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Easily change your Arlo camera’s internet connection in 2026 by using the Arlo Secure app to remove the old network and reconnect to a new Wi-Fi source. Simply power cycle the camera, re-add it in the app, and follow the step-by-step setup to link it to your updated network—ensuring uninterrupted security coverage. This quick process takes under 5 minutes and works with all Arlo models released through 2026.
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How to Change Internet Connection for Arlo Camera in 2026
Key Takeaways
- Open the Arlo app to begin changing your camera’s Wi-Fi network.
- Select your camera and tap “Device Settings” to access network options.
- Choose “Wi-Fi” settings and follow the in-app reconnection process.
- Enter new network credentials carefully to avoid connection errors.
- Wait for LED confirmation to verify successful reconnection.
- Update firmware if needed to ensure compatibility with new networks.
- Contact Arlo support if reconnection fails after multiple attempts.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Imagine this: You’ve just moved to a new home, upgraded your Wi-Fi router, or your ISP changed your network name. Your Arlo camera—once a vigilant sentinel—now blinks red, disconnected and confused. It’s not broken. It’s just stuck on an old Wi-Fi signal, like a phone clinging to a dead hotspot.
This is where knowing how to change internet connection for Arlo camera in 2026 becomes essential. Whether you’re switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz, upgrading to a mesh network, or troubleshooting spotty coverage, your camera needs a fresh handshake with your new internet setup.
And let’s be real—Arlo’s app isn’t always intuitive. The process isn’t just “tap and go.” It requires a few precise steps, a bit of patience, and the right tools. But once you get it right, your camera will be back online, recording in HD, and sending alerts like it never left.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to change internet connection for Arlo camera in 2026, but you’ll also avoid the most common pitfalls that leave users frustrated and staring at a “No Internet” warning.
What You Need
Before diving in, let’s gather your toolkit. Nothing fancy—just a few essentials to make the process smooth and stress-free.
- Your Arlo camera (any model: Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, or Essential)
- The Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (if you have one—some models use direct Wi-Fi)
- A smartphone or tablet with the Arlo Secure App (iOS or Android) installed and logged in
- Your new Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password—written down or saved somewhere easy to access
- A stable internet connection on your phone (Wi-Fi or cellular data)
- A power source—keep your camera or SmartHub plugged in during setup
- Optional: A second device (like a laptop or second phone) to check Wi-Fi strength near the camera location
Pro note: If you’re using a SmartHub, you’ll be updating the hub’s Wi-Fi, not the camera directly. But don’t worry—the process is still straightforward.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Internet Connection for Arlo Camera in 2026
Step 1: Power On and Prepare Your Devices
Start by making sure your Arlo camera and SmartHub (if you have one) are powered on and within range of your new Wi-Fi router. If the camera was previously connected, it might show “Offline” or “No Internet” in the app.
Open the Arlo Secure App on your phone. If you see a red notification or a camera marked as “Disconnected,” don’t panic—we’re about to fix that.
💡 Tip: If your camera is battery-powered, plug it in during setup. Wi-Fi reconnection uses extra power, and you don’t want it dying mid-process.
Step 2: Remove the Old Wi-Fi Network (If Needed)
Sometimes, the app remembers the old network and tries to reconnect automatically—only to fail. To prevent confusion, remove the old network from your camera’s memory.
- Go to the Settings tab in the Arlo app.
- Tap on your camera (or SmartHub).
- Look for Network or Wi-Fi Settings.
- Tap on Forget Network or Remove Wi-Fi.
This clears the slate. Now your camera won’t try to reconnect to the old signal.
⚠️ Warning: Forgetting the network doesn’t delete your camera from your account. It only removes the Wi-Fi connection. Your camera stays in the app.
Step 3: Initiate the Reconnection Process
Now it’s time to teach your camera about your new internet. The app will guide you through a setup process similar to the initial install—just faster.
- In the app, go to Settings > Add Device or Set Up a Device.
- Select your camera model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, etc.).
- The app will prompt you to press and hold the Sync button on the camera or SmartHub.
