Optimize your Arlo camera’s range in 2026 by strategically placing Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network to eliminate dead zones and ensure a strong, stable connection. Reduce interference by positioning cameras away from thick walls, metal objects, and competing wireless signals, and consider upgrading to the latest Arlo SmartHub for extended range and enhanced performance. Regular firmware updates and direct line-of-sight alignment between devices further maximize signal strength and reliability.

How to Extend the Range of Arlo Cameras in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Reposition your base station: Place centrally for stronger signal distribution.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders: Boost signal reach in large or obstructed areas.
• Install Arlo SmartHub: Enhances connectivity and camera performance significantly.
• Reduce interference: Keep cameras away from metal objects and thick walls.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensures optimal range and feature improvements.
• Add Arlo Chime Pro: Acts as a range extender for select models.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’ve just set up your Arlo camera system to keep an eye on your backyard, driveway, and front porch. Everything works great… until you realize the signal drops every time you step behind the garage. Sound familiar?

Wi-Fi range issues are one of the most common frustrations with wireless security cameras. Even the best Arlo models—like the Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra 2, or Arlo Essential—can struggle with signal strength if they’re too far from the router or blocked by walls, metal, or appliances.

That’s where learning how to extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026 becomes essential. Whether you’re covering a large yard, a detached garage, or a multi-story home, a weak signal means missed alerts, delayed recordings, and blind spots. And let’s be honest—no one wants to pay for a security system that can’t actually see their property.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical, tested methods to boost your Arlo camera’s range—without spending a fortune. I’ve been there: troubleshooting laggy feeds, rebooting hubs, and even moving my router (not fun). But after years of trial and error, I’ve found what actually works in 2026.

This isn’t about flashy tech jargon. It’s about real solutions—simple tweaks, smart hardware upgrades, and a few tricks even Arlo doesn’t tell you. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026 and keep your home protected from every angle.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. The good news? Most of these tools are either already in your home or affordable and easy to install.

• Arlo base station or SmartHub (if you have one—this is key for many range-boosting methods)
• Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system (e.g., Netgear Nighthawk, TP-Link Deco, Eero)
• Ethernet cable (Cat 6 recommended) for wired connections
• Power outlet access near the extender or hub
• Smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
• Optional but helpful:
  • Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer)
  • Outdoor-rated extension cords (for cameras far from power)
  • Arlo Solar Panel (to keep battery-powered cameras charged during testing)

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this. We’ll cover low-cost and no-cost options too. The goal is to extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026 using what makes sense for your home, budget, and tech comfort level.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Extend the Range of Arlo Cameras in 2026

Step 1: Diagnose Your Current Signal Strength

Before making changes, you need to know the baseline. Think of this like checking your car’s oil before a road trip—skip it, and you might not know when things go wrong.

Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Device Info > Signal Strength for each camera. You’ll see a percentage or signal bars. Less than 50%? That’s a red flag.

Also, check the base station’s status. If it’s flashing red or yellow, it’s struggling to connect to Wi-Fi. This tells you whether the problem is with the camera-to-hub connection or the hub-to-router link.

Pro Insight: I once assumed my camera was the issue—turns out, the base station was sitting behind a metal file cabinet, blocking its Wi-Fi signal. A simple move fixed everything.

For a deeper look, use a Wi-Fi analyzer app. It shows signal strength in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). Anything above -70 dBm is good. Below -80? Time to act.

Step 2: Optimize Your Base Station or SmartHub Placement

Your Arlo base station is the heart of the system. If it’s in a basement corner, behind a TV, or near a microwave, it’s fighting interference.

Move it to a central, elevated spot—like a bookshelf or kitchen island—away from metal, concrete, or appliances. Ideally, place it within 30–50 feet of your router.

If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub (like the Arlo SmartHub Pro), it supports dual-band Wi-Fi and better range. But it still needs a clear path to your router.

Tip: Use a short Ethernet cable to connect the base station directly to your router. This bypasses Wi-Fi entirely and gives you a rock-solid connection—one of the most effective ways to extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026.

Warning: Don’t daisy-chain Ethernet cables. Use one solid Cat 6 cable from router to base station. Long or poor-quality cables can degrade signal.

Step 3: Upgrade to a Mesh Wi-Fi System

If your home is larger than 2,000 sq ft or has thick walls, a single router just won’t cut it. This is where a mesh Wi-Fi system shines.

