Installing your Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026 is a quick, DIY-friendly process that requires only basic tools and the Arlo app for seamless setup. Whether you’re replacing an existing doorbell or installing new, the app-guided steps ensure flawless Wi-Fi pairing, motion detection calibration, and secure mounting in under 30 minutes—no professional help needed.

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How to Install Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility: Ensure your doorbell wiring supports Arlo’s voltage requirements before installing.
• Turn off power: Always switch off the circuit breaker to avoid electrical hazards.
• Mount securely: Use included screws and anchors for a stable, weatherproof installation.
• Sync via app: Follow in-app instructions to connect the doorbell to Wi-Fi seamlessly.
• Test functionality: Verify motion detection, chime, and live view work post-installation.
• Adjust settings: Customize motion zones and alerts in the Arlo app for optimal use.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s face it—your front door is one of the most vulnerable spots in your home. You want to know who’s there, whether it’s the delivery driver, a neighbor, or someone who shouldn’t be knocking. That’s where the Arlo Doorbell Camera comes in.

But here’s the catch: even the best smart doorbell is only as good as its installation. I learned this the hard way when I set up my first Arlo doorbell—I skipped a few steps, assumed the app would guide me, and ended up with a camera that wouldn’t power on. It took a frustrating weekend to figure it out.

That’s why this How to Install Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide isn’t just a checklist. It’s a real-world walkthrough—based on my own trial, error, and eventual success—to help you avoid the same mistakes.

Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing one for the first time, this guide covers wired, wireless, and battery-powered Arlo models. We’ll go over tools, safety, troubleshooting, and even how to make sure your camera stays online and secure.

By the end, you’ll not only know how to install it—you’ll understand why each step matters. And trust me, that makes all the difference.

What You Need

Before you start, let’s make sure you have everything. I’ve broken this down into three categories: tools, materials, and pre-installation prep.

• Arlo Doorbell Camera Kit (wired, wireless, or battery-powered—check your model)
• Drill and drill bits (for mounting; masonry bits if on brick or stone)
• Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
• Voltage tester (critical for wired models—don’t skip this!)
• Level (a small bubble level or smartphone app works)
• Pencil or marker (for marking drill spots)
• Wire strippers (if wiring directly)
• Electrical tape (for securing wire connections)
• Smartphone with Arlo app installed (download from App Store or Google Play)
• Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz only—Arlo doesn’t support 5 GHz)
• Arlo SmartHub or base station (if required by your model)
• Optional: Doorbell chime kit (for wired models if your home doesn’t have a mechanical chime)
• Optional: Power drill with hammer function (for stucco, brick, or concrete)

Pro tip: I always lay out all my tools on a tray before starting. It saves time and keeps you from scrambling halfway through. Also, charge your phone—you’ll need it for setup, and a dead battery mid-install is a real mood killer.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Install Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Arlo Doorbell Model for Your Home

Not all Arlo doorbells are the same. You’ve got three main options: wired, wireless (plug-in), and battery-powered.

Here’s how I decided: I live in a house with existing doorbell wiring, so I went with the Arlo Wired Video Doorbell. It gives me 24/7 power, no battery swaps, and better night vision. But if you rent or don’t have wiring, the Arlo Essential Wireless or Arlo Pro 5S (battery) are great choices.

Check your home’s setup before buying. If you’re unsure, open your current doorbell cover and look for wires. No wires? Go wireless or battery.

This first decision affects everything else—so take your time. And yes, this step is part of the How to Install Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide because choosing the wrong model leads to frustration later.

Step 2: Turn Off Power (For Wired Models Only)

Okay, safety first. If you’re installing a wired Arlo doorbell, you must cut the power to your existing doorbell.

Go to your home’s circuit breaker panel. Look for a switch labeled “doorbell,” “front door,” or something similar. If you’re not sure, turn off the main power briefly to test—ring the doorbell. If it doesn’t work, you’ve found the right circuit.

Once you’ve turned it off, use a voltage tester on the wires behind the old doorbell. I learned this the hard way—once, I thought the power was off, but there was still voltage. The tester saved me from a nasty shock.

Leave the power off until you’re ready to reconnect. This step is non-negotiable. Even a small voltage can damage your new camera or hurt you.

