Reconnect your Arlo camera to WiFi in minutes by powering it off, holding the reset button for 10 seconds, and re-adding it via the Arlo app. Ensure your WiFi network is 2.4 GHz and within range to avoid connection issues during setup. This quick fix restores security and functionality with minimal downtime.

How to Reconnect Arlo Camera to WiFi in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Restart your camera first: Power cycle to fix minor connectivity glitches quickly.
• Check WiFi signal strength: Ensure camera is within range of the router.
• Re-sync via Arlo app: Use the app’s “Add Device” to reconnect easily.
• Verify WiFi credentials: Confirm correct network name and password during setup.
• Reset if needed: Factory reset only when other steps fail to restore connection.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest: few things are as frustrating as checking your Arlo camera feed and seeing a blank screen or “Offline” status. You’ve invested in home security, peace of mind, and smart technology—only to be let down by a WiFi connection that just won’t stick.

Whether it’s a router reset, a power outage, or you’ve moved the camera to a new spot, the need to reconnect your Arlo camera to WiFi comes up more often than you’d think. And if you’re not familiar with the process, it can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing.

That’s why learning how to reconnect Arlo camera to WiFi in simple steps isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from diagnosing the issue to getting your camera back online, without making you feel like you need a degree in IT.

And here’s the good news: it’s easier than it looks. With the right tools and a little patience, you can have your Arlo camera streaming again in under 10 minutes.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Don’t worry—this isn’t a long list. Most of these items are already in your home.

• Your Arlo camera (obviously!)—whether it’s an Arlo Pro, Arlo Essential, or Arlo Ultra
• Access to your WiFi network (SSID and password)
• The Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet—iOS or Android)
• A fully charged camera or the charging cable (if using a wired model)
• Your base station (if you have one—some models like Arlo Pro 3 and earlier use it)
• A stable power source (for base stations or wired cameras)
• A working WiFi router (with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz support—more on this later)

Pro tip: Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network you want the camera to use. The Arlo app can’t connect to a different network during setup. I learned this the hard way after trying to set up a camera while connected to my neighbor’s open WiFi. (Yes, really.)

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reconnect Arlo Camera to WiFi in Simple Steps

If your Arlo camera went offline, don’t panic. Whether it’s due to a network change, signal drop, or software glitch, reconnecting it is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be back in business in no time.

Step 1: Check the Basics (Is It Really the WiFi?)

Before you dive into reconnection mode, take a moment to rule out simple issues. Sometimes the problem isn’t the WiFi—it’s power, battery, or signal strength.

• Is the camera powered on? If it’s a battery-powered model, check the battery level in the app.
• Is the base station (if you have one) powered and connected to the router via Ethernet?
• Is your home WiFi actually working? Try loading a website on your phone or laptop.
• Is the camera within 300 feet (line of sight) of your router or base station? Walls, trees, and metal objects can weaken the signal.

If all of the above check out, then yes—it’s time to reconnect. But this quick check can save you a lot of time. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting a camera only to realize the base station’s power adapter had come loose.

Pro tip: If your camera is battery-powered and low, charge it first. A weak battery can cause connectivity issues, even if the WiFi is fine.

Step 2: Open the Arlo App and Locate Your Camera

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. Log in if you haven’t already.

• Tap on Devices at the bottom of the screen.
• Find your camera in the list. If it shows “Offline,” that’s normal right now.
• Tap on the camera to open its settings.
• Look for an option like “Device Settings” or “Camera Settings.”

Now, look for a menu item called “WiFi Settings” or “Change Network.” The exact wording varies slightly depending on your Arlo model and app version, but it’s usually there.

This is where the magic begins. You’re about to re-enter your WiFi details and get your camera back online.

Warning: If you don’t see a WiFi settings option, your camera might be connected via a base station. In that case, you’ll need to update the base station’s WiFi first (we’ll cover that in Step 4).

Step 3: Start the Reconnection Process (For Wi-Fi Direct Models)

This step applies to newer Arlo models like the Arlo Essential, Arlo Pro 4/5, and Arlo Ultra 2, which connect directly to your home WiFi—no base station needed.

