How Do I Relink an Arlo Camera Step by Step Guide

Relinking your Arlo camera is quick and simple—just open the Arlo app, remove the offline camera from your devices, then re-add it using the sync button on the camera. Ensure your camera is powered and within range of the base station or Wi-Fi during setup to avoid connection issues. Follow the in-app prompts to complete the relink and confirm live streaming in seconds.

Key Takeaways

• Restart your camera first: Power cycle to fix minor connectivity issues before relinking.
• Open the Arlo app: Always use the app to initiate the relinking process.
• Remove the camera: Delete the device from your account to reset its connection.
• Re-add via Add Device: Follow in-app prompts to pair the camera again.
• Check Wi-Fi signal: Ensure strong network coverage for successful relinking.
• Sync within 10 feet: Keep the camera close to your base station or router.
• Update firmware: Install the latest updates to avoid relinking failures.

Why You Might Need to Relink Your Arlo Camera

Imagine this: You’re halfway across the world, checking in on your home through your Arlo camera, only to find a blank screen. Or maybe your camera just stopped responding after a router reset. It’s frustrating, I know — I’ve been there. Whether it’s a firmware update gone wrong, a Wi-Fi network change, or a simple glitch, there are plenty of reasons why your Arlo camera might lose its connection to the base station or the Arlo app. The good news? Most of these issues are fixable, and the process of relinking your Arlo camera is simpler than you might think.

Relinking your Arlo camera essentially means re-establishing the connection between your camera, your base station (if you have one), and the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet. It’s like giving your camera a fresh start — a digital handshake to reconnect everything properly. This guide will walk you through the entire process step by step, whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Q, or even the newer battery-powered models like the Arlo Essential. No tech expertise required. Just clear, practical advice to get your cameras back online fast.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Connect

How Arlo Cameras Communicate

Before we dive into the relinking process, it helps to understand how Arlo cameras stay connected. Most Arlo systems use a base station as a central hub. The camera connects wirelessly to the base station using a secure, encrypted radio frequency (often 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, depending on the model). The base station, in turn, connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to access your cameras remotely through the Arlo app.

Some newer models, like the Arlo Essential or Arlo Pro 4, are Wi-Fi-enabled and can connect directly to your router, bypassing the need for a base station. This makes setup easier but also means any Wi-Fi changes (like a new network name or password) will require a relink.

Common Causes for Connection Loss

So, what causes a camera to lose its link? Here are a few real-world scenarios I’ve seen:

• You changed your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) or password.
• You replaced or reset your router.
• Your base station lost power or was unplugged for too long.
• You moved the camera or base station to a new location with different network settings.
• A firmware update interrupted the connection.
• Your phone or tablet updated the Arlo app, and the session expired.

One time, I accidentally unplugged my base station while cleaning behind the TV. When I plugged it back in, my cameras were offline. I panicked at first, but after relinking them, everything worked again. So don’t worry — it happens to the best of us.

Types of Arlo Systems and Their Relinking Needs

Not all Arlo systems relink the same way. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Arlo with Base Station (Pro, Ultra, Pro 3, etc.): Cameras sync to the base station, which connects to Wi-Fi. Relinking usually involves syncing the camera to the base station and ensuring the base station has the correct Wi-Fi credentials.
• Wi-Fi-Only Models (Essential, Q, Q Plus): These connect directly to your router. Relinking means reconnecting them to Wi-Fi through the app.
• Arlo SmartHub: A newer alternative to the base station, it works similarly but with improved range and compatibility.

Knowing your system type is the first step to a successful relink.

Step-by-Step Guide to Relink an Arlo Camera

Step 1: Prepare Your Devices

Before you start, gather what you need:

• Your Arlo camera (fully charged or plugged in)
• The base station or SmartHub (if applicable)
• Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
• Your Wi-Fi network name and password
• A paperclip or SIM ejector tool (for resetting, if needed)

Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want your camera to use. This is crucial — the app needs to communicate with your camera and base station on the same network.

Step 2: Check the Camera and Base Station Status

Open the Arlo app and check if your camera appears as “Offline.” If it does, tap on it and see if there’s a message like “Camera not connected” or “Sync required.”

For base station models, look at the base station itself. A solid blue light usually means it’s connected to Wi-Fi and ready to accept sync. A blinking blue light means it’s in pairing mode. If it’s amber or red, there may be a Wi-Fi issue.

