Can You Add Two Arlo Q Plus Cameras for Better Coverage

Yes, you can add two Arlo Q Plus cameras to your existing setup for enhanced coverage and comprehensive monitoring. This seamless integration allows synchronized live views, shared cloud storage, and unified alerts—ideal for larger spaces or multi-angle surveillance. Maximize security without sacrificing simplicity.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can add two Arlo Q+ cameras for expanded coverage with no technical barriers.
• Sync both via Arlo app for centralized control and seamless multi-camera management.
• Optimal placement is critical—angle cameras to minimize blind spots and maximize overlap.
• Use local storage or cloud plans to record and access footage from both cameras.
• Power both cameras reliably using included adapters to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 operation.

Can You Add Two Arlo Q Plus Cameras for Better Coverage

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo Q Plus camera, and it’s working great. You can see your front porch clearly, and the 1080p video quality is crisp. But then, you realize there’s a blind spot in your backyard—maybe near the garage or the side gate—where the camera just can’t reach. It’s frustrating, right? We’ve all been there. You start wondering: Can I add a second Arlo Q Plus to cover more ground? The short answer? Yes, absolutely. But there’s more to it than just plugging in another camera and calling it a day.

Adding a second Arlo Q Plus isn’t just about doubling your coverage. It’s about creating a smarter, more seamless security setup that adapts to your home’s unique layout. Whether you’re a first-time smart home user or a seasoned tech enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from compatibility and setup to practical tips for getting the most out of your dual-camera system. No fluff, no hype, just real, practical advice to help you decide if two Arlo Q Plus cameras are the right move for you.

Why Adding a Second Arlo Q Plus Makes Sense

1. Eliminating Blind Spots

One of the biggest reasons people add a second camera is to eliminate blind spots. Maybe your front camera covers the driveway but misses the side alley. Or perhaps your backyard camera doesn’t reach the shed. A second Arlo Q Plus lets you cover those gaps. For example, if you place one camera at the front door and another at the back patio, you’ll have a 360-degree view of your property’s high-traffic areas.

2. Better Coverage for Larger Homes

If you live in a larger home or have a sprawling yard, one camera simply isn’t enough. Think about it: a single camera might cover 130 degrees of view, but if your property is L-shaped or has multiple entry points, you’ll need overlapping coverage. Adding a second camera ensures you’re not leaving any weak spots. I once helped a friend install two Arlo Q Plus cameras in a U-shaped ranch home. The first camera covered the front, and the second covered the back and side entrances. The result? No more “Did the delivery person leave the package?” panic.

3. Enhanced Security with Redundancy

Redundancy isn’t just for servers—it’s great for home security too. If one camera fails (due to power issues, Wi-Fi dropouts, or tampering), the other still keeps watch. This is especially useful if you’re away from home often. Plus, with Arlo’s cloud storage, both cameras can record simultaneously, giving you a complete timeline of events. For instance, if someone approaches your front door and then moves to the side gate, you’ll have footage of both.

4. Cost-Effective Compared to a Full System

Let’s be real: full security systems with 4+ cameras can get pricey. But if you only need two cameras, buying a second Arlo Q Plus is a budget-friendly way to upgrade. You don’t need to buy a whole new kit—just add the camera to your existing account. This is perfect for renters or homeowners who want to start small and expand later.

How to Add a Second Arlo Q Plus Camera (Step-by-Step)

1. Check Compatibility

Before you buy a second camera, make sure it’s compatible with your existing setup. The Arlo Q Plus works with the Arlo SmartHub or the Arlo Base Station (depending on your model). If you already have one of these, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to buy it. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Do you have an Arlo account? (Required for setup)
• Is your current Arlo Q Plus connected to a SmartHub or Base Station?
• Do you have enough power outlets near the new camera location?

Pro tip: The Arlo Q Plus is a wired camera, so you’ll need access to a power outlet. If your second camera is far from an outlet, consider a weatherproof extension cord or hiring an electrician to install one.

