How Do You Change the WiFi on Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Changing the WiFi on your Arlo camera is quick and easy using the Arlo app—no need to reset the device. Simply navigate to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Network > Change Network and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to a new WiFi network. This seamless process ensures your camera stays online with minimal downtime.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to begin changing your WiFi settings quickly.
• Select your camera from the device list to access WiFi options.
• Tap “Change WiFi” in settings to start the reconnection process.
• Enter new WiFi details accurately to avoid connection errors.
• Use 2.4 GHz network for best compatibility with Arlo cameras.
• Wait for solid LED to confirm successful WiFi reconnection.

Why Changing Your Arlo Camera’s WiFi Matters

Let’s be honest—few things are more frustrating than a security camera that won’t connect to your home network. You set it up with care, mount it in the perfect spot, and then *poof*—it disconnects because you changed your WiFi name or upgraded your router. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blinking LED on your Arlo camera, wondering, “how do you change the WiFi on Arlo camera?”—you’re not alone. It’s a common headache, especially for folks who aren’t tech wizards (and that’s most of us).

I remember the first time I had to reconfigure my Arlo Pro 3 after switching to a mesh network. I was convinced I’d need to call customer support, spend an hour on hold, and probably reset the whole system. But guess what? It turned out to be simpler than I thought—once I knew the right steps. That’s exactly what this guide is for: to walk you through the process step by step, with real-life tips, common mistakes to avoid, and a little empathy along the way. Whether you’re upgrading your internet, moving to a new home, or just tired of that “offline” notification, this guide has your back.

Understanding Your Arlo System and WiFi Requirements

Before we dive into the “how,” it helps to understand the “why” and “what.” Arlo cameras come in several models—Arlo Essential, Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Q, and more—and while they all connect to WiFi, the process varies slightly depending on whether you have a base station or are using a standalone camera (like the Arlo Essential series).

Types of Arlo Cameras and Their WiFi Needs

• Cameras with Base Stations (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra): These connect to a central hub (the base station), which links to your router via Ethernet or WiFi. The camera talks to the base station, not directly to your router. So, if you change your WiFi, you usually only need to update the base station.
• Standalone Cameras (e.g., Arlo Essential, Arlo Q): These connect directly to your home WiFi network. No base station means you’re reconfiguring the camera itself every time the network changes.
• Wire-Free vs. Wired: Wire-free models (like the Arlo Pro 3) run on batteries and rely on strong WiFi signals. Wired models (like the Arlo Pro 4 with a solar panel) still need a stable connection but may have more consistent signal strength.

Knowing your setup is the first step. For example, I once tried to reconfigure my Arlo Pro 4 camera directly through the app—only to realize the base station was the one that needed updating. That wasted 20 minutes and a lot of patience!

WiFi Compatibility and Best Practices

Arlo cameras typically support 2.4 GHz WiFi networks only. Some newer models (like the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra 2) can also connect to 5 GHz, but 2.4 GHz is more reliable for outdoor or distant cameras because it travels farther and penetrates walls better.

Here’s a quick checklist before you start:

• Make sure your new WiFi network is 2.4 GHz (or dual-band with 2.4 GHz enabled).
• Use WPA2 or WPA3 security—Arlo doesn’t support older protocols like WEP.
• Keep your router’s firmware updated.
• Ensure the camera is within 300 feet (line of sight) of your router or base station.

Pro tip: If your camera is in a shed or garage far from the house, consider using a WiFi extender or mesh node to boost the signal before reconfiguring.

Preparing to Change the WiFi on Your Arlo Camera

Changing your Arlo camera’s WiFi isn’t just about pressing a few buttons—it’s about preparation. A little planning saves you from endless retries and frustration.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Info

You’ll need:

• Your new WiFi name (SSID) and password
• The Arlo app (downloaded and logged in)
• Your Arlo account (email and password)
• A charged camera (for wire-free models, check battery level in the app)
• Access to your base station (if applicable)

I once tried to reconfigure my camera while it was at 10% battery. It disconnected mid-process, and I had to restart everything. Lesson learned: always charge first.

Step 2: Check Your Current Connection

Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera]. Look for the WiFi signal strength icon. If it’s weak (one or two bars), consider moving the camera closer to the router or base station during setup.

Also, check if your base station (if you have one) is connected to the internet. You can do this by looking at the LED lights—green means good, blinking amber means trouble.

