How Do I Add Another Camera to My Arlo System Easily

Adding another camera to your Arlo system is quick and seamless—just open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the on-screen prompts to pair your new camera in minutes. Ensure the camera is charged or powered, within range of your base station or Wi-Fi, and running the latest firmware for a smooth setup. No technical expertise needed—expand your security coverage effortlessly with Arlo’s user-friendly design.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to begin adding your new camera seamlessly.
• Scan the QR code on the camera for instant device recognition.
• Follow in-app prompts to sync and configure settings effortlessly.
• Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal to avoid setup interruptions and delays.
• Name and organize cameras for easy identification in your system.
• Test camera functionality post-setup to confirm proper installation.

How Do I Add Another Camera to My Arlo System Easily?

So, you’ve already got your Arlo system up and running, and you’re loving the peace of mind it brings. Maybe you started with one camera watching the front door, but now you’re thinking, “How do I add another camera to my Arlo system?” You’re not alone! Whether you want to keep an eye on the backyard, monitor the garage, or cover a blind spot, adding more cameras is a smart move. I remember when I first wanted to expand my system—I was a little nervous about the process, but it turned out to be way easier than I thought.

Arlo’s modular design is built for exactly this kind of growth. Whether you’re using Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, or even the newer Arlo Wired Floodlight, the process of adding another camera is surprisingly straightforward. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, share some real-life tips (including the mistakes I made along the way), and help you avoid the common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll feel confident adding as many cameras as your property needs—without pulling your hair out.

Understanding Your Arlo System Before Adding a Camera

Before you jump into adding another camera, it’s worth taking a moment to understand how your current Arlo system works. Arlo systems are designed to be scalable, but they do have some limitations and requirements that you’ll want to be aware of. Think of it like building a Lego set—you need to know what pieces you already have and what the new piece needs to connect properly.

Check Your Hub or Base Station Compatibility

Most Arlo cameras (except the Essential and some newer models) connect through a central hub or base station. If you’re using Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, or Arlo Go, you’ll need a base station. The base station acts like a Wi-Fi router for your cameras, providing a secure, dedicated connection. Before adding a new camera, make sure your base station supports it.

• Arlo Pro 3/4/5S: Use the Arlo SmartHub or VMB5000 base station.
• Arlo Ultra: Requires the VMB5000 or VMB4540 base station.
• Arlo Go: Uses a cellular connection, so no base station needed.
• Arlo Essential (Wired/Wire-Free): Connects directly to your home Wi-Fi—no hub required.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, check your base station’s model number (usually on the bottom). Then visit Arlo’s official compatibility page. I once tried to add an Ultra camera to an older VMB4000 hub—didn’t work. Learned the hard way!

Wi-Fi vs. Hub: What’s the Difference?

This is a big one. Newer Arlo models like the Essential series connect directly to your home Wi-Fi, which means you don’t need a base station. This is great for small setups or renters who don’t want to run cables. But there’s a trade-off: Wi-Fi-connected cameras are more susceptible to network congestion and may have slightly higher latency.

• Hub-based systems (Pro, Ultra): More stable, better range, less network interference.
• Wi-Fi-only systems (Essential, Wired Floodlight): Easier setup, but rely on your router’s performance.

When I upgraded my system, I kept my Pro 3 cameras on the base station and added an Essential camera in the garage. The Essential connects directly to Wi-Fi, which was perfect since the garage is far from the base station. But I did notice it takes a few extra seconds to load in the app—worth it for the convenience.

Check Your Power Source and Mounting Options

Before buying a new camera, think about where you want to put it. Arlo offers both battery-powered and wired options. Battery cameras are flexible but require recharging (every 3–6 months). Wired models need access to an outdoor power outlet or a junction box.

• Battery-powered: Easy to install anywhere, but remember to recharge.
• Wired (e.g., Arlo Essential Wired): No recharging, but needs a nearby outlet.
• PoE (Power over Ethernet): Available on some models—great for permanent installations.