Mesh systems (like Eero, Google Nest Wifi, or TP-Link Deco) use multiple nodes to create a seamless network. Place a node near your Arlo base station or in a central hallway. It extends coverage without dead zones.

I upgraded to a 3-node Eero Pro system last year. My Arlo cameras in the backyard went from 30% signal to 95%. The difference was night and day.

How to set it up:

1. Install the mesh system using the app (usually takes 15 minutes).
2. Name the network the same as your old Wi-Fi (so Arlo devices reconnect automatically).
3. Place one node close to your base station.
4. Reboot the base station and cameras.

This method is especially effective for how to extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026 because mesh networks handle roaming better than traditional extenders. Cameras switch nodes seamlessly.

Step 4: Use a Wi-Fi Extender (Budget-Friendly Option)

Not ready for mesh? A Wi-Fi extender can help—if used correctly.

Choose a dual-band extender (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The 2.4 GHz band travels farther and penetrates walls better—perfect for Arlo cameras. The 5 GHz band is faster but shorter-range.

Place the extender halfway between your router and the base station. Use the extender’s app to find the “sweet spot” where it gets at least 50% signal from the main router.

Once set up:

1. Connect the base station to the extender’s network.
2. Reboot the base station.
3. Check signal strength in the Arlo app.

Common Mistake: Placing the extender too far. If it’s only getting 20% signal from the router, it can’t boost anything. Use the app to test before finalizing placement.

One caveat: Extenders can halve your bandwidth. For Arlo, this is usually fine—cameras don’t stream 24/7. But if you’re also using Zoom or Netflix, consider mesh instead.

Step 5: Hardwire Your Base Station (Best for Stability)

This is my favorite trick. If you can run an Ethernet cable from your router to your base station, do it. No Wi-Fi. No interference. Just pure, reliable connection.

How to do it:

1. Use a Cat 6 cable (supports faster speeds and longer runs).
2. Route the cable under baseboards, through closets, or use cable raceways (available at hardware stores).
3. Plug one end into your router, the other into the base station’s Ethernet port.
4. Unplug the base station’s Wi-Fi antenna (if removable) or just disable Wi-Fi in settings.

Once wired, your base station becomes a range anchor. Cameras connect to it via Arlo’s proprietary RF (radio frequency) or Wi-Fi, depending on the model. But the hub-to-router link is now bulletproof.

This method is especially powerful for how to extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026, especially if you have multiple cameras or a large property.

Step 6: Use Arlo’s RF (Radio Frequency) Mode (For Pro & Ultra Models)

Did you know Arlo Pro 5, Ultra 2, and some Pro 4 models can use a dedicated RF channel? It’s like a private Wi-Fi network just for your cameras.

This RF mode:

• Reduces Wi-Fi congestion
• Improves reliability in crowded neighborhoods
• Extends range by avoiding Wi-Fi interference

To enable it:

1. Go to Arlo app > Settings > Base Station > RF Settings.
2. Turn on “RF Channel” and select a channel (auto works fine).
3. Reboot the base station.
4. Cameras will automatically connect via RF.

Note: This only works if your base station supports RF. Check Arlo’s compatibility list. And remember—RF still needs a strong base station connection. So pair this with Step 2 or Step 5.

Step 7: Position Cameras Strategically

Even with a strong network, camera placement matters. A camera behind a metal fence or under a thick eave might struggle—even with full signal.

Best practices:

• Mount cameras at least 7 feet high (out of reach, better view).
• Angle them slightly downward to avoid rain and glare.
• Keep them away from metal, concrete, or dense foliage.
• Use Arlo’s “View Live” feature to test the feed before finalizing placement.

For outdoor cameras, consider using Arlo’s outdoor-rated mounts or brackets. They help with signal and weather resistance.

Real-Life Tip: I once mounted a camera under a metal awning. Signal dropped to 20%. Moving it 6 inches to the side (still under cover) boosted it to 85%. Small changes make a big difference.

Step 8: Reduce Interference from Other Devices

Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even LED lights can interfere with Wi-Fi and Arlo’s RF signals.

Simple fixes:

• Keep base station and cameras at least 3–5 feet from microwaves and TVs.
• Switch to 5 GHz for devices that don’t need long range (like laptops).
• Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to spot crowded channels. Change your router’s channel to a less busy one (e.g., 1, 6, or 11 on 2.4 GHz).

