NetGear’s Arlo brand holds a vast chunk of the smart security market. It’s evident as you have joined the customer base and looking to set up your Arlo camera. Arlo offers various models in its lineup, with two broad categories – the direct Wi-Fi connection and those with a Base station or Smart Hub.
I’ll walk you through the setup procedure to get your Arlo camera online and ready to mount on your desired installation point.
How Do I Set Up My Arlo Camera?
You need a compatible Wi-Fi network, the Arlo Secure app, and the camera in pairing mode to connect your Arlo camera. For Base station models, you must set up the base station first, then sync the cameras individually.
Regardless of your camera model, please use a compatible network. All Arlo camera hook to a 2.4 GHz network, with some newer models being 5 GHz compatible.
When connecting the Arlo camera to your Wi-Fi network, ensure your setup meets these requirements;
- A solid internet connection, preferably with a dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID.
- Your mobile device is connected to the network you intend to use.
- Turn off VPN and Ad guard on the mobile device
- Enable Location and Bluetooth to aid device discovery
If your setup meets the above, the setup process is seamless. You should be done in no time.
You need the Arlo Secure app (iOS or Android) to add the devices and remotely access them. The app has various features to access and customize your security system.
Download the Arlo Secure App from your respective app > Create > Verity the User account.
Connecting Arlo Wi-Fi Cameras
Arlo’s direct connect Wi-Fi cameras hook to your network without needing a Base station or Smart Hub. They include Arlo Pro 4, Essential Indoor, Pro 5S 2K, etc.
As mentioned, all models are compatible with a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Ensure your mobile device is connected to such a network. Again, be close to the primary router for stronger signal strength.
These models dictate an always active network to access them from the app and receive notification alerts.
Here’s how to set up the Arlo Wi-Fi camera;
Power up the camera. Depending on your camera model, connect it to a working outlet or securely insert the battery.
- Launch the Arlo app on your mobile device
- Tap Add New Device
- Select Cameras > Select your Model > Choose the Camera
- Tap the “Connect Without Smart Hub” option and hit Continue
- Confirm Network Connection. Ensure your mobile device is connected to a 2.4 GHz network > Tap Continue.
- Network Connection. Enter your correct network details (SSID and Password) > Continue
- Confirm pairing mode. Press and hold the sync button on the camera for 2 seconds. The LED flashes blue, indicating the camera is in pairing mode.
- Scan the QR code. Scan the QR code on your device screen to transfer the Wi-Fi details. You should get a chime when the camera successfully scans > Tap Continue.
- Let Arlo find your Device. Here location access, VPN settings, and Wi-Fi inferences come into play and could affect the process.
- Once Arlo finds your device, Name it and Hit Continue.
- Finish up the setup and access the camera from the home screen to customize its settings.
- Mount or move the camera to the final installation point.
Arlo Wi-Fi cameras are straightforward to set up; you should finish the process quickly.
Base station/ Smart Hub models
On the other hand, Arlo offers camera models that must be hooked to a base station for operation. Their setup process is a bit different as it involves settings up the Base station the syncing the camera.
Here is how to connect the base station and onboard it onto the app;
- Network connection. Stick one end of the ethernet port to your router and the other to your Base Station.
- Plug the power adapter into a working outlet. If your base station has an on/off button, turn it ON.
- Observe the LED indicator until it indicates a network and internet connection. Base stations with one status indicator should turn solid BLUE for models with 3 status lights (power, internet, and camera). The power and network LEDs should turn solid GREEN.
- Adding it to the app. Launch the Arlo Secure App > Add New Device > Select Base Station/Hub.
- Give the App a moment to find your Device. Select the Base Station once discovered.
- Name the Base Station and set your time zone; once done, hit Continue.
- Device initialization and checking for upgrades.
- Add cameras or tap Finish.
Once your base station is online, you can sync your cameras. Follow these steps to sync your cameras to the base;
- Open the App on your mobile device
- Tap Add New Device > Cameras > Choose the camera model
- Tap Continue to add the camera to the detected base station
- Power the camera and press the Sync button; once the camera’s LED flashes blue, tap Continue on the app > Let Arlo find your device
- Name the camera and hit continue
- Tap finish or continue adding more cameras.
After syncing all your cameras, try accessing live views to confirm the network connection. In case of connection issues, here is a troubleshooting guide on Arlo cameras not connecting.
