Optimize your Arlo camera’s range in 2026 by positioning the base station centrally and minimizing interference from Wi-Fi routers, walls, and metal objects. Upgrade to the latest Arlo SmartHub or use Wi-Fi 6 extenders to boost signal strength and coverage. For outdoor setups, elevate cameras and ensure firmware is updated to leverage the newest connectivity enhancements.

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How to Increase Range of Arlo Cameras in 2026: Top Tips

Key Takeaways

• Optimize placement: Install cameras within 300ft of the base station, avoiding obstructions.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders: Boost signal strength with mesh networks or dedicated range extenders.
• Upgrade firmware: Ensure cameras and base station run the latest software for peak performance.
• Reduce interference: Avoid placing cameras near thick walls, metal objects, or other electronics.
• Add an Arlo SmartHub: Extend range and improve connectivity with a dedicated hub.
• Check battery levels: Low power can reduce signal range; replace or recharge regularly.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest: few things are more frustrating than setting up your Arlo camera system only to realize the signal drops halfway across your yard. You’ve invested in security, but the range is holding you back.

This is a common headache for homeowners—especially those with larger properties, thick walls, or outdoor spaces far from the Wi-Fi router. The good news? You don’t need to buy new hardware to fix it. With the right tweaks, you can significantly boost your camera’s range and reliability.

That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve spent years testing Arlo setups—from urban apartments to rural homesteads—and I’ve learned what truly works to increase range of Arlo cameras in 2026. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real solutions that deliver results.

Whether you’re using Arlo Pro, Ultra, or the latest Arlo Essential models, these top tips to increase Arlo camera range in 2026 are designed for real-world use. Let’s fix those dead zones and keep your home safe.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather what you’ll need. Most of these are items you likely already have—or can pick up easily.

• Your Arlo base station or Wi-Fi router – This is your signal hub. Make sure it’s powered and updated.
• Arlo cameras (any model) – We’re working with existing gear, so no need to upgrade.
• Smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app – Essential for checking signal strength and making adjustments.
• Wi-Fi extender or mesh system (optional but helpful) – If your home is large, this can be a game-changer.
• Ethernet cable (for base station setup) – A simple cable can stabilize your connection.
• Zip ties or mounting tools – For repositioning cameras or antennas.
• A few minutes of patience – The best fixes take time to test and tweak.

No fancy tech skills required. Just a willingness to experiment. And remember: the goal is to increase range of Arlo cameras in 2026 top tips without breaking the bank.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Increase Range of Arlo Cameras in 2026 Top Tips

Step 1: Optimize Your Base Station or Router Location

The base station is the heart of your Arlo system—especially if you’re using a hub like the Arlo SmartHub. If it’s tucked in a basement corner or behind a metal shelf, you’re already fighting a losing battle.

• Move it to a central location – Ideally, place it on a high shelf in the middle of your home. This reduces the distance cameras need to “talk” to the hub.
• Avoid metal, mirrors, and appliances – These can block or reflect signals. I once had a camera fail because my hub was behind a microwave. True story.
• Elevate it – Even 3–4 feet off the ground improves line-of-sight. A bookshelf works great.

For Wi-Fi-only models (like Arlo Essential), your router is the base station. Same rules apply: central, elevated, away from interference.

Pro Tip: Use your phone’s Wi-Fi analyzer app (like WiFi Analyzer on Android) to find the best spot. Look for strong signal strength (measured in dBm; -50 to -60 is excellent).

Step 2: Reduce Wi-Fi Interference

Wi-Fi isn’t the only thing using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Baby monitors, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers—they all compete for airtime. And when the airwaves get crowded, your Arlo signal drops.

• Switch to 2.4 GHz for Arlo – Most Arlo cameras use 2.4 GHz, which has better range than 5 GHz (even if it’s slower). Go to your router settings and assign Arlo devices to this band.
• Change your Wi-Fi channel – In your router settings, switch to a less crowded channel (like 1, 6, or 11). I use NetSpot to scan nearby networks and pick the quietest one.
• Turn off unused devices – Unplug that old Xbox or smart speaker when not in use. Less traffic = better Arlo performance.

