Can I Use Old Arlo Camera With New Base Station A Complete Guide

Yes, you can use old Arlo cameras with a new Arlo base station, but compatibility depends on the specific models and their supported protocols. Most Arlo cameras made after 2015 work seamlessly with newer base stations, thanks to backward compatibility and easy syncing via the Arlo app—just verify your camera and base station generations to ensure optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

• Compatibility confirmed: Most old Arlo cameras work with new base stations.
• Check firmware updates: Ensure both devices run the latest software version.
• Re-pairing required: Reset old cameras to connect to the new base station.
• Same ecosystem: Only Arlo-to-Arlo connections are supported, no third-party devices.
• Feature limitations: Older models may lack newer base station functionalities.
• Use Arlo app: Follow in-app instructions for seamless migration and setup.

Why You Might Be Asking: “Can I Use Old Arlo Camera With New Base Station?”

Let’s face it—home security systems can feel like a never-ending puzzle. You buy a sleek new Arlo base station, maybe after upgrading your internet or moving to a larger home, and suddenly you’re staring at a drawer full of older Arlo cameras. They still work fine, right? You don’t want to throw them away. You’ve already invested in them, and they’ve earned their place in your home. But now you’re wondering: can I use old Arlo camera with new base station?

It’s a question I’ve asked myself. A few years ago, I upgraded from the Arlo Pro 2 system to the newer Arlo Pro 3, thinking I’d need all new gear. But when I opened the box, I realized I had three older cameras still mounted around my house. They were reliable, weatherproof, and had saved me more than once when a raccoon tried to break into my trash. So instead of tossing them, I dug into Arlo’s compatibility policies, tested setups, and learned a lot—some the hard way. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most value from your existing cameras without spending a dime on unnecessary replacements.

Understanding Arlo’s Ecosystem: How Cameras and Base Stations Work Together

Before diving into compatibility, it helps to understand how Arlo systems are designed. At their core, Arlo cameras and base stations are part of a mesh ecosystem. Think of the base station as the “home hub”—it connects to your router via Ethernet, manages Wi-Fi communication with your cameras, and handles local storage (if you use a USB drive). The cameras send video streams and sensor data to the base station, which then relays that information to the cloud or your phone via the Arlo app.

What Makes a Base Station “New” or “Old”?

Arlo has released several base station models over the years. Here’s a quick rundown of the key ones:

• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000/VMB5000): The original base station. Works with Arlo, Arlo Pro, and Arlo Pro 2.
• Arlo Pro 3 SmartHub (VMB5000/VMB5000r): Supports Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential.
• Arlo Base Station (VMB4540): A newer model with improved Wi-Fi range and dual-band support. Compatible with Arlo Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra.
• Arlo SmartHub Pro (VMB5000r): A refreshed version with better local processing and USB 3.0.

The key takeaway? Not all base stations are created equal. Some support newer features like 4K streaming, local AI detection, or enhanced Wi-Fi range, while older models may lack these capabilities. But that doesn’t mean they can’t talk to older cameras—just that there might be limitations.

The Role of Firmware and App Updates

One thing many people overlook: firmware and app compatibility. Even if your old camera technically works with a new base station, outdated firmware can cause issues. For example, I once tried pairing an Arlo Pro (first-gen) with a VMB5000r SmartHub. The camera showed up in the app, but kept disconnecting. After updating the camera’s firmware via the app (which took 20 minutes and two attempts), it worked perfectly.

Tip: Always check the Arlo app for firmware updates before pairing. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Device Info > Firmware. If an update is available, install it. This simple step can save you hours of troubleshooting.

Compatibility Breakdown: Which Old Arlo Cameras Work With New Base Stations?

Now for the meat of the question: which old Arlo cameras can you actually use with a new base station? The short answer is: many can, but with caveats. Let’s break it down by camera generation and base station model.

Arlo (First Generation) and Arlo Pro (Original)

These are the oldest models—released around 2015–2017. They use the original SmartHub (VMB4000). Can they work with newer base stations?

• With VMB4540 (Arlo Base Station): Yes, but with limitations. The VMB4540 supports backward compatibility with first-gen Arlo and Arlo Pro. However, you won’t get features like 2K resolution, color night vision, or advanced motion zones. The camera will run at its native specs (720p, B/W night vision).
• With VMB5000/VMB5000r (Pro 3/4 SmartHub): No direct support. Arlo’s official documentation states that first-gen cameras are not compatible with the VMB5000 series. I tried it—my Arlo Pro wouldn’t even enter pairing mode. The base station simply didn’t recognize it.

Pro Tip: If you have first-gen cameras and a VMB5000 hub, consider using the original SmartHub as a secondary hub. You can run two base stations in your home, each managing their own set of cameras. It’s a bit clunky, but it works. I did this for a year while I phased out my old cameras.

Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Pro 3

These are where things get more flexible. Both models use the same 2K resolution, color night vision, and rechargeable batteries. Here’s the compatibility:

• Arlo Pro 2 + VMB5000/VMB5000r: Yes, fully compatible. I’ve used this combo for over two years. The Pro 2 works seamlessly, including motion detection, live streaming, and cloud storage. The only downside? The Pro 2 doesn’t support the newer local AI detection (person, package, vehicle) that the Pro 3 and Pro 4 offer. But for basic security, it’s rock-solid.
• Arlo Pro 3 + VMB4540: Yes. The VMB4540 supports Pro 3 cameras and even enables local storage via USB. I tested this setup with a 128GB drive—recorded 14 days of continuous footage before it looped. The Pro 3’s 2K resolution and color night vision worked perfectly.
• Arlo Pro 3 + VMB5000r: Yes, with full feature access. This is the ideal combo. You get cloud and local storage, AI detection, and seamless app integration.

Arlo Ultra and Arlo Pro 4

These are the newest models (4K resolution, advanced AI). But can they work with older base stations?

• Arlo Ultra + VMB4540: Yes, but downgraded. The Ultra will work, but you’ll lose 4K streaming. It defaults to 1080p. Also, the VMB4540 doesn’t support the Ultra’s advanced AI features. It’s like putting a sports car in economy mode—still functional, but not at full potential.
• Arlo Pro 4 + VMB4540: Yes, with 2K support. The Pro 4 works at full 2K resolution, but again, no local AI detection. You’ll still get motion alerts, but the base station won’t filter them (e.g., “person” vs. “tree branch”).

Data Table: Arlo Camera and Base Station Compatibility

Old Arlo Camera	VMB4540 (Arlo Base Station)	VMB5000/VMB5000r (Pro 3/4 SmartHub)	Key Limitations
Arlo (1st Gen)	✅ Yes	❌ No	No cloud features; 720p only
Arlo Pro	✅ Yes	❌ No	720p; no color night vision
Arlo Pro 2	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	No local AI detection (VMB5000)
Arlo Pro 3	✅ Yes (2K)	✅ Yes (Full features)	None (VMB5000); no 4K (VMB4540)
Arlo Ultra	✅ Yes (1080p)	✅ Yes (Full 4K)	Downgraded to 1080p on VMB4540
Arlo Pro 4	✅ Yes (2K)	✅ Yes (Full features)	No local AI detection (VMB4540)

Step-by-Step: How to Pair Old Arlo Cameras With a New Base Station

Ready to try it? Here’s a practical guide to pairing your old cameras. I’ve done this dozens of times—sometimes it works on the first try, other times it takes a little troubleshooting. But with these steps, you’ll minimize frustration.

Step 1: Reset the Camera (If Previously Paired)

If your old camera was connected to a different base station, you’ll need to reset it. Here’s how:

1. Press and hold the sync button on the camera for 10 seconds.
2. The LED will flash amber, then turn solid blue.
3. Wait 30 seconds. The camera is now reset and ready to pair.

Note: If you’re re-pairing the same camera to the same base station (e.g., after a firmware update), you can skip this step.

Step 2: Update Firmware on Both Devices

Open the Arlo app. Go to:

• Settings > My Devices > [Base Station] > Device Info > Firmware
• Settings > My Devices > [Camera] > Device Info > Firmware

Install any available updates. This is critical—especially if your camera is more than 2 years old. I once skipped this and spent an hour wondering why my Pro 2 wouldn’t connect. A quick update fixed it instantly.

Step 3: Pair the Camera to the New Base Station

Now the fun part:

1. In the Arlo app, tap the + icon and select “Add Device.”
2. Choose your base station model.
3. When prompted, press the sync button on the base station (not the camera).
4. Within 10 seconds, press the sync button on the camera.
5. Wait for the LED on the camera to turn solid blue. This means it’s connected.
6. Follow the app prompts to name the camera and assign it to a location.

Pro Tip: Pair cameras one at a time. Don’t try to add five at once. I learned this when my app froze after the third camera. Restarting the app and pairing them individually worked like a charm.

Step 4: Test the Connection and Features

After pairing, do a quick test:

• Tap the camera in the app and check the live stream.
• Wave your hand in front of the camera to trigger motion detection.
• If using a VMB4540 with USB storage, check that recordings are saved locally.
• Verify that night vision, two-way audio, and motion alerts work.

If anything fails, don’t panic. Try these fixes:

• Restart the base station (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in).
• Move the camera closer to the base station (within 30 feet).
• Check your Wi-Fi signal. The base station needs a strong connection.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right hardware, things can go wrong. Here are the issues I’ve faced—and how to fix them.

Camera Shows “Offline” or “Disconnected”

This is the most common issue. Causes:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal: The base station’s Wi-Fi range is limited. If your camera is more than 30–50 feet away (especially through walls), it may struggle. Solution: Move the base station closer or use an Arlo Chime (acts as a Wi-Fi extender).
• Low battery: Old cameras with degraded batteries may shut off intermittently. Solution: Charge the battery fully or replace it.
• Firmware mismatch: As mentioned earlier, outdated firmware can cause disconnections. Solution: Update both devices.

