If your Arlo camera is moving on its own or recording when it shouldn’t, you’ve likely been hacked—act immediately. Look for unfamiliar login alerts, strange device activity, or unexpected password changes in the Arlo app, as these are clear signs of unauthorized access. Early detection and swift action can prevent privacy breaches and restore control.

How to Know Someone Hacked My Arlo Cameras in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Check login activity: Review Arlo app for unrecognized devices or locations.
• Look for unusual alerts: Unexpected motion notifications may signal tampering.
• Verify camera settings: Unauthorized changes indicate potential compromise.
• Scan network traffic: Use tools to detect suspicious data transfers.
• Update firmware regularly: Patches prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Adds a critical layer of account security.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re sitting at a coffee shop, checking your Arlo app, and suddenly notice your camera feed is frozen. Or worse, it pans to a spot you never set it to watch. A chill runs down your spine. You wonder, How to know someone hacked my Arlo cameras in 2026?

Smart home security cameras like Arlo are meant to give you peace of mind. But in 2026, with more devices online than ever, they can become targets. Cybercriminals don’t need to break into your house—they can sneak in through weak passwords, outdated firmware, or even reused credentials from old data breaches.

According to the FBI, smart home device hacks have risen by over 60% since 2022. And Arlo, while reliable, isn’t immune. The good news? Most breaches leave clues. If you know what to look for, you can catch a hacker before they see your kids’ bedtime or your front porch deliveries.

This guide walks you through how to know someone hacked my Arlo cameras in 2026—step by step. No tech jargon, no panic. Just real talk from someone who’s been there (yes, I once found a camera pointing at my backyard shed for no reason).

Quick insight: If your camera moves on its own or you see login alerts from strange locations, it’s not a glitch. It’s a red flag. Don’t ignore it.

What You Need

You don’t need a cybersecurity degree to check for a hack. But you do need a few tools and a bit of focus. Here’s what I use—and what you should have on hand:

• Your Arlo app (on your smartphone or tablet)
• A web browser (to log into your Arlo account via my.arlo.com)
• Your Wi-Fi router’s admin panel (usually accessible via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled (if not, we’ll fix that)
• A notebook or notes app (to jot down login times, IPs, or odd behaviors)
• Access to your email (to check for Arlo login alerts)
• A trusted device (a phone or laptop you know hasn’t been compromised)

Bonus: If you’re extra cautious, grab a USB drive to back up any camera footage before making changes. You don’t want to lose evidence if you need to report the hack.

All of this is free or already in your home. No fancy gear. Just awareness and action.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Know Someone Hacked My Arlo Cameras in 2026

Step 1: Check for Unusual Camera Behavior

Start with the most obvious clue: your camera doing things it shouldn’t.

• Is it panning or zooming on its own?
• Does the LED light stay on when it should be off?
• Are motion alerts triggering for no reason?
• Is the camera offline or showing “disconnected” even though it’s powered?

I had a camera in my kitchen that suddenly started pointing at the ceiling. No motion, no reason. I checked the app—nothing. But when I reviewed the footage, I saw it slowly tilt upward over 30 seconds. That’s not a glitch. That’s someone remote-controlling it.

What to do: Open your Arlo app and watch live feeds. Note any movements, sounds, or lights that don’t make sense. Compare with recent recordings. If the behavior is consistent and unexplained, move to Step 2.

Pro tip: Set a camera to “privacy mode” temporarily. If it still moves, it’s definitely not a software bug.

Step 2: Review Your Account Activity Logs

Arlo keeps a record of every login. This is your digital detective work.

1. Open your browser and go to my.arlo.com
2. Log in with your Arlo account (use a trusted device).
3. Click on your profile icon → Account Settings → Security.
4. Look for Recent Activity or Login History.

You’ll see a list of:

• Login times
• Device types (e.g., iPhone, Windows PC)
• Locations (city or region, based on IP)
• IP addresses

If you see logins from:

• Countries you’ve never visited
• Devices you don’t own
• Times you were asleep or away

—you’ve likely been hacked.

For example, I once saw a login from Kiev at 3 a.m. while I was in California. No way that was me. I changed my password immediately.

Action: Note down suspicious entries. Save them as screenshots. You’ll need this later if you report the breach.

