Can You Add Cameras to the Arlo 2 Pack Here Is How

Yes, you can absolutely add more cameras to your Arlo 2-Pack system—the base station supports up to 16 Arlo-compatible cameras, giving you flexibility to expand your security coverage. Simply sync additional cameras through the Arlo app in minutes, whether you’re adding wired, wireless, or doorbell models for a fully customized setup.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can expand: Add more Arlo cameras to your 2-pack system anytime.
• Same ecosystem required: Only Arlo-branded cameras are compatible with your base station.
• Sync in minutes: Use the Arlo app to pair new cameras effortlessly.
• Check subscription limits: Some plans restrict how many cameras you can use.
• No hub changes needed: Existing base station supports up to 15 cameras total.

Why You Might Want to Expand Your Arlo 2-Pack

Let’s be honest—home security isn’t one-size-fits-all. When I first bought the Arlo 2-pack of cameras, I thought I had everything covered. I placed one at the front door and another in the backyard. For a few weeks, I felt like a security pro. But then, reality hit. The side gate? Unmonitored. The garage? A blind spot. The kids’ play area? Nope. It didn’t take long to realize that two cameras, while a solid start, weren’t enough for a full sense of peace.

That’s when I started wondering: Can you add cameras to the Arlo 2 pack? I scoured forums, read reviews, and even chatted with a few neighbors who’d been down this road. What I discovered changed how I thought about my home security setup. The short answer? Yes, you can absolutely expand your Arlo 2-pack. And it’s not as complicated as it might sound. Whether you’re protecting a small apartment, a sprawling suburban home, or a vacation property, the flexibility of the Arlo ecosystem makes scaling up both practical and surprisingly affordable. But there are a few things you should know before hitting “add to cart” on that third or fourth camera.

Understanding the Arlo Ecosystem: How Expansion Works

How Arlo Cameras Communicate with Your Base Station

Before you go adding cameras, it helps to understand how Arlo systems work. The Arlo 2-pack typically includes two wireless cameras and a base station (also called a hub or smart hub). This base station acts like the “brain” of your system. It connects to your home Wi-Fi and communicates with each camera using a proprietary wireless protocol (usually 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, depending on the model).

When you add more cameras, they don’t connect directly to Wi-Fi. Instead, they link to the base station. This is a key point: you can only add cameras that are compatible with your existing base station model. For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 2 system with a VMB4000 base, you can’t just plug in an Arlo Ultra camera without upgrading the hub. But if you’re staying within the same generation—say, Arlo Pro 2 to Arlo Pro 2—expansion is seamless.

Compatibility Is Key: Matching Your New Camera to Your System

Not all Arlo cameras play well together. While Arlo has made strides in cross-compatibility, there are still limitations. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

• Same generation, same hub: You can mix and match cameras within the same product line (e.g., Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Essential).
• Same hub model required: The base station must support the camera you’re adding. For instance, the Arlo SmartHub VMB5000 supports newer models like Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Essential, but older VMB4000 hubs may not.
• Firmware updates matter: Always ensure your base station and existing cameras are updated. Arlo regularly releases updates that improve compatibility.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to add an Arlo Pro 3 to my old Pro 2 base. The app kept giving me a “device not supported” error. A quick firmware update and a hub upgrade later, everything worked like a charm. Moral of the story? Check compatibility before buying.

How Many Cameras Can You Add?

Good news: Arlo base stations typically support up to five cameras per hub. So if you started with a 2-pack, you can add up to three more cameras without needing a second hub. Some newer hubs (like the VMB5000) can support up to 15 cameras, but that’s overkill for most homes.

Here’s a practical example: I added a third camera to cover the side gate and a fourth for the garage. That brought my total to four—still under the five-camera limit. I kept the fifth slot open in case I ever want to add a camera to the shed or the driveway. It’s nice knowing I have room to grow.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Cameras to Your Arlo 2-Pack

Step 1: Choose the Right Camera

First, decide what you need. Are you looking for:

• Better night vision? Go with a model that has color night vision (like Arlo Pro 3 or Pro 4).
• Wider field of view? The Arlo Ultra offers a 180-degree view.
• Budget-friendly expansion? The Arlo Essential series is affordable and works with most newer hubs.

