Do Arlo Pro Cameras Need WiFi Find Out Here

Arlo Pro cameras do not require a constant WiFi connection to record and store footage locally, thanks to their built-in microSD card slot and base station storage. However, WiFi is essential for real-time alerts, live streaming, and remote access via the Arlo app, making it crucial for full functionality. For reliable security monitoring, a stable WiFi connection is highly recommended despite local recording options.

Key Takeaways

• WiFi is essential for live streaming and cloud storage on Arlo Pro cameras.
• Local storage works offline using a microSD card or base station.
• Motion alerts require WiFi to send real-time notifications to your phone.
• No WiFi? Use LTE backup with an Arlo SmartHub for connectivity.
• Optimize signal strength by placing the camera within 300 feet of the router.
• WiFi 6 compatible for faster, more reliable performance with newer routers.

Do Arlo Pro Cameras Need WiFi? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo Pro camera system, feeling proud of your home security upgrade. You’ve got cameras at the front door, back yard, and garage—all set up and ready to go. Then, out of nowhere, the power goes out. Or worse, your WiFi drops. Panic sets in. Will my cameras stop working? Do Arlo Pro cameras need WiFi to function?

If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and renters invest in smart security systems like Arlo Pro, assuming they’ll work no matter what. But the truth is a bit more nuanced. WiFi plays a big role—but it’s not the only factor. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how Arlo Pro cameras use WiFi, when they don’t need it, and what happens when your internet goes down. We’ll also cover practical tips to keep your cameras working smoothly, even when the network isn’t cooperating. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s get to the bottom of it.

How Arlo Pro Cameras Work: The Basics

Wireless Design with a Twist

Arlo Pro cameras are wireless in the sense that they don’t need to be plugged into your router or a wall jack for internet access. Instead, they connect to a central hub—the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. This base station plugs into your router via an Ethernet cable and acts as a bridge between your cameras and your home WiFi network. So while the cameras themselves don’t plug into WiFi directly, they do rely on the base station, which is connected to your internet.

Think of it like a relay race. The camera (the runner) hands the baton (your video feed) to the base station (the teammate), who then sends it to your router and the cloud. This design has pros and cons:

• Pros: Cameras can be placed far from the router without signal loss. They use a more stable 2.4 GHz connection between camera and base station.
• Cons: If the base station loses power or internet, your cameras lose cloud access—even if they’re still recording locally.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: What’s the Difference?

This is where things get interesting. Arlo Pro cameras support both local storage (via microSD card in the base station) and cloud storage (via Arlo’s subscription service). Here’s how it breaks down:

• Cloud Storage: Requires a constant WiFi/internet connection. Your footage is uploaded to Arlo’s servers. You can access it from anywhere using the Arlo app. This is the default and most convenient option.
• Local Storage: If you insert a microSD card into the base station, your cameras can record directly to it—even without internet. But you’ll need to physically access the base station to retrieve the footage. No remote viewing.

So, to answer the big question: Do Arlo Pro cameras need WiFi? The short answer is yes, for full functionality. But if you’re okay with offline recording and local access only, you can go without internet—for a while.

What Happens When Your WiFi Goes Down?

Short-Term Outages: Cameras Keep Rolling (Sort Of)

Let’s say your internet drops for 10 minutes due to a storm or ISP glitch. Here’s what happens:

• Your Arlo Pro cameras keep recording motion events and storing them locally (if you have a microSD card).
• They won’t upload to the cloud, so you can’t view live streams or get push notifications.
• Once your WiFi returns, the base station reconnects and uploads the stored clips to the cloud (if within the 7-day free window or your subscription plan).

I experienced this last winter. A power surge took out my router for about 20 minutes. When I checked the Arlo app, I saw a “No Connection” warning. But when the internet came back, all my motion clips from that time appeared—like nothing happened. It was a relief, but it also taught me that without local storage, I would’ve lost those clips entirely.

Long-Term Outages: The Limits of Offline Mode

If your WiFi is down for hours or days, things get trickier:

• No remote access: You can’t check live feeds, arm/disarm cameras, or receive alerts.
• Local storage fills up: Most microSD cards are 32GB or 64GB. Depending on how many cameras you have and how often they trigger, the card can fill in a few days.
• No cloud backups: If your base station gets damaged (fire, flood, theft), your local footage is gone unless you manually back it up.

