Connect your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026 using the updated Arlo Secure app or desktop software—available for both Windows and macOS. Simply log in to your Arlo account on the desktop platform, navigate to “Device Setup,” and follow the on-screen QR code or sync button instructions to pair your cameras wirelessly. This seamless integration enables real-time viewing, cloud recording access, and advanced settings—all from your computer.

How to Add My Arlo Security Cameras to My Computer in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Download Arlo Secure App: Install the latest Arlo Secure App for desktop setup.
• Log In to Arlo Account: Use your credentials to sync cameras to your computer.
• Enable Camera Sharing: Grant computer access via Arlo’s sharing settings.
• Update Firmware First: Ensure cameras run the latest firmware for compatibility.
• Use Ethernet for Stability: Connect via Ethernet to reduce Wi-Fi dropouts.
• Check Firewall Settings: Whitelist Arlo to avoid connectivity issues.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—security isn’t just about cameras on the wall. It’s about seeing what’s happening, anytime, from anywhere. And while your phone’s Arlo app is great for checking in during lunch breaks, sometimes you need more. Maybe you’re reviewing footage for an insurance claim, sharing clips with family, or just want a bigger screen to spot that raccoon that keeps knocking over your trash.

That’s where connecting your Arlo cameras to your computer comes in. But here’s the catch: it’s not always as simple as “plug and play.” I’ve been there—staring at my laptop, wondering, “How do I add my Arlo security cameras to my computer in 2026?” The good news? It’s totally doable, even if you’re not a tech wizard. This guide walks you through it, step by step, with zero fluff and real-life insights.

Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or even a Chromebook, the goal is the same: get your Arlo feed on your desktop or laptop so you can monitor, record, and manage your home security with more control. And in 2026, with smarter integrations and updated software, the process is smoother than ever—if you know where to look.

So, if you’ve ever felt stuck trying to add your Arlo security cameras to your computer, this is your friendly, no-nonsense roadmap.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything ready. No surprises, no last-minute trips to the electronics store.

• Your Arlo account login (email and password)
• A computer (Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, or Chromebook with Chrome OS 100+)
• Stable internet connection (wired or strong Wi-Fi)
• Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge—Arlo’s web portal works best here)
• Arlo app installed (on your phone, to verify account and camera status)
• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (if you have one—some older models require it)
• USB drive or external hard drive (optional) – for saving recordings locally

You don’t need any special software beyond a browser. Arlo has moved away from desktop apps for most models, so the web portal is your main tool. That’s actually a good thing—less clutter, fewer updates to manage.

Also, make sure your Arlo cameras are powered and connected to Wi-Fi. If they’re offline, you won’t be able to add them to your computer. A quick check in the Arlo app can confirm they’re live.

Pro tip: If you’re using a firewall or work/school network, temporarily disable it or switch to a personal hotspot. Some networks block the ports Arlo uses for streaming.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add My Arlo Security Cameras to My Computer in 2026

Step 1: Log Into Your Arlo Web Portal

Open your favorite browser—Chrome is my go-to—and head to my.arlo.com. This is Arlo’s official web portal, and it’s where the magic happens.

Enter your email and password. If you’ve forgotten them, hit “Forgot password?” and reset it via email. Once you’re in, you’ll see your dashboard with all your cameras listed.

If you’ve never used the web portal before, it might feel a bit different from the app. Don’t worry—it’s just as functional, and honestly, better for multitasking.

Pro insight: Bookmark the Arlo web portal. It’s faster than launching the app every time, especially if you’re on a desktop all day.

This step is crucial because the web portal is the foundation for how to add your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026. Without it, you’re stuck with mobile-only access.

Step 2: Verify Your Cameras Are Online

Once logged in, look at your camera thumbnails. You should see green “Live” indicators or recent snapshots. If any show “Offline,” click on them to see the status.

Common reasons for offline status:

• Low battery (for wireless models)
• Weak Wi-Fi signal
• Camera is powered off or unplugged
• SmartHub/Base Station is disconnected

Fix these first. For example, if your Arlo Pro 4 is in the backyard and keeps going offline, try moving the SmartHub closer or adding a Wi-Fi extender.

Warning: Don’t skip this step. If a camera isn’t online, you can’t stream or record from it on your computer. Trust me—I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting a “connection error” only to realize the camera was unplugged!

