Check the model number on the camera’s label or in the Arlo app’s device settings to instantly identify your Arlo camera. This quick method works for all 2026 models, including the Arlo Pro 6, Ultra 2, and Essential series. Match the number to Arlo’s official compatibility chart for precise details.

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How to Know Which Arlo Camera I Have in 2026 Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Check the model number: Locate it on the camera or packaging for exact identification.
• Use the Arlo app: Open device settings to view your camera’s model and firmware.
• Review purchase records: Confirm the model via receipts or order history online.
• Inspect physical design: Compare size, shape, and features to official product images.
• Update firmware: Ensure your camera runs the latest version for accurate app details.
• Contact Arlo support: Share serial number for quick model verification if unsure.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve just moved into a new place, and there’s an Arlo camera mounted in the hallway. Or maybe you’ve inherited a secondhand Arlo setup from a friend. You open the app, and suddenly—three devices appear with no names. Which one is the front door cam? Is this the one with night vision? And wait… is this even an Arlo Pro 5?

Sound familiar? If you’re asking yourself, “How to know which Arlo camera I have in 2026 quick guide,” you’re not alone. With Arlo releasing new models every year—Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Essential, Arlo Go 2, Arlo Ultra 2—it’s easy to lose track. And if you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or selling, knowing your model is essential.

Whether you’re setting up automation, checking compatibility with a new hub, or just want to stop guessing, this guide will help you identify your Arlo camera—fast, accurately, and without pulling out the ladder.

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need special tools or tech skills. Here’s what you’ll need to follow this How to Know Which Arlo Camera I Have in 2026 Quick Guide:

• Your Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet)
• Access to your Arlo account (login credentials)
• The camera itself (if you want to check physical features)
• Your Wi-Fi network (for checking connectivity details)
• A flashlight (optional, for reading tiny labels)

That’s it. No screwdrivers, no software downloads. We’re keeping this simple and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Know Which Arlo Camera I Have in 2026 Quick Guide

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Check the Device List

Start by opening the Arlo app on your phone. Tap the “Devices” tab at the bottom. You’ll see a list of all your connected cameras.

Each camera shows a thumbnail, a name (if you’ve set one), and a small icon with the model type. For example, “Front Door Cam” might have a tiny “Pro 5” badge next to it.

But what if the name is generic like “Camera 1”? Don’t worry. Tap on the camera. In the settings screen, scroll down to Device Info or About. There, you’ll find:

• Model name (e.g., “Arlo Pro 5”)
• Model number (e.g., “VMC4060P”)
• Firmware version
• MAC address

This is your first clue. The model number is especially useful—it’s unique to each Arlo camera type. For instance, VMC4060P = Arlo Pro 5, VMC2030 = Arlo Essential.

Pro tip: If you see “Unknown” or “Unrecognized” in the model field, the camera might be disconnected or have outdated firmware. Try restarting it or re-adding it to your account.

Step 2: Match the Model Number to Arlo’s Official List

Now that you have the model number (like VMC4060P), it’s time to decode it.

Arlo uses a consistent naming system:

• VMC = Video Motion Camera (most wired and battery models)
• VSB = Video Security Box (base station)
• VC = Video Camera (some older models)

After “VMC,” the numbers tell you the series:

• 20xx = Arlo Essential (e.g., VMC2030)
• 30xx = Arlo Pro 3
• 40xx = Arlo Pro 4 / Pro 5 (e.g., VMC4060P = Pro 5)
• 50xx = Arlo Ultra / Ultra 2 (e.g., VMC5040 = Ultra 2)
• 70xx = Arlo Go 2 (cellular model)
• 80xx = Arlo Floodlight models

So, if your model number is VMC4060P, you have an Arlo Pro 5. The “P” at the end usually means “Plus” or “Enhanced” features (like 2K HDR or better night vision).

You can cross-check this on Arlo’s official support site. Just search “Arlo model number lookup” and enter your code. They’ll show specs, release date, and compatibility info.

Warning: Don’t confuse VMC4050 (Pro 4) with VMC4060P (Pro 5). They look similar, but the Pro 5 has better battery life and improved HDR. A quick glance isn’t enough—check the number.