2. Set Up the Second Camera

Adding a second camera is surprisingly simple. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
2. Select “Arlo Q Plus” from the list.
3. Plug in the new camera and wait for the LED light to turn amber.
4. Follow the in-app instructions to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi or SmartHub.
5. Name the camera (e.g., “Backyard” or “Side Gate”) for easy identification.

Note: If you’re using a SmartHub, the camera will connect directly to it. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure the signal is strong at the camera’s location. Weak Wi-Fi can cause lag or disconnections.

3. Position the Cameras Strategically

Where you place your cameras matters more than you think. Here are some tips:

• Avoid backlighting: Don’t point the camera directly at a light source (like a porch light). This can create glare and wash out the image.
• Height matters: Mount the camera 7-10 feet high to avoid tampering but still capture clear facial details.
• Overlap coverage: Position the cameras so their fields of view slightly overlap. This ensures no gaps in coverage.
• Test angles: Use the Arlo app’s live view to fine-tune the camera’s position before finalizing the mount.

Example: I once set up two Arlo Q Plus cameras for a client with a long driveway. The first camera was at the front gate, and the second was halfway down the driveway. The overlap allowed them to see both the license plate of approaching cars and the driver’s face.

4. Configure Alerts and Recording

With two cameras, you’ll want to customize alerts to avoid being bombarded with notifications. Here’s how:

• Set activity zones: In the Arlo app, draw zones where motion should trigger alerts (e.g., the front door) and zones where it shouldn’t (e.g., a tree branch).
• Adjust sensitivity: If one camera is near a busy street, lower its motion sensitivity to reduce false alarms.
• Enable 24/7 recording: The Arlo Q Plus supports continuous recording (with an Arlo Smart subscription). This is great for high-traffic areas.

Pro tip: Use the “Smart Alerts” feature to distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals. This cuts down on unnecessary alerts.

Managing Two Arlo Q Plus Cameras: Tips for Smooth Operation

1. Wi-Fi Bandwidth Considerations

Two 1080p cameras streaming simultaneously can eat up Wi-Fi bandwidth. If your internet is slow or you have multiple devices connected, you might notice lag or buffering. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Use a SmartHub: The SmartHub connects cameras via Ethernet, reducing Wi-Fi congestion.
• Upgrade your router: If your router is old, consider upgrading to a dual-band or tri-band model.
• Limit streaming quality: In the Arlo app, you can reduce the streaming resolution for live view (e.g., from 1080p to 720p) to save bandwidth.

Real-world example: A user in a crowded apartment building had issues with their two Arlo Q Plus cameras disconnecting during peak hours. Switching to a SmartHub with Ethernet fixed the problem immediately.

2. Power Management

The Arlo Q Plus is wired, so you’ll need a power outlet near each camera. If that’s not possible, here are some workarounds:

• Weatherproof extension cords: Use outdoor-rated cords to reach distant outlets.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapters: These let you power the camera via an Ethernet cable (requires a PoE switch or injector).
• Solar panels: Arlo doesn’t make solar panels for the Q Plus, but third-party options exist (though they’re less reliable).

Note: Avoid using cheap extension cords—they can overheat or fail in extreme weather.

3. Storage and Subscriptions

The Arlo Q Plus comes with 7 days of free cloud storage, but if you want 24/7 recording or more storage, you’ll need an Arlo Smart subscription. Here’s how storage works with two cameras:

• Free plan: 7 days of rolling storage per camera (14 days total with two cameras).

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• Arlo Smart plan: Starts at $2.99/month per camera for 30 days of storage, 24/7 recording, and smart alerts.
• Arlo Smart Premium: $9.99/month for up to 10 cameras, 4K recording, and advanced AI detection.

Tip: If you’re on a budget, use the free plan for one camera (e.g., the front door) and the Smart plan for the other (e.g., the back yard).

Pros and Cons of Adding a Second Arlo Q Plus

Pros

• Better coverage: Two cameras mean fewer blind spots.
• Flexible setup: Add cameras one at a time without buying a full kit.
• High-quality video: 1080p resolution with night vision and HDR.
• Easy to use: The Arlo app is intuitive, even for non-tech users.
• Expandable: You can add more cameras later if needed.

