How Do You Secure Arlo Cameras Expert Tips Revealed

Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access to your Arlo cameras, as it adds a critical layer of security beyond just a password. Regularly update firmware and use strong, unique passwords to protect against vulnerabilities and ensure your home surveillance stays secure from evolving threats.

Key Takeaways

• Enable two-factor authentication: Adds a critical layer of account security.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensures latest security patches are active.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Prevents unauthorized access to your devices.
• Secure your Wi-Fi network: A protected network safeguards camera feeds.
• Disable remote access when unused: Reduces exposure to potential breaches.
• Review activity logs frequently: Spot and respond to suspicious behavior quickly.

How Do You Secure Arlo Cameras? Expert Tips Revealed

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo camera system, feeling proud of your smart home upgrade. You’ve mounted the cameras, synced them to your phone, and can now check in on your front porch from anywhere in the world. It’s peace of mind at your fingertips. But a few weeks later, you get a notification—someone accessed your camera feed. Your heart skips. You realize your sense of security might be an illusion.

You’re not alone. As smart home tech grows, so do the risks. Arlo cameras are popular for their sleek design, wireless setup, and cloud-based features, but convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of security. The good news? With a few smart moves, you can lock down your Arlo system and keep hackers, snoopers, and unauthorized users out. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to secure Arlo cameras—from basic setup fixes to advanced privacy hacks. Think of this as a friendly, no-nonsense chat between friends who care about your home and data.

1. Start with Strong Account Security

Let’s begin where it all starts: your Arlo account. If someone gets into your login, they can view your cameras, download footage, and even delete clips. It’s like giving them a master key to your home. So, your first line of defense is making your account as tough to crack as possible.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds a second step when logging in. Even if someone guesses your password, they’d need your phone or authenticator app to get in. Here’s how to set it up:

• Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Profile > Two-Factor Authentication.
• Choose your preferred method: SMS (text message) or authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy).
• Scan the QR code or enter the code manually to activate.

Tip: Use an authenticator app instead of SMS. Texts can be intercepted through SIM-swapping attacks, especially if your phone number is public.

Use a Unique, Complex Password

Your Arlo password shouldn’t be “123456” or “password.” It also shouldn’t be the same one you use for Netflix or your email. A strong password should:

• Be at least 12 characters long
• Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Not contain personal info (like your dog’s name or birth year)

Example: Instead of “Arlo2023,” try “$7mN9pK@rLoW!zQ.” Use a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) to keep track of it without writing it down.

Check Active Sessions and Devices

Arlo lets you see which devices are logged into your account. If you spot something unfamiliar—like a device in another country—it’s time to act.

• Go to Settings > Profile > Devices.
• Review each device and remove any you don’t recognize.
• Log out remotely and change your password immediately.

Pro tip: Do this every few months, especially after traveling or letting a friend borrow access.

2. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network—The Foundation of Arlo Security

Your Arlo cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi, so if your network is weak, your cameras are vulnerable. Think of your router as the front door to your smart home. If it’s unlocked, everything inside is at risk.

Update Your Router’s Firmware

Outdated firmware is a hacker’s best friend. Manufacturers release updates to patch security holes. Here’s how to check:

• Log into your router (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser).
• Look for “Firmware Update” or “System Update” in the admin panel.
• Install any available updates and restart the router.

Note: Some routers update automatically. If yours doesn’t, set a reminder every 3–6 months.

Use WPA3 Encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 Isn’t Available)

Encryption protects your Wi-Fi from eavesdropping. WPA3 is the latest and most secure standard, but if your router is older, WPA2 is still solid.

• In your router settings, go to Wireless > Security.
• Select “WPA3-Personal” or “WPA2-Personal” (avoid WEP or “Open” networks).
• Set a strong Wi-Fi password (same rules as your Arlo password).

Real-world example: A friend once used “WiFi123” as her password. After a break-in, she learned the thief had used a simple app to crack it in under a minute.

