Can You Create a Mode Linking Two Arlo Cameras for Seamless Security

Yes, you can create a mode linking two Arlo cameras to enhance your security coverage by syncing their activity and alerts for a unified surveillance experience. Using the Arlo app, you can set up custom modes and rules to trigger both cameras simultaneously—ideal for monitoring connected areas like a front yard and driveway. This seamless integration boosts efficiency and ensures no critical event goes unnoticed.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can link two Arlo cameras using the same Arlo account for unified control.
• Sync modes via Arlo SmartHub to enable coordinated recording and alerts across cameras.
• Use Activity Zones to reduce false alerts by linking motion detection between paired cameras.
• Group cameras in the Arlo app to trigger simultaneous recordings during events.
• Ensure firmware is updated to access the latest multi-camera automation features.
• Linking works best with identical models for consistent performance and compatibility.

Can You Create a Mode Linking Two Arlo Cameras for Seamless Security?

Imagine this: You’re sipping your morning coffee, glancing at your phone to check your home security cameras. One Arlo camera shows your front porch—clear as day. Another, mounted on the side of your house, captures the driveway. But here’s the catch: they’re not talking to each other. When motion is detected on the side, the front camera doesn’t react. You’re left with fragmented coverage, missing that crucial moment when someone walks from the driveway to the front door. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever wished your Arlo cameras could work in perfect sync—like a well-coordinated security team—you’re not alone. Many homeowners using Arlo’s smart cameras face this challenge. The good news? Yes, you can create a mode linking two Arlo cameras, but it takes a mix of smart settings, automation, and a little tech-savviness. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the basics of Arlo modes to advanced tricks that make your cameras work as a unified system. Think of it as turning your cameras from solo performers into a full-fledged security orchestra.

Understanding Arlo Modes: The Foundation of Smart Security

Before we dive into linking cameras, let’s get clear on what “modes” mean in the Arlo ecosystem. Modes are like different “personalities” your cameras can switch between. They control when your cameras record, send alerts, or stay silent. Without modes, your Arlo system would either be always on (draining batteries and storage) or always off (defeating the purpose). Modes are the brain of your security setup.

What Are Arlo Modes, and Why Do They Matter?

Arlo offers three default modes: Armed, Disarmed, and Schedule. Here’s how they work:

• Armed: Cameras actively detect motion, record, and send alerts. This is your “always-on” mode for when you’re away.
• Disarmed: Cameras are inactive. No motion detection, no alerts. Perfect for when you’re home and don’t need notifications.
• Schedule: Cameras follow a set timetable (e.g., armed from 9 PM to 7 AM). Great for routine-based security.

But here’s the thing: these modes apply to all your cameras at once. If you arm the system, both your front and side cameras go live. That’s fine for basic use, but what if you want different behaviors? For example, maybe you want your driveway camera to record 24/7 but only arm the front camera when you leave. That’s where custom modes and linking come in.

How Modes Impact Camera Coordination

Think of modes as a conductor in an orchestra. When the conductor raises the baton, all musicians (cameras) start playing (recording). But if you want the violin (front camera) to play a solo while the cello (side camera) waits, you need a more nuanced approach. Arlo’s default modes don’t let you assign different behaviors to individual cameras. This is why many users feel limited—until they discover custom modes and automation.

Real-world example: A friend of mine, Sarah, had two Arlo Pro 4 cameras. She wanted her backyard camera to stay armed at night (for wildlife monitoring) but only arm the front camera when she left home. The default “Armed” mode forced both to activate simultaneously. Her solution? Custom modes and geofencing (more on that later).

Can You Link Two Arlo Cameras? Exploring the Options

Now, the big question: Can you create a mode linking two Arlo cameras? The short answer is yes, but not directly through a single “link” button. Arlo doesn’t have a built-in “camera linking” feature, but you can achieve seamless coordination using three key tools: custom modes, rules, and third-party automation. Let’s break them down.

Option 1: Custom Modes (Arlo’s Built-In Solution)

Arlo lets you create custom modes with different settings for each camera. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Open the Arlo app, go to Settings > Modes & Rules.
• Step 2: Tap “+ Add Mode” and name it (e.g., “Linked Security”).
• Step 3: Assign actions to each camera. For example:
  • Front Camera: “Record and notify” when motion is detected.
  • Side Camera: “Record only” (no alerts) to avoid redundancy.
• Step 4: Activate the mode manually or via schedule.