Here’s a real-world example: A friend of mine had a week-long internet outage due to a fiber cut. She had local storage set up, but her 64GB card filled up after 4 days. After that, her cameras stopped recording. She missed a package theft because the card was full. Lesson learned: local storage is a backup, not a replacement for cloud.

Pro Tip: Use Arlo’s “Offline Mode” Wisely

Arlo’s app has an “Offline Mode” feature that lets you view and manage cameras if they’re connected to the base station but the base station has no internet. It’s useful for:

• Checking camera status (battery, signal strength).
• Manually triggering recordings (if supported).
• Reviewing local footage (if you’re on the same local network).

But remember: You can’t access this from outside your home. You must be on the same WiFi network as the base station.

Can You Use Arlo Pro Cameras Without WiFi? Yes, But…

Scenario 1: Purely Local Surveillance

Yes, you can use Arlo Pro cameras without WiFi. Here’s how:

1. Set up the base station and connect it to power (no Ethernet cable needed).
2. Insert a microSD card into the base station.
3. Pair your cameras to the base station (they use a direct wireless connection, not WiFi).
4. Cameras will record to the card whenever motion is detected.

This setup is great if:

• You’re in a remote area with no reliable internet.
• You’re concerned about privacy and don’t want cloud storage.
• You only need to check footage occasionally (e.g., a cabin or shed).

Downsides: No remote access, no alerts, no smart home integrations (like Alexa or Google Assistant), and no automatic backups.

Scenario 2: Hybrid Approach (Best of Both Worlds)

My personal favorite: Use both local and cloud storage. Here’s why:

• Redundancy: If one fails (e.g., cloud outage or card failure), you have a backup.
• Flexibility: You get remote access when internet works and local recordings when it doesn’t.
• Peace of mind: Even during long outages, you’ll have at least some footage.

How to set it up:

1. Subscribe to an Arlo Secure plan (cloud storage).
2. Insert a microSD card into the base station.
3. In the Arlo app, enable both “Cloud Recording” and “Local Recording.”

I’ve been using this hybrid method for over a year. Last summer, my internet was down for 3 days. I lost live access, but all my clips were safely stored on the microSD card. When the internet came back, the cloud uploaded them automatically. Best of both worlds!

Important Note: Not All Arlo Pro Models Are Equal

While most Arlo Pro cameras (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4) support local storage, older models like the original Arlo Pro do not have microSD support. So if you’re using an older model, your only offline option is to keep your WiFi stable—or consider upgrading.

WiFi Requirements: Speed, Stability, and Placement

Minimum Internet Speed

Arlo doesn’t require blazing-fast internet, but it does need consistency. Here are the official recommendations:

• Upload Speed: At least 2 Mbps (megabits per second) for one camera. Add 1 Mbps for each additional camera.
• Download Speed: 5 Mbps or higher (for smooth live streaming).

For example, if you have 4 Arlo Pro cameras, you’ll need at least 5 Mbps upload (2 + 1×3) and 5 Mbps download. Most modern home internet plans (cable, fiber) meet this easily. But if you’re on a slow DSL line or rural satellite, you might struggle.

Base Station Placement: The Key to Reliable Connection

The base station is the heart of your system. Place it:

• Close to your router (to minimize Ethernet cable length).
• Centrally located in your home (for best camera signal coverage).
• Away from thick walls, metal objects, or appliances (microwaves, baby monitors) that can cause interference.

I made the mistake of putting my base station in the basement (where the router is). The signal to my backyard camera was weak, and clips often failed to upload. Moving the base station to a first-floor closet fixed the issue instantly.

WiFi Extenders and Mesh Networks

If your home has dead zones, consider:

• WiFi Extenders: Boost your existing signal. Place them halfway between the router and base station.
• Mesh Networks (e.g., Google Nest Wifi, Eero): Create a seamless, whole-home network. The base station connects to the mesh node, not the main router.

Tip: Use a wired Ethernet connection for the base station whenever possible. It’s more stable than WiFi and frees up bandwidth.

Comparing Arlo Pro to Other Cameras: WiFi Needs

Arlo Pro vs. Ring Spotlight Cam Wired

Ring cameras connect directly to WiFi—no base station. This means:

• Pros: Simpler setup, no extra hardware, often cheaper.
• Cons: Each camera competes for WiFi bandwidth. If your internet drops, all Ring cameras stop recording (unless you use Ring Edge with local storage).