Step 3: Remove Your Old Doorbell (If Applicable)

Unscrew the faceplate of your existing doorbell. Carefully pull it away from the wall. You’ll see one or two wires connected to screws.

Unscrew those wires and gently tuck them into the wall. Don’t cut them—you’ll need them later. If there’s a metal backplate, remove it too, unless your Arlo mount can attach directly to the wall.

Pro tip: Take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting. It’s easy to forget which wire goes where, especially if they’re both black or white.

Now, check the wall surface. Is it smooth? Bumpy? Cracked? You’ll need to clean it up for a secure mount. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove loose paint or debris.

Step 4: Prepare the Mounting Area

Your Arlo doorbell needs a solid, flat surface. If your wall is uneven, use a mounting bracket (included in most kits) to create a level base.

Hold the bracket up to the wall where you want the camera. Use a level to make sure it’s straight. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.

Now, drill pilot holes. Use the right size bit for your screws and wall type. For wood, a 3/16″ bit works. For brick or stucco, go with a masonry bit and use wall anchors.

Don’t drill too deep—just enough for the anchors. I once drilled through a brick and hit a water pipe. Not fun. Use a stud finder if you’re unsure.

Once the holes are ready, insert the anchors (if needed) and screw the bracket into place. Tighten, but don’t overdo it—cracked brackets are a pain to replace.

Step 5: Connect the Wiring (Wired Models Only)

This is the trickiest part for wired installations. You’ll connect the two doorbell wires to the Arlo doorbell’s terminals.

Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire if needed. Loosen the screws on the back of the Arlo doorbell. Attach one wire to the “+” terminal and the other to the “–” terminal. It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—Arlo is polarity-insensitive.

Tighten the screws. Give each wire a gentle tug to make sure it’s secure. Then, wrap the connections with electrical tape for extra protection.

Now, tuck the wires back into the wall. Make sure nothing is pinched or exposed.

For homes without a mechanical chime (like newer smart homes), you’ll need a doorbell chime kit (sold separately). This device mimics the chime signal so your Arlo knows when someone rings.

Follow the kit’s instructions to connect it in series with your wiring. It’s simple—just plug it into the circuit.

Step 6: Mount the Arlo Doorbell

Now it’s time to attach the camera. Slide it into the mounting bracket until it clicks. Most Arlo models have a secure snap-fit mechanism.

For battery-powered models, insert the battery pack first (if removable), then mount. For wireless models that plug into an outlet, skip to the next step.

Once mounted, double-check that it’s level. Use your bubble level again. A crooked camera looks unprofessional and can miss faces.

Also, make sure the camera lens isn’t blocked by anything—like a porch light or awning. You want a clear view of the front walkway.

Step 7: Power Up and Connect to Wi-Fi

For wired models: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Wait a minute. The doorbell should light up—usually a blue or white LED.

For battery-powered models: Insert the charged battery. Press the setup button (usually on the side) until the LED blinks.

Now, open the Arlo app on your phone. Tap “Add Device” and follow the prompts. The app will scan for your doorbell via Bluetooth.

When it connects, you’ll be asked to join your Wi-Fi network. Important: Arlo only works on 2.4 GHz networks. If you have a dual-band router, make sure you’re on the 2.4 GHz band. I once wasted 20 minutes because my phone was on 5 GHz.

Enter your Wi-Fi password. Wait for the app to confirm the connection. You should see a live video feed.

Step 8: Set Up the Arlo App and SmartHub (If Needed)

Some Arlo models require a SmartHub (like the Arlo Pro 5S). This device connects to your router via Ethernet and acts as a bridge between your camera and Wi-Fi.

If you have one, plug it into your router and power it on. The app will guide you through pairing it with your doorbell.

Once connected, you can adjust settings: motion detection zones, video quality, notifications, and more. I recommend setting up person detection—it cuts down on false alerts from passing cars or pets.

Also, enable two-factor authentication in the app. It’s a simple step that protects your video feed from hackers.

Step 9: Test the Doorbell and Chime

Press the doorbell button. The camera should start recording and send a notification to your phone. You should also hear a chime—either through your home’s mechanical chime or the Arlo app’s virtual chime.

If there’s no sound, check your wiring (wired models) or app settings (wireless). For wired models, make sure your chime kit is properly installed.