I went with the Arlo Pro 2 for my third camera (same as my original pair) for consistency. For the fourth, I picked the Arlo Essential Spotlight—great price, solid performance, and it blends well with my other cameras.

Step 2: Set Up the New Camera

Now comes the fun part. Here’s how to add a camera:

1. Charge the camera: Most Arlo cameras are battery-powered. Fully charge the new camera using the included USB cable.
2. Open the Arlo app: Make sure you’re logged into the same account as your 2-pack.
3. Tap “Add Device”: Look for the “+” icon or “Add Device” in the app’s main menu.
4. Select your camera type: Choose the model you’re adding (e.g., Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Essential).
5. Follow the on-screen prompts: The app will guide you through syncing the camera to the base station. This usually involves pressing a sync button on the base and then on the camera.
6. Name your camera: I like to use location-based names—“Side Gate,” “Garage,” “Front Porch.” It makes managing alerts way easier.

Pro tip: Do this near the base station. The initial sync works best when the camera is within 10–15 feet of the hub. You can move it later.

Step 3: Position and Mount the Camera

Once synced, it’s time to mount. I recommend:

• Using the included magnetic mount for quick adjustments.
• Testing the view in the app before finalizing the position.
• Keeping the camera 7–8 feet off the ground for optimal coverage and to avoid tampering.

I once mounted a camera too low—my dog triggered motion alerts every time he walked by. A quick adjustment fixed that.

Step 4: Fine-Tune Settings

After mounting, tweak the settings:

• Adjust motion detection zones: Exclude areas like busy streets or swaying trees to reduce false alerts.
• Set activity zones: Tell the camera to only alert you when motion happens in specific areas (e.g., the front door, not the sidewalk).
• Enable notifications: Decide if you want alerts for all motion or just people (if your camera supports AI detection).

I set my “Side Gate” camera to only notify me when it detects a person. That way, I don’t get alerts every time a squirrel runs by.

Managing a Larger Arlo System: Tips and Tricks

Organizing Your Camera List

With four or five cameras, things can get cluttered. Here’s how I keep mine tidy:

• Use clear names: “Front Door” is better than “Camera 1.”
• Group cameras by location: In the app, you can create custom groups like “Outdoor,” “Indoor,” or “Backyard.”
• Use the “Favorites” feature: Star the cameras you check most often (e.g., front door, garage).

I also color-coded my camera icons in the app—green for front, blue for back. It’s a small thing, but it helps me scan the screen faster.

Optimizing Battery Life

Battery life is a big concern with wireless cameras. Here’s what works for me:

• Use activity zones: Fewer false alerts mean less video recording and longer battery life.
• Adjust recording length: Set recordings to 10–15 seconds instead of 30+ to save power.
• Use solar panels: Arlo’s solar panels (sold separately) keep batteries topped off. I use one for my backyard camera—zero battery anxiety.
• Check battery health monthly: The app shows battery percentage and health. Replace batteries if they’re below 20% for weeks.

My garage camera (with a solar panel) has run for over six months without a recharge. My front door camera (no solar) needs charging every 2–3 months.

Handling Notifications Like a Pro

Too many alerts can be overwhelming. Here’s how I manage them:

• Use smart notifications: Enable “Person Detection” to only get alerts for people (not pets or cars).
• Schedule quiet times: Turn off notifications at night if you’re not worried about nighttime activity.
• Use geofencing: The app can silence alerts when you’re home (using your phone’s location).

I silenced my backyard camera between 10 PM and 6 AM. Now I only get alerts when something actually matters.

Arlo Subscription Plans: Do You Need One?

What You Get Without a Plan

Arlo cameras work without a subscription, but with limits:

• Live streaming: You can view live video anytime.
• Basic motion alerts: Get notifications when motion is detected.
• Local storage (if using a microSD card): Some cameras support local recording (check your model).

But here’s the catch: without a plan, you can’t view past recordings. If someone steals your package at 3 PM, you’ll see the alert—but not the video—unless you’re watching live.

