Can My Arlo Camera Be on Two Different WiFi Routers Explained

No, an Arlo camera cannot connect to two different WiFi routers simultaneously—it can only maintain an active connection with one network at a time. However, you can manually switch the camera between routers by reconfiguring its settings via the Arlo app, ideal for users managing multiple locations or backup networks.

Key Takeaways

• One network per camera: Arlo cameras connect to only one WiFi router at a time.
• Use a base station: Link multiple Arlo cameras via a single base station for unified control.
• WiFi extender trick: Extend one network, not split across two routers, for seamless coverage.
• Re-pair to switch: Reconfigure your Arlo camera to connect to a different router manually.
• Mesh networks work: Use a mesh system to create one extended network for all cameras.
• Avoid dual-band issues: Assign cameras to 2.4GHz band for better range and reliability.

Can My Arlo Camera Be on Two Different WiFi Routers Explained

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo camera system to keep an eye on your home, but as you walk from room to room, the signal starts to drop. Maybe your backyard camera keeps disconnecting, or your basement unit struggles to stay online. You start wondering, “Can my Arlo camera be on two different WiFi routers?” It’s a question I’ve asked myself—especially after moving to a larger house where one router just couldn’t cover every corner.

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this exact dilemma. Whether you’re dealing with a sprawling home, thick walls, or dead zones, relying on a single WiFi network can limit your camera’s performance. The good news? There are solutions. But before we dive into the how-tos, let’s clarify what’s possible and what’s not. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about connecting Arlo cameras to multiple routers—without overcomplicating things. Think of this as a friendly chat with someone who’s been in your shoes and wants to help you get the best out of your security setup.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Connect to WiFi

How Arlo Cameras Use WiFi

First, let’s break down how Arlo cameras actually connect to your network. Unlike some smart devices that use Bluetooth or Zigbee, most Arlo models—especially the wireless and Pro series—rely on your home WiFi to send video feeds, alerts, and firmware updates to the cloud. That means a stable, strong WiFi signal is essential. But here’s the catch: each Arlo camera connects to only one WiFi network at a time. It can’t hop between two routers simultaneously like a phone might when you move from your living room to the kitchen.

Think of your Arlo camera like a guest at a party. It shows up, finds the WiFi host (your router), and stays connected for the night. It won’t crash another party (router) unless you explicitly tell it to. This one-to-one connection is by design—Arlo’s system prioritizes reliability and security over flexibility.

Why This Matters for Multi-Router Setups

Now, you might be thinking, “But my house has two routers!” Maybe you have a main router in the living room and a secondary one (like a mesh node or a range extender) in the basement or backyard. The key thing to understand is that if both routers broadcast the same WiFi name (SSID) and password, your Arlo camera will treat them as one network. This is called a seamless mesh network, and it’s actually ideal for Arlo cameras.

For example, I once had a backyard Arlo Pro 4 that kept disconnecting because it was too far from the main router. I added a mesh node in the garage with the same SSID and password. The camera automatically connected to the stronger signal—no reconfiguration needed. It was like magic! But if your two routers have different names (e.g., “HomeWiFi” and “BasementWiFi”), your camera can’t switch between them on its own. It’ll stick to whichever one it connected to first, which could be the weaker signal.

Practical Tip: Use a Unified Network

• Use the same SSID and password across all routers or extenders. This creates a single, unified network that your Arlo can roam across.
• Place routers/extenders strategically to ensure overlapping coverage. Arlo cameras need at least 2–3 bars of signal strength to work well.
• Test signal strength with a smartphone or WiFi analyzer app before installing cameras. A weak signal leads to buffering, lag, or disconnections.

Can Arlo Cameras Connect to Two Different WiFi Networks?

The Short Answer: No, But There’s a Workaround

Let’s get straight to the point: no, an individual Arlo camera cannot connect to two different WiFi routers at the same time. It’s physically impossible with current Arlo firmware and hardware. Each camera establishes one WiFi connection and maintains it until you manually change it or the signal drops completely.

