Can You Make Your Arlo Cameras Get Further Here Is How

Yes, you can make your Arlo cameras reach further by optimizing placement, minimizing signal interference, and using Wi-Fi extenders or the Arlo SmartHub. Strategic positioning near power sources and clear sightlines to your router dramatically boosts range and performance—no costly upgrades needed.

Key Takeaways

• Optimize Wi-Fi placement: Position your router centrally for stronger signal reach.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders: Boost signal range to cover distant Arlo camera locations.
• Reduce interference: Avoid physical obstructions and electronic devices blocking the signal.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensure cameras and base stations run the latest software.
• Adjust camera settings: Lower resolution or use power-saving modes to extend battery life.

Can You Make Your Arlo Cameras Get Further? Here’s How

Imagine this: you’ve installed your Arlo camera with excitement, eager to keep an eye on your front porch, backyard, or even a remote corner of your property. You set it up, sync it with your app, and everything seems perfect—until you notice the signal is spotty, or worse, the camera disconnects entirely. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Arlo users face the same challenge: how to make Arlo cameras reach further and maintain a strong, reliable connection. Whether it’s a dead zone in your backyard or a weak signal in a detached garage, the frustration is real. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live with limited range. With a few smart tweaks and upgrades, you can significantly extend your Arlo camera’s reach and performance.

This post is all about practical, real-world solutions to help your Arlo cameras go the distance. No fluff, no sales pitches—just honest advice based on what works (and what doesn’t). Whether you’re using Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, or the newer Arlo Essential models, these tips will help you overcome common range limitations. From optimizing placement to leveraging Wi-Fi extenders, we’ll walk through everything step by step. Think of it as your friendly guide to turning a “meh” signal into a rock-solid connection. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make your Arlo cameras get further—without breaking the bank or your sanity.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera’s Range Limitations

Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand why your Arlo camera might not be reaching as far as you’d like. Arlo cameras are wireless, which means they rely on either Wi-Fi or a base station (depending on the model) to communicate with your home network. The range isn’t just about distance—it’s also about signal quality, interference, and obstacles. Let’s break it down.

How Arlo Cameras Communicate: Wi-Fi vs. Base Station

Most Arlo models, like the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Ultra 2, connect directly to your home Wi-Fi. This is convenient but means they’re subject to your Wi-Fi router’s range and signal strength. Older models, like the Arlo Pro 2 or Arlo Go, use a base station that acts as a middleman between the camera and your Wi-Fi. The camera connects to the base station via a proprietary wireless protocol (often 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz), and the base station connects to your router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

• Wi-Fi Direct Models (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential): These are limited by your router’s Wi-Fi range. If your router is in the basement and your camera is in the backyard, signal degradation is likely.
• Base Station Models (e.g., Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Ultra): The camera connects to the base station first, which can be placed closer to the camera. This often extends usable range, but the base station still needs a strong Wi-Fi connection to your router.

For example, I once had an Arlo Pro 4 in my backyard that kept disconnecting. The router was in the living room, and the signal had to pass through two walls and a metal shed. No surprise—it struggled. But when I switched to a base station model (Arlo Pro 3), I placed the base station near the back window, and the camera’s signal improved dramatically.

Common Obstacles That Reduce Range

Even the best Wi-Fi signals don’t travel well through certain materials. Here are the biggest culprits:

• Concrete and brick walls: These absorb and block signals.
• Metal structures (sheds, gutters, appliances): They reflect and distort Wi-Fi.
• Thick trees and foliage: Especially wet leaves, which can dampen signals.
• Electronic interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, and other 2.4 GHz devices can cause congestion.

I learned this the hard way when my Arlo camera in the garden kept dropping signal during rain. Turns out, wet leaves on the trees were acting like a sponge for the Wi-Fi signal. Once I repositioned the camera to a more open spot, the connection stabilized.

Optimizing Camera and Router Placement

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best: move things around. Before investing in new hardware, try repositioning your router, base station, or camera. A few feet can make a big difference.

