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

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras at two different locations by managing them under a single Arlo account using separate modes and location settings for each site. This setup allows seamless monitoring and alerts across both properties, though local storage and subscription plans may require additional configuration to ensure full functionality at each location.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use Arlo cameras at two locations with a single account for centralized control.
• Sync cameras to one base station or use standalone Wi-Fi models per site for flexibility.
• Leverage Arlo SmartHub to manage multiple locations seamlessly via the app.
• Ensure stable internet at both sites to maintain live streaming and alerts.
• Assign unique camera names to easily identify devices across locations.
• Use Arlo Secure subscription to enable cloud storage for both locations under one plan.

Can I Use Arlo Cameras at Two Different Locations? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: you’ve invested in a sleek Arlo Pro 4 security camera system to protect your home. It’s been a game-changer—motion alerts, crystal-clear night vision, and remote access from your phone. But now, your parents are asking for help setting up cameras at their vacation cabin. Or maybe you’ve got a rental property and want to keep tabs on both places. You start wondering, *“Can I use my Arlo cameras at two different locations without buying a whole new system?”* If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this exact dilemma, and the answer isn’t always straightforward.

The good news? Yes, you can use Arlo cameras at two different locations—but it takes some planning. Whether you’re juggling homes, rentals, or family properties, this guide will walk you through the ins and outs. We’ll cover account setups, technical hurdles, cost-saving tips, and even real-life scenarios to help you decide what works best for your needs. Let’s dive in and turn your security setup into a flexible, multi-location powerhouse.

Understanding Arlo’s Multi-Location Setup Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what Arlo allows. Arlo’s ecosystem is built around a single account, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to one property. The key is understanding how Arlo’s hubs, base stations, and cloud storage work together (or sometimes against you) when managing multiple locations.

How Arlo Accounts and Devices Work

Every Arlo camera connects to a central account via the Arlo app. Think of the account as your “control center.” Here’s the catch: Arlo doesn’t natively support assigning cameras to different “locations” within one account. Instead, all devices appear under the same dashboard. This means:

• Shared notifications: Motion alerts from both properties will pop up in the same app.
• One subscription plan: Cloud storage covers all cameras, but recordings from both locations share the same storage limit (e.g., 30 days of rolling footage).
• No built-in geofencing: You can’t automatically switch between locations based on your phone’s location.

For example, if you’ve got three cameras at your house and two at your cabin, all five will show up in your app. You’ll need to manually tap to view the cabin’s feed—not the end of the world, but not seamless either.

Key Terms to Know

• Base Station/Hub: A physical device that connects wired/wireless cameras to your Wi-Fi. Some Arlo models (like Pro 3/4) use a hub, while others (like Arlo Essential) connect directly to Wi-Fi.
• Sync Module: For newer Arlo Ultra 2/Pro 5 systems, this replaces the base station and handles local storage and connectivity.
• Arlo Secure Plan: Subscription for cloud storage, AI detection, and emergency response.

Pro tip: If you’re using a hub-based system, each location typically needs its own hub. Why? Hubs create a dedicated network for cameras, reducing Wi-Fi congestion. But don’t panic—we’ll show you how to work around this.

Option 1: Single Account with Multiple Hubs (Most Common)

This is the route most multi-location Arlo users take. You keep one account but add hubs (or sync modules) at each property. Here’s how to make it work:

Setting Up Hubs at Each Location

1. Purchase additional hubs: Buy an Arlo SmartHub (for Pro/Ultra) or Sync Module (for Ultra 2/Pro 5) for your second location. Cost: $60–$100 per hub.
2. Pair cameras to the new hub: During setup, select “Add Device” in the Arlo app. When prompted, choose the hub at the second location.
3. Label cameras clearly: Rename devices (e.g., “Cabin – Front Door” vs. “Home – Backyard”) to avoid confusion.

Real-world example: Sarah, a property manager in Florida, uses this method for her primary home and two rental units. She bought two extra hubs and labeled each camera with the property address. Now, she can toggle between locations by scrolling through her camera list in the app.

