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Yes, you can move your Arlo 2 camera easily—no technical expertise required. With simple steps like syncing the camera after relocation and ensuring strong Wi-Fi coverage, seamless repositioning for optimal security is totally achievable. Just remember to test the view angle and connection post-move for best results.
Key Takeaways
- Plan first: Scout new locations for optimal coverage and signal strength.
- Sync properly: Re-sync camera to base station after moving to ensure connectivity.
- Check batteries: Replace or charge batteries before reinstallation for uninterrupted use.
- Secure mounts: Use included hardware for stable, weatherproof outdoor placement.
- Test views: Adjust angles via Arlo app to eliminate blind spots post-move.
- Update settings: Review motion zones and alerts to match new surroundings.
📑 Table of Contents
- Why Moving Your Arlo 2 Camera Isn’t as Scary as You Think
- Understanding Your Arlo 2 Camera: What Makes It Relocatable?
- Planning Your Move: Where, Why, and What to Check
- Step-by-Step: How to Move Your Arlo 2 Camera Safely
- Troubleshooting Common Relocation Issues
- Advanced Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Relocated Camera
- Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Why Moving Your Arlo 2 Camera Isn’t as Scary as You Think
Let’s be honest—when you first set up your Arlo 2 camera, you probably spent way too long deciding where to put it. Maybe you climbed a ladder twice, tested three different angles, and even argued with your partner about whether the front porch or the garage door was the “best” spot. Fast forward a few months, and now you’re wondering: *Can I move my Arlo 2 camera without losing everything I’ve set up?*
Good news: yes, you absolutely can. And no, it won’t require a tech genius or a full system reset. Whether you’re rearranging your home, dealing with blind spots, or just want to try a new angle, relocating your Arlo 2 camera is not only possible—it’s surprisingly straightforward. I’ve moved mine three times in the past year, and each time, I learned something new about what works (and what doesn’t). In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to move your Arlo 2 camera with confidence, from planning to testing. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense roadmap to relocation success—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk from someone who’s been there.
Understanding Your Arlo 2 Camera: What Makes It Relocatable?
How the Arlo 2 System Works
The Arlo 2 camera is a wireless, battery-powered outdoor security camera designed for flexibility. Unlike hardwired systems, it connects to your home Wi-Fi through a base station (or directly to your router, depending on the model). This wireless design is what makes relocation possible. The camera records video, detects motion, and sends alerts to your phone via the Arlo app—all without needing a power outlet nearby.
But here’s the key: the camera doesn’t store video locally. Instead, it relies on cloud storage (via a subscription) or local storage (using a microSD card with a compatible base station). This means when you move the camera, the video history stays in the cloud or on the card—not on the camera itself. So, you’re not losing your past recordings. That’s a huge relief!
Key Features That Help With Relocation
- Wireless Design: No power cords or drilling into walls for electricity. Just mount it, charge the battery, and go.
- Weather Resistance: Rated IP65, so it can handle rain, snow, and dust—ideal for both indoor and outdoor moves.
- Adjustable Mount: The magnetic or screw-in mount lets you fine-tune angles easily after installation.
- App-Based Controls: The Arlo app lets you monitor, reposition, and test the camera remotely—no ladder required.
Real Talk: I once moved my Arlo 2 from the backyard to the front porch because I realized I was missing deliveries. I didn’t lose any recordings, and I had it back up in under 10 minutes. The app even showed me the new view in real time. That’s the power of wireless!
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While the Arlo 2 is flexible, it’s not magic. A few things to consider:
- Wi-Fi Range: The camera needs a strong signal. If you’re moving it far from your router or base station, you might need a Wi-Fi extender.
- Battery Life: Moving to a high-traffic area (like a front walkway) means more motion alerts and faster battery drain.
- Subscription Tiers: If you rely on cloud storage, moving the camera doesn’t affect your plan—but if you’re switching to local storage, check compatibility first.
Planning Your Move: Where, Why, and What to Check
Step 1: Identify Your New Location
Before you start unscrewing anything, ask yourself: *Why* are you moving the camera? Is it to cover a blind spot? Reduce false alarms? Follow the sun (to avoid glare)? Or maybe you’re redecorating and want a cleaner look?
Here’s a quick checklist for picking a new spot:
- Line of Sight: The camera should have a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Avoid obstructions like tree branches or gutters.
- Wi-Fi Signal: Test the signal strength at the new location. Use your phone’s Wi-Fi analyzer app or the Arlo app’s signal indicator (found under Device Settings > Network).