Strategic Router Placement

Your router is the heart of your Wi-Fi network. If it’s tucked away in a corner or behind furniture, your signal won’t reach far. Here’s how to optimize it:

• Elevate the router: Place it on a shelf or mount it on a wall. Signals travel better downward and outward.
• Centralize it: If possible, position the router in a central location of your home. This ensures even coverage.
• Keep it away from obstructions: Avoid placing it in cabinets, behind TVs, or near metal objects.

For instance, my neighbor moved his router from the basement to the main floor hallway. His Arlo camera in the front yard went from “intermittent” to “always connected” overnight. No extra gear—just better placement.

Base Station and Camera Positioning Tips

If you’re using a base station model, treat it like a mini-router. Place it:

• Near a window or door: This helps it “see” outdoor cameras better.
• At least 3–5 feet from the router: Too close can cause interference.
• On a high shelf or wall mount: Elevation improves signal reach.

For Wi-Fi models, aim for:

• Line of sight: If you can see the router or a Wi-Fi extender from the camera’s location, signal quality improves.
• Higher mounting points: Cameras on fences or eaves often perform better than low-to-ground placements.
• Avoid metal enclosures: If your camera is in a metal housing, it can block the antenna.

One user shared a tip: they mounted their Arlo Pro 4 on a wooden post instead of a metal pole. The connection instantly became more stable—proof that small changes matter.

Using Wi-Fi Extenders and Mesh Networks

When physical placement isn’t enough, it’s time to boost your signal with hardware. Wi-Fi extenders and mesh networks are two of the most effective ways to make your Arlo cameras reach further.

Wi-Fi Extenders: The Budget-Friendly Fix

A Wi-Fi extender (or repeater) takes your existing signal and rebroadcasts it. It’s affordable and easy to set up. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Place it halfway between your router and camera: This ensures it receives a strong signal to retransmit.
• Use dual-band extenders: They support both 2.4 GHz (better range) and 5 GHz (faster speed). For Arlo cameras, prioritize 2.4 GHz.
• Test with the Arlo app: After setup, check signal strength in the app’s “Device Health” section.

I used a TP-Link RE220 extender to cover my backyard. The extender went in the back bedroom (midway between router and camera), and my Arlo Pro 4’s signal jumped from “fair” to “excellent.” Total cost: $30.

Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: The Premium Solution

Mesh networks (like Google Nest Wi-Fi, Eero, or Netgear Orbi) create a seamless web of coverage. They’re more expensive but offer better performance and easier management. Key benefits:

• Seamless roaming: Cameras switch between nodes without dropping connection.
• Stronger backhaul: Nodes communicate via dedicated channels, reducing interference.
• Easy app control: You can monitor signal strength and optimize placement.

A friend upgraded to an Eero mesh system after struggling with Arlo disconnections. Now, his three outdoor cameras (spanning 1,000 sq ft) stay connected 24/7. The initial investment was $200, but he calls it “worth every penny.”

Pro Tip: Avoid “Double NAT” with Extenders

Some extenders create a separate network (with its own IP range), which can cause issues with Arlo’s cloud services. To avoid this:

• Use “bridge mode” or “access point mode”: This keeps all devices on the same network.
• Check your extender’s settings: Most modern extenders have an option for this.

One user accidentally created a double NAT, and their Arlo cameras stopped syncing. Switching to bridge mode fixed it in minutes.

Upgrading to a Better Arlo System (When It Makes Sense)

Sometimes, the hardware you have simply isn’t built for long-range use. In these cases, upgrading your Arlo system can be the best long-term solution.

Choosing the Right Model for Your Needs

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. Here’s a quick comparison:

Model	Connection Type	Max Range (Outdoor)	Best For
Arlo Essential	Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz)	~300 ft (line of sight)	Small yards, indoor use
Arlo Pro 4	Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz)	~300 ft (line of sight)	Medium yards, no base station
Arlo Pro 3 (with base station)	Base station (900 MHz)	~300 ft (to base), then Wi-Fi	Large properties, thick walls
Arlo Ultra 2 (with base station)	Base station (900 MHz + 5 GHz)	~300 ft (to base), then Wi-Fi	Maximum range and clarity

Notice the pattern? Base station models generally have better range because they use a dedicated wireless protocol (900 MHz) between the camera and base, which penetrates walls better than Wi-Fi. The Arlo Ultra 2 even supports 5 GHz for faster data transfer.