I had a neighbor with a powerful Wi-Fi network on Channel 6. My Arlo kept disconnecting. Switching to Channel 11 fixed it instantly.

Step 9: Upgrade to Arlo’s Newest Models (If Needed)

In 2026, Arlo has released updated models with better range, dual-band Wi-Fi, and improved RF. If you’re using a Pro 3 or older, consider upgrading.

The Arlo Pro 5 and Arlo Ultra 2 offer:

• Longer battery life (up to 6 months)
• Better low-light performance
• Enhanced signal algorithms
• Support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi (reducing interference)

But don’t upgrade just for range. First, try the steps above. Many older models work great with a better network setup.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me share what I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

Pro Tip #1: Use the Arlo app’s “Device Status” page daily. It shows battery, signal, and firmware updates. A camera with low signal today might need help tomorrow.

Pro Tip #2: Reboot your base station monthly. It clears memory and reconnects devices. I do this every first Sunday—no more surprise disconnects.

Pro Tip #3: If using a mesh system, give your Arlo network a separate name. That way, you can prioritize it in your mesh app (some let you assign “priority devices”).

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring the base station’s signal. It’s easy to focus on cameras, but the hub is the bottleneck. Fix it first.
• Using outdated firmware. Arlo releases updates that improve connectivity. Check for updates monthly.
• Overloading Wi-Fi. Too many devices on 2.4 GHz? Switch some to 5 GHz or use Ethernet.
• Mounting cameras too close to power sources. Outlets, transformers, and inverters can cause interference.
• Assuming “wireless” means “no setup.” Even wireless systems need thoughtful design. Plan your layout like you would for Wi-Fi.

One last thing: Don’t rush. I once tried three fixes at once—ended up with a mess. Do one step, test, then move on. That’s how you truly extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026.

FAQs About How to Extend the Range of Arlo Cameras in 2026

Q: Can I use a powerline adapter instead of Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
A: Yes! Powerline adapters send internet through your home’s electrical wiring. Plug one near your router, connect it to Ethernet. Plug another near your base station, connect to the hub. It’s not as fast as Ethernet, but it’s great for homes where running cables is hard. Just avoid using them on different circuits (e.g., garage and kitchen).

Q: Why does my Arlo camera show full signal but still disconnect?
A: This is usually a bandwidth issue, not signal strength. If your Wi-Fi is crowded, the camera might connect but drop during motion events. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer, switch to 5 GHz, or enable RF mode to fix it.

Q: Do Arlo cameras work with 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
A: Some do—Pro 5, Ultra 2, and newer models support 5 GHz. Older ones (Pro 3, Essential) are 2.4 GHz only. 5 GHz offers faster speeds and less interference, but shorter range. Use it for cameras close to the base station.

Q: Can I use multiple base stations to cover a large property?
A: Yes! Arlo supports up to 5 base stations per account. Use one near the house, another in the garage or barn. Each can support up to 15 cameras. Just make sure each base station has a strong Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

Q: How often should I check my camera’s signal?
A: I check mine weekly. But if you’ve had issues, check daily for a few days after making changes. The Arlo app makes it easy—just tap each camera and look at the signal meter.

Q: Does the Arlo Solar Panel affect signal range?
A: No. It just keeps the battery charged. But a fully charged camera performs better—no low-battery disconnects. Pair it with a range fix for best results.

Q: What if I have a metal roof or concrete walls?
A: These are tough. Try placing the base station on the same side of the wall as the camera. Use a mesh node or extender to bounce signal around the obstacle. Or, use Ethernet to the base station and let RF handle the camera links.

Final Thoughts

Extending the range of your Arlo cameras isn’t about buying the most expensive gear. It’s about smart planning, understanding your home’s layout, and using the right tools for the job.

Start with the basics: check signal strength, move your base station, and reduce interference. Then, layer in upgrades like mesh Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or RF mode as needed.

Remember, how to extend the range of Arlo cameras in 2026 is less about tech and more about troubleshooting. You don’t need to be a network engineer. You just need to be curious, patient, and willing to test.

My advice? Pick one method from this guide and try it this week. Test your signal. See if it helps. Then move to the next. In a few weeks, you’ll have a system that covers your whole property—no blind spots, no dropouts.

And if you’re still stuck? Reach out to Arlo support or a local smart home installer. Sometimes a second opinion is all you need.

Stay safe, stay connected, and keep an eye on what matters most.