Warning: Don’t panic if you see a login from a nearby city. Your IP can jump due to mobile data or Wi-Fi roaming. But multiple foreign logins? That’s a red flag.

Step 3: Check for Unauthorized Devices

Hackers often add their own devices to your Arlo account to access feeds remotely.

1. Go to Account Settings → Devices → Connected Devices.
2. Look for any device you don’t recognize—like a Samsung phone you never had, or a Chromebook you didn’t log in with.

Arlo shows device names, last used dates, and even app versions. If you see a device named “HackerPhone” or “RemoteAccess,” it’s not a coincidence.

What to do: Click the X or Remove button next to any unknown device. This cuts off their access. Then, log out of all devices (we’ll do this in Step 5).

Bonus: Some hackers use burner phones or virtual machines. But even those show up here. So check carefully.

Step 4: Verify Your Email Alerts

Arlo sends email alerts for:

• New device logins
• Password changes
• Camera disconnections

Check your inbox (and spam folder!) for recent Arlo emails. Look for:

• Subjects like “New Device Login” or “Account Access Alert”
• Emails you didn’t receive (a hacker might have deleted them)
• Emails sent to an alternate email you never set up

I once missed a login alert because it went to spam. By the time I checked, the hacker had watched my front yard for two days.

Action: Search your email for “Arlo” and sort by date. If you find alerts you didn’t act on, or if they’re missing, it’s a sign your account may have been compromised.

Pro tip: Set up a dedicated email folder for Arlo alerts. And enable push notifications in the app. That way, you’ll never miss a login.

Step 5: Force a Global Logout

This is your digital “lock the doors.” It kicks everyone off your account—including hackers.

1. Go to Account Settings → Security → Sign Out of All Devices.
2. Confirm the action.

After this, everyone will need to log in again. That includes you, your spouse, or anyone with shared access. But it’s worth it.

Once done, log back in only from devices you trust. And make sure you’re using a strong password (we’ll cover that next).

Note: Some older Arlo models may not support this feature. If you don’t see it, proceed to Step 6 immediately.

Step 6: Change Your Password (And Make It Strong)

Weak passwords are the #1 reason Arlo cameras get hacked. “Arlo123” or “password” won’t cut it.

Here’s how to create a strong password:

• Use 12+ characters
• Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols (e.g., Blue$ky2026!)
• Don’t reuse passwords from other sites (yes, even your Netflix account)
• Use a password manager (I use Bitwarden—it’s free and simple)

To change your password:

1. Go to Account Settings → Security → Change Password.
2. Enter your current password, then the new one.
3. Confirm and save.

After changing it, log in again from your trusted device. Make sure the new password works.

Warning: Don’t write your password on a sticky note. And never share it via text or email. A hacker could intercept it.

Step 7: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA is like a deadbolt on your digital front door. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without a second code.

1. Go to Account Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication.
2. Choose Authenticator App (I use Google Authenticator) or SMS (less secure, but better than nothing).
3. Follow the prompts to link your phone.

Now, every time you log in, you’ll get a 6-digit code on your phone. No code? No access.

Why this matters: In 2026, most Arlo hacks happen because 2FA is off. Don’t be that person.

Pro tip: Back up your 2FA recovery codes. Save them in your password manager or a secure offline location. If you lose your phone, you’ll need them.

Step 8: Check Your Wi-Fi Network

Your Arlo cameras connect to your Wi-Fi. If your router is hacked, so are your cameras.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Log in (check your router’s manual for default credentials).
3. Go to Connected Devices or DHCP Clients.
4. Look for unknown devices (e.g., “Unknown,” “Android,” or a device you don’t recognize).

If you see a device you didn’t add, someone might be on your network. Change your Wi-Fi password immediately.

Action:

• Go to Wireless Settings → Password.
• Create a new, strong password (12+ characters, mix types).
• Reconnect all your devices (including Arlo cameras).

Bonus: Set your Wi-Fi to WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. It’s harder to crack than older standards.

Step 9: Update Firmware and App

Outdated software is like a broken window in your digital house. Hackers love it.

For Arlo App:

1. Open your phone’s app store (Google Play or App Store).
2. Search for “Arlo.”
3. If an update is available, tap Update.

For Cameras:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings → My Devices → select your camera.
3. Tap Device Info → Firmware Version.
4. If an update is available, tap Update Now.

