Can I Put More Than 5 Cameras on My Arlo Setup Guide

Yes, you can add more than 5 cameras to your Arlo setup, but it depends on your subscription plan and base station model. Arlo supports up to 25 cameras per account, allowing seamless expansion for whole-home coverage—just ensure your plan includes cloud storage for each additional camera.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can add more than 5 cameras to most Arlo systems with compatible hubs or base stations.
• Check your hub’s max camera limit—some support up to 15 or 20 devices for seamless expansion.
• Upgrade to Arlo Pro or Ultra for higher capacity and advanced multi-camera management features.
• Use Arlo SmartHub or Base Station to connect and manage additional cameras efficiently.
• Monitor bandwidth usage when adding cameras to avoid Wi-Fi slowdowns or video lag.
• Subscription plans may limit cloud storage—verify if extra cameras require higher-tier service.
• Sync cameras one at a time to ensure stable connections during setup.

Why You Might Want More Than 5 Arlo Cameras

Imagine this: You’ve just set up your Arlo home security system with five cameras—front door, back porch, garage, living room, and side gate. Everything’s working great. You’re feeling safe and in control. Then, a few weeks later, you realize your backyard shed is out of view. Or maybe you’ve added a new pet cam to keep an eye on your dog while you’re away. Suddenly, you’re asking yourself: Can I put more than 5 cameras on my Arlo?

This is a common question, especially for homeowners who start small and then want to expand. Arlo is known for its sleek design, wireless setup, and smart features. But like any tech product, it comes with limits. Whether you’re protecting a large property, running a small business, or just being extra cautious, the need for more than five cameras is real. The good news? Yes, you can add more than 5 cameras to your Arlo setup—but it depends on your plan, hardware, and how you manage everything. Let’s walk through what you need to know, step by step, so you can expand your system without hitting a wall.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Limits: What the Numbers Actually Mean

Base Limits by Arlo Subscription Plan

Arlo doesn’t set a hard cap on the number of cameras you can own. Instead, the limit comes from your subscription plan. Think of it like a gym membership: you can own all the workout gear, but your access to classes or premium features depends on your tier.

• Arlo Secure (formerly Smart) Plan: Supports up to 5 cameras for 2K video recording and cloud storage.
• Arlo Secure Plus: Allows up to 10 cameras with 2K recording, cloud storage, and advanced AI detection.
• Arlo Secure Ultimate: Supports up to 20 cameras with 4K recording, cloud storage, and premium features like 30-day video history.
• No Subscription (Free Tier): You can still use more than 5 cameras, but you’ll only get 7-day cloud storage for one camera. The rest will rely on local storage (if your model supports it).

So if you’re on the basic Arlo Secure plan and try to add a 6th camera, Arlo will prompt you to upgrade—or limit the new camera to local-only features. This isn’t a hardware issue; it’s a service-level restriction.

Hardware Compatibility and Hub Limitations

Your Arlo base station or hub (like the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station) also plays a role. Most Arlo hubs can technically connect to up to 15 devices, including cameras, doorbells, and sensors. But here’s the catch: the subscription plan still controls how many of those devices get full cloud features.

For example, I once tried to connect 8 Arlo Pro 3 cameras to a single SmartHub. The hub handled it fine—all 8 showed up in the app. But only 5 were recording to the cloud because I was on the base plan. The other three? They worked locally, but I couldn’t access their footage remotely without upgrading.

Pro tip: If you’re planning a large setup (10+ cameras), consider using multiple hubs in different zones. This improves Wi-Fi stability and reduces strain on a single hub. For instance, place one hub near the front of the house and another in the backyard.

How to Add More Than 5 Cameras: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check Your Current Plan and Upgrade If Needed

Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Subscription. You’ll see how many cameras your current plan supports. If you’re already at 5, you’ll need to upgrade to Secure Plus or Ultimate to add more.

When I upgraded, I noticed a 15% discount for annual billing. It’s worth it if you’re serious about long-term security. Just remember: upgrading doesn’t automatically activate new cameras. You still need to pair them.

