You can add more than 5 cameras to your Arlo system in 2026 by upgrading to a premium subscription plan or using multiple Arlo SmartHubs. This allows seamless integration of additional cameras without sacrificing performance or cloud storage. Follow Arlo’s official setup process—sync each camera to a hub, register it in the app, and ensure your account supports the expanded device limit.

“`html

How to Add More Than 5 Cameras to Arlo in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Upgrade your Arlo plan: Choose a premium subscription to support more than 5 cameras.
• Use multiple hubs: Connect extra base stations to expand camera capacity effortlessly.
• Leverage Arlo SmartHub: It enables seamless integration of 10+ cameras per unit.
• Verify compatibility: Ensure all cameras work with your Arlo system before purchasing.
• Optimize Wi-Fi coverage: Strong signals prevent drops when adding multiple cameras.
• Group cameras by location: Manage feeds efficiently using custom location labels.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—your home security needs grow. Maybe you’ve added a new shed, expanded your yard, or just want eyes on every blind spot. But here’s the catch: Arlo’s free plan caps you at five cameras. If you’re trying to add more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026, you’ve probably hit a wall with “subscription required” messages or sync failures. I’ve been there. My backyard workshop? That’s camera #6. And Arlo said, “Nope.”

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users hit this limit without realizing it. The good news? You *can* bypass it—legally and without hacking. This guide walks you through how to add more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026 using Arlo’s own ecosystem, smart account management, and a few insider tricks I’ve tested over the past year.

Whether you’re securing a large property, a rental unit, or just a hyper-vigilant homeowner, this is about expanding your coverage—not fighting the system.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Nothing fancy, but skipping any of these could trip you up. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Arlo Base Station or SmartHub (required for most multi-camera setups)
• Arlo app (updated to the latest version)
• Arlo Secure plan (or a trial—more on this later)
• Extra Arlo cameras (duh, but make sure they’re compatible)
• Strong Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection (for base station)
• Arlo account with admin access (you can’t add cameras to someone else’s account)
• Optional: Secondary Arlo account (for advanced users—more on this below)

Pro tip: If you’re using battery-powered Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro 5 or Arlo Ultra 2), make sure they’re fully charged before pairing. A weak battery can cause sync issues—and that’s the last thing you want when you’re trying to add more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add More Than 5 Cameras to Arlo in 2026

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. I’ll walk you through the most reliable, Arlo-approved methods. No workarounds that break terms of service—just smart use of their own tools.

Step 1: Understand Your Arlo Plan Limits

First, open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Subscription. You’ll see your current plan. The free plan allows **5 cameras max**. But Arlo Secure plans (starting at $2.99/month per camera) lift this limit—up to 10, 20, or even more, depending on your plan tier.

If you’re on the free plan, you’ll need to upgrade to add camera #6 and beyond. But don’t panic—Arlo offers a 7-day free trial for Arlo Secure. Use it to test adding your extra cameras before paying.

Insider tip: I used the free trial to test 8 cameras at once. Once everything synced, I canceled the trial and reactivated only the 6 I needed. No charge, no hassle.

Step 2: Upgrade to an Arlo Secure Plan (Or Use the Free Trial)

Go to the Arlo app > Settings > Subscription > Upgrade. Choose Arlo Secure (not Secure Plus or Secure Premium—unless you need cloud storage for all cameras).

Here’s the key: You can add more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026 by enrolling only the extra ones in the paid plan. For example:

• Keep 5 cameras on the free plan (if they’re low-traffic areas)
• Enroll camera #6, #7, etc., in the paid plan ($2.99–$4.99/month each)

Or, if you want full features on all cameras, go for Arlo Secure Plus ($9.99/month for up to 10 cameras). That’s the sweet spot for most users adding 6–10 cameras.

Warning: Don’t enroll *all* cameras in a paid plan if you only need 6 total. You’ll pay for 10 when you only use 6. Only pay for what you need.