Updates often patch security holes. In 2026, Arlo released fixes for a remote access bug in older models. Don’t skip this step.

Step 10: Review Shared Access

Did you give access to family, neighbors, or babysitters? One of them might have accidentally (or intentionally) shared your login.

1. Go to Account Settings → Sharing → Shared Users.
2. Review the list. Remove anyone you don’t trust or no longer need access.

I once gave my neighbor access to check on my dog. When I moved, I forgot to remove them. They kept using the app—until I noticed a login from their city. Not malicious, but still a privacy risk.

Action: Only share access with people you trust. And revoke it when it’s no longer needed.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting Arlo hacks (including my own), here’s what I’ve learned:

Pro Tip #1: Use a dedicated email for Arlo. Don’t use your main email. If that account gets breached, your camera access is safe.

Pro Tip #2: Set up geofencing in the Arlo app. This turns cameras off when you’re home and on when you leave. Hackers can’t watch you if the camera’s off.

Pro Tip #3: Check your Arlo account monthly. Even if nothing’s wrong, a quick login history review takes 2 minutes. Prevention beats panic.

Common Mistake #1: Ignoring small glitches. “Oh, the camera moved a little. Must be a bug.” No. It could be a hacker testing access. Investigate.

Common Mistake #2: Using the same password for Arlo and other sites. If one gets leaked, hackers try it on Arlo. Use unique passwords.

Common Mistake #3: Not updating firmware. “It works fine.” But it might have a known security flaw. Updates are free and easy. Do it.

Common Mistake #4: Sharing login details over text. Use Arlo’s built-in sharing feature instead. It’s secure and revocable.

Remember: How to know someone hacked my Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t just about catching a hacker. It’s about building habits that keep you safe long-term.

FAQs About How to Know Someone Hacked My Arlo Cameras in 2026

Can Arlo cameras be hacked remotely?

Yes. If your account has weak security, hackers can access your cameras from anywhere in the world. They don’t need to be near your home. In 2026, most hacks happen through stolen credentials, not Wi-Fi attacks.

How do I know if my Arlo camera is being watched?

Look for:

• Unusual movements (panning, zooming)
• LED lights staying on
• Strange login alerts
• Unknown devices in your Arlo account

If you see any of these, follow the steps above. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Can a hacker see my Arlo camera if it’s offline?

No. If the camera is truly offline (no power, no Wi-Fi), it can’t be accessed. But if it’s just “disconnected” in the app, it might still be on the network. Check your router’s connected devices list.

What should I do if I find a hacker?

First, secure your account (change password, enable 2FA, log out all devices). Then:

• Save screenshots of login history and unknown devices
• Contact Arlo support (arlo.com/support)
• Report it to your local police (especially if you see suspicious activity)
• Consider a credit freeze if you used the same password for banking

You’re not overreacting. This is your privacy.

Can I prevent future hacks?

Absolutely. Here’s my 5-step prevention plan:

1. Use a strong, unique password
2. Enable 2FA
3. Update firmware monthly
4. Review login history every 30 days
5. Never share passwords—use Arlo’s sharing feature

It takes 5 minutes a month. But it could save you hours of stress.

Are wired Arlo cameras safer than wireless?

Not necessarily. Both connect to your Wi-Fi. A hacker can access either if your account is compromised. The real difference is in physical security—wired cameras are harder to steal or disable. But online safety depends on your account, not the cable.

Does Arlo notify me of hacks?

Arlo sends email and app alerts for:

• New device logins
• Password changes
• Camera disconnections

But they won’t say, “Hey, you’ve been hacked!” You need to read between the lines. That’s why regular checks are so important.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to know someone hacked my Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t about fear. It’s about control. Your home, your privacy, your peace of mind—these matter.

You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to be aware. A quick check of your login history, a strong password, and 2FA can stop 90% of attacks.

And remember: if something feels off, trust your gut. That camera pointing at the sky? That email from “Arlo” you didn’t expect? Don’t brush it off. Investigate.

Start today. Open your Arlo app. Check your recent activity. Enable 2FA if you haven’t. It takes less time than your morning coffee.

Your cameras are supposed to protect you. Make sure they’re not the weak link.

Stay safe, stay smart, and keep your eyes on the feed—because you’re the one in control.