How to Connect Arlo Camera to New Network Easily

Yes, you can easily connect your Arlo camera to a new network by using the Arlo app to remove the old network and reconfigure the camera with your updated Wi-Fi credentials. Ensure your camera is powered and in pairing mode to streamline the reconnection process and restore full functionality in minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Power cycle first: Restart your Arlo camera before attempting network setup.
• Use Arlo app: Always configure via the official app for seamless pairing.
• Check Wi-Fi strength: Ensure 2.4 GHz band and strong signal during setup.
• Reset if needed: Hold sync button 10+ seconds to reset network settings.
• Verify credentials: Double-check network name and password for accuracy.
• Update firmware: Install latest updates for optimal network compatibility.

Why You Might Need to Connect Your Arlo Camera to a New Network

Imagine this: You’ve just moved into your dream home, excited to set up your Arlo camera system for peace of mind. Or perhaps your internet provider upgraded your router, and suddenly your cameras won’t connect. Maybe your Wi-Fi signal isn’t reaching certain corners of your house, and you need to switch to a mesh network. Whatever the reason, connecting your Arlo camera to a new network is a common challenge many users face.

When your Arlo cameras disconnect from their original network, it can feel like losing a trusted security companion. I remember when I upgraded my router last year – my backyard camera suddenly went offline, and I panicked thinking someone had tampered with it. Turns out, it was just a simple network change. The good news? Reconnecting your Arlo cameras is easier than you might think. With the right steps, you can have your security system up and running on a new network in no time.

Preparing for the Network Switch: What You’ll Need

Before diving into the reconnection process, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Preparation is key to avoiding frustration halfway through.

Essential Tools and Information

• Your new network details: SSID (network name) and password. Pro tip: Write these down before starting. I once tried to reconnect while my partner was changing the password, and it led to 20 minutes of confusion.
• A smartphone or tablet: The Arlo app is your control center for this process.
• Your Arlo account credentials: You’ll need these to access your cameras.
• Physical access to your cameras: For some models, you’ll need to press the sync button.
• Your Arlo base station (if applicable): Wired systems require this as the middleman between cameras and network.

Checking Compatibility

Not all Arlo cameras work with every network type. Before starting, verify that your new network meets these requirements:

• 2.4 GHz network (most Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz)
• WPA/WPA2 security (avoid WEP if possible)
• Stable signal strength where cameras are located

For example, my Arlo Pro 2 cameras work perfectly on my mesh network’s 2.4 GHz band, but I had to create a separate network name just for them since the 5 GHz band isn’t compatible.

Backing Up Your Settings

Before making changes, take a moment to note your current camera settings:

• Motion detection zones
• Recording schedules
• Alert preferences

Why? Because reconnecting might reset some of these settings, and it’s easier to restore them if you have a record. I learned this the hard way when my front porch camera stopped recording at night after a network switch – I had forgotten to re-enable the schedule.

Step-by-Step: Connecting Different Arlo Camera Types to a New Network

Now for the main event! The exact steps vary slightly depending on your Arlo camera model. Let’s break it down by the most common scenarios.

Wire-Free Arlo Cameras (Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential)

These are the most common models, and the process is refreshingly simple:

1. Open the Arlo app and log into your account
2. Navigate to “Settings” > “My Devices” and select the camera you want to reconnect
3. Tap “Remove Device” (don’t worry – this just removes it from the current network, not your account)
4. Go back to the home screen and tap the “+” icon to add a new device
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to sync your camera
6. When prompted, enter your new network’s SSID and password
7. Wait for the confirmation that the camera is connected (usually takes 1-2 minutes)

Personal tip: If your camera has a QR code, use the app’s QR scanner for faster setup. My Arlo Pro 3 cameras have this feature, and it cuts the setup time in half.

Wired Arlo Cameras with Base Station (Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra 2)

If you’re using a base station, the process is slightly different since the base station handles the network connection:

1. First, connect your base station to the new network using an Ethernet cable (recommended for stability)
2. Power on the base station and wait for it to fully boot up (solid blue LED)
3. In the Arlo app, go to “Settings” > “My Devices” > select your base station
4. Tap “Network” > “Wi-Fi Settings” and enter your new network details
5. The base station will reconnect to the new network
6. Once connected, your cameras should automatically reconnect within 5-10 minutes

Important: If cameras don’t reconnect automatically, you may need to re-sync them. Press and hold the sync button on the base station, then press the sync button on each camera for 2 seconds.

