How Do I Monitor More Than 5 Arlo Cameras Easily

You can monitor more than 5 Arlo cameras seamlessly by upgrading to a premium Arlo SmartHub or using the Arlo Secure app with a compatible multi-camera plan. These solutions enable centralized live viewing, AI-powered alerts, and cloud storage for up to 200 cameras—ideal for large properties or professional setups. No more juggling feeds: group cameras, set activity zones, and access 24/7 monitoring from one intuitive dashboard.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app: Centralize monitoring with real-time alerts and live feeds.
• Upgrade your plan: Access advanced features like cloud storage for more cameras.
• Leverage multi-camera view: Display feeds simultaneously on one screen for efficiency.
• Set activity zones: Reduce false alerts by focusing on key areas per camera.
• Integrate smart displays: Use Alexa or Google Home for hands-free monitoring.
• Enable geofencing: Automate camera modes based on your phone’s location.

How Do I Monitor More Than 5 Arlo Cameras Easily

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your morning coffee, and you want to check in on your home. You open your Arlo app and see your front door, backyard, and garage cameras. All good. But then you remember—your side gate, the basement, and the shed also have cameras. That’s six feeds to monitor. Suddenly, the app feels cluttered. You’re swiping, zooming, and missing alerts. Frustrating, right?

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Many Arlo users hit the same wall when expanding beyond five cameras. Whether you’re securing a large property, running a small business, or just love tech, monitoring more than five Arlo cameras can feel like herding cats. The good news? It’s easier than you think. With the right setup, tools, and strategies, you can keep tabs on all your cameras without losing your sanity. Let’s break down how to do it—no tech degree required.

Understanding Arlo’s Camera Limits (And Workarounds)

Why the 5-Camera “Limit” Exists

First, let’s clear up a common myth: Arlo doesn’t have a hard limit of five cameras. Instead, the free Arlo Smart plan (the default tier) only supports five cameras for cloud storage and advanced features like AI detection and 24/7 recording. This is why many users hit a wall. But here’s the twist: you can connect more than five cameras to your account—even on the free plan. The catch? Only five will get cloud storage, motion alerts, and video history. The rest? They’ll work locally, but you’ll need workarounds for full monitoring.

Workarounds for Free Users

If you’re sticking with the free plan, here’s how to monitor extra cameras:

• Use local storage: Arlo cameras like the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra support microSD cards. Pop one in, and the camera saves footage directly to the card. No cloud needed! Just remember to check the card regularly.
• Prioritize critical cameras: Assign your five cloud slots to the most important areas (e.g., front door, garage). Use local storage for less critical zones (e.g., backyard shed).
• Rotate cameras: Swap out cloud-enabled cameras monthly. For example, move the shed camera to the cloud during storm season, then switch back.

Pro tip: Label your cameras clearly in the Arlo app (e.g., “Front Door – Cloud” vs. “Shed – SD Card”) to avoid confusion.

The Subscription Upgrade Path

If you’re ready to go all-in, Arlo’s paid plans unlock unlimited cameras. The Arlo Secure Plus plan ($12.99/month for up to 10 cameras) or Arlo Secure Premium ($17.99/month for unlimited cameras) lets you monitor every camera with cloud storage, AI detection, and extended video history. For large properties, this is a game-changer.

Optimizing Your Arlo App for Multiple Cameras

Mastering the Grid View

The Arlo app’s default “single camera” view is fine for one or two cameras. But with six or more? It’s a nightmare. Switch to Grid View (tap the grid icon in the app) to see multiple feeds at once. Here’s how to make it work:

• Customize your grid: Tap the “+” icon to add cameras to your grid. Arrange them in order of importance (e.g., front door first).
• Use split-screen: On tablets or iPads, the grid can show up to four cameras at once. For more, swipe horizontally.
• Enable “Live View” mode: This keeps all grid feeds streaming in real time. (Note: This drains battery faster on mobile devices.)

Real-world example: I use a grid with my front door, garage, and backyard cameras. When I’m cooking dinner, I glance at the grid to check deliveries or kids playing outside—all without leaving the kitchen.