- Sunlight & Glare: Arlo 2 cameras can handle direct sunlight, but harsh glare can wash out night vision. Try to position it where the sun isn’t directly hitting the lens at key times (e.g., sunset).
- Accessibility: You’ll need to reach it to clean the lens, charge the battery, or adjust the angle. Don’t put it somewhere you’d need a cherry picker to access!
Pro Tip: I once placed my camera under an eave to protect it from rain. But the overhang blocked part of the motion detection. After a raccoon triggered a false alarm (and scared my dog), I moved it to a higher, more open spot. Now it’s perfect.
Step 2: Check Your Equipment
Before the move, gather what you’ll need:
- Charged Battery: A fully charged battery lasts 3–6 months, depending on usage. Don’t move it with a low battery.
- Mounting Hardware: If you’re using screws, make sure you have the right drill bits for the surface (wood, stucco, brick, etc.).
- Wi-Fi Extender (if needed): If the new spot has weak signal, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system or a plug-in extender.
- Cleaning Supplies: A microfiber cloth to wipe the lens before reinstalling.
Step 3: Test the New Spot First
Don’t commit until you test. Here’s how:
- Place the camera (unmounted) at the new location.
- Open the Arlo app and check the live view.
- Walk through the area to test motion detection.
- Check for glare, signal strength, and blind spots.
Example: I wanted to move my camera to monitor my side gate. I set it on a chair first, walked through the gate, and noticed the motion zone was too narrow. I adjusted the position by a few inches, and boom—perfect coverage. No guesswork.
Step-by-Step: How to Move Your Arlo 2 Camera Safely
Step 1: Power Down (Sort Of)
You don’t need to “turn off” the Arlo 2, but you should:
- Remove the battery (if it’s easy to access). This prevents accidental damage during handling.
- Unscrew the camera from the mount. Hold the camera firmly—don’t let it dangle by the mount.
Note: If you’re using a magnetic mount, just pull the camera off. Easy!
Step 2: Remove the Old Mount (If Replacing)
If you’re leaving the old mount behind (e.g., moving to a different wall), you can skip this. But if you’re reusing the mount:
- Unscrew the mount from the wall.
- Patch the old holes with spackle or caulk (for a clean look).
Pro Tip: Take a photo of the old mount’s position. It’ll help you align the new one later.
Step 3: Install the New Mount
This is the trickiest part—but it’s not rocket science.
- Mark the new spot with a pencil. Use a level to keep it straight.
- Drill pilot holes (especially for stucco or brick).
- Screw in the mount. Don’t overtighten—you might crack the plastic.
- Attach the camera to the mount. If it’s magnetic, it’ll snap into place.
- Insert the charged battery.
Real Talk: I once overtightened a screw and cracked the mount. Oops. Now I use a hand screwdriver—not a power drill—for the final turn.
Step 4: Reconnect and Test
Now the fun part:
- Open the Arlo app and check if the camera shows “Online.”
- Adjust the angle using the app’s live view. The mount lets you tilt and swivel easily.
- Test motion detection by walking through the area.
- Check night vision by turning off the lights (if indoors) or waiting for dusk.
Example: After moving my camera to the front porch, I realized it was pointing too high. I used the app to see the live view, tilted it down a bit, and—perfect. My delivery driver was now fully visible.
Step 5: Clean Up and Optimize
Once it’s working:
- Wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth.
- Adjust motion zones in the app to avoid false alarms (e.g., from passing cars).
- Set activity alerts if you want notifications for specific times.
Troubleshooting Common Relocation Issues
Problem: Camera Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
This happens more than you’d think. Here’s what to do:
- Check Signal Strength: In the Arlo app, go to Device Settings > Network. If the signal is weak (e.g., 1 bar), move the base station closer or add an extender.
- Reboot the Base Station: Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Re-sync the Camera: Press the sync button on the base station, then on the camera. The LED should blink green.
My Story: I moved my camera to the far side of the yard, and it kept disconnecting. I added a Wi-Fi extender, and now it’s rock-solid.
Problem: Poor Night Vision or Glare
Arlo 2 cameras have IR night vision, but glare from streetlights or porch lights can wash it out.
- Reposition the Camera: Angle it away from bright lights.
- Use a Hood or Baffle: Some third-party mounts come with glare shields.
- Adjust Exposure in the App: Go to Device Settings > Video Settings > Brightness. Lower it slightly if the image is too bright.