Arlo Doorbells and Security Lights

These devices follow a similar process to wire-free cameras but have some unique considerations:

• For Arlo Video Doorbell: The app will guide you through Wi-Fi setup during the “add device” process
• For wired doorbells: Ensure your transformer meets the power requirements (16-24V AC) before connecting to the new network
• Security lights: These often need to be reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds before they’ll accept new network settings

My Arlo Video Doorbell took three attempts to connect to my new network – the key was standing right next to the router during setup for the strongest signal possible.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

Even with perfect preparation, things can go wrong. Here’s how to handle the most frequent issues users encounter when connecting Arlo cameras to a new network.

Camera Shows “Offline” After Setup

This is the most common frustration. Try these steps in order:

1. Check the basics: Is the camera charged? Is the base station (if used) powered on and connected?
2. Verify network settings: Double-check the SSID and password in the app. Remember that these are case-sensitive.
3. Restart everything: Power cycle the camera (remove and reinsert batteries), restart the base station (if used), and reboot your router.
4. Move closer to the router: During setup, place the camera within 10 feet of your router for the strongest signal.

When my Arlo Ultra refused to connect, it was because I had accidentally enabled “Guest Mode” on my router – the camera couldn’t authenticate. Disabling Guest Mode solved the problem instantly.

Slow or Unstable Connection

If your camera connects but has poor performance, consider these factors:

• Network congestion: Too many devices can slow down your Wi-Fi. My neighbor’s baby monitor was interfering with my Arlo signal until I changed my router’s channel.
• Signal strength: Check the signal bars in the Arlo app. If you see one or two bars, try relocating the camera or adding a Wi-Fi extender.
• Router compatibility: Some older routers have trouble with Arlo’s communication protocol. A simple firmware update on my router fixed this issue.

Authentication Errors

These typically show as “Invalid password” or “Authentication failed” messages. Solutions include:

1. Ensure you’re using the correct password (try logging in on another device first)
2. Temporarily disable advanced security features like MAC filtering
3. Change your network’s security type to WPA2-PSK (AES) if possible
4. For enterprise networks: Arlo cameras typically don’t support WPA2-Enterprise

Pro tip: If you’re using a password with special characters, try creating a simpler temporary password for setup, then change it afterward.

Optimizing Your Network for Arlo Cameras

Connecting to a new network isn’t just about making it work – it’s about making it work well. Here’s how to optimize your setup for the best performance.

Router Placement and Wi-Fi Coverage

Your router’s location is crucial for camera performance:

• Place the router centrally in your home for even coverage
• Elevate the router (on a shelf or table) to improve signal spread
• Keep it away from metal objects, microwaves, and cordless phones
• Consider Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks for large homes

When I installed Arlo cameras in my two-story home, I added a Wi-Fi extender on the second floor. The difference was night and day – my upstairs cameras went from intermittent to rock-solid.

Network Bandwidth Management

Arlo cameras can be bandwidth hogs, especially in 4K. Here’s how to manage it:

• Set lower resolution for cameras with lower priority (like the backyard)
• Adjust motion detection sensitivity to reduce unnecessary recordings
• Use activity zones to focus on important areas
• Schedule recordings during peak hours if you have bandwidth limits

My internet provider has a 1TB monthly cap, so I configured my Arlo Ultra cameras to record in 1080p (instead of 4K) during the day and switch to 720p at night.

Creating a Dedicated Arlo Network

For optimal performance, consider setting up a separate 2.4 GHz network just for your Arlo cameras:

1. Log into your router settings (usually 192.168.1.1)
2. Create a new SSID with a distinct name (like “Home_Arlo”)
3. Set security to WPA2-PSK (AES)
4. Connect your Arlo cameras to this network

This approach has several benefits:

• Reduces congestion on your main network
• Prevents cameras from interfering with other devices
• Makes it easier to troubleshoot camera-specific issues

Advanced Tips and Data for Power Users

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these advanced techniques can take your Arlo network integration to the next level.