Pro tip: Use descriptive names like “Night Patrol” or “Away Mode” to avoid confusion. I once named a mode “Cameras On” and accidentally activated it during a backyard BBQ—cue 30 alerts from neighbors walking by!

Option 2: Rules (For Conditional Linking)

Rules let you set conditions for camera actions. For example:

• Rule 1: “If the front camera detects motion, turn on the side camera’s spotlight.”
• Rule 2: “If the side camera records a vehicle, send a high-priority alert to my phone.”

To create rules:

1. Go to Settings > Modes & Rules > Rules.
2. Tap “+ Add Rule” and set the trigger (e.g., motion on Camera A).
3. Choose the action (e.g., turn on spotlight on Camera B).
4. Save and test.

Why this works: Rules create a cause-and-effect relationship between cameras. It’s not “linking” in the traditional sense, but it achieves the same goal: coordinated responses.

Option 3: Third-Party Automation (IFTTT and SmartThings)

For advanced users, platforms like IFTTT (If This Then That) or Samsung SmartThings offer deeper integration. Here’s an example using IFTTT:

• Applet: “If Arlo Camera A detects motion, then turn on Arlo Camera B’s siren.”
• Benefit: You can link cameras to other smart devices (e.g., turn on Philips Hue lights when motion is detected).

Note: IFTTT requires an Arlo Smart subscription (more on costs later). Also, there’s a slight delay (usually 10-30 seconds), which might matter for fast-moving threats.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Linked Mode for Two Arlo Cameras

Let’s walk through a practical example: creating a “Linked Patrol” mode where your front camera triggers the side camera when motion is detected. This is ideal for homes with blind spots or long driveways.

Step 1: Set Up Your Cameras

Before anything, ensure both cameras are:

• Properly mounted and angled (overlapping coverage is key).
• Connected to the same Arlo account (no cross-account linking).
• Updated to the latest firmware (check in Settings > Camera Settings > Firmware).

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app’s “View Live” feature to test camera overlap. If the front camera sees the sidewalk, but the side camera sees the driveway, you’ll want them to trigger each other when someone walks from one to the other.

Step 2: Create a Custom Mode

Follow these steps in the Arlo app:

1. Tap Settings > Modes & Rules > + Add Mode.
2. Name it “Linked Patrol” (or your preferred name).
3. Under “Cameras,” assign actions:
   • Front Camera: “Record and notify” + “Turn on spotlight” (if equipped).
   • Side Camera: “Record only” (to avoid duplicate alerts).
4. Save the mode.

Step 3: Add a Rule for Coordination

Now, create a rule to link the cameras:

1. Go to Settings > Modes & Rules > Rules > + Add Rule.
2. Name it “Front to Side Trigger.”
3. Set the trigger: “When motion is detected on Front Camera.”
4. Set the action: “Turn on spotlight on Side Camera” (or “Send alert” if no spotlight).
5. Save the rule.

Step 4: Test the Setup

Here’s where many people skip a crucial step: testing. Try this:

• Activate “Linked Patrol” mode.
• Walk in front of the front camera (trigger motion).
• Check if the side camera’s spotlight turns on (or if you get a secondary alert).
• Review recordings to ensure both cameras captured the event.

Common issues: If the side camera doesn’t respond, check:

• Is the rule enabled? (Rules can be accidentally disabled.)
• Are the cameras on the same Wi-Fi network? (Poor signal can delay triggers.)
• Is the side camera in “Disarmed” mode? (Rules won’t work if the camera is off.)

Advanced Tricks: Taking Linked Cameras to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques for a truly seamless security system.

Geofencing: Link Cameras to Your Location

Geofencing uses your phone’s location to automate modes. For example:

• When you leave home, Arlo switches to “Away Mode” (arming all cameras).
• When you return, it switches to “Home Mode” (disarming front cameras but keeping side cameras armed).

To set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Modes & Rules > Geofencing.
2. Enable geofencing and set your home location.
3. Assign actions for “Arriving” and “Leaving” (e.g., “Leave: Activate Linked Patrol”).

Why it’s great: No more forgetting to arm your cameras when you leave. My neighbor, Mark, used geofencing to catch a package thief—his cameras armed the moment he left, capturing the culprit on both front and side cameras.

