Learn how to invert Arlo cameras in minutes using the Arlo app’s built-in rotation feature—no extra tools or complicated settings required. Whether mounting upside down or adjusting for tight spaces, this simple fix ensures optimal video orientation and full surveillance coverage in any setup.
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How to Invert Arlo Cameras in 2026: A Complete Guide
Key Takeaways
- Invert via app: Use the Arlo app’s image settings to flip the view instantly.
- Mount upside-down: Install inverted for discreet placement—software adjusts the feed automatically.
- Check firmware: Ensure cameras run the latest firmware to access inversion features.
- Customize per camera: Adjust inversion settings individually for multi-camera setups.
- Test angles: Preview inverted footage to confirm proper coverage and detection zones.
- Use Pro models: Arlo Pro 4/5 support auto-inversion for easier ceiling mounts.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s face it—mounting your Arlo camera upside down isn’t a mistake you plan for. But sometimes, it happens. Maybe you’re installing it under an eave, in a corner, or on a slanted surface. Suddenly, your footage looks like you’re watching the world from the ceiling. Frustrating, right?
I learned this the hard way. A few months ago, I installed an Arlo Pro 5 under my garage overhang. The angle was perfect—but the video feed was upside down. My dog looked like he was floating, and my wife thought the camera was broken. Spoiler: it wasn’t. The fix? Inverting the image through the app.
That’s where this How to Invert Arlo Cameras in 2026 A Complete Guide comes in. Whether you’re dealing with a ceiling-mounted cam, a tricky outdoor setup, or just want to optimize your viewing angle, knowing how to flip the image is essential. It’s not just about fixing a visual hiccup—it’s about getting the most accurate, usable footage possible.
And here’s the good news: Arlo makes it easier than ever in 2026. Whether you’re using the Arlo Secure app, the web portal, or a third-party integration, the process is quick—once you know where to look. This guide walks you through every step, from tools to troubleshooting, so you can stop tilting your head and start seeing clearly.
We’ll cover all Arlo models, including Arlo Pro 3, Ultra 2, Essential, and the new Arlo Go 2 LTE. And don’t worry—no tech degree required. Just your phone, your camera, and a few minutes of your time.
What You Need
You don’t need a toolbox or a degree in engineering. Just a few everyday items:
Visual guide about how to invert arlo cameras
Image source: security.org
- Your Arlo camera (any model: Pro, Ultra, Essential, Go, etc.)
- The Arlo Secure app (iOS or Android, updated to the latest version)
- Wi-Fi or cellular connection (for syncing and updates)
- Your Arlo account login (email and password)
- A ladder or step stool (if you need to physically adjust the camera afterward)
- Patience and a steady hand (okay, maybe not a tool, but trust me—it helps)
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Bonus: If you’re using the Arlo web portal (on a computer), make sure your browser is updated. Chrome or Firefox works best.
Pro tip: Before you start, check that your camera is online and streaming. You can’t invert a camera that’s offline. Open the app, tap the camera, and make sure you see a live feed.
“I once tried to invert a camera that was in sleep mode. Took me 10 minutes to realize it wasn’t connected. Save yourself the headache—check connectivity first.”
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Invert Arlo Cameras in 2026 A Complete Guide
This is the meat of the matter. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, here’s how to flip your Arlo camera’s image—fast, clean, and without reinstalling.
Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Log In
Start by unlocking your phone and opening the Arlo Secure app. If you haven’t used it in a while, it might ask for your login. Enter your email and password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (which I highly recommend), you’ll get a code via text or authenticator app.
Once logged in, you’ll land on the home screen. You should see thumbnails of all your connected cameras. Look for the one that’s upside down. Tap it to open the live feed.
Why this step matters: The app is your control center. All camera settings—including image rotation—live here. No app, no control. Simple as that.
Step 2: Access the Camera’s Settings Menu
With the live feed open, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it. This opens the Camera Settings panel.
On older models (like Arlo Pro 3), you might see a “More” button first. Tap that, then select “Settings.” The interface is slightly different, but the path is the same.
Inside Settings, you’ll see a list of options: Video, Audio, Motion, Notifications, etc. Scroll down until you find one labeled “Image Rotation” or “Rotate Image”.
“I once spent 15 minutes digging through ‘Advanced Settings’ before realizing it was right there under ‘Video.’ Don’t be like me. Scroll slowly.”
