Can I Track a Stolen Arlo Camera Find Out Now

Yes, you can track a stolen Arlo camera—but only if it’s still powered and connected to Wi-Fi. Arlo’s built-in GPS and cloud-based tracking allow you to locate the device using the Arlo app, though success depends on the thief not disabling or resetting it. Act quickly to increase your chances of recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras lack GPS: They can’t be tracked like phones or GPS devices.
• Check your app immediately: Last known location may appear in the Arlo app.
• Contact law enforcement: Provide purchase details and serial number for investigation.
• Enable cloud storage: Preserves footage as evidence if the camera is stolen.
• Use third-party tracking: Pair with Tile or Apple AirTag for physical tracking.
• Report to Arlo support: They may assist with account security and recovery options.

What Happens When Your Arlo Camera Gets Stolen?

Imagine this: You’re at work, checking your home security feed on your phone, and suddenly—nothing. Your Arlo camera is offline. At first, you think it’s a glitch. Maybe the Wi-Fi went down. But when you rush home, the camera is gone. Vanished. Your stomach drops. That little device was your peace of mind, your eyes when you weren’t home. Now it’s stolen, and you’re left wondering: Can I track a stolen Arlo camera?

This isn’t just a hypothetical. Home security cameras are becoming targets for theft—especially smart ones like Arlo. Thieves know these devices have value, both resale and data. And if you’re relying on your Arlo for home surveillance, a stolen unit isn’t just a loss—it’s a breach of trust in your security system. You might feel helpless, but don’t panic. While Arlo doesn’t offer built-in GPS tracking like a smartphone, there are still steps you can take to potentially recover your camera, protect your data, and prevent future losses. Let’s walk through what you need to know—step by step.

How Arlo Cameras Work (And Why Tracking Isn’t Simple)

Understanding Arlo’s Design and Connectivity

Arlo cameras are designed for flexibility. Most models—like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential—are wireless, battery-powered, and connect to your home Wi-Fi via a base station or directly (for newer models). They record footage, detect motion, and send alerts to your phone through the Arlo app. But here’s the catch: Arlo cameras do not have built-in GPS or cellular tracking. Unlike smartphones or smartwatches, they don’t constantly broadcast their location. This is intentional—it saves battery and keeps the device small and discreet.

Instead, Arlo relies on your home network. When the camera is active, it connects to your Wi-Fi. The app knows its last known location because it was set up in your home. But once it’s stolen and taken off your network, it becomes “invisible” in terms of location tracking. Think of it like a smart lightbulb—it only works when it’s plugged in and connected. No connection, no signal.

Why GPS Isn’t Standard in Security Cameras

You might wonder: “Why doesn’t Arlo include GPS?” There are a few reasons. First, GPS drains batteries quickly. Arlo cameras are meant to run for months on a single charge. Adding GPS would shorten that lifespan dramatically. Second, privacy and cost. GPS adds complexity and expense. For a device that’s supposed to blend into your home environment, making it traceable could also raise concerns about misuse (e.g., someone tracking your camera if they steal it).

But here’s a silver lining: Arlo’s ecosystem includes cloud storage and account-based security. That means even if the camera is gone, your data might still be protected—and that’s a big deal. More on that soon.

Real-World Example: A Stolen Arlo Pro 4

Take Sarah, a homeowner in Portland. Her Arlo Pro 4 was stolen during a break-in. She immediately noticed it was offline in the app. She called the police and filed a report, but she was worried: “Can I track a stolen Arlo camera?” She couldn’t. The camera had no GPS. But because she had cloud storage enabled, the last 30 seconds of motion-triggered footage were saved. That footage showed the thief’s face—and helped police identify a suspect. The camera wasn’t recovered, but her data was safe.

This story highlights a key point: Tracking the physical device isn’t always possible, but protecting your footage and account is.

What You Can Do Right After Your Arlo Is Stolen

Step 1: Confirm It’s Actually Stolen

Before jumping to conclusions, make sure the camera isn’t just offline due to a dead battery, Wi-Fi outage, or app glitch. Check your Arlo app:

• Is the camera showing “Offline” or “No Signal”?
• Have other cameras on the same network also gone down?
• Can you access your base station or Wi-Fi router?

If only one camera is offline, and you can’t find it physically, theft is likely. If multiple devices are affected, it’s probably a network issue.