Step 3: Temporarily Disable 5 GHz (If Needed)

If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name (a feature called “band steering”), temporarily rename or disable the 5 GHz network. This forces your Arlo to connect to 2.4 GHz, which is more reliable for setup.

Example: Change your 5 GHz network to “Home-5G” and your 2.4 GHz to “Home-2.4G.” After setup, you can re-enable both or merge them again.

Step 4: Reset (Only If Necessary)

Don’t reset your camera unless it’s completely offline or unresponsive. A factory reset wipes all settings and requires full reconfiguration. Only do this if:

• The camera won’t connect to any network
• You’ve tried everything else
• You’re moving to a new home and want to start fresh

To reset: Press and hold the sync button (on the camera or base station) for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks amber, then release.

How to Change WiFi on Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the main event. Here’s how to change the WiFi on your Arlo camera, broken down by setup type.

For Cameras with a Base Station (Arlo Pro, Ultra, etc.)

1. Open the Arlo app and log in.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Base Station].
3. Tap WiFi Settings.
4. Select Change WiFi Network.
5. The app will guide you through connecting the base station to your new WiFi.
   • You may need to plug the base station into your router via Ethernet temporarily.
   • Or, the base station will enter “setup mode” and broadcast its own WiFi network (e.g., “Arlo_XXXX”).
6. On your phone, connect to the base station’s temporary WiFi (you’ll see it in your phone’s WiFi list).
7. Return to the Arlo app, and it will prompt you to select your home WiFi and enter the password.
8. Wait 1–2 minutes. The base station’s LED should turn solid green.
9. Once the base station is online, your cameras will reconnect automatically within 5–10 minutes.

Real-life tip: I once forgot to reconnect my phone to my home WiFi after the base station setup. The app kept showing “offline” because my phone was still on the Arlo_XXXX network. Always switch back!

For Standalone Cameras (Arlo Essential, Arlo Q, etc.)

1. Open the Arlo app and log in.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera].
3. Tap Device Info > WiFi Settings.
4. Select Change WiFi Network.
5. The camera will go into setup mode (LED blinks amber/blue).
6. On your phone, go to WiFi settings and connect to the camera’s network (e.g., “Arlo_XXXX”).
7. Return to the Arlo app. It will detect the camera and ask for your home WiFi name and password.
8. Enter the details and wait. The camera’s LED will turn solid blue when connected.
9. Reconnect your phone to your home WiFi.

Pro tip: If the camera doesn’t enter setup mode, press and hold the sync button on the camera for 5 seconds until the LED blinks.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even with perfect steps, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:

• “Incorrect Password” Error: Double-check your WiFi password. Arlo is case-sensitive. If your password has special characters (like @, !), make sure they’re typed correctly.
• Camera Not in Setup Mode: Press and hold the sync button for 5–10 seconds. If the LED doesn’t blink, the battery might be low.
• App Can’t Find the Camera’s Network: Restart your phone’s WiFi, move closer to the camera, or restart the camera.
• Base Station Not Connecting to WiFi: Try the Ethernet method first. If that fails, reset the base station and start over.

I once spent 30 minutes troubleshooting a “password error” only to realize I’d fat-fingered an “S” instead of a “5.” Moral of the story: triple-check your password.

Advanced Tips for a Smooth WiFi Transition

Changing WiFi isn’t just about the technical steps—it’s about making the process seamless and future-proof. Here are some advanced tips to save you time and hassle down the road.

Use the Arlo SmartHub (Optional but Recommended)

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, consider upgrading to the Arlo SmartHub. It’s a more advanced base station that:

• Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi
• Has better range and reliability
• Allows local storage (so you don’t need cloud subscriptions for basic recording)
• Makes WiFi changes easier with a dedicated setup wizard

When I switched to the SmartHub, changing WiFi took half the time and had zero hiccups. It’s worth the investment if you’re serious about home security.

Set Up a Dedicated WiFi Network for IoT Devices

Many routers let you create a separate network for smart devices (like cameras, thermostats, and lights). This is a game-changer because:

• It isolates your security cameras from your main network (better security)
• Reduces congestion on your primary WiFi
• Makes it easier to manage devices (you can reboot or update one network at a time)

For example, I have a network called “Home-Secure” just for Arlo, Ring, and smart locks. When I change my main WiFi, I don’t have to touch the security devices—they stay on their own network.

