Maximize your Arlo camera’s range in 2026 by strategically placing Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network to eliminate dead zones and ensure seamless connectivity. Position cameras within 300 feet of a strong signal source, reduce interference from walls and appliances, and upgrade to Arlo’s latest firmware for enhanced transmission power. For ultimate coverage, use Arlo’s own range extenders or SmartHubs to create a dedicated, low-latency network that keeps every corner of your property in view.

How to Extend the Range of Your Arlo Cameras in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Optimize Wi-Fi placement: Position your router centrally for stronger camera signal.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders: Boost coverage with mesh networks or range extenders.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensure peak performance and extended range capabilities.
• Reduce signal interference: Avoid thick walls, metal objects, and electronic devices.
• Add an Arlo SmartHub: Enhances connectivity and extends camera range reliably.
• Elevate camera positioning: Install cameras higher to avoid obstructions and expand range.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re sipping your morning coffee, checking your Arlo app, and suddenly—your backyard camera goes offline. Again. It’s not broken. It’s just… out of range. Frustrating, right?

This is a common headache for Arlo users, especially if you have a large property, thick walls, or a detached garage. The how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. You want every corner of your home covered, without blind spots or signal dropouts.

Wi-Fi signals weaken with distance, obstacles, and interference. Your Arlo cameras rely on a strong connection to the base station (or Wi-Fi, depending on the model). When that link falters, so does your security.

But here’s the good news: extending your Arlo’s range is totally doable. No tech wizardry required. Just a few smart tweaks, the right gear, and a little know-how. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026—step by step, with real-world fixes that actually work.

Pro Insight: Range issues aren’t always about distance. Sometimes it’s interference, placement, or outdated hardware. We’ll cover all the angles.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools. Don’t worry—most of these are things you already have or can grab easily.

• Your Arlo camera system (obviously). Know your model: Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or Wire-Free? Some tips vary slightly.
• Arlo base station (if you have one). This is the hub that connects your cameras to your home network.
• Wi-Fi network details (SSID and password). You’ll need these for setup.
• Smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed (iOS or Android).
• Ethernet cable (for base station setup or extending Wi-Fi).
• Wi-Fi extender or mesh system (like Google Nest Wi-Fi, TP-Link Deco, or Eero). This is a game-changer for large homes.
• Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Bridge (optional but powerful for older models).
• Power drill and screws (if mounting new equipment).
• Signal strength app (like Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot—free on most phones).

You don’t need all of these right away. Start with what you have. We’ll guide you through which tools matter most for your situation.

The goal? A reliable, strong signal from your Arlo cameras to your network—so you never lose sight of what matters.

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

Step 1: Optimize Your Base Station Placement

Your base station is the heart of your Arlo system. If it’s stuck in a basement corner or behind a TV, your cameras will struggle to connect.

Think of it like a campfire: if it’s too far from the tents (your cameras), everyone gets cold.

Here’s what to do:

• Move it higher—place the base station on a shelf or mount it on a wall, ideally in a central area of your home.
• Keep it away from metal objects, microwaves, and thick concrete walls—these block signals.
• Face the antennas upward (if it has them). This helps broadcast the signal evenly.
• Use an Ethernet cable to connect the base station directly to your router. This gives it a stronger, more stable connection than Wi-Fi.

I once had a client whose base station was in a basement closet. After moving it to a central hallway shelf and plugging it into the router, their outdoor camera signal jumped from 1 bar to full strength.

Warning: Never place the base station in a metal cabinet or behind a fish tank. Water and metal are Wi-Fi’s worst enemies.

Step 2: Upgrade or Add a Wi-Fi Extender

If your Arlo cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi (like the Arlo Essential or Pro 4/5), your home Wi-Fi is their lifeline.

And let’s be honest: most home Wi-Fi doesn’t reach every corner. That’s where Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems come in.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Use a Wi-Fi extender (like TP-Link RE605X or Netgear EX8000) placed halfway between your router and the camera.
• Or go for a mesh system (like Eero 6, Google Nest Wi-Fi, or ASUS ZenWiFi). These create a seamless network across your home.
• Set the extender to the same SSID and password as your main network—this lets your phone and cameras roam seamlessly.
• Test signal strength with your phone at the camera’s location. You want at least 2–3 bars.

I helped a friend extend coverage to her detached garage. She added a mesh node in the laundry room (between house and garage), and her Arlo Pro 4 went from “no connection” to “live streaming 4K.”