Step 2: Log Into Your Arlo Account Immediately

Time is critical. Log into your Arlo account via the website or app. Here’s what to do:

• Check the camera’s last activity: The app shows the last time the camera connected to Wi-Fi. This gives you a timeline.
• Review cloud recordings: If you have a paid plan (Arlo Secure), footage is stored in the cloud for 30 days. Download any relevant clips—especially motion events before the theft.
• Check local storage (if applicable): Some Arlo models support microSD cards. If your camera had one, the thief might have removed it—but if they didn’t, the card could contain valuable evidence. You can ask the police to check the camera for the card.

Step 3: Secure Your Arlo Account

Even if the camera is gone, your account holds sensitive data. Protect it:

• Change your Arlo password: Use a strong, unique password. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven’t already.
• Revoke the stolen camera’s access: Go to Devices > [Your Camera] > Remove Device. This disconnects it from your account. If the thief tries to set it up on their network, it won’t work unless they reset it (more on that below).
• Monitor login activity: Arlo shows recent logins. If you see unfamiliar devices or locations, report it to Arlo support.

Step 4: File a Police Report

Yes, it’s a small device, but theft is theft. A police report:

• Creates an official record.
• May help if the camera is found later (e.g., in a pawn shop).
• Is required for insurance claims.

When filing, provide:

• The camera’s serial number (found on the box or in your Arlo account under Device Info).
• Any footage from the cloud or SD card.
• The last known location and time it went offline.

Tip: Take a screenshot of the camera’s device info in the app—it includes the model, serial number, and firmware version.

Step 5: Contact Arlo Support

Reach out to Arlo Customer Support. They can:

• Help you remove the stolen camera from your account.
• Provide documentation for your insurance claim.
• Advise on next steps (though they can’t track the device).

You can contact them via live chat, phone, or email. Have your account details and serial number ready.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Tracked Using Third-Party Methods?

Using Wi-Fi and Network Tracing (Limited Success)

Here’s a clever idea: Can you track a stolen Arlo camera if it connects to a new Wi-Fi network? Technically, yes—but it’s not easy and rarely works in practice.

When the thief tries to set up the camera on a new network, it will appear on their local Wi-Fi as a new device. If you’re tech-savvy, you could:

• Use network monitoring tools (like Wireshark or Fing) on your own network to see if the camera ever reconnects.
• Ask your internet provider if they can trace the camera’s MAC address (a unique hardware ID) if it connects to a network using your IP range (e.g., if the thief is nearby).

But here’s the problem: The camera won’t connect to your network again unless it’s reset and set up in your home. And if the thief resets it, they’ll erase your account link. The MAC address is also not visible outside their network.

Bottom line: This method is theoretically possible but highly unlikely to help in real life.

Physical Tracking Devices (Your Best Bet)

The most practical way to “track” a stolen Arlo camera is to add a physical tracker before it’s stolen. Think of it like putting an AirTag on your camera.

Here’s how:

• Apple AirTag: Place it in the camera’s mount or near the base. AirTags use Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My network. If the thief is near an Apple device, the tag’s location updates.
• Tile or Samsung SmartTag: Similar to AirTag, but works with Android/Google networks.
• GPS Trackers (e.g., Apple AirTag with GPS case, or standalone GPS trackers): More expensive, but can provide real-time location updates. Some require a monthly data plan.

Example: James, a homeowner in Texas, attached a Tile to his Arlo Pro 4 mount. When it was stolen, he tracked the Tile’s location for two days—until it stopped moving in a nearby apartment complex. He shared the data with police, who recovered the camera during a welfare check (the thief had left it behind).

Important: Don’t hide the tracker inside the camera—it could damage the electronics. Instead, secure it to the mount or housing with tape or a small case.

Can Arlo’s “Find My Device” Feature Help?

Arlo has a “Find My Device” feature, but it only works if the camera is on your network and powered on. It makes the camera flash its LED light. Useful if you misplace it in your yard—but useless if it’s miles away. So no, it won’t help track a stolen camera.

What Happens If the Thief Resets the Camera?

Arlo’s Factory Reset Process

Most Arlo cameras can be factory reset by holding a button for 10–15 seconds. When reset, the camera:

• Disconnects from your Arlo account.
• Erases any local settings (like motion zones).
• Becomes a “new” device—ready to be set up by the thief.

This is a problem. Once reset, the camera won’t show up in your account. Even if you find it later, you can’t remotely disable it or access its data.

Can You Block a Reset Camera?

Unfortunately, no. Arlo doesn’t offer remote kill switches or device lockdowns like Apple’s “Activation Lock.” If the thief resets the camera, it’s effectively theirs.