Create a Separate Guest Network for IoT Devices

Your Arlo cameras, smart lights, and voice assistants should not share the same network as your laptops and phones. Why? If one device gets hacked, it can’t easily spread to others.

• Enable “Guest Network” in your router settings.
• Name it something like “Home-IoT” (avoid “Guest” or “Arlo”).
• Connect all smart devices to this network, including Arlo cameras.

This also helps with bandwidth. Cameras streaming HD video won’t slow down your Netflix binge.

3. Optimize Arlo Camera Settings for Privacy

Arlo gives you fine control over what your cameras capture and share. Tweaking these settings can prevent accidental oversharing and reduce data exposure.

Adjust Motion Detection Zones

By default, Arlo cameras detect motion everywhere. But if your camera faces a busy street, it’ll constantly alert you to passing cars—and record footage you don’t need.

• In the Arlo app, tap the camera > Settings > Motion Detection.
• Draw zones to focus on areas like your front door or backyard.
• Turn off detection for roads, sidewalks, or neighbors’ windows.

This reduces false alerts and limits what’s recorded, making your data footprint smaller.

Enable End-to-End Encryption (If Available)

Arlo offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for certain plans. With E2EE, only you can view your footage—not Arlo, not hackers, not even law enforcement (without a warrant).

• Go to Settings > Subscription > End-to-End Encryption.
• Follow the steps to enable it (note: E2EE requires a subscription and may limit some features like cloud storage).

Trade-off: E2EE means you can’t recover footage if you lose your encryption key. Store it securely (like in a password manager).

Review and Delete Old Footage Regularly

The more footage you store, the more data is at risk. Set up automatic deletion:

• In Settings > Subscription > Video History, choose a retention period (e.g., 30 or 60 days).
• Manually delete clips you no longer need.

Example: After a package delivery, save the clip for a week, then delete it. No need to keep it for months.

4. Physical Security: Don’t Forget the Basics

Digital security is vital, but physical tampering is just as dangerous. A thief could steal your camera, reset it, or cover the lens.

Mount Cameras Out of Reach

Install cameras at least 8–10 feet high. Use mounts with anti-tamper screws or security brackets. Avoid easy-to-reach spots like first-floor windows or low eaves.

• Use Arlo’s magnetic mounts for quick adjustments, but add a security screw.
• For outdoor cameras, ensure they’re weatherproof and UV-resistant.

Pro tip: If you live in a high-crime area, consider a dummy camera nearby to deter thieves.

Disable the Reset Button (If Possible)

Most Arlo cameras have a physical reset button. A thief could press it to factory-reset your camera and take control. Some models let you disable it via software:

• Check your camera’s manual for “Reset Protection” settings.
• If unavailable, cover the button with a small piece of tape or a security seal.

Note: This isn’t foolproof, but it adds a layer of deterrence.

Use a Camera Cover or Lens Hood

Some Arlo models come with lens covers. If yours doesn’t, buy one. A cover prevents someone from smudging the lens or blocking the view.

• Choose a cover with a lock or magnetic closure.
• For outdoor use, ensure it’s made of durable, weather-resistant material.

5. Monitor and Maintain: Ongoing Security Habits

Security isn’t a one-time task. It’s a habit. Like checking your smoke alarm or updating your phone, your Arlo system needs regular attention.

Check for Firmware Updates Monthly

Arlo releases updates to fix bugs and patch security holes. Don’t ignore them.

• Open the Arlo app > Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update.
• If an update is available, install it immediately.
• Restart the camera after updating.

Real talk: I once skipped an update for 3 months. When I finally checked, my camera was vulnerable to a known exploit. Lesson learned.

Review App Permissions

Arlo shares data with third-party apps (like IFTTT or Alexa). If those apps get hacked, your camera could be exposed.

• In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Connected Apps.
• Remove any apps you don’t use or trust.
• For apps you keep, check their privacy policies.

Example: I used IFTTT to turn on a light when motion was detected. But when IFTTT had a data leak in 2020, I disabled it until they improved security.