Update Firmware Before and After

Outdated firmware can cause connection issues. Before changing WiFi:

• Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera/Base Station]
• Check for firmware updates under Device Info
• Install any available updates

After changing WiFi, check again. Sometimes a firmware update is needed to stabilize the new connection.

Test the Connection and Adjust Placement

Once your camera is online, do a quick test:

• Check the live view in the app
• Trigger motion detection (walk in front of the camera)
• Verify that notifications arrive
• Check the WiFi signal strength (should be at least 2 bars)

If the signal is weak, try:

• Repositioning the camera (closer to the router or base station)
• Using a WiFi extender
• Mounting it higher (signal travels better over obstacles)

Data Table: Arlo Camera WiFi Compatibility by Model

Arlo Model	WiFi Frequency	Base Station Required?	Max Range (from Base/Router)	Setup Method
Arlo Pro 4	2.4 GHz & 5 GHz	Yes (Pro Hub or SmartHub)	300 ft (line of sight)	Base station reconfiguration
Arlo Ultra 2	2.4 GHz & 5 GHz	Yes (SmartHub)	300 ft	Base station reconfiguration
Arlo Essential (Wired)	2.4 GHz only	No	150 ft (walls reduce range)	Direct camera setup
Arlo Essential (Wire-Free)	2.4 GHz only	No	150 ft	Direct camera setup
Arlo Q	2.4 GHz only	No	100 ft	Direct camera setup
Arlo Go (LTE)	Cellular (WiFi optional)	No	LTE coverage area	App-based or SIM setup

This table helps you quickly identify your camera’s capabilities. For example, if you have an Arlo Essential wire-free and your router is 200 feet away with two walls in between, you might need a WiFi extender—even if the specs say 150 ft.

Wrapping Up: Your Arlo WiFi Change Is Easier Than You Think

Changing the WiFi on your Arlo camera doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. Whether you’re dealing with a base station or a standalone unit, the process is straightforward once you understand the basics. The key is preparation: charge your camera, know your network details, and follow the steps carefully.

Remember, the how do you change the WiFi on Arlo camera question has a few answers depending on your setup, but the core principles remain the same:

• Use 2.4 GHz for reliability
• Follow the app’s guidance step by step
• Don’t rush—wait for LEDs to stabilize
• Test the connection afterward

And if you hit a snag? Don’t panic. Most issues come from simple oversights: wrong password, low battery, or a phone still connected to the wrong network. Take a breath, go back to the checklist, and try again.

I’ve changed WiFi on Arlo cameras a dozen times—sometimes for fun, sometimes out of necessity—and every time, it gets easier. Now, I even do it with confidence. You can too. With this guide, you’re not just learning how to reconfigure a camera—you’re building the skills to manage your smart home like a pro.

So the next time your router gets an upgrade or you move to a new house, don’t dread the Arlo setup. Embrace it. Your security system will thank you, and you’ll finally get that “online” notification you’ve been waiting for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you change the WiFi on an Arlo camera?

To change the WiFi on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices, select your camera, and tap WiFi Settings. Follow the prompts to connect to a new network. Ensure your camera is within range of the new WiFi during setup.

Can I update my Arlo camera’s WiFi network without resetting it?

Yes, you can update the WiFi without a full reset. Use the Arlo app’s Change WiFi option under your camera’s settings. This preserves existing recordings and settings while switching networks.

Why won’t my Arlo camera connect to a new WiFi network?

Common issues include incorrect WiFi password, weak signal, or incompatible network (e.g., 5GHz-only). Double-check credentials, move the camera closer to the router, and ensure the network uses 2.4GHz or dual-band.

How do I reconnect my Arlo camera after changing my WiFi router?

Open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap Settings > WiFi Settings. Choose your new router’s network and enter the updated password. Wait a few minutes for the camera to reconnect.

Is there a way to change Arlo WiFi settings remotely?

Yes, the Arlo app allows remote WiFi changes if your camera is online. Navigate to Settings > My Devices > WiFi Settings and follow the steps. Offline cameras require local access via the base station.

What’s the quickest way to switch Arlo cameras to a guest WiFi?

Use the Arlo app to update each camera’s WiFi individually via Settings > WiFi Settings. Guest networks must use WPA2/WPA3 encryption and support 2.4GHz for compatibility.