Step 3: Look at the Physical Camera (If Accessible)

Sometimes the app doesn’t show the full picture—literally. If you can safely access the camera, a few visual clues will confirm the model.

Here’s how to spot the differences:

• Arlo Pro 5 / Pro 4: Black cylindrical body with a silver ring around the lens. Has a magnetic mount and a status LED on the front.
• Arlo Essential: White, more compact, with a flat front and no ring. Often has a built-in spotlight.
• Arlo Ultra 2: Larger than Pro 5, with a dual-lens setup (wide + zoom). Has a built-in spotlight and siren.
• Arlo Go 2: Has a SIM card slot and antenna. Usually labeled “LTE” or “Cellular.”
• Arlo Floodlight: Obvious—has a large LED panel on the bottom. Model number often starts with VMC80xx.

Flip the camera over. You’ll usually find a label with the model number, serial number, and QR code. The QR code is handy—you can scan it with the Arlo app to re-add the camera if needed.

And yes, the label might be tiny. Use a flashlight and your phone’s zoom. I once spent 20 minutes squinting at a VMC4060P label behind a tree—worth it, though, because I confirmed it was the Pro 5 I thought it was.

Step 4: Check the Camera’s Features in the App

Different Arlo models have different capabilities. You can use this to your advantage.

Go back to the Arlo app. Tap on the camera, then go to Settings > Video. Look for:

• Resolution: Essential = 1080p, Pro 5 = 2K, Ultra 2 = 4K
• HDR: Pro 4 and up have HDR. Essential does not.
• Color Night Vision: Only Pro 5, Pro 4, and Ultra 2 support it. If you see a color night mode option, you’re not on Essential.
• Spotlight: Essential and Ultra 2 have built-in lights. Pro 5 does not (unless you add the Arlo Solar Panel with light).
• Zoom: Ultra 2 has 12x digital zoom. Others have 8x or less.

Also, check Audio Settings. Pro 5 and Ultra 2 have two-way audio with noise cancellation. Essential has basic audio.

One time, I thought I had an Essential, but the app showed “2K HDR” and “Color Night Vision.” That was my clue—it was actually a Pro 5. Saved me from buying the wrong replacement battery.

Step 5: Check the Base Station or Sync Module (If You Have One)

Some Arlo cameras connect to a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or VSB4001). The base station can tell you which models are compatible.

For example:

• VSB4001 (Arlo SmartHub): Supports Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5, and Ultra 2. Not compatible with Essential (it connects directly to Wi-Fi).
• VSB3000: Older hub for Pro 3 and earlier.

If you see a base station, check its model number (usually on the back). Then, open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Base Station. It’ll list all connected devices and their models.

Bonus: if your camera is connected to a SmartHub, it’s almost certainly a Pro or Ultra model—Essential and Go 2 skip the hub.

Step 6: Use the Serial Number for Official Verification

If you’re still unsure, the serial number is your ace in the hole.

Find it:

• On the camera’s label (back or bottom)
• In the Arlo app under Device Info > Serial Number

Go to Arlo Support and use their “Check Warranty” tool. Enter the serial number. It’ll show:

• Exact model name
• Purchase date (if registered)
• Warranty status
• Compatible accessories

I used this when selling an old camera. The buyer wanted proof it was a Pro 4, not a Pro 3. One serial number check later—verified and sold.

Step 7: Compare with Arlo’s 2026 Product Lineup

Arlo updates its lineup every year. As of 2026, here’s what’s current:

• Arlo Pro 5: Flagship battery camera. 2K HDR, color night vision, 365-day battery (with solar). Model: VMC4060P
• Arlo Essential: Budget-friendly. 1080p, spotlight, Wi-Fi only. Model: VMC2030
• Arlo Ultra 2: 4K HDR, spotlight, siren, 180° view. Model: VMC5040
• Arlo Go 2: LTE cellular camera. No Wi-Fi needed. Model: VMC7020
• Arlo Floodlight: 2000-lumen light, 2K video. Model: VMC8040

If your camera doesn’t match any of these, it might be a discontinued model (like Pro 3 or Ultra). That’s okay—just know it may not get firmware updates or new features.

