How Can I Using Arlo Add On Camera Boost Home Security

Maximize your home security effortlessly by integrating Arlo Add-On Cameras into your existing system to expand coverage and eliminate blind spots. With easy wireless setup, motion detection, and 24/7 cloud recording, these cameras deliver real-time alerts and crystal-clear footage for complete peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Expand coverage: Add Arlo cameras to blind spots for full home monitoring.
• Seamless integration: Sync new cameras with existing Arlo systems in minutes.
• Boost alerts: Customize motion zones to reduce false notifications effectively.
• Night vision: Use infrared or color night vision for 24/7 clarity.
• Cloud storage: Subscribe to Arlo Secure for recorded footage and smart alerts.
• Wire-free install: Mount easily with no drilling using rechargeable batteries.

Why Adding an Arlo Camera Might Be the Smartest Move You Make

Let’s be honest—feeling safe at home shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be a given. But with rising concerns about break-ins, package theft, and even just knowing who’s at the door while you’re out, many of us are rethinking how we protect our homes. I remember the day I came home to find my front porch empty—my brand-new laptop bag had been stolen right off the welcome mat. That moment was a wake-up call. I needed a better solution than just a “Beware of Dog” sign (which, by the way, I don’t even have a dog).

That’s when I started looking into smart security cameras, and Arlo quickly rose to the top. But here’s the thing: I already had a basic setup. I didn’t want to start over. I wanted to use Arlo add on camera devices to expand my existing system without breaking the bank or rewiring my entire house. And guess what? It worked better than I expected. Whether you’re upgrading from a single camera or building a full home surveillance network, Arlo’s add-on cameras offer flexibility, ease of use, and peace of mind—without the hassle of a full system overhaul.

Understanding Arlo Add-On Cameras: What They Are and How They Work

What Exactly Is an Arlo Add-On Camera?

An Arlo add-on camera is simply a standalone camera designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing Arlo security system. You don’t need to buy a whole new base station or hub—just plug the new camera into your current setup, and it syncs automatically. Think of it like adding a new player to your favorite sports team. The team already knows how to play; the new member just needs to learn the plays.

Arlo offers several models as add-ons, including the Arlo Pro 5S, Arlo Essential, Arlo Ultra 2, and Arlo Go 2 (for outdoor LTE use). Each has unique features, but they all share one thing: compatibility with the Arlo ecosystem. This means you can manage multiple cameras from a single app, view live feeds side by side, and get unified alerts—no matter how many cameras you add.

How the Integration Works: A Step-by-Step View

You might be wondering: “Is it really that easy to add another camera?” Yes—and here’s how:

• Step 1: Make sure your existing Arlo system is active and connected to Wi-Fi (or LTE, if using Arlo Go).
• Step 2: Unbox your new Arlo add-on camera and charge it fully (battery-powered models) or plug it in (wired models).
• Step 3: Open the Arlo app, go to Devices, and tap “Add Device.”
• Step 4: Scan the QR code on the camera or follow the on-screen pairing instructions.
• Step 5: Name your camera (e.g., “Backyard” or “Driveway”) and assign it to a location group.

Within minutes, your new camera is live, recording, and sending alerts to your phone. No IT degree required.

Real-World Example: My Garage Door Incident

After I added my first Arlo Pro 5S to monitor the front porch, I realized the back garage door was still a blind spot. I’d often forget to close it at night, and the idea of someone sneaking in while I slept kept me up. So I bought an Arlo Essential add-on camera, placed it under the eaves, and paired it in under 10 minutes. The next week, I got a motion alert at 2:17 a.m. I opened the app and saw my neighbor’s cat knocking over a trash can—but I also noticed the garage door was wide open. I remotely closed it via the app and felt a wave of relief. That single add-on camera paid for itself in peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Arlo Add-On Camera for Your Needs

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Matching Camera to Location

Not all Arlo add-on cameras are built the same. The first decision you’ll face is whether you need an indoor or outdoor model. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Indoor Cameras (e.g., Arlo Essential Indoor): Compact, discreet, and perfect for monitoring nurseries, home offices, or hallways. They don’t have weatherproofing, so keep them inside.
• Outdoor Cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 5S, Arlo Ultra 2): Built to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Look for IP65 or IP66 ratings—these mean they’re dust-tight and water-resistant.

Pro tip: Even if you’re placing a camera in a covered porch or garage, go for an outdoor-rated model. Humidity and temperature swings can damage indoor-only cameras over time.

