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You can have up to 200 cameras on a single Arlo account, depending on your subscription plan and base station model. Higher-tier plans and newer hardware unlock support for more devices, ensuring seamless integration and monitoring across your entire property.
Key Takeaways
- Arlo supports up to 200 cameras per account across all base stations and hubs.
- Base stations expand capacity—each can manage up to 15 cameras simultaneously.
- Free accounts allow 5 cameras with rolling 7-day cloud storage for motion events.
- Upgrade plans to add more cameras and access advanced features like 4K streaming.
- Local storage options exist for select models, reducing reliance on cloud subscriptions.
- SmartHubs improve performance for large setups with dedicated Wi-Fi and processing power.
📑 Table of Contents
- How Many Cameras Can I Have on My Arlo Account? Let’s Break It Down
- Arlo Camera Limits: The Basics You Need to Know
- Arlo Subscription Plans and Camera Limits: A Side-by-Side Look
- How to Add More Cameras (And Avoid Common Pitfalls)
- Maximizing Your Arlo Setup: Tips for Large Camera Counts
- Arlo Camera Limits at a Glance: Data Table
- Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance for Your Needs
How Many Cameras Can I Have on My Arlo Account? Let’s Break It Down
Imagine this: You’ve just installed your first Arlo camera. It’s sleek, easy to set up, and you’re already feeling safer. But now, you’re thinking, “What if I want to add another camera for the backyard? Or maybe two more to cover the side entrances?” You’re not alone. Many Arlo users start with one or two cameras and quickly realize their home or business could benefit from more coverage. The big question is: How many cameras can I have on my Arlo account?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your Arlo plan, the devices you own, and how you want to use them. Whether you’re a homeowner, small business owner, or a tech-savvy renter, understanding Arlo’s camera limits can help you make smarter decisions about your security setup. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of Arlo’s camera limits, explain how different plans work, and share practical tips to help you get the most out of your system—without overspending or running into unexpected roadblocks. Let’s dive in.
Arlo Camera Limits: The Basics You Need to Know
Understanding the Default Limit
When you first set up an Arlo account, you’ll notice a default limit on how many cameras you can add. For most users, this is five cameras per account. This is the standard limit for free accounts and basic plans. Think of it as Arlo’s way of letting you test the waters without overcomplicating things. If you’re just covering the front door, back porch, and maybe a garage, five cameras might be plenty.
But here’s the thing: this limit isn’t set in stone. You can increase it—sometimes significantly—depending on your subscription plan. For example, if you’re using Arlo Secure or Arlo Secure Plus, the camera limit can go up to 10, 20, or even more. It all depends on what you’re paying for and how you’re using the system.
Why Arlo Has Limits (And Why They Matter)
You might wonder, “Why does Arlo even have limits?” Great question. Limits exist for a few practical reasons:
- Server and cloud capacity: Arlo’s cloud storage and AI processing (like person, vehicle, and package detection) require resources. More cameras mean more data, which costs Arlo money.
- Account management: Too many cameras on one account can become overwhelming. Limits help keep things organized.
- Subscription tiers: Higher limits are a perk of paid plans, encouraging users to upgrade.
For example, if you’re a homeowner with a modest setup, five cameras might be perfect. But if you’re managing a large property or multiple locations, you’ll likely need more. The key is matching your needs to the right plan—without paying for features you don’t use.
Real-Life Example: From 3 to 12 Cameras
Take my friend Sarah. She started with three Arlo Pro 3 cameras for her suburban home. A year later, she expanded to a home-based business with a detached workshop. She added four more cameras for the workshop, two for the driveway, and three for the backyard fence line. That’s 12 cameras total. Her free account only allowed five, so she upgraded to Arlo Secure Plus, which supports up to 20 cameras. Now she’s covered—and her subscription cost is justified by the extra features like 24/7 professional monitoring and 30-day video history.
Arlo Subscription Plans and Camera Limits: A Side-by-Side Look
Free Plan: The Starting Point
The free Arlo plan is a great way to get started. You get:
- Up to 5 cameras per account
- 7 days of cloud storage (rolling)
- Basic motion detection (no AI object recognition)
- No professional monitoring
This is ideal for small setups. But if you’re adding more than five cameras, you’ll need to upgrade. The free plan doesn’t scale well for larger properties or businesses.
