Removing your Arlo camera from its base is quick and tool-free—just press the release button and gently slide the camera upward. Ensure the camera is powered off or switch to battery mode first to avoid disconnection issues. This simple process lets you reposition or store your camera in seconds, maintaining seamless security.

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How to Remove Arlo Camera from Base in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

• Power off first: Always disconnect the base station before removal to avoid damage.
• Press release button: Locate and hold the camera’s release button for easy detachment.
• Slide gently: Slide the camera upward smoothly without forcing it to prevent breakage.
• Check alignment: Ensure the camera is properly aligned before attempting removal.
• Store safely: Keep the camera and base in a dry, secure place post-removal.
• Update firmware: Verify both devices have the latest firmware for seamless reconnection.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—smart home gear like Arlo cameras are fantastic… until you need to move, reset, or replace one. I learned this the hard way when I tried to remove my Arlo camera from its base before a big house move. I assumed it’d be a simple twist-and-pull, but nope—I ended up fumbling with the app, the mount, and even the screws.

If you’ve ever searched for how to remove Arlo camera from base in simple steps, you’re not alone. Whether you’re upgrading, relocating, or troubleshooting, detaching your camera safely is crucial. Doing it wrong can damage the mount, lose your camera, or even void your warranty.

This guide is born from real-life trial, error, and a few “why did I do that?” moments. I’ll walk you through the process—no tech jargon, no fluff—just clear, practical steps to get your Arlo camera off its base without stress. Whether you have an Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential, this method works across most models.

Pro Tip: Always power off your camera before removal. It’s not just about safety—it helps avoid syncing glitches later.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. The good news? You probably already own most of these. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Your Arlo camera (duh, but worth mentioning)
• Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed (iOS or Android)
• A small flathead or Phillips screwdriver (depending on your base type)
• Optional but helpful: A microfiber cloth (to protect the camera lens)
• Optional: A small container (to hold screws and small parts—don’t lose them!)

Most Arlo bases use either a twist-lock mechanism or a screw-based mount. Knowing which type you have makes a big difference. I once spent 10 minutes trying to twist a screw-based mount—lesson learned!

You don’t need any special tools or technical skills. If you can open a jar or use a phone app, you’re good to go. The key is patience and following the steps in order.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Remove Arlo Camera from Base in Simple Steps

Step 1: Power Off Your Camera (Yes, Really)

First things first—turn off your Arlo camera. You can do this in two ways:

• Open the Arlo app → Tap your camera → Select “Power Off”
• Or, if your camera has a physical button, press and hold it for 3–5 seconds until the LED blinks red

Why? Because if the camera is still active, it might try to reconnect to the base or trigger a tamper alert. I once skipped this step and got a “camera disconnected” notification that scared my neighbor. Not ideal.

Powering down also gives you peace of mind—no sudden alerts while you’re working.

Step 2: Identify Your Base Type

Not all Arlo bases are created equal. Here’s how to tell which one you have:

• Twist-Lock Base: Smooth, rounded base with a small notch. The camera twists clockwise to lock, counterclockwise to release. Common on Arlo Pro, Pro 2, and Ultra.
• Screw-Based Base: Has visible screw holes or a central screw. Found on some older models and outdoor mounts. Requires a screwdriver.
• Quick-Release Mount: A newer design with a lever or button. Found on Arlo Essential and some Pro 3/4 models.

Look closely at the base. If you see a small arrow or “LOCK/UNLOCK” marking, it’s likely a twist-lock. If there’s a screw in the center, it’s screw-based.

Knowing this saves time and prevents frustration. I once tried to unscrew a twist-lock base—my screwdriver left a nasty scratch!

Step 3: Remove the Camera from the Mount

This is where things get hands-on. Let’s break it down by base type:

For Twist-Lock Bases:

• Gently grip the camera body (not the lens!)
• Rotate it counterclockwise until you feel a click or release
• The camera should lift straight up and off the base

Warning: Don’t force it. If it won’t budge, double-check the direction. Some models have a safety lock that needs to be pressed first (usually a small button near the base).

For Screw-Based Bases:

• Use your screwdriver to remove the central screw
• Once the screw is out, the camera will lift off easily
• Set the screw aside in your container—don’t lose it!

For Quick-Release Mounts:

• Look for a small lever or button on the side or bottom of the base
• Press and hold it while gently pulling the camera upward
• It should pop off smoothly—no twisting needed

No matter the type, support the camera with your other hand as you remove it. These things aren’t heavy, but a drop on concrete can crack the lens or housing.

Step 4: Disconnect from the Arlo App (Optional but Recommended)

This step isn’t always necessary, but I recommend it—especially if you’re moving, selling, or troubleshooting.

• Open the Arlo app on your phone
• Tap the camera you just removed
• Go to Settings → Device Info → Remove Device
• Confirm when prompted

Why do this? It frees up the camera’s spot in your account, prevents syncing issues later, and makes re-pairing easier if you reinstall it.

Think of it like “unplugging” a USB drive before removing it. It’s just safer.