One tip: If the base station light is off, unplug it for 10 seconds and plug it back in. Wait 2–3 minutes for it to fully boot up. I’ve saved myself a lot of trouble just by doing this.

Step 3: Remove the Camera from the App (If Necessary)

If your camera has been offline for a while or you’re having trouble syncing, it’s often best to remove it from the app first. This clears any corrupted connection data.

1. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings.
2. Select My Devices, then tap on the camera you want to relink.
3. Scroll down and tap Remove Device.
4. Confirm the removal. Don’t worry — this doesn’t delete your recordings if you have a cloud subscription.

After removing, the camera will no longer appear in your app. This is normal — it’s now ready to be re-added.

Step 4: Reconnect the Camera to the Base Station or Wi-Fi

For Base Station Models:

1. Press and hold the Sync button on the base station for 2 seconds. The LED will blink blue.
2. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the Sync button on the Arlo camera for 2 seconds. You’ll hear a chime or see a blinking light.
3. Wait up to 2 minutes. The base station light should turn solid blue, and the camera should appear in the app.

Pro Tip: If the sync fails, try moving the camera closer to the base station — even within 1–2 feet. Walls and metal objects can block the sync signal.

For Wi-Fi-Only Models (Arlo Essential, Q, etc.):

1. In the Arlo app, tap Add Device and select your camera model.
2. Follow the prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll need to enter your SSID and password.
3. The app may ask you to scan a QR code on the camera or press a sync button.
4. Wait 3–5 minutes for the camera to connect. You’ll see a notification when it’s online.

One thing I’ve learned: Make sure your Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz. Most Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz-only networks. If your router broadcasts both, temporarily disable 5 GHz during setup, or use a dual-band router that labels the 2.4 GHz network clearly (e.g., “HomeNetwork_2.4”).

Step 5: Verify the Connection and Test

Once the camera appears in the app, tap on it to view the live feed. Check for:

• Clear video (no pixelation or lag)
• Proper motion detection (test by waving your hand)
• Audio (if your model has a microphone)
• Battery level (for wireless models)

If the video is choppy, try moving the camera closer to the base station or router. For Wi-Fi models, a weak signal can cause delays. You can check signal strength in the app under Device Settings > Network.

Troubleshooting Common Relinking Issues

Camera Won’t Sync to Base Station

This is one of the most common problems. Here’s what to try:

• Reset the base station: Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in.
• Reset the camera: On most models, press and hold the sync button for 10–15 seconds until the light flashes rapidly. This performs a factory reset.
• Check for interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can interfere with the 2.4 GHz signal. Turn them off temporarily during sync.
• Update firmware: Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update in the app. Outdated firmware can cause sync issues.

I once had a camera that refused to sync after a power outage. A full reset of both the base station and camera fixed it. Sometimes, a clean slate is the best solution.

Wi-Fi Password or Network Change

If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password or network name, your Arlo camera won’t reconnect automatically. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices.
2. Select the camera and tap Network.
3. Tap Change Network and enter the new SSID and password.
4. Wait for the camera to reconnect.

For Wi-Fi-only models, you may need to remove and re-add the camera using the new credentials. It’s a bit more work, but it works every time.

App Not Recognizing the Camera

If the Arlo app doesn’t see your camera after syncing, try these steps:

• Restart the Arlo app.
• Restart your phone or tablet.
• Check your internet connection — the app needs to talk to Arlo’s servers.
• Log out and log back into your Arlo account.
• Clear the app’s cache (on Android: Settings > Apps > Arlo > Storage > Clear Cache).

One user told me their app wouldn’t load any cameras after an Android update. A simple cache clear did the trick. Always try the simplest fix first!

Multiple Cameras Out of Sync

If you have several cameras and they all lost connection, don’t panic. You can relink them one by one. But here’s a time-saving tip:

• Sync one camera first, confirm it works, then move to the next.
• Label your cameras (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) in the app so you know which is which.
• Use the “Rename” feature in Device Settings to avoid confusion.

I once had to relink five cameras after a router upgrade. It took about 20 minutes total — not bad for peace of mind.

Advanced Tips for Smoother Relinking

Use a Static IP for Your Base Station

For advanced users, assigning a static IP to your base station via your router can prevent future disconnections. This ensures the base station always has the same network address, even after a router reboot. It’s not essential, but it’s a great long-term solution for tech-savvy users.