Arlo Secure: The Sweet Spot for Most Users
Arlo Secure (formerly Arlo Smart) is the most popular paid plan. Here’s what you get:
- Up to 10 cameras per account
- 30 days of cloud storage
- AI-powered object detection (person, vehicle, animal, package)
- Activity zones and rich notifications
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring (extra cost)
This plan is perfect for homeowners with medium-sized properties or small businesses. For example, a family with a two-story home, backyard, and garage might use 6–8 cameras. The 10-camera limit gives you room to grow.
Arlo Secure Plus: For Large Setups and Businesses
Need more than 10 cameras? Arlo Secure Plus is the answer. It includes:
- Up to 20 cameras per account
- 30 days of cloud storage (with higher video quality)
- Advanced AI detection (including facial recognition, if enabled)
- 24/7 professional monitoring (included)
- Dedicated customer support
This plan is ideal for large homes, multi-unit buildings, or small to mid-sized businesses. Think of a property manager with four rental units, each needing 3–5 cameras. That’s 12–20 cameras total. Secure Plus covers it all—and adds peace of mind with professional monitoring.
Arlo Pro Plans: For Enterprise Users
If you’re managing dozens of cameras (like for a retail store chain or large estate), Arlo offers custom enterprise plans. These can support 50+ cameras and include:
- Dedicated account management
- Custom integration with other security systems
- On-premise or hybrid storage options
- Advanced analytics and reporting
These plans are tailored to your needs and priced accordingly. You’ll work directly with Arlo’s sales team to design a solution.
How to Add More Cameras (And Avoid Common Pitfalls)
Step-by-Step: Adding Cameras to Your Account
Adding a new camera is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check your plan limit: Before buying a new camera, verify how many you can add. You can see this in the Arlo app under Account > Subscription.
- Buy compatible cameras: Not all Arlo cameras work with every plan. For example, Arlo Ultra requires a higher-tier plan for full features.
- Use the Arlo app: Open the app, tap the “+” icon, and follow the prompts. The camera will sync with your account.
- Name and position: Give each camera a clear name (e.g., “Backyard North”) and place it in the right location.
Pro tip: Use the Arlo app’s Camera Status feature to check signal strength before finalizing placement. Weak Wi-Fi can cause dropouts.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even experienced users run into issues. Here are the top mistakes:
- Exceeding your plan limit: If you try to add a 6th camera on a 5-camera plan, the app will block it. You’ll need to upgrade first.
- Mixing incompatible devices: Some older Arlo cameras (like the original Arlo) don’t support newer features like AI detection. Check compatibility before buying.
- Ignoring Wi-Fi coverage: More cameras mean more strain on your network. If you’re adding 10+ cameras, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system.
- Forgetting to name cameras clearly: “Camera 3” doesn’t tell you much. Use descriptive names to avoid confusion later.
For example, my neighbor once named all his cameras “Cam 1,” “Cam 2,” etc. When he got an alert, he had no idea which one triggered it. A simple fix: “Front Door,” “Driveway,” “Garage.”
What If You Need More Than Your Plan Allows?
Sometimes, you’ll hit a hard limit. Here’s what to do:
- Upgrade your plan: The easiest fix. Go to Account > Subscription and select a higher tier.
- Create a second account: You can manage multiple Arlo accounts from one email. Just log in to each separately. (Note: This doesn’t share storage or alerts.)
- Use local storage: Some Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3) support microSD cards. This bypasses cloud limits but requires manual checks.
For example, a property manager with 30 cameras across 5 units might use two accounts: one for the main building (20 cameras on Secure Plus) and another for the outbuildings (10 cameras on Secure).
Maximizing Your Arlo Setup: Tips for Large Camera Counts
Organizing Your Cameras for Efficiency
When you have 10, 15, or 20 cameras, organization is key. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
- Group cameras by location: In the Arlo app, create groups like “Front Yard,” “Backyard,” “Workshop.”
- Use activity zones wisely: Set zones for high-traffic areas (e.g., front door) and ignore low-priority spots (e.g., tree branches).
- Schedule recording: Set cameras to record only during business hours or nighttime to save storage.
- Label clearly: Add notes like “Facing east—sun glare in morning” to help with troubleshooting.