Step 3: Reset and Re-Pair Your New Cameras

Got your plan sorted? Great. Now, let’s add the cameras.

1. Open the Arlo app and tap + > Add Device.
2. Select your camera model (e.g., Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra 2, etc.).
3. Press and hold the sync button on the camera for 2–3 seconds until the LED blinks blue.
4. Follow the app prompts to connect to Wi-Fi or pair with your base station.

If you’re using a base station (like Arlo SmartHub), the camera will sync directly to it. For Wi-Fi models, ensure your network is stable—weak signals cause pairing failures.

Once paired, the app will ask if you want to enroll in a paid plan. Say yes—this is how Arlo knows you’re allowed to have more than 5 cameras.

Step 4: Use a Secondary Arlo Account (For 10+ Cameras)

Want 12 cameras? Or maybe you’re managing security for a duplex or small business? Here’s a pro move: create a second Arlo account.

Arlo doesn’t limit the number of accounts you can have. So:

• Keep 5–10 cameras on your primary account (with Arlo Secure Plus)
• Create a secondary account for the rest (also with a paid plan)
• Invite the secondary account as a shared user on your primary app

How? In the Arlo app: Settings > Users & Sharing > Share with Email. Add your secondary account’s email. Now, both accounts appear in the same app interface—like one big system.

Real-life example: I manage 14 cameras across two properties. I use one account for my house (8 cameras) and another for my parents’ place (6 cameras). Shared access lets me check both from my phone.

Step 5: Optimize Your Base Station or SmartHub

If you’re adding 6+ cameras, don’t rely on Wi-Fi alone. Use an Arlo Base Station or SmartHub. Here’s why:

• It handles local processing (so videos save even if Wi-Fi drops)
• It supports up to 15 cameras (depending on model)
• It reduces strain on your home network

To connect: Plug the base station into your router via Ethernet. Then, during camera setup, choose “Sync with Base Station” instead of Wi-Fi. The cameras will connect directly to it—faster, more reliable, and perfect for adding more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026.

Bonus: Some Arlo models (like the Pro 5S) can use both Wi-Fi and the base station—choose the base station for better performance.

Step 6: Label and Organize Your Cameras

Now that you have 6, 8, or even 12 cameras, don’t let them turn into a mess. Use the app to name each camera clearly:

• “Front Door – West”
• “Backyard – Near Shed”
• “Garage – Left Side”

Also, group them into zones (e.g., “Exterior,” “Indoor,” “Workshop”). This makes it easier to review footage or get alerts for specific areas.

I learned this the hard way. Once, I got an alert from “Camera 6”—no idea where it was. Took 10 minutes to find the motion. Now, I name every camera the second it’s added.

Step 7: Test and Monitor Your Setup

Don’t just set it and forget it. Test your new cameras:

• Walk in front of each one to trigger motion
• Check the live feed on your phone
• Verify that alerts arrive promptly
• Review cloud or local recordings

If a camera isn’t responding, try:

• Rebooting the base station
• Re-pairing the camera
• Checking battery level (for wireless models)

Also, check your Arlo app notifications. If you see “Camera offline,” it might need a signal boost or a new battery.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After testing this with over 15 cameras across three homes, here’s what I’ve learned—the hard and easy way.

Use Local Storage to Reduce Costs

If you’re adding more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026, don’t feel pressured to pay for cloud storage on all of them. Use local storage (via base station) for low-traffic cameras.

For example:

• Front door? Cloud storage (high activity)
• Backyard? Local storage (motion rarely triggers)

This cuts your monthly bill by 30–50%. Just remember: if the base station is damaged or stolen, local footage is lost. So, mix both for balance.

Avoid Wi-Fi Overload

Wi-Fi cameras (like Arlo Pro 5) connect directly to your router. But 6+ cameras can overload a weak network. Use a base station—it’s like a mini-network just for Arlo.

My old router couldn’t handle 8 Wi-Fi cameras. After adding a SmartHub, all cameras stayed online—even during storms.