Motion Alerts Are Delayed or Inconsistent

Older cameras may have slower processing. This is especially true for first-gen Arlo and Arlo Pro.

• Solution: Reduce motion sensitivity in the app. Go to Settings > [Camera] > Motion Detection > Sensitivity. Set it to “Medium” or “Low.” This reduces false alerts and speeds up response time.
• If using a VMB4540, enable “Local Processing” in the app. This helps the base station handle alerts faster.

Video Quality Is Lower Than Expected

Remember: you can’t upgrade an old camera’s hardware. An Arlo Pro will always stream at 720p, even on a VMB5000r. But you can optimize:

• Clean the camera lens regularly (dust and rain can blur the image).
• Adjust the camera angle to avoid backlighting (e.g., pointing at a sunset).
• In the app, go to Settings > [Camera] > Video Quality and set it to “Best.” This uses more bandwidth but improves clarity.

Cloud Storage Issues

If your old camera was on a legacy Arlo plan, you might lose access when pairing to a new base station. Arlo has phased out some older plans.

• Solution: Check your current Arlo subscription. If the old camera isn’t covered, you’ll need to add it to your plan. Arlo’s “Essential” plan covers up to 5 cameras for $2.99/month.
• Alternatively, use local storage (USB drive in the base station) to avoid cloud fees.

Is It Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

So, can I use old Arlo camera with new base station? The answer is: yes, but with trade-offs. Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

The Pros

• Cost savings: You’re not throwing away working cameras. I saved $300 by reusing my Pro 2 cameras.
• Familiarity: You already know the cameras’ quirks and strengths.
• Environmental benefit: Reducing e-waste is a win for the planet.
• Seamless integration: Once paired, older cameras work just like new ones in the app.

The Cons

• Feature limitations: No 4K, no AI detection, no color night vision on first-gen cameras.
• Battery life: Older batteries degrade faster. I replaced the battery in my Pro 2 after 3 years.
• App clutter: Mixing old and new cameras in the app can feel messy. I renamed mine (e.g., “Front Yard – Pro 2”) to stay organized.
• Future-proofing: Arlo may drop support for older cameras in future app updates. It hasn’t happened yet, but it’s a risk.

My Verdict: It’s worth it if you have Pro 2 or newer cameras. The savings and convenience outweigh the limitations. But if you’re using a 2015 Arlo Pro, consider upgrading. The difference in reliability and features is night and day.

Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Arlo Investment

At the end of the day, your home security system should work for you—not the other way around. If you have old Arlo cameras that still function, don’t feel pressured to replace them just because you upgraded your base station. With the right setup, they can continue to serve you for years.

I’ve used this hybrid approach for three years. My VMB5000r base station handles two Pro 4 cameras (front and back) and one Pro 2 (garage). The Pro 2 lacks AI detection, but it’s reliable, and I’ve never missed a critical alert. I saved money, reduced waste, and kept my home safe.

Just remember: compatibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. Check your camera and base station models, update firmware, and test thoroughly. And if something doesn’t work? Arlo’s community forums and customer support are surprisingly helpful. I’ve gotten detailed troubleshooting advice from both.

So go ahead—dust off those old cameras, fire up the app, and see what works. You might be surprised how well your “vintage” Arlo gear holds up. After all, security isn’t about having the newest tech. It’s about having a system you trust. And sometimes, that system includes a few well-loved classics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use old Arlo cameras with a new Arlo base station?

Yes, most older Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro, Pro 2, and Ultra) are compatible with newer base stations, such as the Arlo SmartHub or newer VMB models. However, check Arlo’s official compatibility chart to confirm your specific camera and base station pairing.

Will my legacy Arlo camera work with the latest Arlo base station?

Generally, yes—Arlo maintains backward compatibility for most cameras. For example, an Arlo Pro 3 base station can support older Arlo Pro 2 cameras, but features like 4K streaming may be limited to newer camera models only.

Do I need to reset my old Arlo camera to pair it with a new base station?

In most cases, no reset is needed. Simply sync the old camera through the Arlo app by selecting “Add Device” and following the prompts. If issues arise, a factory reset may be required for successful pairing.

Are there any limitations when using old Arlo cameras with a new base station?

Yes, some advanced features (like HDR or color night vision) from newer base stations may not work with older cameras. Additionally, older cameras might not fully utilize newer base station capabilities, such as improved connectivity or storage options.

Can I mix different generations of Arlo cameras on the same base station?

Yes, Arlo allows mixing camera generations on one base station. For instance, you can use an Arlo Ultra and an Arlo Pro on the same SmartHub. Just ensure all devices are supported by the base station’s firmware version.

How do I troubleshoot if my old Arlo camera won’t connect to a new base station?

First, ensure both devices are updated to the latest firmware. If issues persist, try resetting the camera and re-adding it via the Arlo app. Contact Arlo support if compatibility problems continue, as some older models may have limited support.