business owner, or just someone who travels often, managing multiple locations is a real need. In this post, I’ll walk you through how Arlo makes it possible to keep an eye on both places at once, what tools you’ll need, the pros and cons, and some practical tips I’ve learned from real-world use. No fluff, no sales pitch—just honest, hands-on advice.

Understanding Arlo’s Multi-Location Monitoring Capabilities

Arlo isn’t just a single-camera system. It’s designed for scalability, which means you can use the same app to manage cameras in multiple locations—like your home, office, vacation house, or even your parents’ place. The key is understanding how Arlo’s ecosystem works when you have more than one site.

How Arlo Handles Multiple Properties

Arlo uses a concept called “locations” or “hubs.” Each location (like your home or office) can have its own set of cameras, base station (if using a hub-based model like the Arlo Pro series), and Wi-Fi network. These locations are grouped under your single Arlo account in the Arlo Secure app. Think of it like having two folders in a file cabinet—both accessible from the same drawer.

• You can switch between locations instantly in the app.
• Each location can have its own rules, alerts, and activity zones.
• Cameras from different locations appear in separate tabs or lists, so there’s no confusion.

For example, I have four Arlo Ultra 2 cameras at home (front door, backyard, garage, and living room) and two Arlo Pro 5S units at my office (reception and back storage area). Both sets are linked to the same Arlo account. When I open the app, I see a dropdown at the top that says “Home” and “Office.” One tap, and I’m switching between them.

Real-Time Monitoring Across Locations

Yes, you can monitor both locations in real time. The app lets you view live feeds from any camera, regardless of location. I often check both during lunch breaks—just to make sure the front door is locked at home and that no one’s loitering near the office after hours.

Here’s a pro tip: Use the “All Cameras” view (available in the Arlo app) to see a grid of all your cameras at once. It’s not a split-screen of both locations simultaneously in one window, but you can swipe between them or open two browser tabs if you’re on a tablet or desktop. For true side-by-side monitoring, I use a tablet mounted on my desk with the app open to “All Cameras,” and I’ve arranged the cameras so home is on the left, office on the right.

Important note: Your internet speed at each location affects streaming quality. If your office has spotty Wi-Fi, the feed might buffer or drop. I upgraded to a mesh network at work after noticing lag during peak hours.

Setting Up Arlo Cameras for Dual-Location Use

Setting up Arlo for both home and work isn’t hard, but it does require planning. The process is similar to setting up one location, but you’ll be adding a second “site” to your account. Here’s how I did it, step by step.

Step 1: Install the Arlo Secure App

Start by downloading the Arlo Secure app (available on iOS and Android). This is your control center. Log in with your Arlo account—if you don’t have one, create it first. This account is what ties all your cameras together.

Tip: Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication. Security cameras are targets for hackers, and you don’t want someone accessing both your home and office feeds.

Step 2: Add Your First Location (e.g., Home)

Follow the in-app setup wizard to add your first set of cameras. This usually involves:

• Connecting to your Wi-Fi (for Wi-Fi models) or syncing with a base station (for hub-based models).
• Scanning a QR code on the camera.
• Placing the camera in the desired spot.

Once done, your home cameras appear under a location labeled “Home” (or whatever you named it).

Step 3: Add a Second Location (e.g., Office)

This is where most people get confused. You don’t “add a new account”—you add a new location within the same account. In the app:

• Tap the location name at the top (e.g., “Home”).
• Select “Add Location.”
• Name it (e.g., “Office”).
• Repeat the setup process for your office cameras.

Now, both locations appear in the dropdown. You can assign different Wi-Fi networks, base stations, and even different Arlo SmartHubs if needed. I use a SmartHub at home (for local storage) and Wi-Fi-only models at the office (to save on hardware).

Pro tip: Label each camera clearly. I named mine “Home Front Door,” “Office Storage,” etc. It saves time when you’re scanning through 10+ cameras.

Step 4: Test Connectivity and Alerts

Before relying on the system, test both locations:

• Check live feeds from your phone (on cellular and Wi-Fi).
• Trigger motion alerts (wave your hand in front of a camera).
• Verify notifications reach your phone quickly.