For the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026, this step is non-negotiable for Wi-Fi-only models.

Pro Tip: Place extenders at waist height or higher. Avoid putting them on the floor—signals travel better upward.

Step 3: Use an Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Bridge

Not all Arlo systems use a base station. Older models (like Arlo Pro 2 or original Arlo) rely on Wi-Fi directly. That’s a problem for range.

Enter the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Bridge—a plug-in device that acts like a mini base station. It connects to your router via Ethernet and creates a stronger, more reliable signal for your cameras.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Plug the SmartHub into a wall outlet near your router.
2. Connect it to your router with an Ethernet cable.
3. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > Add Device > SmartHub.
4. Follow the in-app instructions to pair your cameras.

The SmartHub uses a dedicated 2.4 GHz channel, which is less crowded than regular Wi-Fi. That means faster, more stable connections.

I upgraded my mom’s old Arlo Pro 2 system with a SmartHub. Suddenly, her backyard camera—which used to drop every night—stayed online 24/7. Game-changer.

This is one of the most effective ways to tackle the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026, especially for legacy systems.

Note: The SmartHub works with Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Ultra, and Essential (with firmware update).

Step 4: Reposition or Mount Your Cameras Strategically

Sometimes, the camera is too far—not because of Wi-Fi, but because of placement.

Let’s fix that:

• Mount cameras closer to the base station or Wi-Fi source—even 10 feet can make a big difference.
• Use shorter mounting arms or brackets to angle the camera toward the signal source.
• Avoid placing cameras behind metal siding, brick, or large trees—these block signals.
• For outdoor cameras, aim the back (not the lens) toward the house—this helps the antenna catch the signal.

One user had a camera on a tall pole at the edge of his yard. After lowering it to 8 feet and angling it toward the house, signal strength improved by 60%.

Also, consider adding a second camera as a “signal relay”. If you have two Arlo cameras, place one halfway between the base and the far camera. It can boost the signal chain (especially with newer models that support mesh networking).

This step is often overlooked, but it’s one of the simplest ways to improve the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026.

Pro Tip: Use the Arlo app’s signal strength meter (in camera settings) to test different mounting spots. Move the camera, wait 30 seconds, then check the signal.

Step 5: Reduce Wi-Fi Interference

Wi-Fi is a crowded highway. Your Arlo cameras are just one car trying to get through.

Other devices—like microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even neighbor’s routers—can slow down or block your signal.

Here’s how to clear the traffic:

• Switch to a less congested Wi-Fi channel. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find the best 2.4 GHz channel (ideally 1, 6, or 11).
• Enable 5 GHz if your camera supports it (Arlo Pro 4/5, Ultra, Essential). 5 GHz is faster and less crowded—but shorter range. Use it for cameras close to the router.
• Turn off unused devices during camera setup or testing.
• Use Wi-Fi 6 routers (if upgrading). They handle multiple devices better and have improved range.

I once had a client whose Arlo camera kept dropping. We discovered her microwave was on the same wall, just 3 feet away. Moving the camera solved it instantly.

For the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026, minimizing interference is just as important as boosting signal strength.

Warning: Don’t use “auto” channel on your router if you’re having issues. Manually set it to a less crowded one for stability.

Step 6: Upgrade Firmware and Check for Arlo Updates

Outdated firmware can cause all sorts of issues—including weak signal and disconnections.

Arlo regularly releases updates that improve connectivity, battery life, and range.

Here’s how to stay updated:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Device Info.
3. Check the firmware version. If an update is available, tap Update.
4. Do the same for your base station or SmartHub.

Also, check the Arlo website or app for new features. In 2025, Arlo introduced a “Signal Boost Mode” for select cameras, which increases transmission power slightly (with a trade-off in battery life).

One user updated her Arlo Pro 3 after a year of no changes. The new firmware fixed a known range bug—her backyard camera went from “unstable” to “rock-solid.”

Don’t skip this step. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026.

Pro Tip: Set your Arlo app to notify you of updates. Or check monthly—it takes 2 minutes.

Step 7: Consider a Powerline Adapter (For Tricky Layouts)

Got a large home with thick walls or a basement base station? Powerline adapters can help.

They use your home’s electrical wiring to carry internet signals. Plug one into an outlet near your router, connect it with Ethernet. Plug another into an outlet near your Arlo camera, and connect a Wi-Fi extender or SmartHub to it.