Subscription Tiers Compared

Arlo offers several plans. Here’s a quick comparison:

Plan	Price (Monthly)	Cameras Covered	Cloud Storage	Key Features
Arlo Secure	$2.99–$4.99	1–3 cameras	30-day video history	Person, package, vehicle detection; 24/7 emergency response (optional)
Arlo Secure Plus	$9.99–$14.99	Up to 10 cameras	60-day video history	Everything in Secure + e911 calling, advanced AI detection
Arlo Safe & Secure Pro	$19.99	Up to 10 cameras + 1 doorbell	60-day video history	Includes 24/7 professional monitoring, crash detection (for mobile app)

I started with the basic plan for one camera. After adding two more, I upgraded to the Arlo Secure Plus plan. The 60-day storage is worth it for me—I can go back and review footage if needed. Plus, the AI detection cuts down on false alerts.

Is a Subscription Worth It?

It depends. If you:

• Want to review past events → Yes, get a plan.
• Don’t mind missing recordings → Skip it.
• Have multiple cameras → Secure Plus is cost-effective.

My advice? Start with a free trial. Arlo often offers a 30-day trial of their plans. Test it out before committing.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Signal Strength Issues

Wireless cameras rely on a strong connection to the base station. If your new camera is too far away, you might get:

• Laggy live views
• Missed recordings
• Frequent disconnections

Solution: Use the Arlo app’s signal strength tool. During setup, it shows you the connection quality. If it’s weak, move the camera closer or add a Wi-Fi extender near the base station.

Overloading Your Base Station

Remember: most hubs max out at five cameras. If you add too many, you might experience:

• Delayed alerts
• Reduced video quality
• System crashes

Solution: Stick to the recommended limit. If you need more than five, consider a second hub (but that’s a whole other setup).

Ignoring Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues. I once couldn’t add a new camera because my base station hadn’t updated in months.

Solution: Check for updates monthly. Go to the Arlo app → Settings → Device Info → Firmware Update.

Final Thoughts: Should You Expand Your Arlo 2-Pack?

Absolutely—if it makes sense for your home. The Arlo 2-pack is a fantastic entry point, but most homes need more than two cameras for full coverage. Whether it’s a side gate, a second floor, or a detached garage, adding cameras fills the gaps that leave you feeling vulnerable.

I’ve found that expanding my system has been one of the best decisions for my home security. It’s not just about catching intruders—it’s about knowing your kids got home safe, that the dog didn’t dig up the garden, or that the package was delivered. And the best part? It’s not a huge investment. A single Arlo Essential camera costs less than a dinner out, but the peace of mind it brings is priceless.

Just remember: compatibility, planning, and smart settings are your allies. Do your homework, take it step by step, and don’t rush into a subscription until you’ve tested the waters. Before you know it, you’ll have a custom security setup that works for your life—not the other way around.

So go ahead. Add that third camera. Then the fourth. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add cameras to the Arlo 2 pack after purchase?

Yes, you can add cameras to the Arlo 2 pack later. The system is expandable, allowing you to integrate additional Arlo cameras (same series or compatible models) via the Arlo app with ease.

How many extra cameras can you add to an Arlo 2 pack?

The Arlo 2 pack supports expansion up to 15 cameras total, depending on your subscription plan and base station model. Check Arlo’s official compatibility list for seamless integration.

Do added cameras need a separate Arlo subscription?

Added cameras to your Arlo 2 pack can share the same subscription if within the plan’s camera limit. For example, the Arlo Secure plan covers up to 15 cameras, so extra cameras won’t incur additional fees if under the cap.

Can you mix different Arlo camera models with the Arlo 2 pack?

Yes, you can mix Arlo camera models (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra) with the Arlo 2 pack, but ensure they’re compatible with your base station. Some features may vary based on the camera model.

Is it easy to sync new cameras to an existing Arlo 2 pack setup?

Syncing new cameras is simple: open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the prompts. The process takes minutes and requires no technical expertise.

Do added Arlo cameras require the same base station?

Yes, additional cameras connect to the same base station included with the Arlo 2 pack. However, newer Arlo models (e.g., wireless Pro 4) may work without a base station via Wi-Fi, but check compatibility first.