Once all cameras show as online, you’re ready for the next step in how to add your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026.

Step 3: Access the Live View Dashboard

Click on “Library” or “Live View” in the left sidebar. You’ll now see a grid of your cameras with live feeds.

You can:

• Click any camera to expand it full-screen
• Use the timeline below to scrub through recent footage
• Adjust motion zones, audio settings, and brightness from the camera settings (gear icon)

This is your control center. Think of it like a security guard’s monitor room—but on your laptop.

Want to see more cameras at once? Use the “Grid View” toggle. You can view up to 16 cameras on one screen, depending on your monitor size.

For example, I have four cameras: front door, backyard, garage, and porch. I arrange them in a 2×2 grid so I can scan all at once. It’s way more efficient than clicking back and forth.

Step 4: Enable Remote Access (If Not Already On)

By default, Arlo allows remote access—meaning you can view your cameras from anywhere with internet. But sometimes, it gets turned off.

To check:

1. Click your profile icon (top right)
2. Select “Account Settings”
3. Go to “Security” or “Privacy”
4. Ensure “Remote Access” is toggled ON

If it was off, turn it on and wait 30 seconds. Your cameras will reconnect to the cloud.

Real talk: Remote access is essential for how to add your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026. Without it, you can only view cameras when you’re on the same Wi-Fi network. That defeats the purpose!

Also, make sure your account has 2FA (two-factor authentication) enabled. It’s a pain to set up, but worth it for security.

Step 5: Use Browser-Based Recording (Optional)

Arlo’s web portal doesn’t have built-in recording, but you can save clips manually.

Here’s how:

1. Click on a live camera feed
2. Click the “Record” button (red circle) to start
3. Click it again to stop
4. The clip saves to your Arlo cloud library (if you have a plan) or can be downloaded

To download:

1. Go to “Library”
2. Find the recorded clip
3. Click the three dots (⋮) and select “Download”
4. Choose location (e.g., Desktop, Documents)

Note: Free accounts only save 7 days of cloud footage. If you want longer storage, consider Arlo Secure (starting at $2.99/month per camera).

For local recording without a subscription, you’ll need a third-party tool (see Pro Tips below).

Step 6: Set Up Alerts and Notifications on Your Computer

Want to get alerts when motion is detected? You can set up desktop notifications.

Steps:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Alerts”
2. Toggle “Email” and “Push Notifications”
3. Under “Push Notifications,” ensure your computer browser is allowed
4. Click “Allow” when the browser asks for notification permission

Now, when your Arlo camera detects motion, you’ll get a pop-up on your desktop—even if the browser is minimized.

For example, I get an alert every time someone walks up my front steps. It’s saved me from missed deliveries and suspicious visitors.

Tip: Customize alert zones. Don’t get pinged by your dog in the yard. Use motion zones to focus on driveways, doors, and windows.

This is a key part of how to add your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026—making sure you’re not just seeing footage, but reacting to it.

Step 7: Use Third-Party Tools for Advanced Features (Optional)

If you want to do more—like continuous recording, AI detection, or integration with smart home systems—third-party tools can help.

Popular options:

• Blue Iris (Windows) – Full-featured NVR software. Lets you record 24/7, set up AI rules, and view from multiple devices.
• Home Assistant (Cross-platform) – Open-source home automation. Can pull Arlo feeds and integrate with Alexa, Google, etc.
• iSpy (Windows/Mac) – Free and paid versions. Good for motion-triggered recording and facial recognition.

To connect Arlo to these:

1. Get the RTSP or HLS stream URL from Arlo (available in camera settings)
2. Add the URL to the third-party app
3. Configure recording, alerts, and storage

Note: RTSP is only available on Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, and newer models. Older cameras (like Arlo Q) may not support it.

Warning: Third-party tools can be complex. Start with one camera first. And always check if your Arlo model supports RTSP before buying extra software.

This step is optional but powerful. It turns your computer into a full home security hub—perfect if you’re serious about how to add your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up Arlo on my computer, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Let me save you the trouble.

Pro Tip #1: Use a Dedicated Browser Window or App

Open the Arlo web portal in a dedicated window (not a tab). Why? Tabs can get buried, and browser updates can refresh them, losing your live view.

On Windows, right-click the browser icon and select “Open in new window.” On Mac, use “Window” > “New Window.”

Even better: Use Chrome’s “Create Shortcut” feature to make a desktop app. It looks and feels like a native program.