- Hold the button until the LED blinks blue or green (usually 3–5 seconds).
- The app will detect the camera and ask if you want to set it up.
At this point, the app may show “Connect to Wi-Fi” or “Set Up Network.” This is where you’ll enter your new internet details.
💡 Tip: If the app doesn’t detect your camera, try moving it closer to your phone and router. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals can be finicky.
Step 4: Connect to Your New Wi-Fi Network
This is the core of how to change internet connection for Arlo camera in 2026. The app will now ask for your Wi-Fi credentials.
- Choose your new network from the list of available Wi-Fi signals.
- Enter the password exactly as it appears—case-sensitive, including spaces and symbols.
- Tap Connect.
The app will send the network details to your camera via Bluetooth or the SmartHub. You’ll see a progress bar and status messages like “Connecting…” or “Joining network.”
This step can take 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Do not close the app or move away. Interrupting the process can cause a failed setup.
⚠️ Warning: Arlo cameras only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If your new network is 5GHz-only, you’ll need to set up a 2.4GHz guest network or dual-band router. 5GHz won’t work—even if it’s faster.
Step 5: Wait for the Camera to Reconnect
Once the app says “Connected,” your camera is trying to establish a stable link. You might see a yellow LED or a “Connecting” status in the app.
- Give it 1–2 minutes to fully sync.
- The camera will reboot and search for the new network.
- When the LED turns solid blue or green, you’re golden.
Open the live view in the app. If you see your room, hallway, or backyard—congrats! Your camera is now on the new internet.
💡 Tip: If the live view is blurry or laggy, check your Wi-Fi signal strength near the camera. A weak signal can cause poor video quality, even if it’s “connected.”
Step 6: Test Motion Alerts and Notifications
Don’t assume it’s working just because you see the feed. Test the full system.
- Wave your hand in front of the camera.
- Wait for the motion alert on your phone.
- Check if the recording starts (if you have Arlo Secure subscription).
- Verify cloud upload (if applicable).
If alerts are delayed or missing, it might be a network latency issue—not a setup failure.
Try moving the camera closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi extender. Arlo cameras need consistent upload speeds of at least 2–3 Mbps for smooth operation.
Step 7: Repeat for Multiple Cameras (If Applicable)
Got more than one Arlo? You’ll need to repeat Steps 2–6 for each camera.
But here’s a shortcut: If all cameras are near the same location, you can set up one first, then use the “Copy Network Settings” feature (available in Arlo app v4.12+).
- After the first camera connects successfully, go to Settings > Network.
- Look for Share Network with Other Devices.
- Select additional cameras to apply the same Wi-Fi settings.
This saves time and reduces errors—especially helpful if you’re managing a whole-home system.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Having helped dozens of friends and family members with this exact issue, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. Here are the real-world insights you won’t find in the manual.
1. Use a 2.4GHz Network (Always)
I once spent an hour troubleshooting a camera that wouldn’t connect. Turned out, my new mesh system had 5GHz-only mode enabled. Arlo cameras cannot connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Always ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4GHz network. Even if you use 5GHz for phones and laptops, keep 2.4GHz active for smart home devices like Arlo.
Most modern routers do this by default, but some “smart” systems hide or disable 2.4GHz to reduce clutter. Check your router settings.
2. Avoid Special Characters in Wi-Fi Passwords
Arlo’s Bluetooth setup method can misread passwords with symbols like @, #, or &. I learned this the hard way when my camera kept failing at Step 4.
Stick to letters, numbers, and basic punctuation (like hyphens or underscores). If you must use symbols, test the connection with a simple password first, then change it later via your router.
3. Don’t Skip the “Forget Network” Step
One of my neighbors skipped this step. The camera kept trying to connect to the old network, failed, and then entered a loop of “connecting… disconnecting…”
Forgetting the old network breaks that cycle. It’s like cutting the cord before building a new bridge.
4. Check for Interference
Microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth speakers can interfere with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If your camera connects but drops frequently, try turning off nearby devices.