But here’s the good news: you can still use multiple routers in your home—as long as they’re part of a unified network. This is the most effective way to extend coverage without confusing your Arlo system. For instance, if you have a main router and a mesh satellite, both broadcasting “MyHomeWiFi,” your camera will automatically connect to the strongest signal. It’s like having one giant WiFi blanket covering your entire property.

What Doesn’t Work (And Why)

• Dual-band routers with separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks: Arlo cameras only connect to 2.4GHz. If your 5GHz network has a different name, your camera won’t see it. Even if both bands share the same SSID, the camera may struggle to switch between them.
• Two routers with different SSIDs: Your camera will pick one and stay there. If it connects to the weaker router first, it won’t automatically jump to the stronger one—even if the signal degrades.
• Using two standalone routers without mesh or bridging: This creates two separate networks. Your camera won’t know how to switch between them.

A Real-Life Example

Let’s say you have a detached garage 50 feet from your house. You set up a second router in the garage with a different SSID, “GarageWiFi.” When you install your Arlo camera in the garage, you’ll need to manually connect it to “GarageWiFi” using the Arlo app. But if someone turns off that router, the camera won’t reconnect to “HomeWiFi” unless you reconfigure it. That’s why a unified network is smarter.

Pro Tip: Use a WiFi Extender or Mesh System

If you’re not ready for a full mesh system, a WiFi extender can help. Just make sure it clones your main network’s SSID and password. I used a Netgear extender once to cover my backyard, and my Arlo camera connected seamlessly. The downside? Extenders can reduce speed by up to 50%, so they’re best for areas with light usage.

Best Setup for Arlo Cameras with Multiple Routers

Option 1: Mesh WiFi System (Recommended)

The gold standard for multi-router Arlo setups is a mesh WiFi system like Google Nest WiFi, Eero, or TP-Link Deco. These systems use multiple nodes that communicate with each other to create one seamless network. Here’s why it works so well:

• Single SSID and password: Your Arlo cameras see one network, no matter where they are.
• Automatic roaming: Cameras connect to the closest node with the strongest signal.
• Easy setup: Most mesh systems have user-friendly apps that guide you through placement and configuration.

I upgraded to a 3-node Eero system last year, and my Arlo cameras have never been happier. The backyard camera now connects to the garage node, while the front door unit stays on the main router. No dropouts, no manual switching—just smooth, reliable coverage.

Option 2: WiFi Extenders (Budget-Friendly)

If a mesh system is out of your budget, a WiFi extender is a solid alternative. Just remember:

• Use an extender that supports SSID cloning (same name and password as your main network).
• Place it within 50–100 feet of your main router, with a strong signal.
• Test the extender’s signal before installing your camera.

One caveat: extenders can create “dead zones” between the router and extender. I once had a camera in a hallway that kept disconnecting because it was in a weak overlap area. Moving the extender 10 feet fixed the issue.

Option 3: Wired Backhaul (For Tech-Savvy Users)

If you’re comfortable with networking, consider a wired backhaul setup. This means connecting your secondary router or mesh node to your main router via an Ethernet cable. It provides faster, more stable connections and is ideal for large homes or properties with thick walls.

• Use a secondary router in bridge mode or a mesh node with Ethernet backhaul.
• Ensure the SSID and password match your main network.
• Run the cable through walls or use a powerline adapter if needed.

Data Table: Mesh vs. Extender vs. Wired Backhaul

Feature	Mesh WiFi System	WiFi Extender	Wired Backhaul
Seamless Roaming	✅ Yes	❌ Limited	✅ Yes
Speed	High	Medium (50% loss)	Very High
Setup Complexity	Easy	Easy	Moderate
Cost	$$$	$	$$
Best For	Large homes, multiple floors	Small to medium homes	Tech-savvy users, large properties

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Camera Keeps Disconnecting

This is the most common complaint. If your Arlo camera drops offline frequently, here’s what to check:

• Signal strength: Use your phone’s WiFi analyzer to check bars at the camera location. If it’s below 2 bars, move the router or add a node/extender.
• Router overload: Too many devices on one router can cause congestion. Limit non-essential devices or upgrade to a router with higher capacity.
• Interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, and metal objects can block WiFi. Keep cameras away from these.