Arlo’s base station approach is more scalable for multiple cameras but adds complexity.

Arlo Pro vs. Wyze Cam v3

Wyze Cam is a budget favorite. It supports:

• MicroSD card (local storage)—like Arlo.
• Direct WiFi connection—no base station.

But Wyze lacks Arlo’s advanced features: 2K resolution, color night vision, and professional monitoring. And if your WiFi fails, Wyze cams stop recording—no cloud backup until internet returns.

Arlo Pro vs. Google Nest Cam (Wired)

Nest Cam requires a constant power source and WiFi. No local storage option. If your internet drops, you lose all functionality—no recordings, no alerts. Arlo’s hybrid approach is more resilient.

Data Table: WiFi and Storage Comparison

Camera Model	WiFi Required?	Local Storage?	Cloud Storage?	Offline Recording?
Arlo Pro 4	Yes (via base station)	Yes (microSD)	Yes (Arlo Secure)	Yes (with card)
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired	Yes (direct)	Yes (with Ring Edge)	Yes (Ring Protect)	Limited
Wyze Cam v3	Yes (direct)	Yes (microSD)	Yes (Wyze Cam Plus)	Yes (with card)
Google Nest Cam (Wired)	Yes (direct)	No	Yes (Nest Aware)	No
Eufy SoloCam S40	No (LTE backup)	Yes (on-camera)	No	Yes (LTE or local)

Final Thoughts: Balancing WiFi and Flexibility

So, do Arlo Pro cameras need WiFi? The honest answer is: it depends on what you want them to do.

If you want full functionality—live streaming, remote access, alerts, cloud backups, and smart home integrations—then yes, you need a stable WiFi connection. The base station must be online, and your internet should be reliable. Think of WiFi as the lifeline that keeps your security system connected to the world.

But if you’re willing to sacrifice remote access and alerts, Arlo Pro cameras can work without WiFi. With a microSD card, they’ll keep recording locally. This is perfect for:

• Off-grid properties.
• Privacy-focused users who don’t trust the cloud.
• Backup systems for when your internet fails.

The best approach? Use both. Subscribe to Arlo Secure for cloud storage, add a microSD card for local backups, and place your base station wisely. That way, you’re covered no matter what happens.

I’ve been through storms, power outages, and internet blackouts—and my Arlo Pro system has never let me down. Not because it’s perfect, but because I planned for the worst. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned DIYer, remember: smart security isn’t just about buying the right gear. It’s about understanding how it works—and preparing for the unexpected.

So go ahead. Set up your Arlo Pro cameras with confidence. Use WiFi when you can, and local storage when you can’t. And sleep easy knowing your home is protected—online or offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo Pro cameras need WiFi to function?

Yes, Arlo Pro cameras require a WiFi connection (2.4GHz) to stream live footage, send alerts, and sync with the Arlo app. However, they can temporarily store recordings locally if the internet drops, but cloud features won’t work until connectivity resumes.

Can Arlo Pro cameras work without WiFi using local storage?

Arlo Pro cameras can record to a microSD card or base station without constant WiFi, but you’ll lose remote access, motion alerts, and cloud backup. WiFi is still needed for full functionality, including the Arlo app features.

What happens if my Arlo Pro camera loses WiFi?

If your Arlo Pro camera loses WiFi, it will continue recording to local storage (if enabled) but won’t upload clips to the cloud or send notifications. Reconnecting WiFi restores all smart features automatically.

Is a strong WiFi signal necessary for Arlo Pro cameras?

A stable 2.4GHz WiFi connection is essential for smooth streaming and reliable alerts. Weak signals may cause lag, disconnections, or delayed notifications, so place cameras within range of your router.

Can I use Arlo Pro cameras with mobile hotspot WiFi?

Yes, Arlo Pro cameras can connect to a mobile hotspot WiFi, but ensure it’s a 2.4GHz network with sufficient bandwidth. Data usage may be high for continuous streaming, so monitor your plan limits.

Do Arlo Pro cameras need WiFi for motion detection?

Motion detection works offline using the camera’s built-in sensors, but WiFi is required to receive real-time alerts and sync events to the cloud. Without WiFi, you’ll only see recordings when reviewing local storage.