I once tried to install a battery camera under my eaves, only to realize the battery died every 4 weeks because of extreme heat. Switched to a wired model—problem solved. Always consider your environment!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add Another Camera to Your Arlo System

Now that you’ve got the background, let’s get into the actual process. I’ll walk you through two main scenarios: adding a camera to a hub-based system (like Pro or Ultra) and adding a Wi-Fi-only camera (like Essential). The steps are similar, but the details matter.

For Hub-Based Arlo Systems (Pro, Ultra, Go)

This is the classic Arlo setup. Your base station is the “brain,” and all cameras connect to it. Here’s how to add a new camera:

1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
2. Tap the “+” icon (usually in the top-right corner).
3. Select “Add Device” and choose your camera model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4).
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will guide you to press the sync button on the base station (it’s a small button on the side or back).
5. Now, press the sync button on the new camera (usually on the side or under the battery cover).
6. Wait for the camera’s LED to flash blue—this means it’s syncing with the base station.
7. The app will confirm the camera is connected. Give it a name (e.g., “Backyard Camera”) and assign it to a location.
8. Mount the camera and adjust the view using the app.

Real Talk: The syncing part can be finicky. If the camera doesn’t connect, try moving it closer to the base station (within 10–15 feet) during setup. I once had to restart both the camera and base station before it worked. Don’t panic—it happens!

For Wi-Fi-Only Arlo Cameras (Essential, Wired Floodlight)

These cameras skip the base station and connect directly to your Wi-Fi. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the “+” icon.
2. Select “Add Device” and choose your Wi-Fi model (e.g., Arlo Essential Wired).
3. The app will ask you to connect the camera to power. For wired models, plug it in. For wire-free, charge the battery first.
4. Wait for the camera’s LED to flash amber—this means it’s ready to connect.
5. Tap “Connect to Wi-Fi” and select your home network from the list.
6. Enter your Wi-Fi password (yes, you need it—no shortcuts!).
7. The camera will connect. You’ll see a confirmation in the app.
8. Name the camera and place it in your desired location.

Pro Tip: Use a strong Wi-Fi signal. If the camera keeps disconnecting, try a Wi-Fi extender or move your router closer. I added an Essential camera in the backyard, but it kept dropping because of a weak signal. Added a $30 Wi-Fi extender—problem solved.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

• Camera not syncing with base station: Restart both the base station and camera. Ensure they’re within range (max 300 feet, but walls reduce this).
• Wi-Fi camera won’t connect to network: Double-check your Wi-Fi password. Avoid special characters. Restart your router.
• App says “camera offline”: Check power source. For Wi-Fi cameras, test the outlet with another device.
• LED not flashing: For battery models, ensure the battery is charged. For wired, check the power adapter.

I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting a camera that wouldn’t sync—only to realize the base station was unplugged. Oops! Always do a “sanity check” on power and connections first.

Optimizing Your Arlo System After Adding a New Camera

Great! You’ve added your new camera. But don’t stop there. To get the most out of your expanded system, you’ll want to fine-tune a few settings. Think of this as the “tune-up” phase—small tweaks that make a big difference in performance and usability.

Adjust Motion Detection Zones and Sensitivity

Arlo’s motion detection is smart, but it’s not perfect out of the box. When I added a camera to my driveway, it kept alerting me every time a car passed—even though I didn’t care about traffic. Here’s how to fix it:

• Open the Arlo app and go to the camera’s settings.
• Tap “Motion Detection” and then “Activity Zones”.
• Draw zones where you want motion to trigger alerts (e.g., the front porch, not the street).
• Adjust the sensitivity slider (lower for fewer false alerts, higher for more coverage).

Example: I set my backyard camera to ignore the neighbor’s cat but alert me if someone walks near the back door. Works like a charm!