1. Tap on “Change WiFi Network” or “Update WiFi Settings.”
2. The camera will enter setup mode. You might hear a chime or see a blinking light.
3. On your phone, the app will ask you to select your WiFi network from a list.
4. Enter your WiFi password carefully. Typos are a common culprit in failed connections.
5. Tap “Connect” or “Next.”

Now, the camera will attempt to connect. This can take 1–2 minutes. The app will show a progress bar. Be patient.

Once connected, you’ll see a confirmation message. The camera should appear “Online” in the app, and you should be able to view the live feed.

Pro tip: If the connection fails, double-check your password. Also, make sure your WiFi is set to 2.4 GHz—Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz-only networks. (More on that in the FAQs.)

Step 4: Reconnect via the Base Station (For Older Models)

If you have an older Arlo model (like Arlo Pro 2 or earlier), your camera connects through a base station that plugs into your router. In this case, you need to update the base station’s WiFi, not the camera directly.

1. Open the Arlo app and tap on your base station in the Devices list.
2. Go to Settings > Base Station Settings > Network.
3. Tap “Change Network” or “Update WiFi Settings.”
4. Select your WiFi network and enter the password.
5. Tap “Save” or “Connect.”

The base station will reboot and reconnect to your WiFi. This usually takes 1–3 minutes.

Once the base station is online, your cameras should reconnect automatically. If not, you may need to restart each camera by pressing and holding the sync button for 10 seconds.

Real-life scenario: I once moved my base station to a different room and forgot to update its WiFi. All my cameras went offline. Updating the base station’s network fixed everything—no need to touch individual cameras.

Step 5: Sync the Camera (If It Doesn’t Reconnect Automatically)

Sometimes, even after the WiFi is fixed, the camera won’t sync. This is especially true after a power outage or firmware update.

1. Go to the Arlo app and tap on the offline camera.
2. Look for a “Sync” button or “Reconnect” option.
3. If that’s not available, try this manual method:
   • Press and hold the sync button on the camera for 10–15 seconds.
   • On the base station (if you have one), press the sync button once.
   • Wait for the camera’s LED to blink rapidly, then slow down.

The camera should now appear in the app. If it doesn’t, repeat the process. Sometimes it takes two tries.

Warning: Don’t press the sync button too quickly or too many times. It can confuse the system. One long press per attempt is enough.

Step 6: Test the Connection and Adjust Placement

Now that your camera is back online, don’t just assume it’s working perfectly. Test it:

• Open the live feed and check the video quality.
• Look at the signal strength indicator in the app (usually a WiFi icon).
• Check if motion detection is working by walking in front of the camera.
• Verify that cloud or local storage is recording properly.

If the signal is weak (only 1 or 2 bars), consider moving the camera closer to the router or adding a WiFi extender.

For outdoor cameras, avoid placing them behind metal doors, thick walls, or dense foliage. These materials block WiFi signals like a brick wall.

Pro tip: I once installed an Arlo Essential behind a metal storm door. The signal dropped to one bar. Moving it to a glass window pane fixed the issue instantly.

Step 7: Update Firmware (For Long-Term Stability)

After reconnecting, take a moment to check for firmware updates. Arlo regularly releases updates to improve WiFi stability, battery life, and security.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera].
2. Look for “Firmware Update” or “Device Update.”
3. If an update is available, install it. Make sure the camera is fully charged or plugged in.

Firmware updates usually take 3–5 minutes. During this time, the camera will be offline. That’s normal.

Once updated, your camera should reconnect automatically. This step is crucial for preventing future disconnections.

Why this matters: I had a camera that kept dropping WiFi every few days. After a firmware update, it’s been rock-solid for over six months.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you’ve reconnected your camera, let’s talk about how to keep it connected. These tips come from years of troubleshooting—and a few facepalm moments.