Pros and Cons

• ✅ Pros:
  • Single subscription covers all locations (saves money).
  • No need to switch accounts—everything’s in one app.
  • Hubs reduce Wi-Fi strain at each property.
• ❌ Cons:
  • Hubs add upfront cost ($60–$100 each).
  • All alerts go to the same phone—easy to miss location-specific events.
  • Cloud storage is shared. If you have 10 cameras, 30 days of storage gets used faster.

Pro Tips for Smooth Operation

• Use geofencing workarounds: Create phone shortcuts to open the app to specific camera feeds. For example, a widget labeled “Cabin Cameras” that jumps straight to your vacation home’s feed.
• Set custom alert tones: In the Arlo app, assign different notification sounds to each location. A chime for home, a buzz for the cabin—helps you react faster.
• Enable local storage: If your cameras support microSD cards (like Pro 4), use them to store footage locally at each location. Reduces cloud usage and adds redundancy.

Option 2: Separate Accounts (For Privacy or Complex Setups)

What if you need total separation? Maybe you’re managing a business and a home, or your parents want full privacy at their cabin. In these cases, two Arlo accounts might be the answer.

How to Use Two Accounts

1. Create a second Arlo account: Use a different email address (e.g., yourname+cabin@gmail.com).
2. Set up a new hub/sync module at the second location.
3. Add cameras to the new account.
4. Switch between accounts in the app: Tap your profile icon > “Switch Account” (available on iOS/Android).

Real-world example: Mark, a small business owner, uses one account for his office and another for his home. He avoids mixing work/personal alerts and gives his office manager access to the business account only.

Pros and Cons

• ✅ Pros:
  • Total privacy and control over each location.
  • Separate subscriptions (useful for businesses or shared properties).
  • No shared cloud storage—each location gets its own 30 days.
• ❌ Cons:
  • Double the subscription cost (unless you use free cloud storage tiers).
  • Switching accounts is clunky—requires logging out/in.
  • No centralized view. You can’t see both locations at once.

When Separate Accounts Make Sense

• Shared properties: You’re managing a rental but want to give the tenant access to their own cameras.
• Business + home: Avoid mixing professional/personal alerts.
• Family members: Your parents want to manage their cabin cameras without seeing your home feed.

Pro tip: If you go this route, use the Arlo web portal (my.arlo.com) to manage both accounts from a computer. It’s easier than switching on a phone.

Cost, Storage, and Subscription Considerations

Money matters—especially when scaling up. Here’s how to keep costs under control while maximizing coverage.

Breaking Down the Costs

Setup Type	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost (Cloud Storage)	Best For
Single account + 2 hubs	$120–$200 (2 hubs)	$9.99–$29.99 (1 plan for all cameras)	Personal use, tight budget
Two separate accounts	$60–$100 (1 extra hub)	$19.98–$59.98 (2 plans)	Privacy, shared properties
Single account + local storage	$0–$50 (microSD cards)	$0 (free tier) or $9.99 (premium features)	Reducing cloud costs

Cloud vs. Local Storage: The Trade-Offs

• Cloud storage (Arlo Secure Plan):
  • ✅ Pros: Access footage from anywhere, AI detection (e.g., “person,” “package”), 30-day rolling history.
  • ❌ Cons: Recurring cost, shared across locations, dependent on internet.
• Local storage (microSD card):
  • ✅ Pros: One-time cost, no monthly fee, works during internet outages.
  • ❌ Cons: Max 256GB per camera (about 30–60 days of footage), no AI features, requires physical access to retrieve cards.

Real-world example: Lisa, a frequent traveler, uses local storage at her cabin. She inserts a 256GB microSD card into each camera. When she visits, she removes the card and reviews footage offline. Saves her $10/month in cloud fees.

Subscription Hacks to Save Money

• Use the free tier: Arlo’s free plan includes 7 days of cloud storage (per camera) and basic motion alerts. Not ideal for long-term storage, but great for testing.
• Share plans with family: Arlo allows up to 5 users on one account. Split the cost with siblings or tenants.
• Buy cameras on sale: Arlo often runs Black Friday deals. Snag a Pro 4 3-pack for $300 instead of $450.