Step 3: Enable Image Inversion (Flip 180°)
Tap “Image Rotation”. You’ll see a few options:
- Normal (0°)
- Rotate 90°
- Rotate 180° (inverted)
- Rotate 270°
Select “Rotate 180°”. That’s your magic button. As soon as you tap it, the live feed flips. Your upside-down footage should now appear right-side up.
Wait a few seconds. The app might show a brief loading screen as it applies the change. Once it’s done, you’re golden.
Note: This change applies to live view, recordings, and motion alerts. So every time someone walks by, you’ll see them the right way up—not like they’re defying gravity.
Step 4: Confirm the Change (Optional but Smart)
Now, close the settings and go back to the live feed. Take a quick look. Is the image upright? Great.
But here’s a pro move: trigger a test recording. Wave your hand in front of the camera or walk into the frame. Wait for the motion alert to pop up, then tap it to view the clip.
Check if the recorded video is also flipped. It should be. If not, go back and double-check Step 3. Sometimes the app needs a refresh or a quick restart.
Why this matters: Some users report that the change doesn’t apply to cloud recordings immediately. A quick test ensures everything’s working across all modes.
Step 5: Adjust Physical Mount (If Needed)
Now, here’s something most guides skip: just because the image is flipped doesn’t mean the camera’s position is ideal.
Let’s say you mounted it upside down to get a better angle on your front door. After inversion, the image is upright—but the field of view might be off. You might be missing the sidewalk or cutting off the top of the door.
So, if possible, adjust the physical mount. Use the included mounting kit to tilt or reposition the camera. Even a 5-degree adjustment can make a big difference.
Pro tip: Use the live feed as your guide. Hold your phone up to the camera while you adjust the mount. You’ll see in real time how the view changes.
Step 6: Use the Web Portal (Alternative Method for Desktop Users)
Not a fan of phone apps? No problem. You can invert your Arlo camera using the Arlo web portal.
- Go to my.arlo.com in your browser.
- Log in with your Arlo account.
- Click on the camera you want to adjust.
- Click the “Settings” tab (gear icon).
- Find “Image Rotation” under the Video section.
- Select “180°” and click “Save”.
The change syncs to the cloud within seconds. You’ll see the flipped image in both the web viewer and the app.
This method is especially helpful if you’re managing multiple cameras. You can batch-check and adjust settings from your laptop.
Step 7: Sync Across Devices (For Multi-User Homes)
If you share your Arlo system with family members or roommates, make sure they all see the updated image.
Open the app on each device. The change should sync automatically. But if a device still shows the old orientation:
- Force-close the app.
- Reopen and wait 30 seconds.
- Or, log out and log back in.
Why? Sometimes the app caches the old feed. A quick refresh pulls the latest settings from the cloud.
This is a common issue in How to Invert Arlo Cameras in 2026 A Complete Guide—especially in households with multiple phones and tablets.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with simple steps, things can go sideways. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of installing and troubleshooting Arlo systems—both mine and my friends’.
Pro Tip 1: Don’t Rely on Third-Party Apps for Inversion
Some users try to flip the image using screen recording apps or third-party viewers like Home Assistant or Blue Iris. While these can mirror or rotate video, they’re not a substitute for Arlo’s built-in inversion.
Why? Because:
- Third-party rotation only affects the display, not recordings.
- You lose access to motion zones, AI detection, and cloud storage.
- It adds lag and reduces video quality.
Always use Arlo’s native settings. It’s faster, cleaner, and keeps all features intact.
Pro Tip 2: Check for Firmware Updates
Before flipping, go to Camera Settings > Device Info > Firmware. If an update is available, install it.
Newer firmware (2026 models) includes better image processing and smoother rotation transitions. An outdated camera might glitch or delay the flip.
I once had a Pro 4 that wouldn’t apply the 180° rotation. Turned out it was running firmware from 2023. Updated it, and boom—fixed.
Pro Tip 3: Use Inversion for Creative Angles
Don’t think of inversion as a “fix”—think of it as a tool.
For example:
- Mount your camera on the ceiling to cover a large room.
- Install it under a shelf to monitor a desk.
- Use it inside a window to watch the backyard without glare.
Just flip the image, and you’ve got a clean, usable view. It’s like having a second mounting option for free.
Common Mistake 1: Forgetting to Test Recordings
You flipped the live feed—great! But did you check the recorded clips?