I once had a camera at the office that wasn’t connecting. Turns out, the office firewall was blocking Arlo’s ports. A quick call to IT fixed it—but I learned to test early.

Managing Alerts and Notifications Across Two Locations

One of the biggest challenges in monitoring Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously is managing alerts. You don’t want to get 20 notifications an hour from both places. The good news? Arlo gives you fine-grained control.

Customizing Activity Zones

Each camera lets you define activity zones—areas where motion will trigger alerts. This is crucial for reducing false alarms. For example:

• At home, I exclude the street and sidewalk from my front door camera. Only motion near the door triggers an alert.
• At the office, I ignore the hallway where employees pass by. Only motion near the storage room or reception desk sets off a notification.

To set this up, go to the camera settings > Activity Zones > Draw boxes on the video feed. I spend about 5 minutes per camera adjusting this—it’s worth it.

Scheduling and Modes

Arlo’s Modes let you change camera behavior based on time or activity. I use:

• Home Mode: At home, cameras are active but less sensitive during the day when family is around. At night, full sensitivity.
• Office Mode: Cameras are off during business hours (9 AM–6 PM), then switch to “Away” mode at night, sending alerts for any motion.

You can set modes manually or use geofencing (your phone’s location) to auto-switch. For example, when I leave the office, my phone detects it and switches the office cameras to “Away.”

Note: Geofencing only works for one location at a time. If you’re at home, it won’t auto-enable office cameras. You’ll need to manually switch modes for the office—or set a schedule.

Prioritizing Critical Alerts

I get a lot of notifications, so I prioritize:

• Home: Alerts for the front door and garage are set to “High Priority” (vibrate + sound).
• Office: Alerts for the storage room and after-hours motion are “High Priority.”
• Other zones (like backyard or office hallway) are “Low Priority” (silent, just a badge on the app).

This way, I know instantly if something important happens—without being overwhelmed.

Using Arlo’s Cloud and Local Storage Options for Multiple Sites

Where your video is stored matters—especially when monitoring Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously. Arlo offers both cloud and local storage, and the right mix depends on your needs.

Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure Plans)

Arlo’s cloud plans (Secure, Secure Plus, Secure Elite) let you store footage off-site. Benefits:

• Accessible from anywhere.
• Protected even if the camera is damaged or stolen.
• Supports AI features like person, package, and vehicle detection.

I use Arlo Secure Plus (30-day rolling storage for up to 10 cameras). It covers all six of my cameras (4 at home, 2 at office). Cost: about $15/month. It’s worth it for the peace of mind.

Downside: You need internet at each location to upload footage. If the office Wi-Fi goes down, recordings won’t make it to the cloud until it’s back.

Local Storage (MicroSD or SmartHub)

For backup or no-subscription setups, use local storage:

• MicroSD cards: Some Arlo models (like Ultra 2) support microSD. Insert a 256GB card for 7–10 days of continuous recording.
• Arlo SmartHub: A physical hub that stores footage locally. I use one at home for 24/7 backup.

Local storage is great for:

• Areas with poor internet (like my home’s backyard).
• Businesses that need to keep footage private (no cloud upload).
• Redundancy—if the cloud fails, you still have local copies.

But it has risks: If someone steals the SmartHub or microSD card, they get your footage. I keep my SmartHub in a locked cabinet.

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

My setup: Cloud for primary storage, local for backup. At home, the SmartHub records 24/7, and the cloud stores motion-triggered clips. At the office, I rely on cloud only (no SmartHub) because the Wi-Fi is stable. This balances cost, security, and accessibility.

Data table: Arlo Storage Options for Multi-Location Use

Storage Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Cloud (Arlo Secure)	Primary storage, AI detection	Remote access, off-site backup, smart alerts	Monthly cost, needs internet
MicroSD Card	No subscription, small locations	One-time cost, no internet needed	Limited capacity, physical theft risk
Arlo SmartHub	Large homes, 24/7 recording	High capacity, local backup	Upfront cost, needs physical space
Hybrid (Cloud + Local)	Best overall for dual locations	Redundancy, flexibility	More complex setup

Overcoming Common Challenges and Limitations

Monitoring Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously isn’t always smooth. I’ve hit a few snags—and you might too. Here’s how to handle them.