Advanced Tips: Managing Alerts, Privacy, and Scalability

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s tackle the tricky stuff—alerts, privacy, and scaling up to three or more locations.

Smart Alert Management

• Use activity zones: In the Arlo app, draw “zones” to ignore motion in busy areas (e.g., a tree in the wind). Do this separately for each location to reduce false alerts.
• Schedule alerts: Turn off notifications for specific cameras at certain times. For example, disable cabin alerts during your vacation.
• Integrate with smart home systems: Use IFTTT or Alexa to send location-specific alerts. Example: “If motion at cabin, text my brother.”

Privacy for Shared Properties

• Grant “Viewer” access: In the Arlo app, invite family/tenants as “Viewers.” They can see live feeds but can’t change settings or delete footage.
• Use two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA on your account to prevent unauthorized access.
• Cover indoor cameras when needed: For rentals, use privacy shutters (built into some Arlo models) to block cameras during guest stays.

Scaling Beyond Two Locations

What if you’ve got three properties? Four? Here’s how to avoid chaos:

1. Stick to one account (if possible): Add a hub/sync module for each new location. Label cameras meticulously (e.g., “Beach House – Backyard”).
2. Use folders (web portal only): In my.arlo.com, create folders to group cameras by location. Not available in the mobile app, but helpful for desktop users.
3. Automate with shortcuts: On your phone, create a “Locations” folder with app shortcuts for each property. One tap to jump to the cabin, another for the rental.

Real-world example: James, a real estate investor, uses this method for four properties. He bought three extra hubs and named cameras with property addresses + room (e.g., “Unit 203 – Kitchen”). He reviews alerts in batches: “First, check home. Then, scroll to rentals.”

Conclusion: Making Your Multi-Location Arlo Setup Work for You

Using Arlo cameras at two (or more) locations is absolutely doable—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach depends on your priorities:

• For simplicity and cost savings: Use a single account with multiple hubs. It’s the most popular choice, and with smart labeling, you’ll rarely get confused.
• For privacy and control: Go with separate accounts. The extra cost is worth it if you’re managing shared properties or need strict data separation.
• For budget-friendly storage: Combine cloud and local storage. Use microSD cards for long-term backups, and cloud for AI features.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s practicality. Start small. Test your setup with one extra hub or a secondary account. Adjust as you go. And don’t stress about the occasional alert mix-up. Over time, you’ll find a rhythm that works for you.

Whether you’re protecting a cabin, a rental, or a parent’s home, Arlo’s flexibility lets you scale without breaking the bank. So go ahead—expand your security coverage. Your peace of mind (and your family’s) is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Arlo cameras at two different locations with the same account?

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras at two different locations under the same Arlo account. Simply add each camera to your account and assign them to separate location profiles for organized management.

Is it possible to monitor multiple locations using Arlo cameras simultaneously?

Absolutely. The Arlo app allows you to view live feeds and receive alerts from cameras at multiple locations in one dashboard. This makes it easy to monitor both your home and office seamlessly.

Do I need a separate Arlo subscription for cameras at two different locations?

No, you don’t need separate subscriptions. A single Arlo Secure plan can cover cameras across multiple locations, but you may need to adjust storage settings for optimal performance.

Can I share access to Arlo cameras at two different locations with family or staff?

Yes, Arlo lets you share camera access with others via the app. You can grant specific permissions per location, making it ideal for managing homes, offices, or rental properties.

How do I set up Arlo cameras at two different locations without interference?

During setup, assign each camera to a unique location in the Arlo app and connect them to their respective Wi-Fi networks. This prevents signal overlap and ensures clear, reliable feeds.

Are there any limitations when using Arlo cameras at multiple locations?

The main limitation is Wi-Fi dependency—each location must have a strong internet connection. Also, local storage options (like microSD) must be configured per device, as they don’t sync across locations.