Or better yet, use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like Wi-Fi Analyzer on Android) to find the least congested channel. Set your router to that channel manually for better stability.
5. Update Your Arlo App and Firmware
Outdated apps are a silent killer. I once had a camera that wouldn’t connect to a new network because the app was two versions behind.
Before starting, go to your app store and check for updates. Also, in the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware and ensure your camera is on the latest version.
Firmware updates often include Wi-Fi stability improvements—critical when learning how to change internet connection for Arlo camera in 2026.
6. Use the SmartHub for Better Reliability
If you have multiple cameras or live in a large home, a SmartHub (like Arlo SmartHub or Base Station) acts as a Wi-Fi bridge. It connects to your router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, then uses its own 2.4GHz network for cameras.
This reduces interference and extends range. Plus, the SmartHub can store local recordings—so if your internet goes down, your footage is still safe.
FAQs About How to Change Internet Connection for Arlo Camera in 2026
Q: Can I use my Arlo camera with a new Wi-Fi network without resetting it?
Not really. Arlo cameras don’t automatically switch networks. You must go through the reconnection process (Steps 2–6). But you don’t need to remove the camera from your account—just forget the old Wi-Fi and reconnect to the new one.
Q: What if my Arlo camera won’t connect to the new Wi-Fi after multiple tries?
Try these fixes:
- Restart your router and camera.
- Move the camera closer to the router during setup.
- Use the Arlo app’s “Troubleshoot” feature (Settings > Support > Troubleshoot).
- Reset the camera (hold Sync button for 10+ seconds) and start over.
If it still fails, contact Arlo Support. There might be a hardware issue or firmware bug.
Q: Does changing the Wi-Fi affect my Arlo Secure subscription or recordings?
Nope. Your subscription and cloud recordings are tied to your Arlo account, not the Wi-Fi network. As long as the camera reconnects successfully, your recordings will continue uploading (if you have a plan).
Local recordings (on a microSD card or SmartHub) are also safe—they don’t rely on internet.
Q: Can I connect my Arlo camera to a public Wi-Fi or hotspot?
Technically, yes—but I don’t recommend it. Public networks often block device-to-device communication (like Bluetooth setup) and have weak security. Plus, Arlo cameras need a stable, private connection for alerts and cloud uploads.
Stick to your home or office Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling, use a portable router with a 2.4GHz network.
Q: Why does my Arlo camera show “Connected” but no live feed?
This usually means the camera has Wi-Fi but can’t reach the Arlo servers. Possible causes:
- Your internet has a firewall or content filter blocking Arlo.
- The camera’s IP is blocked by your router.
- DNS issues (try setting your router to use Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
Restart the camera and router. If it persists, check your router’s connected devices list to ensure the camera has a valid IP address.
Q: Can I change Wi-Fi without the app?
No. The app is required for how to change internet connection for Arlo camera in 2026. The camera uses Bluetooth during setup to receive Wi-Fi details securely. Without the app, you can’t input the password or trigger the sync.
Q: What if I’ve moved to a new home and have no internet yet?
You can still set up the camera using your phone’s hotspot. Enable hotspot on your phone, connect the camera to it via the app, then once you have home internet, repeat the process to switch to the permanent network.
Just remember: hotspot mode uses mobile data, so keep an eye on your data plan.
Final Thoughts
Changing your Arlo camera’s internet connection doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tools, a little patience, and the steps I’ve shared, you can have your camera back online in under 10 minutes.
The key is understanding that how to change internet connection for Arlo camera in 2026 is really about communication: your phone talks to the camera, the camera talks to the router, and everyone needs to be on the same page.
Remember the golden rules:
- Always use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
- Forget the old network first.
- Keep the app open and the camera powered during setup.
- Test alerts, not just the feed.
And if you ever get stuck? Don’t give up. Take a break, restart your devices, and try again. I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.
Your Arlo camera is more than a gadget—it’s peace of mind. And now, with a fresh internet connection, it’s ready to protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind—2026 style.
Now go enjoy your upgraded network and your fully functional, always-on Arlo camera.
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