And if you’re buying used, this helps avoid scams. A seller claims it’s a “2026 model,” but the serial number shows a 2021 Pro 3? Red flag.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of helping friends and neighbors ID their Arlo cams, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Don’t rely on names only. “Front Door Cam” could be any model. Always check the model number.
• Don’t assume color = model. Arlo has released white Pro 5s and black Essential cams. Color isn’t a reliable clue.
• Don’t skip the app settings. The resolution, HDR, and night vision options are dead giveaways.
• Don’t ignore the base station. If you have one, use it to filter out incompatible models (like Essential).
• Don’t forget the serial number. It’s the most accurate way to confirm the model and warranty status.

Real talk: I once spent an hour trying to ID a camera by its shape. Turns out, it was a Pro 4 with a third-party cover that made it look like a Pro 3. Lesson learned: always check the label.

Pro tip: If you’re setting up multiple cameras, rename them in the app as soon as you add them. Use names like “Front Door – Pro 5” or “Backyard – Essential.” Future you will thank you.

Warning: If a camera shows “Not Supported” in the app, it might be an older model not compatible with the latest Arlo app. Check Arlo’s compatibility chart before buying used.

FAQs About How to Know Which Arlo Camera I Have in 2026 Quick Guide

Q: Can I tell which Arlo camera I have just by looking at it?

You can get close, but not 100% accurate. Visual clues help (like size, color, spotlight), but the model number or app details are the only way to be sure. For example, both Pro 4 and Pro 5 look nearly identical. Only the model number tells the difference.

Q: What if my Arlo app doesn’t show the model number?

This happens if the camera hasn’t synced properly or has outdated firmware. Try restarting the camera, then re-sync it. If that doesn’t work, check the physical label. You can also log into my.arlo.com on a computer—it sometimes shows more details than the app.

Q: Is there a way to scan the camera to identify it?

Yes! Use the QR code on the camera’s label. Open the Arlo app, tap “Add Device,” and scan the code. It’ll show the model name and guide you through setup. Even if the camera is already connected, scanning it will display the model info.

Q: How do I know if my Arlo camera is a 2026 model?

Check the model number. As of 2026, the latest models are Pro 5 (VMC4060P), Essential (VMC2030), and Ultra 2 (VMC5040). Older models like Pro 3 (VMC3030) are from 2020–2022. You can also use the serial number to check the manufacturing date via Arlo Support.

Q: Can I use this method for Arlo doorbells and floodlights?

Absolutely. The same steps work. For example, the Arlo Video Doorbell has model numbers like AVD2001 (Wired) or AVD3001 (Wireless). Check the app, label, and features. The doorbell app settings will show resolution, HDR, and audio options just like the cameras.

Q: What if I lost the camera’s label?

No label? No problem. Use the Arlo app’s Device Info section. If that’s missing, try scanning the QR code (it’s on the battery compartment or inside the mount). As a last resort, contact Arlo Support with the serial number or MAC address. They can often look it up.

Q: Why does it matter which Arlo camera I have?

Great question. Knowing your model helps with:

• Buying the right batteries or solar panels
• Upgrading firmware
• Adding to a SmartHub or multi-camera system
• Checking warranty and support
• Selling or donating the camera

For example, Pro 5 batteries aren’t compatible with Pro 3. And Ultra 2 needs a SmartHub for local storage. Knowing your model saves time, money, and headaches.

Final Thoughts

Figuring out “How to know which Arlo camera I have in 2026 quick guide” doesn’t have to be a mystery. With just a few minutes in the app, a quick peek at the label, and a bit of model number detective work, you’ll have your answer—no tech degree required.

Remember: the app is your first stop. The model number is your key. And the serial number is your backup.

Once you know your model, take a moment to:

• Rename the camera in the app
• Check for firmware updates
• Review compatible accessories (like solar panels or mounts)

And if you’re ever in doubt, Arlo’s support site has a model lookup tool that’s worth bookmarking.

You’ve got this. Whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or just satisfying curiosity, knowing your Arlo camera model puts you in control. Now go enjoy that crisp 2K footage—you’ve earned it.

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