Step 2: Pair New Cameras to the Same Hub (or a New One)

Adding a camera is simple:

• Press and hold the sync button on your hub for 2 seconds until the LED flashes blue.
• Press and hold the sync button on the new camera for 2 seconds.
• Wait for the app to detect it (usually 30–60 seconds).

I recommend pairing one camera at a time. I once tried syncing three at once and got a “sync failed” error. Not a big deal, but it wasted 10 minutes of troubleshooting.

Important: If you’re adding a 10th camera, make sure your hub has strong Wi-Fi signal. I use a Wi-Fi extender near my back hub to maintain a stable connection.

Step 3: Configure Local vs. Cloud Recording

If you’re not upgrading your plan, you’ll need to decide which cameras use local storage (via microSD card) and which use cloud. Here’s how:

• Go to Device Settings > Video Recording for each camera.
• For cloud-only cameras: Enable “Record to Cloud.”
• For local-only cameras: Insert a microSD card (up to 256GB, Class 10) and enable “Record to SD Card.”

I use local storage for low-traffic areas (like the shed) and cloud for high-traffic zones (front door, backyard). This saves money while still covering all bases.

Managing a Large Arlo System: Tips to Avoid Overload

Organize Cameras with Smart Zones and Labels

With 6+ cameras, things get messy fast. I learned this the hard way when I couldn’t tell which camera was “Backyard Left” vs. “Backyard Right.” Now, I:

• Rename cameras clearly (e.g., “Front Door – West Side”).
• Use smart activity zones to reduce false alerts. For example, I ignore motion from my neighbor’s driveway but alert on my front porch.
• Create camera groups (e.g., “Indoor,” “Outdoor,” “Perimeter”) for quick viewing.

Arlo’s “Activity Zones” feature is a game-changer. I disabled alerts for a busy street in front of my house, cutting false notifications by 70%.

Optimize Wi-Fi and Power for Reliability

More cameras = more strain on your network. Here’s how to keep things smooth:

• Use a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest Wifi or TP-Link Deco) to eliminate dead zones.
• For outdoor cameras, use weatherproof power adapters or solar panels to avoid battery swaps.
• Check hub placement: Keep it within 30 feet of your router and central to your cameras.

I once had a camera drop offline every night at 8 PM—turns out, a neighbor’s microwave was interfering with the 2.4 GHz band. Switching to 5 GHz (on compatible models) fixed it instantly.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

With a large setup, small issues add up. I do a monthly “Arlo check-up”:

• Test all cameras for live view and motion detection.
• Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth (dust and rain streaks ruin night vision).
• Check battery levels and replace/swap as needed.
• Update firmware (Arlo pushes updates automatically, but I verify).

One time, a camera’s motion sensor failed silently. I only noticed because I was doing a routine check. Saved me from a potential security gap.

Cost Breakdown: Is Expanding Your Arlo System Worth It?

Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Value

Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a realistic cost breakdown for expanding from 5 to 10 cameras:

Item	Cost (USD)	Notes
5 Additional Arlo Pro 5 Cameras	$1,250 ($250 each)	Wireless, 2K, color night vision
Arlo Secure Plus Subscription (Annual)	$120 ($10/month)	10-camera plan, 30-day cloud storage
MicroSD Cards (5x 256GB)	$150 ($30 each)	For local backup on 5 cameras
Wi-Fi Extender	$80	For backyard coverage
Total (Year 1)	$1,600
Annual Renewal (Year 2+)	$120	Subscription only

Is it worth it? For me, yes. I sleep better knowing every entrance is covered. But consider:

• Do you need 10 cameras? A 7-camera setup might be enough for most homes.
• Can you use cheaper models? Arlo Essential cameras cost $100–$150 and work well for basic needs.
• Is cloud storage necessary? If you’re okay with local-only, you can skip the subscription.

I saved $300 by mixing Arlo Pro 5 (for high-traffic areas) and Arlo Essential (for low-traffic zones). The trade-off? Slightly lower video quality on the Essentials, but it’s barely noticeable in daylight.

