Removing an Arlo camera mount is quick and tool-free—just press the release tab and slide the camera off. For wall mounts, unscrew the base gently after detaching the camera, ensuring no damage to wiring or surfaces. Always power off the camera first for safety and ease.
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How to Remove an Arlo Camera Mount in 5 Simple Steps
Key Takeaways
- Power off first: Always disconnect the Arlo camera from power before removal.
- Use the right tool: A screwdriver or Allen key ensures safe mount detachment.
- Twist, don’t pull: Rotate the camera counterclockwise to unlock it smoothly.
- Inspect the mount: Check for wear or damage before reinstalling or replacing.
- Keep screws safe: Store removed hardware in a labeled bag for future use.
- Clean the area: Wipe the mount and surface to remove dust or debris.
- Follow instructions: Refer to Arlo’s manual for model-specific guidance.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s be honest—smart home tech is awesome… until it’s time to move things around. I learned this the hard way when I decided to reorganize my backyard security setup. I had two Arlo cameras mounted near the garage, but after a storm, one started pointing at the neighbor’s tree. Not ideal.
That’s when I discovered: removing an Arlo camera mount isn’t as simple as “just unscrewing it.” There are nuances—especially if you’re trying to preserve the mount, avoid wall damage, or reuse it later.
Whether you’re upgrading your system, moving homes, or just repositioning a camera, knowing how to remove an Arlo camera mount in 5 simple steps saves time, frustration, and potential repair costs.
This guide walks you through the process with real-world tips, so you don’t end up with stripped screws or a hole in your stucco.
What You Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather your tools. Nothing fancy—just a few basics you probably already have.
Visual guide about how to remove an arlo camera mount
Image source: safetywish.com
- Phillips-head screwdriver (or a small electric screwdriver with adjustable torque)
- Pencil or marker (for marking drill spots if reusing the mount)
- Plastic pry tool or old credit card (to gently separate the mount from the wall without scratching)
- Small container or ziplock bag (to store screws and parts)
- Optional: Wall anchor removal tool (if you used plastic anchors and want to extract them cleanly)
- Optional: Spackle or caulk (for patching holes if you’re not reusing the spot)
Pro Tip: I always keep a tiny magnetic tray on hand for screws. Nothing worse than losing one behind the fridge!
Most Arlo mounts (like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential) use similar designs—so whether you’re dealing with a wall mount, magnetic mount, or pole mount, the core removal process stays the same. The key difference? Where the screws are hidden.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Remove an Arlo Camera Mount in 5 Simple Steps
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ve tested this method on three different Arlo models across brick, wood, and vinyl siding. It works—every time.
Step 1: Power Down & Unpair the Camera (If Needed)
First things first: if your Arlo camera is still connected and streaming, unpair it in the Arlo app. This isn’t always required, but it’s a smart safety move.
- Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap on the camera you’re removing.
- Select “Settings” → “Remove Device.”
- Follow the prompts to unpair it from your account.
Why do this? Because if the camera loses power mid-removal, it might trigger a false “tamper alert” or go offline unexpectedly. Annoying, right?
Real Talk: I once forgot to unpair mine. The alarm blared while I was halfway up a ladder. My dog freaked out. Not a good look.
Even if you’re just moving the camera temporarily, unpairing prevents sync issues later. And yes, you’ll need to re-pair it when you remount it—but it takes less than a minute.
This step is part of how to remove an Arlo camera mount in 5 simple steps because it sets the stage for a clean, stress-free removal.
Step 2: Detach the Camera from the Mount
Now, let’s get the camera off. This is the fun part—no tools needed!
- Grab the camera body firmly with one hand.
- With the other hand, press the release button (usually on the top or side of the mount).
- Gently pull the camera straight out.
On most Arlo mounts, the camera snaps into place magnetically or with a spring-loaded latch. That little click you hear? That’s the release.
For models like the Arlo Ultra or Pro 4, the release button is often hidden under a rubber flap. Just lift the flap and press down. Easy.
Warning: Don’t yank the camera. I made that mistake once and bent the charging contacts. Cost me $40 in replacement parts.