Step 5: Safely Store the Camera and Base

Now that your camera is free, don’t just toss it in a drawer. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Wipe the lens gently with a microfiber cloth (no paper towels—they can scratch)
• Place the camera in its original box or a padded container
• Store the base with the camera—don’t separate them unless you’re replacing the mount
• Keep all screws and small parts together (a ziplock bag works great)

I keep my removed cameras in labeled bins with notes like “Spare – Pro 3 – Outdoor.” It saves so much time later.

If you’re moving, pack the camera last and unpack it first. Smart cameras are fragile!

Step 6: Reattach the Base (If Needed)

If you’re removing the camera temporarily (e.g., for cleaning or repositioning), you might want to keep the base in place. But if you’re relocating or replacing it, here’s what to do:

• For wall mounts: Unscrew the base from the wall using your screwdriver. Keep the anchors if you plan to reuse the spot.
• For magnetic mounts: Just pull it off. No tools needed.
• For outdoor mounts: Check for weatherproof seals. If damaged, replace them before reinstalling.

Pro tip: Take a photo of the base’s position before removing it. This helps you reinstall it at the same angle later.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping friends and family with this process (and making my own mistakes), here are the real-world insights you won’t find in the manual.

Tip #1: Label your cameras. I use tiny stickers with room names (“Front Door,” “Backyard”) on the back. It saves so much confusion when you’re reinstalling.

Tip #2: Don’t force the camera off. If it’s stuck, check for hidden locks or debris in the mount. A tiny pebble can jam a twist-lock base.

Tip #3: Use the app to check battery level before removal. A low battery can cause syncing issues when you try to re-pair later.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to remove the camera from the app. I once reinstalled a camera and spent 20 minutes troubleshooting why it wouldn’t connect. Spoiler: It was already in my account—just needed a “Remove” and “Add” reset.

Common Mistake: Losing screws. I keep a magnetic tray on my workbench. It’s a game-changer for small parts.

Common Mistake: Not backing up settings. If you’re removing the camera for good, take a screenshot of its settings (motion zones, schedules, etc.) in the app. Re-adding it later? You can copy those settings to a new camera.

One last thing: If you’re removing multiple cameras, do them one at a time. It’s easy to mix up which base goes with which camera. Trust me.

FAQs About How to Remove Arlo Camera from Base in Simple Steps

Can I remove the Arlo camera without the app?

Yes, you can physically remove the camera without the app. But if you plan to reuse it, I highly recommend using the app to “Remove Device” first. This clears its pairing history and prevents syncing issues later. Think of it like resetting a Bluetooth speaker before pairing it to a new phone.

What if my Arlo camera won’t come off the base?

Don’t panic. First, double-check the base type. Is it twist-lock or screw-based? Second, look for a hidden lock or button—some models have a small tab that needs to be pressed. Third, gently wiggle the camera while applying light pressure. If it’s still stuck, use a hair dryer on low heat for 10–15 seconds to loosen any dirt or debris. Never use tools to pry it off—that can crack the housing.

Do I need to remove the base from the wall?

Not necessarily. If you’re just removing the camera (e.g., for cleaning or battery swap), leave the base in place. But if you’re relocating, replacing, or selling the camera, remove the base too. Just don’t forget to save the screws and anchors!

Will removing the camera affect my subscription?

Nope. Your Arlo subscription (like Arlo Secure) is tied to your account, not the physical camera. Removing a camera won’t cancel your plan or reduce your cloud storage. But if you’re removing all cameras, you might want to pause or cancel your subscription to save money.

Can I reuse the same base with a new camera?

Yes! Arlo bases are universal (with a few exceptions). Just make sure the new camera is the same model type (e.g., Pro 3 base fits Pro 3/4 cameras). The app will guide you through pairing the new camera to the base. No need to buy a new mount unless yours is damaged.

How do I remove an Arlo camera from a magnetic base?

Easy—just pull it off! Magnetic bases (like those for Arlo Essential) don’t have locks or screws. But hold the base with one hand and the camera with the other to avoid dropping it. The magnet is strong, but a fall from a wall can still damage the camera.

What if I lost the screw for my base?

No worries. Most Arlo bases use standard-sized screws (usually M4 or #6). You can find replacements at hardware stores or online. Just measure the old screw or take the base with you. Or, if the base is still secure, you can leave the screw out—the camera’s weight usually keeps it in place.

Final Thoughts

Removing your Arlo camera from its base doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right steps, it’s a quick, safe process—whether you’re moving, upgrading, or just doing maintenance.

Remember: how to remove Arlo camera from base in simple steps starts with powering off, identifying your base type, and using the right method—twist, unscrew, or release. Then, clean up in the app, store it safely, and keep those screws organized.

The key is taking your time. I’ve rushed this before and ended up with a cracked lens and a missing screw. Not fun.

Now, go ahead—unmount that camera with confidence. And when you’re ready to reinstall it? The same steps work in reverse. Just make sure to update your motion zones and test the view before calling it done.

Got a tricky mount or a stubborn camera? Drop a comment below. I’ve been there, and I’m happy to help. Happy unmounting!

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