Grouping your Arlo cameras in 2026 is a seamless way to streamline monitoring and boost security efficiency by organizing devices into custom zones for simultaneous control. Using the updated Arlo app, simply select multiple cameras, assign them to a group, and manage recordings, alerts, or live views with one tap—ideal for covering entry points or large areas effortlessly.

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How to Group Arlo Cameras in 2026 for Smarter Security

Key Takeaways

• Group cameras via the Arlo app to streamline monitoring and control.
• Name groups logically for quick identification and efficient management.
• Assign cameras by location like “Front Yard” or “Garage” for clarity.
• Enable group alerts to receive unified notifications from multiple cameras.
• Customize motion zones per group to reduce false alarms and improve accuracy.
• Sync groups with smart home devices for automated lighting or alarm triggers.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re away on vacation, sipping coffee by the pool, when your phone pings with a motion alert. You open the Arlo app, and instead of seeing one clear camera view, you’re met with seven different feeds—front porch, backyard, garage, side gate, and more—each requiring a tap to check. Annoying, right?

That’s where grouping Arlo cameras comes in. By learning how to group Arlo cameras in 2026 for smarter security, you can organize your feeds into logical zones like “Backyard,” “Entry Points,” or “Kids’ Play Area.” This means faster access, fewer taps, and smarter monitoring—especially when seconds count.

In 2026, with Arlo’s expanded AI features and multi-camera automation, grouping isn’t just about convenience. It’s about reducing alert fatigue and making your security system actually work for you. Whether you’re managing a smart home or just want peace of mind, this guide will walk you through the process with real-world tips and no tech jargon.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s get your toolkit ready. The good news? Most of what you need is already in your hands.

• Arlo app (version 4.0 or newer) – Download it from the App Store or Google Play. The grouping feature was expanded in the 2024 update, so older versions won’t have full functionality.
• At least two Arlo cameras – Any model (Pro 4, Ultra 2, Wire-Free, etc.) works, but they must be connected to the same Arlo account.
• Arlo SmartHub or base station (optional but recommended) – If you’re using multiple cameras, a SmartHub (like Arlo SmartHub 2) improves Wi-Fi stability and enables local recording.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – Grouping doesn’t require internet, but syncing changes does. Make sure your phone has a strong signal.
• Arlo Secure plan (for advanced automation) – Free tier lets you group cameras. But if you want AI-powered alerts per group (e.g., “Person detected in Entry Points”), a paid plan unlocks that.

Pro Insight: I once tried grouping cameras on a weak Wi-Fi connection during a storm. The app froze, and one camera went offline. Lesson learned: always do this when your network is stable. A quick speed test (I use Speedtest.net) can save you headaches.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Group Arlo Cameras in 2026 for Smarter Security

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Navigate to Devices

Launch the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet. If you have multiple Arlo accounts (e.g., one for home, one for a rental), make sure you’re logged into the correct one.

Tap the “Devices” tab at the bottom. You’ll see all your cameras listed individually. This is where we start.

Why this matters: The “Devices” tab is the control center. Think of it like a dashboard for your entire security setup. If you’re new to Arlo, take a moment to name each camera clearly (e.g., “Front Door – Pro 4”) so you don’t mix them up later.

Tip: Rename cameras before grouping. It’s much easier to identify them when creating groups. Go to each camera’s settings (tap the three dots), select “Device Name,” and give it a descriptive label.

Step 2: Access the Grouping Feature (Updated in 2026)

In the top-right corner, tap the “+” icon. You’ll see two options: “Add Device” and “Create Group.” Select “Create Group.”

If you don’t see this option, check your app version. Arlo introduced a redesigned UI in 2025, and older versions may still use a “Groups” tab instead.

Pro tip: On Android, some users report the “+” icon is tiny. Zoom in or use two fingers to expand the menu if needed.

Warning: The grouping feature only works on the mobile app. The web portal (arlo.com) doesn’t support it yet. I learned this the hard way during a late-night setup session—stick to your phone.

Step 3: Name Your Camera Group

You’ll be prompted to name your group. Use something intuitive, like:

• “Entry Points” (front door, side gate, garage)
• “Backyard Zone” (pool, deck, shed)
• “Kids’ Area” (playground, backyard, side yard)
• “Perimeter Watch” (all outdoor cameras)

Why naming matters: In 2026, Arlo’s AI uses group names to customize alerts. If you name a group “Front Entrance,” you can later set up a rule like, “If motion is detected in Front Entrance after 10 PM, send a loud siren.”

My experience: I once named a group “Outdoor Cams.” It worked, but when I got an alert, I had to open the group to see which camera triggered it. Now I use specific names—it saves time and stress.

Step 4: Select Cameras to Add to the Group

Now comes the fun part. The app shows all your cameras. Tap each one you want in the group. A blue checkmark appears when selected.

You can add 2 to 15 cameras per group. Arlo recommends 5–8 for optimal performance, especially if using AI features.

Pro tip: Start with 2–3 cameras for your first group. It’s easier to test and adjust. You can always add more later.

Common mistake: Don’t add every camera to one group. I tried this with my 10-camera setup. The group loaded slowly, and alerts were overwhelming. Now I use 3–4 smaller groups—it’s much more manageable.

Step 5: Customize Group Settings (Optional but Powerful)

After selecting cameras, tap “Next.” You’ll see advanced options (available with Arlo Secure plans):

• Smart Alerts per Group: Enable AI detection (person, package, animal, vehicle) only for this group. For example, “Only alert me to people in Entry Points.”
• Activity Zones: Draw zones on each camera’s feed within the group. Great for ignoring trees or street traffic.
• Notification Preferences: Choose whether this group triggers push alerts, email, or both.
• Automation Triggers: Link to smart home devices. Example: “When motion is detected in Backyard Zone, turn on outdoor lights.”