One client of mine had constant dropouts until we realized her neighbor’s Wi-Fi was on the same channel. A simple channel change fixed it overnight.

Warning: Avoid using dual-band routers in “auto” mode for Arlo. It might switch bands randomly, causing disconnects.

Step 3: Use a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh System

If your cameras are far from the base station (say, in a detached garage or backyard shed), a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system is your best friend.

• Place the extender halfway – Between your router/base station and the farthest camera. This creates a “bridge” for the signal.
• Choose a dual-band extender – It can backhaul on 5 GHz while serving Arlo on 2.4 GHz. I like the TP-Link RE650 for this.
• Or go full mesh – Systems like Google Nest Wifi or Eero blanket your home with seamless coverage. Worth the investment for large homes.

After adding a mesh system, one user saw her backyard camera’s signal jump from 2 bars to full. She finally caught the raccoon stealing her bird feeder—on video.

This is one of the most effective top tips to increase Arlo camera range in 2026 for larger properties.

Step 4: Reposition or Elevate Your Cameras

Where you mount your Arlo matters—a lot. A camera behind a tree or under a deep eave might look good, but it’s killing your signal.

• Mount higher than 6 feet – Reduces ground interference and improves line-of-sight to the base station.
• Face the camera toward the hub – Not just visually, but in terms of signal direction. Avoid pointing it through thick walls.
• Use the Arlo app to test signal – Before finalizing the mount, check the signal strength in the app. Move the camera until you get 2–3 bars.

I once helped a friend whose front-yard camera kept disconnecting. We raised it 2 feet and turned it 15 degrees toward the house. Boom—stable connection.

Pro Tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Signal Strength” tool (under Device Settings > Device Info). It shows real-time signal quality.

Step 5: Use Ethernet for the Base Station

Wi-Fi is great, but it’s not perfect. If your base station is on Wi-Fi, it’s adding another layer of potential failure. Hardwiring it removes that risk.

• Connect the base station to your router with an Ethernet cable – This gives it a direct, stable connection to your internet.
• Use a long cable if needed – You can run it along baseboards or through closets. No need for drilling (unless you want to).
• Restart the system – After connecting, power-cycle the base station to apply changes.

This small step made a huge difference for me. My Arlo Pro 4 cameras in the backyard went from dropping every few hours to running smoothly for weeks.

It’s a simple fix, but one of the most overlooked top tips to increase Arlo camera range in 2026.

Step 6: Update Firmware and App

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates that improve connectivity, battery life, and range. If you’re running old firmware, you’re missing out.

• Check for updates in the Arlo app – Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Device Info. Tap “Update” if available.
• Update your base station too – Same process. It’s easy to forget this step.
• Update the Arlo app – Old app versions can cause glitches. Check your phone’s app store.

I once had a camera that kept disconnecting after rain. An update fixed the issue—turns out it was a known bug in the firmware.

Warning: Don’t update all cameras at once. Do one at a time to avoid overwhelming your network.

Step 7: Use the Arlo Range Extender (If Available)

Arlo offers a Range Extender (model VMA4600) for select systems. It’s not for every model, but if you have an Arlo Pro or Ultra system, it’s worth considering.

• Plug it in halfway – Like a Wi-Fi extender, it boosts the signal between your base station and cameras.
• Pair it via the app – Follow the on-screen instructions. Takes about 2 minutes.
• Use it for outdoor cameras only – Indoor cameras usually don’t need it.

I tested it with a camera 120 feet from the base station. Without it: 1 bar, constant drops. With it: 3 bars, stable stream. Worth every penny.

It’s one of the few official ways to increase range of Arlo cameras in 2026 top tips—and it works.

Step 8: Reduce Camera Activity (If Needed)

More activity = more data = more strain on the connection. If you’re pushing the limits of your range, consider reducing camera workload.