Audit Shared Access

Arlo lets you share cameras with family, friends, or housekeepers. But every extra user is a potential risk.

• Go to Settings > Users & Sharing.
• Remove anyone who no longer needs access (e.g., a former tenant).
• Use “Guest” mode for temporary access (expires after 24 hours).

Tip: Set clear rules. For example, “Only check the camera if the alarm goes off.”

6. Advanced Tips: For the Security-Conscious

Ready to go pro? These tips are for users who want maximum protection.

Use a VPN for Remote Access

When you view your cameras outside your home (e.g., at work or on vacation), your traffic goes through public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts it.

• Install a trusted VPN (like NordVPN or ProtonVPN) on your phone or tablet.
• Connect to it before opening the Arlo app.

This prevents hackers on the same coffee shop Wi-Fi from snooping on your feed.

Disable Cloud Storage (If You’re Paranoid)

Cloud storage is convenient, but it means your footage is on Arlo’s servers. If you’re ultra-cautious, use local storage only.

• Buy an Arlo SmartHub or base station.
• Insert a microSD card (up to 256GB).
• Set cameras to record directly to the card.

Trade-off: No remote access to footage unless you’re on your home network.

Enable Activity Zones with AI Filtering

Arlo’s AI can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. Use it to reduce false alerts and focus on what matters.

• In Settings > Motion Detection > Smart Alerts, turn on “Person” and “Vehicle” detection.
• Turn off “Animal” if you have pets that trigger alerts.

This cuts down on unnecessary recordings and saves storage.

Data Table: Arlo Security Features Comparison

Feature	Basic Plan	Pro Plan	SmartPlan (E2EE)
Cloud Storage	7 days (free)	30–60 days	30 days (E2EE)
End-to-End Encryption	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
AI Detection (Person/Vehicle)	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Local Storage (microSD)	✅ Yes (with SmartHub)	✅ Yes (with SmartHub)	✅ Yes (with SmartHub)
2FA Support	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Remember: no security measure is 100% foolproof. But by layering these tips—strong passwords, network security, privacy settings, physical protection, and ongoing maintenance—you’ll make it much harder for anyone to compromise your Arlo system.

Securing your Arlo cameras isn’t about living in fear. It’s about taking control. You’ve invested in smart tech for peace of mind, not to become a victim of its risks. With these expert tips, you’re not just setting up cameras—you’re building a fortress around your home, your privacy, and your family.

So, take a few minutes today: enable 2FA, update your router, tweak motion zones, and check your shared access. Small steps, big impact. And if you ever feel overwhelmed? That’s okay. Start with one change at a time. Because when it comes to how to secure Arlo cameras, every layer of protection counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you secure Arlo cameras from hackers?

To secure Arlo cameras from hackers, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in the Arlo app and use a strong, unique password. Regularly update your camera firmware to patch security vulnerabilities.

Can you secure Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes, you can secure Arlo cameras without a subscription by using local storage options and enabling basic features like motion alerts. However, a subscription unlocks advanced security features like cloud storage and AI detection.

How do you secure Arlo cameras from Wi-Fi interference?

To prevent Wi-Fi interference, place your Arlo cameras within range of a strong 2.4GHz network and avoid signal-blocking obstacles. Consider using an Arlo SmartHub to create a dedicated, secure connection for your cameras.

What’s the best way to secure Arlo cameras outdoors?

Secure outdoor Arlo cameras by using weatherproof mounts, tamper-resistant screws, and placing them out of easy reach. Pair this with activity zones in the app to reduce false alerts from moving objects.

How do you secure Arlo cameras from theft or tampering?

Mount Arlo cameras high or in hard-to-reach locations, and use anti-theft mounts or enclosures. Enable push notifications and sirens to deter tampering, and check the app’s “Device Health” for tamper alerts.

How do you secure Arlo cameras with two-factor authentication?

To secure Arlo cameras with 2FA, go to Account Settings > Security in the Arlo app and enable the feature. This adds a verification code step during login, making unauthorized access much harder.