Test night vision by covering the camera lens with your hand in a dark room. The IR lights should activate, and you should still see a clear (black-and-white) image.

Also, check the field of view. Walk up to the door from different angles. The camera should capture your face and upper body.

Step 10: Fine-Tune Settings for Best Performance

Now that it’s working, optimize it for your lifestyle.

• Motion zones: Draw zones in the app to ignore busy streets or trees.
• Notification schedule: Set quiet hours (e.g., no alerts between 10 PM–7 AM).
• Video quality: Balance clarity with bandwidth. I use “High” during the day, “Standard” at night.
• Cloud or local storage: Arlo offers cloud plans, but you can also use an SD card (if your model supports it).

I also recommend setting up Arlo Smart (paid subscription) for advanced features like package detection, e911, and 30-day video history.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me share a few things I wish I knew before my first install:

Tip 1: Always test the doorbell before fully mounting it. I once mounted my Arlo, then realized the Wi-Fi signal was too weak. Had to take it down, relocate the SmartHub, and start over.

Tip 2: Use the Arlo app’s signal strength indicator. If it shows “Poor,” move your router or add a Wi-Fi extender. A weak signal means laggy video and missed alerts.

Warning: Don’t skip the voltage test. I know it’s tempting, but one spark can ruin your camera or worse. Use the tester—every time.

Tip 3: Install in the morning or early afternoon. You’ll have better lighting for setup, and if something goes wrong, you have time to fix it before nightfall.

Common mistake: Ignoring firmware updates. Arlo releases updates regularly. Enable auto-updates in the app. An outdated camera is more prone to bugs and security flaws.

Tip 4: Angle the camera slightly downward. This ensures you see faces, not just the top of heads. I tilt mine about 10 degrees.

Warning: Don’t install near direct sunlight. The lens can overheat, and glare will wash out the image. A small overhang or awning helps.

FAQs About How to Install Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Q: Can I install an Arlo doorbell without existing wiring?

Absolutely. The Arlo Essential Wireless and Arlo Pro 5S are designed for battery or plug-in power. Just mount it like a wired model, but skip the wiring steps. The battery lasts 4–6 months with normal use.

Q: Does the Arlo doorbell work with Alexa or Google Home?

Yes! You can view the live feed on an Echo Show or Nest Hub. Just link your Arlo account in the Alexa or Google Home app. You can also use voice commands like, “Alexa, show the front door.”

Q: What if my Wi-Fi signal is weak near the door?

Use a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network system (like Google Nest Wifi). Place it between your router and the doorbell. I use a TP-Link extender—it boosted my signal from “Poor” to “Excellent.”

Q: How do I know if my doorbell wiring has enough voltage?

Use a voltage tester. Most Arlo wired models need 16–24V AC. If it’s below 16V, the camera won’t power on. You can install a transformer booster to increase voltage, but check with an electrician first.

Q: Can I install the Arlo doorbell myself, or should I hire someone?

You can do it yourself—especially with this How to Install Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide. But if you’re not comfortable with wiring, hire a licensed electrician. It’s worth the $100 to avoid a fire hazard.

Q: What’s the best way to clean the Arlo doorbell lens?

Use a microfiber cloth and a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the lens—don’t press hard. Avoid water, especially near the buttons. I clean mine once a month.

Q: Will the Arlo doorbell record if the Wi-Fi goes out?

Only if you have a SmartHub with local storage or an SD card (on supported models). Otherwise, cloud recording stops. I use a 256GB SD card—it holds weeks of footage.

Final Thoughts

Installing an Arlo doorbell isn’t rocket science, but it does take patience and attention to detail. The How to Install Arlo Doorbell Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide you just read is packed with real-world tips—because I’ve been there, done that, and learned from my mistakes.

Start with the right model, follow the steps carefully, and don’t rush the wiring or Wi-Fi setup. Test everything before you call it a day.

And remember: a well-installed doorbell doesn’t just record—it gives you peace of mind. You’ll know when the kids get home, who’s at the door, and whether that package was actually delivered.

So grab your tools, charge your phone, and get started. Your home’s security upgrade is just an hour away. And if you run into trouble? Open the Arlo app, check the support section, or reach out to their team—they’re actually helpful.

Now go make your front door smarter—and safer.

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