Pro Tip #2: Schedule Recording During Off-Peak Hours

If you’re using third-party tools, set recordings to start/stop based on your schedule. For example, record only from 10 PM to 6 AM.

This saves storage space and makes reviewing footage easier. No need to watch 12 hours of nothing!

Pro Tip #3: Keep Your Browser and OS Updated

Arlo’s web portal uses modern tech (WebRTC, HLS streaming). Older browsers or OS versions may not support it.

Check for updates weekly. On Windows: Settings > Update & Security. On Mac: Apple menu > About This Mac > Software Update.

Common Mistake #1: Assuming All Cameras Work the Same

Not all Arlo cameras support RTSP or local streaming. For example:

• Arlo Pro 4: RTSP supported
• Arlo Q: RTSP not supported
• Arlo Essential: RTSP supported (newer models)

Always check your model’s specs before buying third-party tools.

Common Mistake #2: Ignoring Bandwidth

Streaming multiple HD cameras uses a lot of bandwidth. If your internet is slow, feeds may buffer or drop.

Test your speed at fast.com. For one 1080p camera, you need at least 2 Mbps. For four, aim for 8–10 Mbps.

Common Mistake #3: Not Testing Before Relying on It

Don’t wait until a break-in to test your setup. Do a “dry run”:

• Walk in front of each camera
• Check if alerts pop up on your computer
• Verify recordings are saved

I once thought everything was working—until I realized the back camera had a dead battery. Now I test monthly.

FAQs About How to Add My Arlo Security Cameras to My Computer in 2026

Q: Can I view my Arlo cameras on my computer without the internet?

No. Arlo cameras rely on cloud streaming. Even if you’re on the same Wi-Fi, they connect to Arlo’s servers first. For local-only access, you’d need a local NVR (like Blue Iris) with RTSP support—and only certain Arlo models offer that.

So, if you’re asking how to add your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026 without Wi-Fi, the answer is: not directly. You’d need a workaround with third-party tools and local storage.

Q: Does this work on Mac?

Yes! The Arlo web portal works on macOS 12 and newer. Safari is fine, but Chrome or Firefox tend to be more stable for streaming.

I use a MacBook Air, and it handles four cameras at once without lag. Just make sure you’re not running 50 other apps in the background.

Q: How do I save recordings to my computer?

You have two options:

• Manual download: Record a clip in the web portal, then download it from the Library.
• Third-party software: Use Blue Iris or iSpy to record directly to your hard drive.

The first is free but manual. The second is automatic but requires setup and (sometimes) payment.

Q: Why can’t I see my camera feed on my computer?

Check these first:

• Is the camera online? (Check the Arlo app)
• Is remote access enabled? (Account settings)
• Is your browser up to date?
• Are you using a firewall or VPN? (Try turning it off)

Also, some corporate or school networks block streaming sites. Try using a personal hotspot to test.

Q: Can I control my Arlo cameras from my computer?

Yes! In the web portal, you can:

• Turn on/off the spotlight (on compatible models)
• Adjust motion sensitivity
• Set up motion zones
• Enable two-way audio (talk through the camera)

It’s almost as good as the app—and sometimes better, because you have more screen space.

Q: Is it secure to view my Arlo cameras on a public computer?

No. Never log into your Arlo account on a public or shared computer. If you must, use private browsing mode and log out immediately after.

Even better: Use the Arlo app on your phone for public access. It’s more secure and easier to lock down.

Q: What if I have multiple Arlo accounts?

You can switch between accounts in the web portal. Click your profile icon and select “Switch Account.”

Just remember to log out when done—especially if you’re using a shared computer.

Final Thoughts

Adding your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026 isn’t about flashy tech—it’s about peace of mind. It’s about being able to check on your home while working, sleeping, or traveling, all from a bigger, more reliable screen.

You don’t need to be a programmer or IT pro. You just need to follow the steps: log in, verify, view, and customize. The tools are there. The process is simpler than it looks.

And remember: the best security setup is the one you actually use. So don’t overcomplicate it. Start with the web portal. Get your alerts working. Then, if you want more, explore third-party tools.

My advice? Set it up today. Test it tonight. Then relax—knowing you’ve taken a real step toward smarter, more responsive home security.

Now, go ahead and add your Arlo security cameras to your computer in 2026. You’ve got this.