Key Features to Consider Before Buying

When deciding which Arlo add-on camera to buy, think about these features:

• Resolution: 1080p (Essential) is great for general use. 2K (Pro 5S) or 4K (Ultra 2) gives you sharper detail—ideal for identifying faces or license plates.
• Night Vision: All Arlo cameras have night vision, but the Ultra 2 offers color night vision via a spotlight, which is a game-changer for low-light clarity.
• Field of View: Wider is better for large areas. The Pro 5S offers a 160° view—perfect for a backyard or driveway.
• Two-Way Audio: Useful for talking to delivery drivers or scaring off intruders (I’ve used this to tell a raccoon to “get off my lawn”).
• Smart Alerts: Some models use AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages—reducing false alarms.

I made the mistake of buying a basic 720p camera first, only to realize I couldn’t read my neighbor’s license plate clearly. Upgrading to a 2K model fixed that instantly.

Specialty Cameras: Doorbell, Floodlight, and LTE Options

Arlo’s add-on lineup goes beyond standard cameras. Consider these niche options:

• Arlo Video Doorbell: A doorbell camera that doubles as a doorbell. It sends real-time video when someone presses the button or approaches your porch.
• Arlo Floodlight Camera: Combines bright LED floodlights with a 2K camera. Great for dark backyards or alleys.
• Arlo Go 2: Uses LTE (not Wi-Fi), so you can place it anywhere—even in a remote shed or vacation property. Requires a monthly data plan, but worth it for off-grid security.

For example, my sister lives in a rural area with spotty Wi-Fi. She uses an Arlo Go 2 add-on camera to monitor her barn and livestock. No Wi-Fi needed—just a SIM card and cellular signal.

Installing and Syncing Your Arlo Add-On Camera: A No-Nonsense Guide

Tools You’ll Need (Spoiler: Not Many)

You don’t need a toolbox full of gear to install an Arlo add-on camera. Here’s what I used:

• Smartphone with Arlo app installed
• Fully charged camera (for battery models)
• Mounting kit (included with most cameras)
• A drill and screws (for permanent outdoor mounts)
• A ladder (for high placements)

That’s it. No special cables, no hubs, no professional help. Arlo’s design philosophy is “plug, pair, and protect.”

Step-by-Step Installation Tips

Let’s walk through the installation process with real-world advice:

• 1. Pick the Right Spot: Avoid direct sunlight (can cause glare) and aim slightly downward to capture faces, not just sky. I once mounted a camera too high—all I saw were hats and the tops of heads.
• 2. Use the Magnetic Mount (or Wall Bracket): Arlo’s magnetic mounts let you angle the camera precisely. For permanent setups, use the included wall bracket and secure it with screws.
• 3. Test the Signal: Before mounting, place the camera in the desired location and check the Wi-Fi signal in the Arlo app. A weak signal can cause delays or dropouts.
• 4. Sync via the App: Open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the prompts. The camera will emit a pairing tone—listen for it.
• 5. Name and Group: Assign a logical name (“Side Gate”) and group (“Outdoor Cameras”) so you can find it fast in a crisis.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with a simple system, things can go wrong. Here are issues I faced—and how I fixed them:

• Wi-Fi Dropouts: My backyard camera kept going offline. Solution: I added a Wi-Fi extender near the back of the house. Problem solved.
• False Alerts: My front camera triggered every time a leaf blew by. I adjusted the motion sensitivity and enabled “Person Detection” in the app. Fewer false alarms.
• Camera Offline After Power Outage: My wired Arlo Ultra 2 didn’t reconnect after a storm. I had to manually restart it. Now I use a surge protector and a UPS battery backup.

Remember: The Arlo app has a “Device Health” section. Check it weekly to spot issues early.

Maximizing Security with Multiple Arlo Add-On Cameras

Creating a Full Home Surveillance Network

One camera is good. Three? Five? Now you’re serious. Using multiple Arlo add-on cameras lets you cover every angle of your property. Here’s how I set mine up:

• Front Porch: Arlo Pro 5S (2K, person detection, two-way audio)
• Backyard: Arlo Essential (1080p, wide view, floodlight add-on)
• Garage: Arlo Essential (indoor, monitors tools and vehicles)
• Driveway: Arlo Ultra 2 (4K, color night vision, vehicle detection)

All four cameras show up on the same screen in the Arlo app. I can swipe between them, record clips, or view a split-screen layout. It’s like having my own private security team.

Using Smart Features to Reduce False Alarms

Nothing ruins trust in a security system like constant false alerts. Arlo’s AI-powered features help:

• Person Detection: Only alerts when a human is detected (not a squirrel).
• Package Detection: Sends a notification when a delivery is left on your porch.
• Activity Zones: Define areas where motion triggers alerts (e.g., the sidewalk) and ignore others (e.g., the busy street).
• Scheduling: Turn off alerts during known activity times (e.g., when kids play in the yard).