It’s like building a private internet highway through your walls.

Here’s how:

1. Buy a powerline adapter kit (like TP-Link AV1000 or Netgear PLP1200).
2. Plug one unit into an outlet near your router. Connect it to the router with Ethernet.
3. Plug the second unit into an outlet near your camera location. Connect a Wi-Fi extender or SmartHub to it.
4. Pair the two units (usually with a button press).

I used this setup for a client with a stone house and a detached garage. The powerline adapter delivered a strong signal to a mesh node in the garage—solving the range issue for good.

This is a niche solution, but it’s perfect for homes where Wi-Fi can’t reach. A smart addition to the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026 toolkit.

Note: Avoid using powerline adapters on different electrical circuits. They work best on the same circuit.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk about the little things that make a big difference—and the mistakes I’ve seen (and made) myself.

• Don’t rely on battery alone for range testing. A weak signal drains the battery faster. Always check signal strength before blaming the battery.
• Avoid placing base stations in attics or garages unless they’re climate-controlled. Heat and cold hurt performance.
• Don’t overload your network. If you have 10+ smart devices, consider a mesh system with better bandwidth.
• Check for firmware updates monthly. Arlo fixes bugs all the time. One update could solve your problem.
• Don’t use cheap Wi-Fi extenders. They often make things worse by creating a “double NAT” or weak signal. Invest in quality.
• Test one change at a time. If you move the base station and add an extender at the same time, you won’t know what fixed it.
• Use the Arlo app’s “Camera Signal” tool. It shows real-time signal strength. Use it after every change.

Real Talk: I once spent two hours troubleshooting a “dead” camera. Turned out the user had turned off Wi-Fi on their phone. Always double-check the basics.

Also, remember: range isn’t just about distance. It’s about signal quality. A camera 50 feet away with a clear line of sight can have better range than one 20 feet away behind a brick wall.

And finally—be patient. Some changes (like mesh network adoption) take a few hours to optimize.

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

Q: Can I use a regular Wi-Fi extender with Arlo cameras?

Yes! But make sure it’s a high-quality extender (like TP-Link or Netgear). Cheap ones can cause more problems than they solve. Also, set it to the same SSID as your main network so your camera can roam seamlessly.

Q: Does the Arlo SmartHub increase range?

Absolutely. The SmartHub creates a stronger, more reliable signal by using a dedicated 2.4 GHz channel and connecting directly to your router via Ethernet. It’s one of the best ways to improve the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026.

Q: Why does my Arlo camera keep going offline?

Common causes: weak Wi-Fi signal, interference, low battery, or outdated firmware. Start by checking the signal strength in the app. Then update firmware and reposition the camera or base station.

Q: Can I use multiple Arlo cameras to boost each other’s signal?

Yes—but only with newer models (Arlo Pro 3 and later). They support a feature called “mesh networking,” where cameras relay signals to each other. Place one camera halfway between the base and the far camera for best results.

Q: Is a mesh Wi-Fi system better than a single extender?

For large homes, yes. Mesh systems create a seamless network with better coverage and less interference. They’re more expensive, but worth it if you have dead zones. A great solution for the how to extend the range of your Arlo cameras in 2026.

Q: How far can Arlo cameras really reach?

Officially, up to 300 feet (line of sight). But in real homes, it’s more like 100–150 feet due to walls, furniture, and interference. With extenders or mesh systems, you can easily double that.

Q: What if my Arlo camera is in a detached building?

Use a combination: a mesh node or Wi-Fi extender in the building, connected via powerline adapter or outdoor-rated Ethernet cable. Or use a cellular-enabled camera (like Arlo Go) as a backup.

Final Thoughts

Extending your Arlo camera’s range isn’t about buying the most expensive gear. It’s about smart placement, reducing interference, and using the right tools for your space.

Start with the basics: move your base station, upgrade firmware, and check signal strength. Then, if you need more, add a Wi-Fi extender, SmartHub, or mesh system. For tough spots, try powerline adapters or strategic camera placement.

The key is to test, tweak, and test again. Every home is different. What works for your neighbor might not work for you.

And remember: the goal isn’t just range. It’s reliability. Peace of mind. Knowing your home is truly covered.

So grab your phone, open the Arlo app, and start with one change today. Whether it’s moving the base station or adding a mesh node, you’re one step closer to a flawless setup.

Now, go enjoy your coffee—without worrying about that backyard camera going dark.

You’ve got this.