Problem: False Alarms
Moving the camera can change what it “sees.” To reduce false alerts:
- Refine Motion Zones: In the app, draw a zone that covers only the area you want to monitor (e.g., your front door, not the street).
- Adjust Sensitivity: Lower the motion sensitivity if leaves or shadows trigger alerts.
- Use Smart Alerts (if subscribed): Arlo’s AI can distinguish people from animals or vehicles.
Data Table: Common Relocation Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Camera offline | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Add Wi-Fi extender or move base station |
| Grainy night vision | Glare from nearby lights | Reposition camera or adjust exposure |
| False alerts | Overly broad motion zone | Draw a tighter motion zone in app |
| Battery drains fast | High-traffic location | Lower motion sensitivity or use schedules |
| Camera won’t sync | Out of range from base station | Reboot base station and re-sync |
Advanced Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Relocated Camera
Use Schedules to Save Battery
If you’re moving the camera to a high-traffic area (like a driveway), it’ll drain the battery faster. Use the app’s **Schedule** feature to turn it off during low-risk times (e.g., 2–5 AM).
Example: I set my camera to sleep from 1 AM to 5 AM. It saves battery, and I still get alerts for early deliveries.
Pair With Other Smart Devices
Arlo 2 works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. After relocating, you can:
- Create automations (e.g., “When camera detects motion, turn on porch light”).
- View the camera feed on an Echo Show or Google Nest Hub.
- Use geofencing to turn it off when you’re home.
Consider Local Storage (If You’re Privacy-Conscious)
Cloud storage is convenient, but it requires a subscription. If you’re moving the camera to a sensitive area (like a backyard), try local storage:
- Insert a microSD card into your base station (up to 256GB).
- Enable local storage in the app under Device Settings > Storage.
- Access recordings via the app—no monthly fee.
Note: Local storage doesn’t support live streaming or AI features. It’s a trade-off.
Clean the Lens Regularly
After relocating, the camera might face new challenges (e.g., pollen, rain splashes). Wipe the lens weekly with a microfiber cloth. A dirty lens = blurry footage.
Test, Test, Test
Don’t assume it’s perfect after one try. Test it:
- At different times of day (morning, noon, night).
- During rain or wind (if outdoors).
- With different lighting (e.g., car headlights, porch lights).
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Moving your Arlo 2 camera isn’t just possible—it’s a smart way to get the most out of your security system. Whether you’re fixing a blind spot, avoiding glare, or just experimenting with new angles, the process is flexible, forgiving, and (dare I say) fun.
Remember: the key to success is planning. Test the new spot, check your Wi-Fi, and don’t rush the install. And if something goes wrong? That’s okay. I’ve had cameras disconnect, mounts crack, and raccoons trigger false alarms. But each time, I learned something new—and so will you.
The best part? You’re in control. The Arlo app gives you the tools to tweak, test, and perfect your setup. So go ahead—move that camera. Try a new angle. See what happens. Your home security isn’t set in stone. It’s a living, evolving system—and you’re the expert now.
Final Tip: Take photos of your setup before and after. It’ll help you remember what works (and what doesn’t) for future moves. Happy relocating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my Arlo 2 camera to a new location easily?
Yes, the Arlo 2 camera is designed for flexible placement, making relocation simple. Just unscrew the mount, reposition it, and re-sync the camera via the Arlo app. Ensure the new spot has strong Wi-Fi or is within range of your base station.
Will moving my Arlo 2 camera affect its settings or recordings?
No, moving the camera won’t alter your settings, schedules, or saved cloud recordings. However, verify motion detection zones in the app after relocation to ensure optimal coverage of the new area.
Do I need to re-pair the Arlo 2 camera after moving it?
If the camera stays within range of your base station or Wi-Fi, re-pairing isn’t necessary. For long-distance moves, use the Arlo app’s “Add Device” option to reconnect it seamlessly.
Can I move my Arlo 2 camera outdoors after using it indoors?
Absolutely! The Arlo 2 is weather-resistant (IP65-rated), so transitioning between indoor and outdoor use is safe. Clean the lens and adjust the mount to withstand outdoor conditions for best performance.
What’s the best way to relocate my Arlo 2 camera without losing signal?
To maintain signal strength, avoid physical obstructions (like thick walls) and keep the camera within 300 feet of your base station. The Arlo app’s signal indicator helps you find the ideal new spot.
How do I update my Arlo 2 camera’s view after moving it?
After relocation, open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap “Device Settings > Video Settings > Motion Detection Zones” to adjust its field of view. Test live footage to confirm the new angle.