I set my backyard camera to ignore motion between 4–6 p.m. (when my dog runs around). The result? 70% fewer unnecessary alerts.

Remote Access and Real-Time Monitoring

One of the best parts of using Arlo add-on cameras? You’re never really away from home. Whether I’m at work, on vacation, or just in the backyard, I can:

• Check live feeds from my phone, tablet, or even Apple Watch
• Talk through the camera using two-way audio (great for scaring off porch pirates)
• Download and share video clips with family or the police

Last summer, I was on a beach vacation when I got a “Person Detected” alert. I opened the app, saw a stranger trying to open my front door, and yelled, “I see you!” through the camera. They ran off. My neighbors later told me they heard it—and it worked.

Arlo Subscription Plans: Do You Really Need One?

Free vs. Paid: What You Get (and What You Miss)

Arlo cameras work without a subscription—but you’ll get more features with one. Here’s the breakdown:

Feature	Free Plan	Arlo Secure (Paid)
Cloud Storage	7 days of rolling storage (last 7 days only)	30 days of rolling storage
Smart Alerts	Basic motion alerts	Person, vehicle, animal, package detection
Activity Zones	No	Yes
24/7 Emergency Response	No	Yes (via Arlo Safe)
Video History	Last 7 days only	Up to 30 days
Cost (per camera)	$0	$2.99–$4.99/month

For me, the paid plan was worth it. The smart alerts alone cut my false alarms in half. But if you only need basic recording and don’t mind checking your camera every few days, the free plan works fine.

Alternatives to Cloud Storage

Worried about ongoing costs? You have options:

• Arlo SmartHub: Stores footage locally on a USB drive. No monthly fees, but you lose remote access if the hub fails.
• SD Card (on select models): Some Arlo cameras support microSD cards for local storage. I use this for my indoor camera—no subscription needed.

I use a hybrid approach: cloud for outdoor cameras (for reliability) and SD card for indoor (to save money).

Cost-Saving Tips for Arlo Users

• Buy during Black Friday or Prime Day—Arlo often offers 30–50% off add-on cameras.
• Start with one add-on, then expand. No need to buy five at once.
• Use the free trial (30 days) to test smart features before committing.

Final Thoughts: Is Using Arlo Add-On Cameras Worth It?

After months of using multiple Arlo add-on cameras, I can say with confidence: yes, it’s worth it. The ability to expand my system piece by piece—without replacing what I already own—saved me time, money, and frustration. I’ve caught package thieves, monitored my kids playing outside, and even helped my neighbor identify a vandal. All from my phone.

The key is starting smart. Choose the right camera for each location, use the app’s smart features to reduce false alarms, and consider a subscription if you want advanced alerts and longer storage. And remember: security isn’t about having the most cameras—it’s about having the right ones, in the right places, working together.

So if you’re wondering, “How can I use Arlo add on camera to boost my home security?”—start small. Add one camera where you feel most vulnerable. See how it works. Then expand. You’ll be amazed at how much safer you feel—just knowing you’re watching over your home, one frame at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I using Arlo add on camera improve my existing home security setup?

Adding an Arlo add on camera to your current system expands coverage to blind spots, ensuring full property monitoring. These wireless cameras integrate seamlessly with your existing Arlo base station or app, offering 24/7 live streaming and motion alerts.

Do Arlo add on cameras require a separate subscription or hub?

Most Arlo add on cameras work with your existing Arlo SmartHub or base station, so no additional hub is needed. However, cloud storage and advanced features may require a subscription plan like Arlo Secure.

Can I use an Arlo add on camera with a non-Arlo security system?

Arlo add on cameras are designed to work best with Arlo systems, but some models support third-party integrations via ONVIF or IFTTT. Check compatibility before purchasing for mixed-brand setups.

What’s the best way to power an Arlo add on camera?

Arlo add on cameras are typically battery-powered or solar-compatible for wire-free installation. For continuous power, use an Arlo solar panel or plug-in adapter (sold separately).

How do I sync an Arlo add on camera to my smartphone app?

Open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the on-screen instructions to sync your add on camera. Ensure your camera is charged and within 30 feet of the base station during setup.

Are Arlo add on cameras weatherproof for outdoor use?

Yes, most Arlo add on cameras (like Pro 4 or Ultra 2) are IP65-rated for weather resistance, making them ideal for outdoor installation in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.