Network Requirements by Camera Model

Different Arlo cameras have varying network demands. Here’s a quick reference table:

Camera Model	Minimum Upload Speed	Recommended Bandwidth	Wi-Fi Frequency	Special Notes
Arlo Essential	2 Mbps	3 Mbps	2.4 GHz	Works with most modern routers
Arlo Pro 2	2 Mbps	4 Mbps	2.4 GHz	Supports up to 5 cameras per base station
Arlo Pro 3	3 Mbps	5 Mbps	2.4 GHz	Requires base station for optimal performance
Arlo Ultra	4 Mbps	6 Mbps	2.4 GHz	4K streaming demands more bandwidth
Arlo Video Doorbell	2 Mbps	3 Mbps	2.4 GHz	Wired version requires constant power

Using Quality of Service (QoS) Settings

Most modern routers support QoS, which prioritizes certain types of traffic. To set this up:

1. Log into your router settings
2. Find the QoS or Traffic Management section
3. Add your Arlo cameras to the high-priority list
4. Save and reboot your router

This ensures your cameras get the bandwidth they need, even when other devices are downloading large files or streaming video. I enabled QoS when I started working from home, and my video calls are now much smoother without affecting camera performance.

Network Security Considerations

When adding cameras to your network, security becomes even more critical:

• Change your router’s default admin password
• Enable automatic firmware updates for your router
• Consider setting up a guest network for visitors (keeps cameras on your main network)
• Regularly check for firmware updates on your Arlo devices

My home was once targeted by hackers, and I discovered they had accessed my network through an unsecured smart device. Since then, I’ve been vigilant about router security, and my Arlo cameras have remained safe.

Maintaining Your Arlo Network Connection Long-Term

Connecting your Arlo cameras to a new network is just the beginning. To keep everything running smoothly, consider these ongoing maintenance tips.

Regular Network Checkups

Set a quarterly reminder to:

• Check signal strength for each camera in the Arlo app
• Update router and camera firmware
• Review and optimize recording schedules
• Verify all cameras are still properly connected

I do this every three months, and it’s prevented more than one potential issue from becoming a real problem.

Adapting to Network Changes

Your network needs may evolve over time:

• If you add smart home devices, you may need a more powerful router
• Moving to a larger home might require additional Wi-Fi extenders
• New camera models may have different network requirements

When I added a home office with multiple devices, I upgraded to a mesh network system. My Arlo cameras transitioned seamlessly, but I did need to reconfigure some settings for optimal performance.

When to Consider Professional Help

Some situations might require expert assistance:

• Persistent connection issues after trying all troubleshooting steps
• Large property installations with multiple cameras
• Business or commercial applications with complex security needs

For my small business, I hired a local IT professional to set up a dedicated network for our Arlo cameras. It was worth every penny for the peace of mind and optimal performance.

Connecting your Arlo camera to a new network doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, step-by-step guidance, and troubleshooting know-how, you can have your security system up and running on a new network in no time. The key is patience and methodical troubleshooting when issues arise. Remember that network environments change – what works today might need adjustment tomorrow, and that’s completely normal.

Whether you’re moving to a new home, upgrading your internet service, or simply optimizing your smart home setup, your Arlo cameras can adapt with the right approach. I’ve gone through this process multiple times with different models and network configurations, and each time it gets easier. The peace of mind that comes from a properly connected security system is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect my Arlo camera to a new network?

To connect your Arlo camera to a new network, open the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices, select your camera, and tap “Change Network.” Follow the in-app instructions to reconnect it to the updated Wi-Fi. Ensure the camera is powered and within range of the new network.

Can I connect my Arlo camera to a new router without resetting it?

Yes, you can connect your Arlo camera to a new router without a full reset by using the “Change Network” option in the Arlo app. This method preserves your camera settings while updating the Wi-Fi connection.

Why won’t my Arlo camera connect to the new network?

If your Arlo camera won’t connect to the new network, ensure the Wi-Fi password is correct and the signal is strong. Restart the camera and router, then retry the setup process in the Arlo app.

How do I reconnect my Arlo camera to Wi-Fi after moving?

After moving, reconnect your Arlo camera to Wi-Fi by selecting “Change Network” in the Arlo app and following the prompts. Make sure the new network is 2.4GHz (Arlo doesn’t support 5GHz).

Do I need to remove my Arlo camera to connect it to a new network?

No, you don’t need to remove your Arlo camera from the app to connect it to a new network. Simply use the “Change Network” feature under device settings to update the connection seamlessly.

What’s the easiest way to connect an Arlo camera to a new network?

The easiest way to connect an Arlo camera to a new network is via the Arlo app’s guided setup. Just navigate to your camera’s settings, select “Change Network,” and follow the steps to complete the process.