• Use 2.4 GHz WiFi only. Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz networks. If your router uses “Smart Connect” (which combines 2.4 and 5 GHz under one name), turn it off. Use a separate 2.4 GHz network for your cameras. I learned this after my Arlo kept disconnecting every time my router switched bands.
• Name your WiFi networks clearly. Call them “Home-2.4” and “Home-5” so you don’t accidentally connect to the wrong one.
• Don’t hide your SSID. Hidden networks make reconnection harder. Arlo needs to “see” the network to connect.
• Keep your router firmware updated. Outdated routers can cause intermittent drops.
• Use a static IP for your base station (if applicable). This prevents IP conflicts that can cause disconnections.
• Restart your router monthly. A simple reboot clears memory leaks and improves WiFi performance.

Common mistake: Trying to reconnect a camera while it’s low on battery. Always charge it first. A weak battery can mimic WiFi issues.

Another mistake: Using a WiFi extender that’s too far from the main router. If the extender has weak signal, the camera will too. Place extenders midway between router and camera.

And here’s a personal story: I once had a camera that kept disconnecting at 3 a.m. every night. After weeks of frustration, I discovered my neighbor was using a high-powered WiFi jammer (illegally) to block signals. Switching to a stronger channel and adding a directional antenna fixed it. Moral of the story: sometimes the issue isn’t your gear—it’s the environment.

FAQs About How to Reconnect Arlo Camera to WiFi in Simple Steps

Q: Why won’t my Arlo camera connect to WiFi?

Common reasons include incorrect password, 5 GHz network, weak signal, low battery, or router issues. Start with the basics: check the password, ensure it’s 2.4 GHz, and verify the camera has power. Most connection problems are fixed in under 5 minutes.

Q: Can I reconnect my Arlo camera without the app?

Not easily. The Arlo app is required for WiFi setup. There’s no web interface or physical button method for network changes. If your phone is broken, borrow a friend’s device to download the app and log in.

Q: My Arlo camera keeps disconnecting. What’s wrong?

Intermittent disconnections are often due to poor signal strength, interference (microwaves, baby monitors), or outdated firmware. Try moving the camera closer to the router, changing the WiFi channel, or updating the firmware. Also, check for physical obstructions.

Q: Does Arlo support 5 GHz WiFi?

No. All Arlo cameras connect to 2.4 GHz networks only. If your router is 5 GHz-only, you’ll need a dual-band router and a separate 2.4 GHz network. Some newer Arlo models (like Arlo Pro 5S) support dual-band, but they still default to 2.4 GHz for stability.

Q: What if the Arlo app doesn’t show my WiFi network?

This usually means the network is hidden or using an unsupported security type. Make sure your WiFi is visible (not hidden) and uses WPA2-PSK or WPA3 (avoid WEP or enterprise networks). Also, ensure your phone’s WiFi is working.

Q: Can I reconnect multiple Arlo cameras at once?

Yes, but not simultaneously. You’ll need to reconnect each camera one by one. If you have a base station, update its network first—all connected cameras should reconnect automatically.

Q: How long does it take to reconnect an Arlo camera to WiFi?

Usually 3–8 minutes, depending on your model and network speed. The app guides you through each step. Just follow the prompts and don’t rush the sync process.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to reconnect Arlo camera to WiFi in simple steps isn’t just about fixing a technical issue—it’s about regaining control over your home security. When your camera goes offline, it’s not just inconvenient; it can leave you feeling vulnerable.

The good news? This process is far easier than most people think. With the right tools, a little patience, and the steps we’ve covered, you can get your camera back online quickly—often without calling support.

Remember: always start with the basics. Check power, battery, and network availability. Use the app to guide you, and don’t skip the firmware update. And if you’re using a base station, make sure it’s connected before worrying about the cameras.

Finally, treat your Arlo camera like any other smart device. It needs occasional maintenance—restarting the router, updating firmware, and checking signal strength. A little proactive care goes a long way in preventing disconnections.

So next time your Arlo goes offline, don’t panic. Take a breath, open the app, and follow these steps. You’ve got this.

And if you ever get stuck? Bookmark this guide. Or better yet—share it with a friend. Because let’s be real: everyone with a smart camera has been there at some point.

Stay connected, stay secure, and keep an eye on what matters.