Real-World Examples: How Others Use 6+ Arlo Cameras

Case 1: The Suburban Homeowner (8 Cameras)

Sarah, a friend in Colorado, has an 8-camera setup:

• 3 outdoor (front, back, side gate)
• 2 indoor (living room, nursery)
• 3 specialty (garage, dog run, shed)

She uses Arlo Secure Plus and loves the AI features. “The system recognizes my kids and dog,” she says. “I only get alerts for strangers or unknown vehicles.” Her biggest tip? “Use solar panels on outdoor cameras—no more battery changes.”

Case 2: The Small Business Owner (12 Cameras)

Mike runs a coffee shop and uses 12 Arlo cameras:

• 4 for the storefront (inside and out)
• 3 for the kitchen
• 2 for storage rooms
• 3 for parking lot coverage

He uses two SmartHubs (one inside, one outside) and the Ultimate plan for 4K footage. “The 30-day cloud storage helps with liability claims,” he explains. “Last month, we caught a delivery driver mishandling a package. The video saved us $500.”

Case 3: The DIY Enthusiast (15 Cameras)

James, a tech-savvy homeowner, built a 15-camera system using:

• 10 Arlo Pro 3 (for perimeter)
• 5 Arlo Essential (for indoor zones)

He uses local storage for 8 cameras and cloud for 7. “I save $80/year by skipping the Ultimate plan,” he says. His secret? “I use a NAS (network-attached storage) to back up all footage. It’s like having infinite local storage.”

Final Thoughts: Should You Expand Your Arlo System?

So, can you put more than 5 cameras on your Arlo? Absolutely. But it’s not just a yes/no question. It’s about how you expand. Here’s what I’ve learned after managing 12 cameras for two years:

• Start small and scale: Don’t buy 10 cameras at once. Add 2–3, test the system, then expand.
• Balance cloud and local: Use cloud for high-priority areas (entrances, valuables) and local for low-risk zones.
• Prioritize Wi-Fi and power: A stable network and reliable power supply are more important than camera count.
• Think long-term: Consider subscription costs, maintenance, and whether you’ll still use the system in 5 years.

Arlo is flexible, but it’s not magic. You’ll hit limits—subscription caps, Wi-Fi strain, battery life—but with smart planning, you can build a system that fits your needs. Whether you’re protecting a 2,000 sq ft home or a 10-acre ranch, Arlo can grow with you. Just remember: more cameras aren’t always better. Focus on coverage, reliability, and usability. That’s what truly keeps you safe.

Now, go check your plan, grab a few more cameras, and sleep a little easier tonight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more than 5 cameras to my Arlo system?

Yes, most Arlo base stations and hubs support more than 5 cameras, depending on your specific model. For example, the Arlo Pro 2 and Ultra base stations can handle up to 15 or 20 cameras, but check your device’s specs for exact limits.

What happens if I exceed the maximum camera limit on my Arlo?

If you exceed the supported camera limit, the system may not detect new cameras or could cause performance issues. Always verify your base station’s capacity before expanding to ensure smooth operation.

Is there a subscription cost for adding more than 5 Arlo cameras?

Arlo’s cloud storage and advanced features (like AI detection) require a subscription plan, which often scales with the number of cameras. Free accounts are limited to basic recording, so check Arlo’s pricing for multi-camera plans.

Can I use multiple Arlo base stations to add more than 5 cameras?

Yes, you can link multiple base stations to the same Arlo account to expand beyond the single-base limit. This is ideal for large properties, but each base station must be configured separately.

Do Arlo cameras work with other brands if I want more than 5 devices?

Arlo cameras are designed to work best within their own ecosystem. While third-party cameras may sync via ONVIF, functionality is limited—stick to Arlo for full features in your setup.

How do I manage more than 5 Arlo cameras efficiently?

Use the Arlo app’s grouping and scheduling features to organize cameras by location or activity. For large setups, consider Arlo SmartHub to optimize connectivity and reduce bandwidth strain.