However, there’s a small catch: Arlo cameras require an Arlo account to function. The thief will need to create one (or use an existing one). If they do, and they’re careless, you might get a clue:

• They might reuse a similar email address.
• They might upload footage that includes recognizable locations.
• They might leave the camera connected to a network you can trace (e.g., via a shared Wi-Fi name).

But this is a long shot. Most thieves will avoid using the camera or will use it in private spaces.

Prevention Tip: Use a Unique Name and Label

When setting up your Arlo, give it a unique name like “Front Door – [Your Last Name]” or “Backyard – [Your Street Number].” If the thief sets it up and someone sees it on a public network (e.g., at a café), they might recognize the name and report it.

How to Prevent Arlo Theft in the Future

Secure Installation Is Key

The best way to avoid theft is to make your camera hard to steal:

• Use tamper-resistant mounts: Arlo sells metal mounts that are hard to remove. You can also use security screws or epoxy.
• Install cameras out of reach: Mount them high (8+ feet) or in hard-to-access areas (e.g., behind gutters).
• Use dummy cameras as decoys: Place a fake camera in an obvious spot to deter thieves.
• Camouflage the camera: Use a birdhouse, plant, or custom cover to hide it in plain sight.

Add Physical Trackers

As mentioned earlier, a $25 AirTag or Tile is cheap insurance. Attach it securely to the mount. Test it monthly to ensure it’s working.

Enable All Security Features

Don’t skip these settings:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Prevents account hijacking.
• Motion alerts: Get notified if someone tampers with the camera.
• Cloud storage: Ensures footage survives theft.
• Local backup (microSD or Arlo SmartHub): Adds a second layer of protection.

Insurance and Documentation

Keep records:

• Take photos of your cameras installed.
• Save receipts and serial numbers.
• Add your Arlo to your home insurance policy.

Many insurers offer discounts for security systems. If your camera is stolen, you may get a partial or full replacement.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Models and Theft Recovery Potential

Model	Built-in GPS?	Cloud Storage	Local Storage	Tracker Compatibility	Best Recovery Option
Arlo Pro 4	No	Yes (with plan)	microSD	High (small size)	Cloud footage + AirTag
Arlo Ultra 2	No	Yes	microSD	High	Cloud + SD card + tracker
Arlo Essential	No	Yes (with plan)	No	Medium	Cloud footage only
Arlo Go 2 (LTE)	No (but uses cellular)	Yes	microSD	Medium	Cellular signal + cloud
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight	No	Yes	microSD	Medium (bulky)	Cloud + SD + tracker (on mount)

Final Thoughts: Can I Track a Stolen Arlo Camera?

Let’s answer your question directly: Can you track a stolen Arlo camera? Not with Arlo’s built-in tools—but you can take action to recover it or prevent future theft.

Arlo’s lack of GPS or remote tracking is a limitation, but it’s not a dead end. By securing your account, saving cloud footage, using physical trackers, and installing cameras wisely, you can significantly reduce the risk and impact of theft.

Think of it this way: Your Arlo camera is like a car. If it’s stolen, you can’t track it with a built-in GPS (unless you added one). But you can file a police report, check traffic cameras, use a LoJack, and have insurance. The same logic applies here.

So, if your Arlo is stolen:

• Stay calm. Act fast.
• Save your data. Secure your account.
• Use a tracker next time.
• And remember: Peace of mind isn’t just in the camera—it’s in your preparation.

You’ve got this. And now, you know exactly what to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a stolen Arlo camera using its built-in GPS?

No, Arlo cameras do not have built-in GPS, so you cannot directly track a stolen device. However, you may check the last known location via the Arlo app’s activity history before the theft occurred.

What should I do immediately after my Arlo camera is stolen?

Log in to your Arlo account to disable the camera and check its last recorded activity or location. Report the theft to local authorities and provide your Arlo account details for investigation.

Can Arlo support help me locate my stolen camera?

Arlo support cannot track a stolen camera in real-time but may assist by providing account activity logs. They can also guide you on securing your account and deactivating the stolen device.

Is there a way to track a stolen Arlo camera through its serial number?

Unfortunately, Arlo does not offer a public serial number tracking system for stolen devices. You can share the serial number with law enforcement, who may contact Arlo for further assistance.

Does Arlo offer any anti-theft features to track a stolen camera?

Arlo lacks real-time anti-theft tracking, but features like geofencing and device alerts can help monitor unusual activity. Consider labeling your camera with a unique ID to aid recovery efforts.

Can I track a stolen Arlo camera using my account’s cloud recordings?

Cloud recordings won’t help track the camera’s current location, but they may show clues about where it was stolen. Use this information to assist law enforcement in your theft report.