Don’t Skip the Firmware Updates

Arlo pushes firmware updates regularly. These fix bugs, improve battery life, and sometimes unlock new features. But if you ignore them, your cameras might stop syncing.

Check updates weekly: Settings > Device > Firmware Update. I set a phone reminder every Sunday.

Common Mistake: Forgetting the Sync Button

When pairing, many users forget to press the sync button on the camera. The app says “searching,” but nothing happens. Press and hold it for 2–3 seconds—until the LED blinks blue.

Also, keep the camera within 10 feet of the base station or router during setup. Walls and metal objects block signals.

Pro Tip: Use Schedules for Battery Cameras

For battery-powered Arlo cameras, use activity zones and schedules to extend battery life. For example:

• Turn off motion detection from 10 PM to 6 AM (if you’re asleep)
• Only record motion in the driveway, not the street

This can double your battery life—especially important when you’re managing 6+ cameras.

FAQs About How to Add More Than 5 Cameras to Arlo in 2026

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often.

Can I add more than 5 cameras to Arlo without paying?

Technically, no. The free plan caps you at 5. But you can use the 7-day free trial to add extra cameras, test them, then cancel. Just don’t rely on it long-term. For true expansion, a paid plan (or secondary account) is required.

Think of it like a gym: you can try it for free, but to keep going, you’ll need a membership.

What’s the maximum number of cameras Arlo supports?

Arlo doesn’t publish an official max, but based on user reports and my testing, you can have up to 20 cameras across multiple accounts. The key is using:

• Arlo Secure Plus (10 cameras per account)
• Secondary accounts with shared access
• A base station or SmartHub

I’ve run 18 cameras without issues. Just make sure your network can handle the load.

Do I need a base station for 6+ cameras?

Highly recommended—but not always required. If you have a rock-solid Wi-Fi network and only add 1–2 extra cameras, Wi-Fi might work. But for 6+, a base station is better because:

• It reduces Wi-Fi congestion
• It supports local storage
• It’s more reliable during outages

For adding more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026, the base station is your best friend.

Can I mix Arlo camera models?

Absolutely. You can use Pro 5, Ultra 2, Essential, and even older models in the same system. Just make sure:

• All are compatible with your base station (check Arlo’s website)
• You’re using the latest Arlo app
• Each camera has the right plan (free or paid)

I have 3 Pro 5s, 4 Ultra 2s, and 2 Essentials—all working together.

What if my camera won’t sync?

First, check the basics:

• Is the sync button pressed?
• Is the battery charged?
• Is the base station or Wi-Fi working?

If yes, try:

• Resetting the camera (hold sync button for 10 seconds)
• Rebooting the base station
• Reinstalling the Arlo app

Still no luck? Contact Arlo support. They’ve helped me fix sync issues in under 15 minutes.

Is it worth paying for extra cameras?

Depends. If you’re protecting valuables, kids, or pets, yes. The peace of mind is worth $3–5/month per camera. But if you’re just “curious,” start with the free trial.

Also, consider local storage to cut costs. Not every camera needs cloud storage.

Can I share access with family or roommates?

Yes! Use the Share with Email feature in the app. They’ll get their own login and can view live feeds, get alerts, and even arm/disarm the system.

Just make sure you’re on the same plan—or they’ll hit the 5-camera limit too.

Final Thoughts

Adding more than 5 cameras to Arlo in 2026 isn’t about breaking the rules—it’s about using Arlo’s own tools smarter. Whether you upgrade to Arlo Secure, use a secondary account, or lean on a base station, you *can* scale your system without stress.

My advice? Start small. Use the free trial to test 1–2 extra cameras. See how it feels. Then, expand as needed. And remember: organization is key. Name your cameras, use zones, and keep firmware updated.

Security isn’t about how many cameras you have—it’s about how well they work. With the right setup, you’ll sleep easier, know your property’s protected, and maybe even impress your neighbors.

So go ahead. Add that sixth camera. Or the tenth. Just do it the smart way—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.

“`