Why this matters: This is where how to group Arlo cameras in 2026 for smarter security really shines. Instead of treating every camera the same, you can tailor responses to each area.

My setup: I have a “Front Porch” group with a Pro 4 camera. I set it to alert me only for packages (not people or animals). No more false alarms from the neighbor’s cat!

Step 6: Save and Test the Group

Tap “Save” to create the group. It will appear in your Devices tab with a folder icon.

Test it: Open the group and tap each camera to confirm it loads. Then, trigger motion (e.g., walk in front of a camera). Check if alerts appear as expected.

If a camera doesn’t respond, it might be offline or have a weak signal. Fix connectivity issues first, then re-test.

Pro tip: Use Arlo’s “Device Health” feature (in Settings > Devices) to check battery, Wi-Fi strength, and firmware. A camera with 20% battery or “Poor” Wi-Fi won’t work well in a group.

Step 7: Create Additional Groups (Optional)

You can make multiple groups. For example:

• Group 1: “Entry Points” (front door, garage)
• Group 2: “Backyard Zone” (pool, deck)
• Group 3: “Perimeter” (all outdoor cameras)

Why multiple groups? It lets you monitor different areas with one tap. When you’re leaving the house, open “Entry Points.” At night, check “Perimeter.”

My workflow: I use a “Quick Check” group with just my front door and backyard cameras. It loads fast and gives me a snapshot of key areas.

Step 8: Edit or Delete Groups (When Things Change)

Need to update a group? Tap the three dots next to the group name, then “Edit Group.” You can:

• Add/remove cameras
• Change the name
• Update AI settings

To delete a group, tap “Delete Group.” This doesn’t remove the cameras—it just deletes the group. Your cameras will appear individually again.

Real-life scenario: I added a new camera to my garage. Instead of editing the “Entry Points” group, I created a separate “Garage & Driveway” group. It’s easier to manage, and I can customize alerts for that area.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up groups for dozens of homes (including my own), here are the lessons I’ve learned:

1. Use Descriptive, Consistent Names

Instead of “Group 1,” use “Front Entrance – Pro 4.” This helps when you have multiple groups. Bonus: Arlo’s AI uses group names for voice commands. You can say, “Show me Front Entrance” on your smart speaker.

2. Don’t Overload Groups

Groups with 10+ cameras can lag, especially on older phones. I recommend 5–8 cameras per group. If you have more, create subgroups (e.g., “Backyard – West” and “Backyard – East”).

3. Leverage AI Per Group (With Arlo Secure)

Free plans let you group, but paid plans unlock AI. For example, you can set “Entry Points” to detect people, while “Backyard Zone” ignores animals. This cuts false alerts by 60–70% in my experience.

4. Sync Groups Across Devices

Groups sync to all devices using the same Arlo account. But if you share access with family, make sure they’re on the latest app version. I once had a group show up on my phone but not my wife’s—she was on an older version.

5. Test Alerts at Different Times

Motion detection varies by lighting. Test your groups at night, dawn, and dusk. I found my “Front Porch” group missed packages at night until I adjusted the camera angle and enabled night vision.

6. Use Groups for Automation

Link groups to smart home routines. Example: “When motion is detected in Backyard Zone, turn on the patio lights and send an alert.” I use this with my Philips Hue lights—it’s a game-changer.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to test: Always verify each camera loads in the group.
• Ignoring Wi-Fi strength: A weak signal causes lag. Use Arlo’s Wi-Fi analyzer (in Settings > Network).
• Not using activity zones: Without zones, trees or pets trigger false alerts. Draw zones to focus on key areas.
• Overcomplicating: Start simple. You can always add complexity later.

My biggest mistake: I once created a “All Cams” group with 12 cameras. It was slow and overwhelming. Now I use 4 focused groups—it’s way more effective.

FAQs About How to Group Arlo Cameras in 2026 for Smarter Security

Q: Can I group cameras from different Arlo models?

Yes! Whether you have a Pro 4, Ultra 2, or Wire-Free, they can all be in the same group. Arlo’s software handles the differences seamlessly.

Q: Do camera groups work with the web portal?

Not yet. As of 2026, groups are only available in the mobile app. The web portal still shows individual cameras. Arlo has hinted at web support in future updates.

Q: How many groups can I create?

There’s no hard limit, but Arlo recommends 10–15 groups for optimal performance. I’ve used 8 groups without issues.

Q: Can I share groups with family members?

Yes! If you share your Arlo account (via Family Sharing), all groups appear on their devices. Just make sure they’re on the same app version.

Q: What if a camera is offline?

The group will still load, but offline cameras show a “Disconnected” status. Fix the camera’s power or Wi-Fi first, then refresh the group.

Q: Do groups affect video quality?

No. Each camera streams at its native resolution (1080p, 4K, etc.). The group just organizes the feeds—it doesn’t compress or reduce quality.

Q: Can I use groups with Arlo’s AI features?

Absolutely. With an Arlo Secure plan, you can set AI detection (person, package, etc.) for each group. This is the smart part of how to group Arlo cameras in 2026 for smarter security.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to group Arlo cameras in 2026 for smarter security isn’t just about organization—it’s about taking control. No more sifting through feeds. No more missing alerts. Just quick, intuitive access to the areas that matter most.

Start small. Create one group for your front door and backyard. Test it. Then expand. Use AI. Set up automations. And don’t forget to name things clearly—future-you will thank you.

Remember: The goal isn’t to have the most groups. It’s to have the right groups. Ones that make your life easier, your home safer, and your security system actually smart.

So grab your phone, open the Arlo app, and give it a try. In 10 minutes, you could transform how you monitor your home. And if you get stuck? Just take a breath. You’ve got this.

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