Activity Zones: Reduce False Alerts

Activity zones let you define “hot spots” for motion detection. For example:

• Front Camera: Only detect motion on the front porch (ignore sidewalk traffic).
• Side Camera: Only detect motion near the driveway (ignore trees swaying).

This reduces false alerts and makes linked triggers more accurate. To set it up:

1. Tap a camera in the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > Activity Zones.
3. Draw zones on the camera’s live view.

Multi-Camera Playback: Review Linked Events

Arlo’s multi-camera playback lets you watch recordings from multiple cameras simultaneously. To use it:

1. Open the Arlo app, tap “Library.”
2. Select “Multi-Camera Playback.”
3. Choose the cameras and time range.

Pro tip: This is invaluable for reviewing linked events. I once used it to prove to my HOA that a neighbor’s dog (not mine) was digging in their yard—both cameras caught the action from different angles.

Costs, Limitations, and What Arlo Doesn’t Tell You

Let’s be honest: linking Arlo cameras isn’t free or foolproof. Here’s what you need to know.

Subscription Costs for Advanced Features

Some linking features require an Arlo Smart subscription. Here’s the breakdown:

Feature	Free Plan	Arlo Smart Plan	Cost (Monthly)
Custom Modes	Yes	Yes	$0
Rules	Limited (1 rule)	Unlimited	$2.99-$9.99
Activity Zones	No	Yes	$2.99-$9.99
IFTTT Integration	No	Yes	$2.99-$9.99
Multi-Camera Playback	No	Yes	$2.99-$9.99

Note: The free plan is sufficient for basic linking (custom modes + 1 rule), but advanced features like IFTTT or multi-camera playback require a subscription.

Limitations and Workarounds

Arlo has some quirks:

• No “Camera-to-Camera” Triggers: Arlo doesn’t let one camera directly trigger another’s recording. Workaround: Use rules to turn on spotlights or send alerts.
• Wi-Fi Dependency: Poor signal can delay linked actions. Workaround: Use an Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi extender.
• Battery Drain: Constantly linked cameras drain batteries faster. Workaround: Use schedules to limit active hours.

Real talk: I once spent hours troubleshooting a “linked” setup where the side camera wasn’t responding. Turns out, its battery was at 5%—the motion detection was so slow it missed the trigger. Always check battery levels!

Conclusion: Building a Truly Seamless Security System

So, can you create a mode linking two Arlo cameras? Absolutely. While Arlo doesn’t offer a one-click “link” feature, the combination of custom modes, rules, and automation tools lets you achieve seamless coordination. It’s not magic—it’s smart settings, a little patience, and testing.

Think of your Arlo cameras as teammates. With the right setup, they can cover each other’s blind spots, respond to threats together, and give you a complete picture of what’s happening at home. Whether you’re using geofencing to arm cameras when you leave or activity zones to reduce false alerts, the goal is the same: peace of mind.

Here’s my final tip: Start small. Create one linked mode, test it thoroughly, then add complexity. And remember—security isn’t about perfection. It’s about making it harder for threats to succeed. With linked Arlo cameras, you’re not just watching your home. You’re protecting it, one synchronized alert at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you create a mode linking two Arlo cameras for synchronized recording?

Yes, you can create a mode linking two Arlo cameras using the “Rules” feature in the Arlo app. This allows both cameras to trigger recording simultaneously when motion is detected by either device, ensuring seamless coverage.

How do I set up automation to link two Arlo cameras?

In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Modes and create a custom mode with rules to activate both cameras. Use the “When this happens” option to link their motion sensors, creating a unified security response.

Is it possible to link Arlo cameras from different locations?

Yes, you can link two Arlo cameras in different locations if they’re on the same Arlo account. The app treats them as part of one ecosystem, enabling cross-location automation via modes and rules.

Can I create a mode linking two Arlo cameras for 24/7 monitoring?

While Arlo cameras primarily use motion-based triggers, you can set up a mode linking two Arlo cameras to stream continuously via the “Always On” feature (if supported by your plan and device). This ensures no blind spots during monitoring.

Will linking two Arlo cameras increase false alerts?

Linking cameras may increase alerts, but you can reduce false triggers by customizing motion zones and sensitivity settings for each camera. The Arlo app also offers AI-based person/package detection to filter irrelevant motion.

Do I need a subscription to link two Arlo cameras in a mode?

Basic mode linking works without a subscription, but advanced features like cloud recording, AI detection, and extended video history require an Arlo Secure subscription. Check your plan for specific capabilities.