How Do I Change Arlo Camera to a Different Base Easily

Changing your Arlo camera to a different base is quick and straightforward using the Arlo app. Simply remove the camera from its current base in the app, then sync it with the new base by following the on-screen setup prompts. This seamless process ensures minimal downtime and keeps your security system running smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• Unsync first: Remove the camera from the current base in the Arlo app before pairing.
• Use the app: Always manage base changes through the Arlo app, not manually.
• Check compatibility: Ensure the new base supports your camera model for seamless pairing.
• Reset if needed: Factory reset the camera if it fails to connect to the new base.
• Sync quickly: Press the sync button on the base within 2 minutes of app prompts.
• Verify connection: Confirm successful pairing with a solid LED light on the camera.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Arlo Camera to a Different Base

Imagine this: you’ve set up your Arlo camera system perfectly—cameras in the backyard, front porch, and garage—all connected to a single base station. It works great… until you decide to move one camera to a new location. Maybe you’re renovating, expanding your property, or just want to improve coverage in a new area. Suddenly, the camera that was once within range of your original base now feels too far away. Or perhaps you’ve added a second base station to handle more cameras, and you’d like to balance the load. This is when the question pops up: “How do I change Arlo camera to a different base?”

Switching an Arlo camera from one base station to another isn’t just about moving hardware—it’s about reconfiguring a smart home ecosystem. Whether you’re using Arlo Pro, Ultra, or the newer Arlo Wire-Free cameras, the process is designed to be user-friendly, but it’s not always obvious. You might worry about losing recordings, disrupting motion detection, or accidentally factory resetting your device. The good news? With the right steps, it’s entirely doable—and often simpler than you think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding why you’d want to switch bases to the exact steps for doing it smoothly, without losing your settings or sanity.

Understanding Arlo Base Stations and Camera Compatibility

What Is an Arlo Base Station and Why Does It Matter?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s clarify the “what.” An Arlo base station (also called a SmartHub) acts as the central hub for your Arlo cameras. It connects to your home Wi-Fi and manages communication between your cameras and the Arlo app. Think of it as the brain of your security system. It handles video storage (if you have a subscription), firmware updates, and real-time alerts. Without a base station, most Arlo cameras can’t function—except for newer models like the Arlo Essential series, which connect directly to Wi-Fi, but even those can benefit from a base for extended features.

The base station also determines signal strength and range. If your camera is too far from the base, you’ll see poor video quality, laggy notifications, or even disconnections. That’s why moving a camera to a different base—closer to its new location—can dramatically improve performance.

Which Arlo Cameras Work with Which Bases?

Not all Arlo cameras are compatible with all base stations. Here’s a quick compatibility rundown based on common models:

• Arlo Pro 2/3/4/5: Work with Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000, VMB5000), Arlo Pro Base (VMB4500), and newer Arlo Base Stations (VMB5000, VMB4540).
• Arlo Ultra/Ultra 2: Require the Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000 or VMB5000) or Arlo Pro Base with firmware update. They won’t work with older VMB4500 bases without updates.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Connect directly to Wi-Fi but can be added to a base station for enhanced features like local storage and improved reliability.
• Arlo Go: Uses cellular connection, so it doesn’t require a base station at all.

Tip: Always check the Arlo support site for your specific model’s compatibility. For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 3 and an older VMB4500 base, you may need to update the base’s firmware before adding newer cameras.

When Should You Consider Switching Bases?

You don’t need to change bases just because you feel like it. But here are real-life scenarios where it makes sense:

• Expanding your property: You’ve added a shed or guest house, and your existing base is too far.
• Adding a second base: You have 10+ cameras and want to split them across two bases to reduce load and improve reliability.
• Moving a camera: You’re relocating a camera from the front door (near the current base) to the back garden (far away).
• Base station failure or upgrade: Your old base is acting up, or you’ve bought a newer model with better range.

For example, I once moved a camera from my garage to the backyard pool area. The original base was in the basement, and the signal dropped every time it rained. After switching it to a second base in the garage (closer to the pool), the connection became rock-solid.