Camera Won’t Connect to Secondary Router

If you have two routers with different SSIDs and your camera won’t connect to the secondary one:

1. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > WiFi Network.
2. Tap “Change Network” and select the secondary router’s SSID.
3. Enter the password and wait for the camera to reconnect.

Note: You’ll need to do this manually for each camera.

Slow Video Streaming

Buffering or low-quality video? Try these fixes:

• Reduce camera resolution in the Arlo app (Settings > Video Quality).
• Limit the number of active cameras streaming at once.
• Upgrade your internet plan if multiple cameras are using high bandwidth.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

Using a Dedicated 2.4GHz Network

Some routers let you create a separate 2.4GHz network just for IoT devices. This can help reduce congestion on your main network. For example, you could name it “HomeIoT_2.4GHz” and connect all your Arlo cameras to it. Just ensure the signal is strong where the cameras are installed.

Firmware and App Updates

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates to improve WiFi stability. Always keep your cameras and app updated. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Firmware Update to check.

Using a WiFi Analyzer App

Apps like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (iOS/macOS) help you visualize signal strength and identify dead zones. I used one to map my home’s coverage before installing cameras—it saved me a lot of headaches.

Pro Tip: Label Your Cameras

If you have multiple cameras, label them in the Arlo app (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”). This makes it easier to troubleshoot connectivity issues later.

Final Thoughts: Is a Multi-Router Setup Worth It?

So, can your Arlo camera be on two different WiFi routers? Not directly—but with the right setup, you can absolutely use multiple routers to improve coverage. The key is creating a unified network that your cameras can roam across seamlessly. Whether you choose a mesh system, a WiFi extender, or a wired backhaul, the goal is the same: strong, reliable WiFi everywhere.

From my own experience, investing in a mesh system was the best decision I made for my Arlo setup. No more dropouts, no more manual switching—just peace of mind. But if you’re on a budget, a simple extender can still make a big difference. The important thing is to avoid creating multiple isolated networks. Your cameras will thank you.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are designed to be smart, but they’re only as good as your WiFi. Take the time to plan your network layout, test signal strength, and choose the right solution for your home. And remember: a little effort now can save you hours of troubleshooting later. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Arlo camera be connected to two different WiFi routers at the same time?

No, an Arlo camera can only connect to one WiFi router at a time. However, you can switch between networks manually through the Arlo app if needed.

How do I move my Arlo camera between two different WiFi routers?

To use your Arlo camera with two different WiFi routers, you must remove the camera from the current network in the Arlo app and re-add it to the new router’s network. This process ensures a secure connection to the new router.

Can I use one Arlo account with two different WiFi networks for multiple locations?

Yes, you can manage multiple Arlo cameras across two different WiFi routers under one Arlo account. Just set up each camera on its respective network and label them by location for easy access.

Does Arlo support dual-band or simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi routers?

Arlo cameras typically connect to 2.4GHz networks, but select models support 5GHz. While they can’t use both bands simultaneously, you can manually switch between them if your router broadcasts separate networks.

Will connecting my Arlo camera to two different WiFi routers affect its performance?

Frequently switching your Arlo camera between two different WiFi routers may cause temporary connectivity issues. For optimal performance, choose a stable network with strong signal strength and minimal interference.

Can I share access to my Arlo camera on two different WiFi routers with another user?

Yes, you can share access to your Arlo camera via the Arlo app’s “Grant Access” feature, even if the camera is on a different WiFi network. The other user just needs an Arlo account and internet connection.