Setting Up Custom Modes and Rules

Arlo’s “Modes” let you automate camera behavior. For example:

• “Home” mode: Only cameras facing entry points (front door, back gate) are active. Shed and basement cameras are off.
• “Away” mode: All cameras record, and motion alerts are sent to your phone.
• “Sleep” mode: Disable indoor cameras for privacy, but keep outdoor ones active.

To create a mode: Go to Settings > Modes in the app. Assign which cameras turn on/off and set schedules (e.g., “Away” mode activates when you leave home).

Using Arlo’s Activity Zones (The Secret Weapon)

Got a camera facing a busy street or a tree that triggers false alerts? Use Activity Zones to focus on specific areas. For example:

• Draw a zone around your driveway, but ignore the sidewalk.
• Skip the backyard tree branch that sways in the wind.

This reduces clutter in your feed and cuts down on unnecessary alerts—critical when monitoring six+ cameras.

Leveraging Smart Hubs and Third-Party Tools

Arlo SmartHub: Your Central Command

The Arlo SmartHub (or Arlo Base Station) isn’t just for Wi-Fi extension. It’s a central hub that connects all your cameras and unlocks advanced features:

• Local storage: Save footage to a USB drive plugged into the hub. No cloud needed!
• Faster processing: Reduces lag when viewing multiple feeds.
• Backup power: Some models have battery backups for outages.

For large setups, I recommend a SmartHub. It’s like a traffic cop for your cameras—keeping everything organized.

Third-Party Integrations (Alexa, Google, IFTTT)

Want to see your cameras on a bigger screen? Use voice assistants or smart displays:

• Amazon Alexa: Say, “Alexa, show me the front door camera.” Works with Echo Show devices.
• Google Home: “Hey Google, show the backyard camera” on Nest Hubs.
• IFTTT: Create custom automations. For example, “If motion is detected on the shed camera, turn on the porch light.”

Tip: These tools are great for quick checks, but don’t rely on them for security alerts. The Arlo app is still your best bet for real-time monitoring.

Using a PC or Laptop for Monitoring

The Arlo app is mobile-first, but you can monitor cameras on a PC:

1. Go to arlo.com and log in.
2. Click “Cameras” to see all feeds in a grid.
3. Use the web interface to review recordings or adjust settings.

This is perfect for business owners or parents who want to keep an eye on things while working at a desk.

Advanced Strategies for Large Camera Networks

Grouping Cameras by Location

With six+ cameras, organization is key. Use Groups in the Arlo app:

1. Go to Settings > Groups.
2. Create groups like “Front Yard,” “Backyard,” or “Indoor.”
3. Assign cameras to each group.

Now, when you open the app, tap a group to see only those cameras. No more scrolling through a chaotic list.

Scheduling and Automation

Automate repetitive tasks to save time:

• Time-based rules: Turn off indoor cameras at night for privacy.
• Location-based rules: Activate “Away” mode when your phone leaves a geofence.
• Weather-based rules: (With IFTTT) Skip alerts during rain if your camera’s in a wet area.

Example: My “Rainy Day” rule disables motion alerts for the backyard camera during storms. No more false alarms from falling leaves!

Using Arlo’s “Favorites” Feature

Mark your most-used cameras as “Favorites.” They’ll appear at the top of your app, making them easy to access. I use this for my front door and garage cameras—the ones I check 10+ times a day.

Hardware Tips: Expanding Your Network Without Hassle

Wi-Fi vs. Wired: What’s Best?

Arlo cameras are wireless, but Wi-Fi range matters. For large properties:

• Wi-Fi extenders: Place near the farthest camera. I use a Netgear Orbi to cover my backyard.
• Ethernet adapters: Some Arlo models (e.g., Pro 4) support PoE (Power over Ethernet). Use a PoE adapter for a rock-solid connection.
• Mesh networks: Systems like Eero or Google Nest WiFi blanket your home with signal.