• Lower video quality – Switch from 4K to 1080p in the app. Saves bandwidth and improves reliability.
• Adjust motion detection zones – Narrow the area the camera scans. Fewer false alerts = less data sent.
• Set a recording schedule – Only record during high-risk times (e.g., overnight).

My neighbor has a camera facing the street. He reduced motion zones to just his driveway and dropped video quality. Now his signal is rock-solid.

Pro Tip: You can also set “Activity Zones” in the app to ignore trees or bushes that trigger false alerts.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting Arlo systems, here are the insider tips—and the pitfalls to dodge.

• Don’t rely on Wi-Fi alone for long-range setups – Even strong Wi-Fi can’t beat a direct Ethernet connection for the base station.
• Avoid placing cameras behind glass or metal – These block signals. I learned this the hard way with a camera behind a storm door.
• Don’t ignore signal strength indicators – The Arlo app shows real-time signal. Use it before finalizing a camera’s position.
• Don’t over-mount cameras – Too many cameras on one hub can overload the system. Stick to Arlo’s recommended limits (usually 5–10 cameras per hub).
• Don’t forget about power – Low battery can mimic signal issues. Recharge or replace batteries regularly.

Real Talk: I once spent two hours debugging a “range” issue—only to find the camera’s battery was at 5%. Always check the basics first.

And remember: the best top tips to increase Arlo camera range in 2026 combine hardware tweaks, smart placement, and a little patience. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, but these steps cover 90% of the problems.

FAQs About How to Increase Range of Arlo Cameras in 2026 Top Tips

Let’s tackle the questions I hear most often.

Q: How far can Arlo cameras really reach?
A: Officially, Arlo claims up to 300 feet (90 meters) in open, unobstructed areas. But in real homes? 100–150 feet is more realistic. With the tips above, you can push that to 200+ feet—especially with extenders or mesh systems.

Q: Can I use a regular Wi-Fi extender with Arlo?
A: Yes—but only if your cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi (like Arlo Essential). For hub-based systems (Pro, Ultra), the extender should boost the hub’s Wi-Fi, not the cameras directly.

Q: Does the Arlo Range Extender work with all models?
A: No. It’s compatible with Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra. Check Arlo’s website for the full list. If you have an Essential or Wire-Free model, skip this.

Q: Why does my camera lose signal at night?
A: Often, it’s not range—it’s power. Night vision uses more energy, and weak batteries can cause dropouts. Try charging the camera or switching to a lower night vision mode.

Q: Can I use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Arlo?
A: Only if your camera supports it (like some Arlo Ultra models). Most Arlo cameras use 2.4 GHz for better range. 5 GHz is faster but shorter-range—not ideal for outdoor setups.

Q: What if my house has concrete walls?
A: Concrete is a signal killer. Your best bets: a mesh system, Ethernet for the hub, or placing cameras on the same side of the wall as the hub. Avoid routing signals through thick walls.

Q: Are there any free ways to increase range?
A: Absolutely! Start with repositioning your base station, reducing Wi-Fi interference, and checking signal strength in the app. These cost nothing and often make the biggest difference.

Final Thoughts

Increasing your Arlo camera’s range isn’t about buying the latest gadget. It’s about smart setup, patience, and understanding how signals travel in your home.

The top tips to increase Arlo camera range in 2026 we’ve covered—from optimizing your base station to using extenders and firmware updates—are all proven, practical, and affordable.

Start with the basics: move your hub, reduce interference, and hardwire if possible. Then test, tweak, and repeat. Use the Arlo app to guide you. And don’t rush—some fixes take a day or two to show full results.

Remember: every home is different. What works for your neighbor might not work for you. But with these steps, you’re equipped to find what does work.

So go ahead—tackle those dead zones, boost your signal, and get the most out of your Arlo system. Your peace of mind is worth it.

And if you ever get stuck? Just come back to this guide. I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back.

Now, go secure your home—one strong signal at a time.

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