Preparing for the Switch: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Back Up Your Settings and Recordings

Before you unplug anything, take a moment to back up your current setup. This is especially important if you rely on local storage (via microSD card or USB drive in the base). Here’s what to do:

• Check cloud recordings: If you have an Arlo Smart subscription, your videos are already backed up to the cloud. You can access them anytime from the app.
• Save local recordings: If you use local storage, copy videos from the microSD card or USB drive to your computer before removing them.
• Note down camera names and settings: Jot down the names, motion zones, schedules, and any custom alerts. This will help you restore settings faster after the switch.

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app to take screenshots of your camera settings. It’s a quick way to remember how each camera was configured.

Ensure Both Bases Are Set Up and Online

You can’t switch a camera to a base that isn’t properly set up. Make sure your new base station is:

• Plugged in and powered on.
• Connected to your Wi-Fi network (or Ethernet, if preferred).
• Added to your Arlo account via the app.
• Running the latest firmware (check in the app under “Settings” > “My Devices” > “Base Station”).

If your new base isn’t showing up in the app, try restarting it or resetting the network connection. I once spent 30 minutes troubleshooting a “missing” base—only to realize it was still in setup mode because I hadn’t completed the Wi-Fi pairing.

Gather Your Tools and Supplies

You won’t need much, but having these on hand will make the process smoother:

• The Arlo camera you want to move.
• The new base station (already set up).
• A smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed.
• A ladder (if the camera is mounted high).
• A small tool (like a paperclip or SIM ejector tool) for resetting the camera, if needed.

Also, make sure your phone is logged into the same Arlo account you use for your system. If you share access with family members, confirm they’re not actively using the app during the switch—this can cause syncing issues.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Arlo Camera to a Different Base

Step 1: Remove the Camera from the Current Base (via App)

The first step is to “unlink” the camera from its current base. This doesn’t delete the camera—it just disconnects it from that hub.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap Settings (the gear icon) in the bottom-right corner.
3. Select My Devices, then choose the camera you want to move.
4. Tap Remove Device.
5. Confirm by selecting Remove.

Note: The camera will remain in your account, but it will show as “Offline” until you add it to the new base.

Step 2: Reset the Camera (If Required)

Some Arlo models (especially older ones) need a reset before they can connect to a new base. This clears any saved network info and prepares the camera for pairing.

• For most Arlo Pro/Ultra cameras: Press and hold the Sync button on the camera for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks amber.
• For Arlo Wire-Free: Press the button on the back for 10 seconds until the LED blinks.

Tip: If you’re unsure which button is the Sync button, check your camera’s manual or the Arlo support site. For example, on the Arlo Pro 3, it’s the small button next to the charging port.

Step 3: Add the Camera to the New Base Station

Now it’s time to pair the camera with the new base. This is where the magic happens.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Add Device.
2. Select Arlo Camera, then choose your camera model.
3. Follow the prompts. When asked to sync, press the Sync button on the new base station (not the camera).
4. The app will search for cameras. When it finds yours, select it.
5. Wait for the LED on the camera to turn solid blue—this means it’s connected.

Real-world example: I once moved an Arlo Pro 2 from my basement base to a garage base. After removing it from the app, I reset the camera, pressed the Sync button on the new base, and—within 90 seconds—the camera appeared online with full signal.

Step 4: Restore Camera Settings and Position

Once the camera is connected, it’s time to reconfigure it.

• Rename the camera: Tap the camera in the app, then “Rename” to match its new location (e.g., “Backyard Pool” instead of “Front Porch”).
• Adjust motion zones: Set up new motion detection areas based on the camera’s new view.
• Set schedules: If you had recording schedules, recreate them.
• Test the view: Open the live feed to ensure the camera is positioned correctly and the signal is strong.

Pro tip: Use the “Signal Strength” indicator in the app (under camera settings) to confirm the connection. A strong signal (3+ bars) means you’re good to go.

Step 5: Verify Everything Is Working

Don’t just assume it’s working—test it.

• Trigger motion in front of the camera to see if you get an alert.
• Check the live feed for video quality and delay.
• Review recordings (if you have a subscription) to ensure they’re saving properly.
• Ask a family member to check if they get notifications (if you share access).

If something’s off, double-check the base station’s Wi-Fi connection and the camera’s position. Sometimes moving a base just a few feet can improve signal dramatically.