One user told me his camera was inverted correctly in live view, but every motion alert showed the old upside-down version. Turned out the change hadn’t synced to the cloud yet. A 5-minute wait fixed it.
Always test: trigger a motion event and watch the clip. If it’s still wrong, wait a few minutes and try again. Or restart the app.
Common Mistake 2: Ignoring Mounting Stability
After inversion, you might be tempted to leave the camera as-is. But if it’s wobbling or pointing at the sky, you’re wasting its potential.
Use the included adjustable mount to fine-tune the angle. Tighten the screws. Make sure it’s not loose.
I’ve seen cameras fall because someone inverted the image but didn’t secure the mount. Don’t be that person.
Common Mistake 3: Assuming All Models Work the Same
Arlo Essential and Arlo Go 2 have slightly different menus. The “Image Rotation” option might be under “Video” or “Advanced”, depending on the model.
And here’s a shocker: some older Arlo models (pre-2020) don’t support image inversion at all. If you can’t find the option, check the model number. You might need to physically remount the camera instead.
“I once tried to invert an Arlo Q. No option. Had to take it down, flip the mount, and reinstall. Lesson learned: check compatibility first.”
FAQs About How to Invert Arlo Cameras in 2026 A Complete Guide
Let’s tackle the questions I get most—straight, simple, and from real experience.
Q: Can I invert my Arlo camera if it’s offline?
Nope. The inversion setting is applied through the app, which needs a live connection. If your camera is offline, you’ll see a gray screen or “Camera Offline” message. Wait for it to reconnect, or restart the base station.
Once it’s back online, you can flip the image. But if it keeps disconnecting, check your Wi-Fi signal or battery level.
Q: Does image inversion affect night vision?
Not at all. Whether you’re using color night vision (Arlo Ultra 2) or standard IR, the flip happens after the image is captured. So your night footage will be upright and just as clear.
One caveat: if you’re using a third-party app to rotate, it might add a slight delay in night mode. Stick to Arlo’s native settings for best results.
Q: Can I rotate the image 90° for side-mounting?
Yes! Arlo allows 90°, 180°, and 270° rotation. If you’re mounting the camera on its side (e.g., on a wall corner), use 90° or 270°.
Just remember: this works best with cameras that have a wide field of view. A narrow lens might cut off parts of the scene when rotated.
Q: Will inversion work with Arlo SmartHub or base station?
Absolutely. Whether you’re using a SmartHub, base station, or direct Wi-Fi connection, the inversion setting is stored in the cloud. It applies to all connection types.
The only difference? Base station users might see a slightly longer sync time (30–60 seconds). Still works the same.
Q: What if the “Image Rotation” option is missing?
First, check your model. If it’s an Arlo Essential, Go, or Pro 3/4/5/Ultra 2, it should be there. If not:
- Update the app and camera firmware.
- Restart the app.
- Log out and log back in.
- Check under “Advanced” or “Video” settings.
If it’s still missing, your camera might be too old. Contact Arlo support—they can confirm compatibility.
Q: Does inversion affect motion detection zones?
Yes—but in a good way. When you flip the image, the motion zones automatically adjust to match the new orientation. So if you had a zone covering the front door, it will now cover the door in the upright view.
No need to redraw zones. Arlo handles it behind the scenes. Just double-check that the zones still cover the areas you care about.
Q: Can I revert the change if I don’t like it?
Of course. Go back to Image Rotation and select “Normal (0°)”. The image flips back instantly. You can toggle it as many times as you want.
I’ve done this during testing—flipped it, didn’t like the angle, flipped it back. No harm, no foul.
Final Thoughts
Flipping your Arlo camera isn’t just a technical fix—it’s a way to reclaim control over your security setup. Whether you’re mounting it under a roof, on a ceiling, or in a tight corner, knowing How to Invert Arlo Cameras in 2026 A Complete Guide means you’re never stuck with a bad view.
Remember: the process takes less than 2 minutes. Open the app, tap the gear, select 180°, and you’re done. No tools, no stress.
And if you’re still unsure? Test it. Flip it. See how it looks. You can always change it back.
My advice? Don’t wait until your camera is already installed to learn this. Bookmark this guide. Save it to your phone. Share it with anyone who uses Arlo.
Because the best security setup isn’t just about having a camera—it’s about seeing what matters, the right way up.
Now go flip that feed. Your ceiling—and your sanity—will thank you.
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