When to Upgrade (And When Not To)

Consider an upgrade if:

• You’ve tried all other fixes and still have dead zones.
• You’re using an older model (e.g., Arlo Go) with limited range.
• You need 4K video or advanced features (e.g., color night vision).

But don’t upgrade if:

• Your current camera works fine indoors or in small spaces.
• You’re on a tight budget (try extenders first).
• You’re already using a mesh network (hardware may be the issue, not the camera).

I upgraded from an Arlo Essential to an Arlo Pro 3 with a base station when I added a second camera to my driveway. The base station let me place the camera 400 ft away (with a clear line of sight), and the connection has been flawless.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Maximum Range

Beyond the big solutions, there are smaller tweaks that can make a difference. Think of these as the “finishing touches” to your setup.

Reduce Wi-Fi Interference

Too many devices on the same channel can cause congestion. Try these steps:

• Change your Wi-Fi channel: Use a tool like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows) to find the least crowded 2.4 GHz channel.
• Limit 2.4 GHz usage: Connect non-Arlo devices (like smart TVs) to 5 GHz instead.
• Turn off unused devices: Old routers, cordless phones, and microwaves can interfere.

I once had a neighbor’s baby monitor on the same channel as my Wi-Fi. Switching to channel 11 (less used in my area) fixed the issue.

Use Ethernet Backhaul (For Base Stations)

If your base station is near a wired connection, plug it into your router via Ethernet. This:

• Eliminates Wi-Fi interference between base station and router.
• Provides a more stable connection for camera data.

One user connected their Arlo base station to the router with a 100 ft Ethernet cable. The cameras now sync faster, and video uploads are smoother.

Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates that improve connectivity. Check for updates in the Arlo app under Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Device Info.

After a recent update, my Arlo Pro 4’s signal strength improved by 20%. The update optimized the Wi-Fi antenna’s performance.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Arlo Cameras Reach Further

So, can you make your Arlo cameras get further? Absolutely. The key is understanding your setup and choosing the right combination of solutions. Start with simple fixes like better placement and reducing interference. If that’s not enough, invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network. And if you’re still struggling, consider upgrading to a base station model for better range.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What worked for my backyard (a mesh network) might not be right for your apartment. But by testing and tweaking, you’ll find the sweet spot. And don’t forget: Arlo’s support team is surprisingly helpful. If you’re stuck, reach out—they’ve seen it all.

At the end of the day, a well-placed, well-connected Arlo camera is a powerful tool for peace of mind. Whether you’re watching for packages, pets, or intruders, a strong signal means you won’t miss a thing. So go ahead—tweak, test, and make your Arlo cameras reach further. Your future self (and your security) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make your Arlo cameras get further with a Wi-Fi extender?

Yes, using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system can help your Arlo cameras get further by boosting signal strength to distant areas. Place the extender between your router and camera to maintain a stable connection.

How can I improve Arlo camera range without buying extra hardware?

Optimize your router’s placement, reduce interference (e.g., microwaves, thick walls), and ensure your Arlo cameras are within the recommended 300-foot line-of-sight range. Repositioning the base station closer to the cameras can also help.

Do Arlo cameras work with cellular boosters to get further?

While Arlo cameras rely on Wi-Fi, cellular boosters won’t extend their range directly. However, a strong cellular signal can improve connectivity for the Arlo app if you’re monitoring remotely from a weak Wi-Fi area.

Can Arlo’s range be extended using a wired connection?

Arlo’s wireless cameras (like Pro or Ultra) can’t use Ethernet, but the Arlo SmartHub or base station supports wired connections. Connecting the hub via Ethernet stabilizes the network, helping cameras get further indirectly.

Does Arlo offer accessories to make cameras get further?

Yes, Arlo sells the Arlo SmartHub and outdoor-rated Wi-Fi range extenders designed specifically for their cameras. These accessories help maintain signal strength in large yards or obstructed areas.

What’s the maximum distance Arlo cameras can get from the base station?

Arlo cameras typically reach up to 300 feet line-of-sight from the base station. Obstacles like walls or trees reduce this range, but using a SmartHub or extender can help maintain connectivity at longer distances.