Cons

• Wired only: Requires power outlets near each camera.
• Wi-Fi dependency: Can be finicky with weak signals.
• Subscription costs: 24/7 recording and smart features require a paid plan.
• No local storage: All footage is stored in the cloud (unless you use a SmartHub with a USB drive).
• Setup time: Mounting two cameras takes more effort than one.

Real-World Examples: Two Arlo Q Plus Cameras in Action

Example 1: Suburban Family Home

A family with a two-story home installed one Arlo Q Plus at the front door and another at the back patio. The front camera caught package deliveries, while the back camera monitored the kids playing in the yard. They used activity zones to ignore the neighbor’s cat (which triggered alerts at first) and set up 24/7 recording for the back camera (since it was near a gate). Result? No more “Did the dog get out?” panic.

Example 2: Small Business Owner

A bakery owner used two Arlo Q Plus cameras: one at the front entrance (to monitor customers) and one at the back door (to track deliveries). They used the Smart Alerts feature to distinguish between employees and strangers. When a break-in attempt happened, the cameras captured clear footage of the suspect’s face and car license plate—leading to a quick arrest.

Example 3: Renter with a Balcony

A renter couldn’t drill holes, so they mounted the cameras with adhesive strips (which held up well). One camera faced the front door, and the other faced the balcony. They used the free cloud storage plan since they only needed short-term footage. Result? Peace of mind without violating their lease.

Data Table: Arlo Q Plus Dual-Camera Setup Comparison

Feature	Single Camera	Two Cameras
Coverage	130-degree field of view	260-degree combined view (with overlap)
Storage (Free Plan)	7 days of rolling storage	7 days per camera (14 days total)
Subscription Cost (Smart Plan)	$2.99/month	$5.98/month
Wi-Fi Bandwidth Use	Moderate	Higher (but manageable with SmartHub)
Setup Time	30-60 minutes	60-90 minutes
Best For	Small apartments, single entry points	Larger homes, multiple blind spots

Adding a second Arlo Q Plus camera isn’t just about more coverage—it’s about smarter, more reliable security. Whether you’re covering a blind spot, monitoring a high-traffic area, or just want peace of mind, two cameras give you flexibility and redundancy. Yes, there are trade-offs (like subscription costs and power requirements), but for most users, the benefits far outweigh the downsides.

The key is to plan your setup carefully: choose strategic locations, manage Wi-Fi and power wisely, and tweak the settings to avoid false alarms. With the right approach, two Arlo Q Plus cameras can transform your home security from “good enough” to “set it and forget it.” So, can you add two Arlo Q Plus cameras? Absolutely. And for many homes, it’s the smartest move you’ll make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add two Arlo Q+ cameras to the same account?

Yes, you can add two Arlo Q+ cameras to a single Arlo account. The Arlo app allows you to manage multiple cameras seamlessly, whether they’re the same model or mixed with other Arlo devices.

How do I set up two Arlo Q Plus cameras for optimal coverage?

To set up two Arlo Q Plus cameras, place them in strategic locations like entryways or opposite corners of a room for maximum visibility. Use the Arlo app to sync both cameras and adjust motion detection zones to avoid overlap.

Do I need a separate subscription for each Arlo Q+ camera?

No, Arlo’s subscription plans (like Arlo Secure) can cover multiple cameras under one account. However, higher-tier plans may be needed for advanced features like 24/7 recording or AI detection across both cameras.

Can two Arlo Q+ cameras share the same base station?

The Arlo Q+ is a Wi-Fi camera and doesn’t require a base station, unlike some other Arlo models. You can connect both cameras directly to your router and manage them via the app without additional hardware.

Will adding two Arlo Q Plus cameras slow down my Wi-Fi?

Two Arlo Q Plus cameras shouldn’t significantly impact Wi-Fi speed if your network is stable. For best performance, ensure your router supports dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) and assign one camera per band if possible.

Can I view both Arlo Q+ cameras simultaneously in the app?

Yes, the Arlo app lets you view live feeds from both cameras at once using the multi-camera view feature. You can also customize the layout to prioritize specific camera feeds on your dashboard.