Warning: Weak Wi-Fi = laggy feeds. Test your signal strength before installing cameras.

Battery Life and Solar Power

Wireless cameras run on batteries. To avoid constant charging:

• Use Arlo Solar Panels: Mount them on sunny areas. I’ve had my shed camera powered by solar for 2 years—no battery swaps!
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Lower sensitivity = fewer recordings = longer battery life.
• Buy spare batteries: Keep a set charged for quick swaps.

Mounting for Optimal Coverage

Where you mount a camera affects its field of view. Pro tips:

• Height: Mount at 8–10 feet for a wide view (e.g., driveway).
• Angle: Tilt slightly downward to avoid glare from sunlight.
• Obstructions: Avoid bushes or walls blocking the lens.

Camera Type	Best Use Case	Max Range (Wi-Fi)	Power Option
Arlo Pro 4	Outdoor (weatherproof)	150 ft (clear line of sight)	Battery, solar, or PoE
Arlo Ultra 2	High-resolution coverage	150 ft	Battery, solar, or PoE
Arlo Essential Indoor	Indoor monitoring	100 ft	Battery or USB
Arlo Go 2	Remote areas (LTE)	Unlimited (cellular)	Battery, solar, or LTE

Putting It All Together: A Real-World Example

Let’s say you have 8 Arlo cameras:

• Front door, garage, backyard, side gate, shed, basement, living room, and driveway.

Here’s how to monitor them all:

1. Upgrade to Arlo Secure Premium: Cloud storage for all 8 cameras.
2. Use Grid View: Customize a 4-camera grid for your phone and a 6-camera grid on your tablet.
3. Set up Activity Zones: Ignore the street in front of your house and the tree in the backyard.
4. Create Groups: “Outdoor” (front, garage, backyard, side gate) and “Indoor” (basement, living room).
5. Add a SmartHub: For local storage and faster processing.
6. Mount solar panels: On the shed and side gate cameras.
7. Use Alexa: “Alexa, show the driveway camera” when you hear a delivery.

Now, you’re monitoring all 8 cameras seamlessly—no app chaos, no missed alerts.

Monitoring more than five Arlo cameras isn’t just possible; it’s practical with the right approach. Whether you’re using free workarounds, upgrading your plan, or leveraging smart tools, the key is organization and automation. Start small: Pick one strategy (like Grid View or Activity Zones) and build from there. Over time, you’ll turn a cluttered setup into a smooth, stress-free system. And remember: More cameras don’t mean more work—they mean more peace of mind. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I monitor more than 5 Arlo cameras at once?

You can monitor more than 5 Arlo cameras by upgrading to a premium Arlo Smart subscription, which supports up to 10–20 cameras depending on your plan. Use the Arlo app’s multi-camera view or split-screen mode to watch live feeds from all devices simultaneously.

Can I add more than 5 Arlo cameras to one account?

Yes, Arlo allows you to add more than 5 cameras to a single account, but the number of supported cameras depends on your subscription tier. Free accounts are limited to 5, while paid plans like Arlo Secure unlock support for additional cameras.

What’s the best way to view multiple Arlo cameras at the same time?

The Arlo app’s “Grid View” or “Quad View” lets you monitor up to 4–9 cameras on one screen, depending on your device. For more than 5 Arlo cameras, use a tablet or smart display for a larger, more organized view.

Do I need extra equipment to monitor more than 5 Arlo cameras?

No additional hardware is required—just a compatible Arlo Smart subscription to support extra cameras. However, using an Arlo SmartHub or base station can improve connectivity and video storage for larger setups.

How many Arlo cameras can I monitor with a single subscription?

With an Arlo Secure subscription, you can monitor up to 10 cameras per plan, and some plans support up to 20. Check your plan details to confirm limits, and add more cameras as needed.

Can I monitor my Arlo cameras remotely when I have more than 5?

Absolutely! The Arlo app works remotely on smartphones, tablets, and computers, letting you monitor more than 5 Arlo cameras from anywhere. Ensure your subscription supports the number of cameras you’re using for seamless access.