Set Up Smart Alerts and Notifications

Arlo’s AI can distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages (on supported models). Use this to reduce noise:

• Go to “Smart Alerts” in the camera settings.
• Enable alerts for “People” and “Packages” but disable “Animals” if you have pets.
• Set notification preferences (push, email, or both).

I once got 50 alerts in a day because my dog kept triggering the camera. Turned off animal alerts—peace restored.

Check Video Quality and Night Vision

After mounting, use the live view to test video quality. Adjust the camera angle if needed. For night vision:

• Ensure the IR lights (infrared) aren’t blocked by glass or leaves.
• If using a wired camera, test in low light to confirm night vision works.
• For battery cameras, check that night vision doesn’t drain the battery too fast (some models let you adjust IR intensity).

I had a camera pointing at a window—night vision was useless because of the glass. Repositioned it slightly—much better.

Organize Your Cameras in the App

With multiple cameras, the Arlo app can get cluttered. Use these tips to stay organized:

• Group cameras by location (e.g., “Front,” “Back,” “Garage”).
• Use descriptive names (e.g., “Front Door – Arlo Pro 4”).
• Enable “Quick View” to see all cameras at once.

I color-coded my cameras in my head—red for front, blue for back. The app’s grouping feature makes it even easier to scan at a glance.

Managing Power, Storage, and Arlo Subscription Plans

Adding more cameras means more data, more power needs, and potentially more subscription costs. Let’s break down what you need to know to keep everything running smoothly—without surprises on your bill.

Battery Life and Recharging Tips

Battery-powered Arlo cameras (Pro, Essential Wire-Free) typically last 3–6 months, but this varies widely:

• High activity (lots of motion): Battery drains faster.
• Extreme temperatures (hot or cold): Reduces battery life.
• Night vision usage: IR lights use more power.

My Tip: Check battery levels weekly in the app. Set a reminder to recharge every 3 months—even if it’s not dead yet. I once ignored a low battery warning and missed a package delivery. Lesson learned.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: What’s Best for You?

Arlo offers two storage options:

• Local Storage: Use a USB drive (up to 2TB) on the base station. No subscription needed. Footage is saved directly to the drive. But if the base station is stolen or damaged, you lose the footage.
• Cloud Storage: Requires an Arlo Secure subscription. Stores footage off-site. Offers AI detection, activity zones, and longer retention (up to 60 days).

I use a mix: local storage for general monitoring, and cloud for cameras covering high-risk areas (like the front door). It’s a good balance of cost and security.

Arlo Subscription Plans: Do You Need One?

Here’s the breakdown of Arlo Secure plans (as of 2024):

Table: Arlo Secure Subscription Plans

Plan	Price (Monthly)	Features	Best For
Arlo Secure (Single Camera)	$2.99	30-day cloud storage, AI detection, activity zones	1–2 cameras, basic coverage
Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras)	$9.99	Same as above, but for all cameras in your account	3+ cameras, whole-home coverage
Arlo Secure Plus	$14.99	60-day storage, 24/7 emergency response (in select areas), e911	High-security needs, large properties

My Take: If you have more than one camera, the unlimited plan is worth it. The AI detection alone saves you from sifting through hours of false alerts. But if you only have one camera and use local storage, you might not need a subscription.

Data Usage and Bandwidth Considerations

More cameras = more data. If you have a data cap (common with some internet providers), keep an eye on usage:

• Live viewing: Uses data in real-time (about 50–100 MB per hour).
• Cloud storage: Uploads clips to Arlo’s servers (minimal impact—usually under 1 GB/month per camera).
• Local storage: No data usage (footage stays on your USB drive).

I once had a data cap and didn’t realize my cameras were using 5 GB/month. Switched to local storage for two cameras—saved me $20 in overage fees.

Expanding Further: Tips for Adding Multiple Cameras

Once you’ve added one camera, you might be tempted to go all-in and cover every inch of your property. That’s great—but there are a few things to consider before scaling up.