Optimize Your Wi-Fi for Arlo

Arlo cameras are sensitive to Wi-Fi quality. Here are a few tips:

• Use a dual-band router and name your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks differently (e.g., “Home_2.4” and “Home_5”).
• Position your router or base station centrally, away from thick walls or metal objects.
• Consider a Wi-Fi extender if your camera is far from the router.
• Use a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest or Eero) for large homes.

I upgraded to a mesh system last year, and my Arlo cameras have been rock-solid ever since. The investment paid off.

Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates to improve stability and security. Enable automatic updates in the app under Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update > Auto-Update. This reduces the chance of future relinking issues.

Use the Arlo Web Portal

Sometimes the mobile app glitches. The Arlo web portal can be more reliable for relinking. Log in, go to Devices, and follow the same steps. I’ve used it a few times when the app froze — it’s a solid backup.

When to Contact Arlo Support

Signs You Need Professional Help

Most relinking issues can be solved at home, but here are times when you should reach out to Arlo Support:

• Your camera won’t power on or charge.
• The base station LED is solid red (indicates a critical error).
• You’ve tried resetting multiple times with no success.
• Your camera is under warranty and you suspect a hardware fault.

Arlo offers phone, chat, and email support. Their support team is generally helpful, though wait times can vary. Have your device model, serial number, and Arlo account email ready when you call.

How to Get Faster Support

• Use the Help section in the Arlo app — it has step-by-step guides and live chat.
• Check the Arlo Community Forum — other users often post fixes for common issues.
• Call during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) for shorter wait times.

I once had a camera that kept disconnecting at night. The support agent walked me through a network analysis tool in the app and found a signal interference issue. They were patient and thorough — a great experience.

Data Table: Common Arlo Models and Relinking Methods

Model	Base Station Required?	Relinking Method	Sync Button Location	Wi-Fi Support	Reset Button
Arlo Pro 3	Yes	Sync with base station	On camera and base station	2.4 GHz	Yes (10 sec hold)
Arlo Ultra	Yes	Sync with base station	On camera and base station	2.4 GHz	Yes
Arlo Essential	No	Wi-Fi setup via app	None (uses QR code)	2.4 GHz	Yes (on back)
Arlo Q	No	Wi-Fi setup via app	None (uses WPS)	2.4 GHz	Yes (small hole)
Arlo Pro 4	Optional (can use SmartHub)	Sync with hub or Wi-Fi	On camera	2.4 GHz	Yes

Final Thoughts: Relinking Your Arlo Camera Made Simple

Relinking an Arlo camera doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right steps, a little patience, and the tips in this guide, you can get your system back up and running in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a simple Wi-Fi change or a full base station reset, the key is to stay calm and follow the process one step at a time.

Remember: Technology isn’t perfect. Cameras disconnect, apps glitch, and networks change. But Arlo’s design makes recovery straightforward. And now that you know how to relink your camera, you’re in control — no more staring at a blank screen or calling support in a panic.

So next time your Arlo camera goes offline, take a deep breath. Pull up this guide, grab your phone, and get to work. You’ve got this. And if you ever need a refresher, you’ve got a trusted resource right here. Happy monitoring!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I relink an Arlo camera to my account?

To relink an Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, tap “Add New Device,” and follow the setup prompts. Ensure your camera is powered on and in pairing mode (LED blinking blue) during the process.

Why won’t my Arlo camera relink after a Wi-Fi change?

If your Arlo camera won’t relink after a Wi-Fi update, reset it by holding the sync button for 10 seconds. Then, re-add it via the app while connected to the new network. This often resolves connectivity issues.

Can I relink an Arlo camera without resetting it?

Yes, if the camera was previously linked, go to the Arlo app’s “Device Settings” > “Remove Device,” then re-add it using “Add New Device.” This skips a full factory reset unless troubleshooting requires it.

How do I relink an Arlo camera to a new base station?

Power on the new base station, open the Arlo app, and select “Add New Device.” Choose your camera model and follow the sync instructions to link it to the updated hardware.

What if the Arlo app doesn’t detect my relinked camera?

Ensure the camera’s battery is charged or it’s plugged in, and check that the base station/bridge has a solid internet connection. Toggle Bluetooth/Wi-Fi on your phone if the app still fails to detect it.

How long does it take to relink an Arlo camera?

Relinking typically takes 2–5 minutes, depending on Wi-Fi strength and device responsiveness. The LED on the camera will turn solid blue once successfully linked to your account.