For example, a small retail store with 12 cameras might group them as “Store Entrance,” “Checkout,” “Storage Room,” and “Parking Lot.” This makes it easy to review footage by location.
Managing Alerts Without Overwhelm
More cameras mean more alerts. To avoid alert fatigue:
- Customize notification settings: Only get alerts for “Person” or “Vehicle” detection, not every motion.
- Use rich notifications: The Arlo app shows a thumbnail with the alert. If it’s a false alarm (like a squirrel), you can dismiss it without opening the app.
- Set up smart rules: For example, “Only alert if motion is detected between 10 PM and 6 AM.”
One user told me they were getting 50+ alerts a day until they turned off alerts for the backyard camera during daylight. Problem solved.
Wi-Fi and Network Tips for Large Setups
Wi-Fi is the backbone of your Arlo system. For large setups:
- Use a mesh Wi-Fi system: Brands like Google Nest Wifi or TP-Link Deco help extend coverage.
- Place cameras near Wi-Fi sources: If a camera is far from your router, consider a Wi-Fi extender or a wired connection (for Arlo cameras with Ethernet support).
- Upgrade your internet plan: If you’re uploading hours of video daily, a faster plan (100+ Mbps) helps prevent lag.
For example, a large farm with 20 cameras might use a mesh Wi-Fi system with nodes in each barn, ensuring every camera stays connected.
Arlo Camera Limits at a Glance: Data Table
To make it easy to compare, here’s a quick breakdown of Arlo’s camera limits by plan:
| Plan | Camera Limit | Cloud Storage | AI Detection | Professional Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 5 | 7 days | No | No |
| Arlo Secure | 10 | 30 days | Yes (person, vehicle, package) | Optional (extra cost) |
| Arlo Secure Plus | 20 | 30 days (higher quality) | Yes (including facial recognition) | Yes (included) |
| Arlo Enterprise (Custom) | 50+ | Custom (on-premise/hybrid) | Yes (advanced analytics) | Yes (dedicated team) |
Note: Camera limits are per account. You can have multiple accounts under one email, but they don’t share storage or alerts.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance for Your Needs
So, how many cameras can you have on your Arlo account? The short answer: It depends. The free plan starts at 5, but you can go all the way up to 50+ with the right subscription. The key is matching your setup to your actual needs—not just buying cameras because they look cool.
Here’s my advice: Start small. Get 2–3 cameras, test the free plan, and see how it works for you. If you love it (and most people do), then scale up. Upgrade your plan when you’re ready, and organize your cameras thoughtfully. Use groups, activity zones, and smart notifications to keep things manageable.
And remember: More cameras aren’t always better. A well-placed camera is worth three poorly placed ones. Focus on coverage, not quantity. Whether you’re protecting your home, business, or rental property, Arlo gives you the flexibility to build a system that works for you—without breaking the bank.
So go ahead, add that extra camera for the side gate. Just make sure your plan can handle it. You’ve got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cameras can I have on my Arlo account?
Arlo allows up to 200 cameras per account, depending on your subscription plan. Free accounts support fewer devices, while premium plans like Arlo Secure unlock higher limits.
Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras I can connect?
Yes, the limit ranges from 5 cameras on free plans to 200 cameras with Arlo Secure subscriptions. Higher-tier plans also offer advanced features like AI detection and cloud storage.
Can I add more than 5 cameras to my Arlo account?
Absolutely! While the free plan caps at 5 cameras, upgrading to an Arlo Secure plan lets you add up to 200 cameras. This is ideal for large homes or businesses.
How many Arlo cameras can I have with a free account?
Free Arlo accounts support up to 5 cameras with 7-day rolling cloud storage. For more cameras or extended storage, you’ll need a paid Arlo Secure subscription.
Do Arlo camera limits vary by subscription type?
Yes, the number of cameras allowed depends on your plan. For example, Arlo Secure 1 supports up to 10 cameras, while Arlo Secure 2 and 3 allow 150 and 200 cameras respectively.
Can I mix different Arlo camera models on one account?
Yes, Arlo accounts support all camera models (e.g., Pro 4, Ultra, Floodlight) up to your plan’s limit. This flexibility lets you customize your setup for indoor or outdoor use.