Plan Your Camera Coverage Like a Pro

Don’t just add cameras randomly. Think about:

• Entry points: Doors, windows, garage.
• Blind spots: Corners, alleys, driveways.
• High-value areas: Backyard, pool, shed.
• Lighting conditions: Avoid pointing cameras at direct sunlight (causes glare).

I mapped my property on paper before buying more cameras. It helped me avoid overlap and ensure full coverage.

Use Arlo’s Range Extender (If Needed)

If you have a large property, the base station’s range might not reach far corners. The Arlo Range Extender (sold separately) boosts the signal:

• Place it halfway between the base station and the farthest camera.
• Sync it like a regular camera.
• It extends the range by up to 300 feet.

I added a camera in my detached garage (150 feet from the house). The signal was weak until I added the extender. Now it works perfectly.

Consider Weatherproofing and Theft Deterrence

Arlo cameras are weather-resistant (IP65 or higher), but extreme conditions can still affect performance:

• Install under eaves or awnings to protect from rain/snow.
• Use anti-theft mounts (Arlo sells them) to deter tampering.
• For wired cameras, run cables through conduit to prevent cutting.

I once had a camera stolen (yes, really). Now I use the anti-theft mount and a visible “This Area Under Video Surveillance” sign. No more thefts!

Future-Proof Your System

Arlo updates its software regularly. To stay compatible:

• Keep the Arlo app updated.
• Check for firmware updates in the app (under “Settings” > “Device Info”).
• Buy cameras from the same generation when possible (easier to manage).

I have a mix of Pro 3 and Essential cameras—works fine, but the app treats them slightly differently. Stick to one line if you want a uniform experience.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Expanded Arlo System

Adding another camera to your Arlo system isn’t just about more coverage—it’s about smarter, more personalized security. Whether you’re adding a single camera to cover a blind spot or building a whole-home surveillance network, the process is surprisingly simple once you know the steps.

From my own experience, the key is to plan ahead, test thoroughly, and optimize after installation. Don’t rush the setup. Take time to adjust motion zones, check night vision, and organize your cameras in the app. A little extra effort upfront saves you from headaches later.

And remember: Arlo is flexible. You can mix hub-based and Wi-Fi cameras, use local and cloud storage, and scale up as your needs change. The system grows with you—no need to buy everything at once.

So, go ahead—add that extra camera. Whether it’s watching the kids play in the backyard, keeping an eye on the front porch, or just giving you peace of mind when you’re away, every camera you add is another layer of security. And honestly? There’s nothing quite like opening the Arlo app and seeing your whole property covered, knowing you’re in control.

Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add another camera to my Arlo system?

To add another camera to your Arlo system, open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and follow the on-screen prompts to sync the new camera with your base station or Wi-Fi. Ensure your camera is charged or powered during setup.

Can I add multiple Arlo cameras at once to my existing system?

Yes, you can add multiple Arlo cameras to your system one at a time using the Arlo app. Repeat the “Add Device” process for each camera, ensuring they’re all within range of your base station or Wi-Fi network.

Why isn’t my new Arlo camera connecting to my system?

If your new camera isn’t connecting, verify it’s compatible with your Arlo system, fully charged, and within range. Restart the sync process and ensure your base station or router isn’t blocking the connection.

Do I need a new Arlo subscription to add another camera?

Adding another camera doesn’t automatically require a new subscription, but storage and features depend on your current plan. Check Arlo’s subscription tiers to confirm if your plan supports additional cameras.

How do I add a non-Arlo camera to my Arlo system?

The Arlo system only supports Arlo-branded cameras for direct integration. For third-party cameras, use Arlo’s “Works with Arlo” feature or connect them separately to your home network.

What’s the easiest way to add another Arlo camera to my app?

The easiest way is through the Arlo app: tap “Add Device,” select your camera model, and follow the setup wizard. The app guides you through syncing, naming, and placing the camera in your preferred location.