Internet and Bandwidth Issues

The biggest hurdle? Internet. If either location has slow or unreliable Wi-Fi:

• Live feeds lag or disconnect.
• Cloud uploads fail.
• Motion alerts are delayed.

My fix: I upgraded to a mesh Wi-Fi system at home and installed a business-grade router at the office. I also set camera quality to “Medium” (1080p) to reduce bandwidth use. You can adjust this in camera settings > Video Settings.

App Performance and Battery Drain

Opening the Arlo app constantly drains your phone battery. To help:

• Use widget shortcuts (iOS/Android) to jump straight to live feeds.
• Limit background refresh to “Wi-Fi only.”
• Use a tablet or smart display for constant monitoring (like a Fire HD or Google Nest Hub).

I keep an old iPad on my desk with the Arlo app open. It’s always on, always showing both locations.

Privacy and Security Concerns

Two locations mean double the risk. Protect yourself:

• Use strong, unique passwords for your Arlo account.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Regularly check connected devices in the Arlo app (Settings > Account > Devices).
• Disable remote access if you’re on a public network.

I once found an unknown device logged into my Arlo account. A quick password reset and 2FA setup fixed it—but it was a wake-up call.

Cost of Scaling

Arlo’s subscription plans can add up. If you have 10+ cameras, the monthly cost for cloud storage is significant. My tips:

• Use local storage for non-critical cameras (like backyard).
• Start with a lower-tier plan and upgrade only if needed.
• Look for promotions (Arlo often offers 20–30% off for first-year plans).

For small businesses, the investment pays off—but budget wisely.

Final Thoughts: Is Simultaneous Monitoring Right for You?

After two years of monitoring Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously, I can say it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for peace of mind. I’ve caught a package thief at home, prevented a break-in at the office, and even helped my neighbor when their camera caught a lost dog. But it’s not magic—it’s a tool that works best when you set it up right and manage it actively.

The ability to monitor both locations at once is absolutely possible with Arlo. The app is intuitive, the setup is straightforward, and the flexibility (cloud/local storage, custom alerts, multiple locations) is impressive. That said, it’s not without trade-offs. You’ll need reliable internet, a good understanding of privacy settings, and a willingness to tweak settings to reduce false alarms.

For remote workers, small business owners, or frequent travelers, the benefits outweigh the challenges. You gain control, visibility, and confidence—knowing that whether you’re at your desk or on vacation, your spaces are being watched. And while no system is perfect, Arlo comes close to delivering on the promise of true multi-location monitoring.

So, can you monitor Arlo cameras at home and work simultaneously? Yes—and with the right setup, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Just remember: start small, test often, and prioritize what matters most. Whether it’s a front door, a storage room, or a quiet backyard, your peace of mind is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I monitor Arlo cameras at home and work at the same time?

Yes, you can monitor Arlo cameras at both home and work simultaneously using the Arlo app or web portal. Simply log in to your account on multiple devices to view live feeds from all your registered cameras in one place.

Is it possible to access my Arlo cameras remotely while at work?

Absolutely. With the Arlo app or a web browser, you can securely access your cameras from anywhere with an internet connection. This lets you keep an eye on your home or office in real time, no matter where you are.

Do I need a separate Arlo account to monitor cameras at home and work?

No, you don’t need separate accounts. You can manage all your Arlo cameras under a single account, making it easy to monitor locations like home and work using the same login credentials.

Can multiple users monitor the same Arlo cameras simultaneously?

Yes, the Arlo system supports multi-user access. You can share camera access with family members or coworkers via the “Grant Access” feature, allowing everyone to monitor live feeds at the same time.

How many Arlo cameras can I monitor at once on the app?

The Arlo app lets you monitor up to four cameras simultaneously in a multi-camera view. If you have more cameras, you can switch between groups or locations to view all your home and work feeds.

Does monitoring Arlo cameras at home and work require extra equipment?

No additional hardware is needed. As long as your Arlo cameras are connected to Wi-Fi and linked to your account, you can monitor them from any smartphone, tablet, or computer using the Arlo app or website.