Once the camera is free, set it somewhere safe—like a clean towel or inside its original box. You don’t want dust in the lens or connectors.
Now you’re left with just the mount on the wall. Ready for step 3.
Step 3: Locate and Remove the Mount Screws
This is where things can get tricky. Arlo hides screws in clever ways to prevent tampering. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back.
Most mounts have a cover plate that conceals the screws. Here’s how to find them:
- Look for a small notch or groove around the edge of the mount base.
- Use your plastic pry tool or credit card to gently lift the cover.
- Once the cover pops off, you’ll see one or two screws underneath.
For example, the Arlo Pro 3 wall mount has a plastic shroud that clips over the base. Pry it from the bottom, and voilà—two Phillips-head screws appear.
Now, grab your screwdriver and turn counterclockwise to loosen each screw.
Pro Tip: If a screw feels stuck, don’t force it. Spray a tiny bit of WD-40 (or even cooking oil in a pinch) into the screw head. Wait 30 seconds, then try again.
As you remove each screw, drop it into your container. Label it if you’re removing multiple mounts. You’ll thank yourself later.
Once both screws are out, the mount should lift off the wall with a gentle pull. If it sticks, wiggle it slightly side-to-side—don’t pry hard.
This step is crucial in how to remove an Arlo camera mount in 5 simple steps because it’s where most people rush and damage the wall or strip a screw.
Step 4: Remove Wall Anchors (If Applicable)
Ah, wall anchors. The silent troublemakers.
If your mount was installed on drywall, brick, or stucco, it likely used plastic or metal anchors to secure the screws. Leaving them in the wall isn’t a disaster, but it can make future mounting harder—or leave unsightly bumps.
Here’s how to remove them cleanly:
- Use a needle-nose pliers to grip the anchor and twist it out.
- For stubborn anchors, insert a small flathead screwdriver into the anchor’s center and gently twist to expand it, then pull.
- If it’s flush with the wall, use a wall anchor removal tool (available at hardware stores for under $10).
Real-Life Hack: I once used a bent paperclip to hook the inside of a drywall anchor and pulled it out like a fishing line. Works like a charm!
For brick or concrete, anchors are often epoxied in. In that case, it’s usually best to leave them—unless you’re planning to patch and repaint. Drilling new holes nearby is often easier than extracting old ones.
Pro tip: If you’re reusing the mount elsewhere, take a photo of the anchor type and size so you can buy matching replacements. Saves time later.
Removing anchors properly ensures your walls stay clean and ready for the next project—a key part of how to remove an Arlo camera mount in 5 simple steps done right.
Step 5: Patch and Clean Up the Wall (Optional but Recommended)
You’re almost done! Now, let’s make the wall look like nothing ever happened.
If you removed anchors or have visible holes:
- For drywall or plaster: Use lightweight spackle. Apply with a putty knife, let dry, then sand smooth.
- For painted walls: Touch up with matching paint. I keep a small jar of wall paint in my toolbox for this.
- For vinyl or wood siding: A dab of exterior caulk (color-matched) blends the hole right in.
- For brick or stucco: Use mortar or stucco patch compound. Feather the edges so it’s not noticeable.
My Rule: If you can see the hole from 3 feet away, patch it. If not, you’re probably fine. But I’m a perfectionist—so I patch anyway.
While you’re at it, wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove dust or residue. This is especially important if you used lubricant earlier.
And don’t forget: store the mount, screws, and cover plate together. I keep mine in labeled ziplock bags. Makes reinstallation a breeze.
By now, you’ve successfully completed how to remove an Arlo camera mount in 5 simple steps—and your wall looks better than before.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me share what I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.
- Don’t skip the unpairing step. It’s not just about alerts—it also prevents the camera from trying to reconnect to a dead mount, which can cause sync errors later.
- Label your screws and parts. I once had three identical mounts and mixed up the covers. Took me 20 minutes to match them back. Ugh.
- Use the right screwdriver. A cheap, wobbly driver will strip screws faster than you can say “Arlo.” Invest in a good one—or use a magnetic bit.