Common Challenges and How to Troubleshoot Them

“My Camera Won’t Connect to the New Base”

This is the most common issue. Here’s how to fix it:

• Check compatibility: Confirm the camera and base are compatible (see Section 2).
• Reset both devices: Reset the camera and restart the base station (unplug for 30 seconds).
• Move closer: During setup, place the camera within 10 feet of the new base. You can move it later.
• Update firmware: Ensure both the base and camera are on the latest firmware.

Personal story: I once tried pairing an Arlo Ultra to a VMB4500 base and it failed. After checking the Arlo support site, I realized the base needed a firmware update. Once updated, the pairing worked instantly.

“The App Shows ‘Camera Offline’ After Switching”

This usually means the camera isn’t communicating with the base. Try:

• Re-syncing: Press the Sync button on the base again, then the camera.
• Rebooting the base: Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in.
• Checking Wi-Fi: The base needs a stable internet connection. Use an Ethernet cable if possible.

“My Recordings Aren’t Saving”

If you use local storage, make sure:

• The microSD card or USB drive is properly inserted into the new base.
• The card has enough space (check in the app under “Settings” > “Storage”).
• Recording schedules are enabled in the app.

For cloud recordings, verify your Arlo Smart subscription is active. You can check this in the app under “Account” > “Subscription.”

Optimizing Your Arlo Setup After the Switch

Balance Your Base Load

Each Arlo base station has a limit on how many cameras it can handle. For example:

Base Station Model	Max Cameras	Notes
Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000/VMB5000)	15	Best for high-performance setups
Arlo Pro Base (VMB4500)	10	Good for small to medium homes
Arlo Essential Base (VMB4540)	10	Supports newer Essential cameras

After switching, check how many cameras are on each base. If one is near capacity, consider moving another camera to balance the load. This improves performance and reduces the risk of overload during high-activity periods (like a party or storm).

Improve Signal Strength

Even after switching, you might still have weak signals. Try:

• Reposition the base: Move it higher (e.g., on a shelf) or closer to the center of your home.
• Use Ethernet: Wired connections are more stable than Wi-Fi.
• Add a Wi-Fi extender: If the base is far from your router, an extender can help.

Test Your System Regularly

Once everything is set up, test your system weekly:

• Check live feeds.
• Trigger motion alerts.
• Verify recordings are saved.

This helps catch issues early—before a break-in or storm hits.

Final Thoughts: Making the Switch Seamless

Changing an Arlo camera to a different base station isn’t just a technical task—it’s a way to future-proof your home security. Whether you’re optimizing for range, expanding your system, or fixing a weak signal, the process gives you more control over your setup. And the best part? It’s something you can do yourself, without calling a technician or spending extra money.

From my own experience, I’ve found that the key to a smooth transition is preparation. Back up your settings, test your new base beforehand, and take your time with the steps. Don’t rush—especially when it comes to syncing. And if something doesn’t work the first time? That’s okay. Most issues are fixable with a simple reset or firmware update.

Remember, your Arlo system is only as good as its weakest link. By strategically placing your cameras and bases, you’re not just improving signal—you’re building a smarter, more reliable security network. So go ahead, make that switch. Your home (and peace of mind) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change Arlo camera to a different base?

To change your Arlo camera to a different base, first remove it from the current base in the Arlo app under “Device Settings.” Then, sync the camera with the new base by pressing the sync button on the base and following the app’s setup instructions.

Can I switch my Arlo camera to another base without resetting it?

Yes, you can switch your Arlo camera to a different base without a full reset. Simply remove the camera from its current base via the app and re-sync it to the new base using the sync button.

How do I move an Arlo camera to a new base station if I lost the original?

If you lost the original base, you’ll need to purchase a compatible replacement. Add the new base to your Arlo account via the app, then sync your camera to it using the sync button and app prompts.

Is there a limit to how many times I can change Arlo camera base stations?

No, there’s no limit—you can change your Arlo camera to a different base as often as needed. Just ensure the new base is compatible with your camera model and linked to your Arlo account.

Why won’t my Arlo camera connect to a different base station?

Ensure the new base is powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and synced properly. Also, verify compatibility between your camera and base model—older cameras may not work with newer base stations.

Do I need to update my Arlo app before changing the base?

While not always required, updating the Arlo app ensures smooth transitions when changing bases. Updates often include bug fixes and improved syncing features for a hassle-free setup.