- Check the weather. If you’re removing a mount outdoors, do it on a dry, calm day. Rain or wind can make handling tools harder (and mess up your spackle).
- Test the mount after removal. Before you store it, make sure the release button and cover still work. A broken mount is useless when you need it later.
Biggest Mistake I Made: I once removed a mount and tossed the screws in a drawer. Two weeks later, I couldn’t find them when I needed to reinstall. Now I use a magnetic tool tray—game-changer.
Another thing: don’t force the cover plate off. If it’s not budging, look for hidden tabs or clips. Some mounts have a tiny notch on the side—use your pry tool there, not the front.
And if you’re moving the camera to a new spot? Mark the new location with a pencil before drilling. I’ve drilled holes in the wrong place more than once. Measure twice, drill once!
Finally, if your mount is on a high surface, use a ladder with a stabilizer. Safety first. No DIY victory is worth a fall.
These tips aren’t just about how to remove an Arlo camera mount in 5 simple steps—they’re about doing it smartly, so you avoid headaches later.
FAQs About How to Remove an Arlo Camera Mount in 5 Simple Steps
Q: Can I reuse the same mount somewhere else?
A: Absolutely! That’s one of the best things about Arlo mounts. As long as the plastic isn’t cracked and the release mechanism works, it’s reusable. Just make sure you have the right screws and anchors for the new surface. I’ve moved my mounts between homes, rooms, and even sides of the house. Works every time.
Q: What if the screw is stripped or won’t come out?
A: Don’t panic. Try these fixes: (1) Use a rubber band between the screw head and driver for extra grip. (2) Tap the screwdriver lightly with a hammer to break corrosion. (3) Use a screw extractor kit (available at hardware stores). Worst case? Drill out the screw and replace the anchor. But I’ve only had to do this once in 5 years.
Q: Do I need to remove the wall anchors every time?
A: Not necessarily. If you’re leaving the anchors in and plan to mount something else there, you can just patch over them. But if you’re selling your house or want a clean look, removing them is worth the extra 5 minutes. For brick or concrete, I usually leave them—unless I’m patching anyway.
Q: Can I remove the mount without removing the camera?
A: Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. The camera adds weight and makes it harder to access the screws. Plus, if the mount shifts, you could damage the camera’s charging port. Always detach the camera first. It’s safer and easier.
Q: What if my mount is on stucco or brick—does the process change?
A: The steps are the same, but the anchors matter more. For stucco or brick, you likely used masonry screws or epoxy anchors. Removing those can be harder. If the anchor is flush or recessed, it’s often easier to leave it and just patch the hole. But if it’s sticking out, use pliers or a chisel to carefully break it off. Just don’t gouge the wall.
Q: How do I know which screws are for the mount vs. the camera?
A: Great question. The screws you remove to take off the mount from the wall are usually longer and go into the wall anchors. The screws on the camera itself (if any) are shorter and hold the camera to the mount. But most Arlo cameras just snap on—so you’ll only see the wall screws when you remove the cover plate.
Q: Is there a way to remove the mount without damaging the wall?
A: The best way is to remove the anchors cleanly and patch the holes. If you’re renting or can’t patch, you can leave the anchors in and cover them with a decorative plate or plant. But for a truly invisible fix, patching is the way to go. I use a small dab of spackle and a toothpick—looks perfect.
Final Thoughts
Removing an Arlo camera mount doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools and a little patience, it’s actually kind of satisfying—especially when you see your wall looking good as new.
Remember: how to remove an Arlo camera mount in 5 simple steps isn’t just about unscrewing things. It’s about doing it safely, cleanly, and with an eye for the future. Whether you’re rehoming your camera or just refreshing your setup, these steps save you time and stress.
My advice? Take your time. Unpair the camera. Use the right tools. Patch the wall. And store everything together.
And hey—once you’ve done it once, you’ll be the go-to person for your family and friends. “You know how to remove an Arlo camera mount?” becomes a superpower.
Now go enjoy your clean walls and flexible security setup. You’ve earned it.
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