Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

The arlo security camera app is the control center for Arlo cameras, letting you view live video, change settings, receive motion alerts and review recorded clips from a phone or tablet. This guide walks you through installing the app, creating an account, adding cameras, configuring alerts and recording options, and fixing the problems owners most often run into. By the end, you should have a working system you can monitor from anywhere.

What You Need Before You Start

Before opening the app, gather the hardware and information you will need. Doing this first prevents most setup interruptions.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Arlo Smart Security Cameras for Home Monitoring (2026).

  • A compatible Arlo camera, plus its power adapter or charged battery
  • A 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi network with a known password (check your camera’s specifications for supported bands)
  • A smartphone or tablet running a current version of iOS or Android
  • A valid email address for creating your Arlo account
  • A base station or hub, if your model requires one (many newer cameras connect directly to Wi-Fi)
  • A microSD card, if your camera supports local storage and you plan to use it

Manufacturers specify different requirements for each model, so check the box or the support page for your exact camera before you begin.

Step 1: Install the App and Create an Account

  1. Download the Arlo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Look for the official app published by Arlo Technologies.
  2. Open the app and select the option to create a new account.
  3. Enter your email address and choose a strong password. Use a unique password you do not use elsewhere.
  4. Confirm your email address using the verification link or code sent to your inbox.
  5. Enable two-factor authentication in your account settings if it is offered. This adds a second check when you sign in from a new device.

Step 2: Add Your Camera to the App

Adding a camera usually takes between five and fifteen minutes. The exact screens differ by model, but the general flow is consistent.

Power On and Scan the Code

  1. Plug in the camera or charge its battery until the status light indicates it is ready to pair. Your manual will describe the light pattern for pairing mode.
  2. In the app, tap the add or plus icon and select your camera type.
  3. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on the camera or in the packaging, or enter the serial number manually.

Connect to Wi-Fi

  1. Select your home network from the list and enter the Wi-Fi password.
  2. Keep your phone close to the camera during this step. Weak signal is a common cause of pairing failures.
  3. Wait for the app to confirm the connection. The camera’s light should change to indicate it is online.

Position and Name the Camera

Give the camera a clear name such as “Front Porch” or “Garage Side.” Descriptive names make the activity feed much easier to read when you have several devices. Place the camera for a test view before mounting it permanently.

Step 3: Configure Motion Detection and Notifications

Notification settings decide how useful the system is day to day. Too many alerts and you will start ignoring them. Too few and you may miss something important.

  1. Open the camera’s settings and find the motion detection section.
  2. Adjust sensitivity. Start at a middle setting and test by walking through the frame.
  3. Define activity zones if the app offers them, so the camera ignores busy areas such as a street or tree line.
  4. Turn on push notifications in both the app and your phone’s operating system settings.
  5. Set a schedule if you only want alerts at certain hours, for example overnight or while you are away.
Setting Starting Point Adjust If
Motion sensitivity Medium You get alerts for passing cars (lower it) or miss people at the door (raise it)
Activity zones Cover entry points only Trees, shadows or street traffic trigger repeated alerts
Notification schedule Active when away You want alerts during specific hours only
Recording duration Default clip length You need longer context before or after motion

Step 4: Set Up Recording and Storage

How your footage is stored affects both cost and access. Arlo offers cloud storage through optional subscription plans, and some models support local storage on a microSD card or a base station. Subscription levels and availability vary by region and product, so verify current options in the app before choosing a plan.

Cloud Recording

Cloud storage keeps clips off-site, so footage survives if a camera is stolen or damaged. Check how many days of history a plan includes and whether continuous recording or only event-based clips are covered.

Local Storage

Local storage keeps footage on the device without a monthly plan, though you should check the maximum supported card capacity in your manual. Check the card periodically, since it can fill up or wear out over time.

For a deeper comparison of these options, see Security Camera Storage: Local vs Cloud (and Cameras Without Subscriptions).

Step 5: Review Live Video and Clips

Once setup is complete, spend a few minutes becoming familiar with the main screens.

  • Live view: Tap a camera to watch real-time video. Many models let you speak through the speaker or trigger a siren.
  • Activity feed or library: Shows recorded motion events in chronological order. Filter by camera or date to find specific clips.
  • Download or share: Save a clip to your phone’s camera roll or share it with a neighbor or police if needed.

Test the system by walking in front of the camera and confirming that the notification, clip and activity entry all appear as expected.

Common Mistakes

  • Placing the camera too far from Wi-Fi. Weak signal causes dropped video and delayed alerts. Use a Wi-Fi signal meter or check the app’s signal indicator before mounting.
  • Pointing the camera at a bright window or light source. This creates glare and poor night footage. Adjust the angle or review night vision glare fixes for more guidance.
  • Leaving sensitivity at maximum. You will receive constant alerts from leaves, insects and headlights.
  • Ignoring firmware updates. Updates often fix bugs and improve connectivity. Install them when prompted.
  • Using a weak password. Account security protects your live video. Enable two-factor authentication where available.
  • Forgetting the storage limit. A full microSD card can silently stop recording.

Tips for a Smoother Experience

  • Name cameras clearly and group them by area inside the app.
  • Check the app’s battery level indicator weekly on wireless models.
  • Test notifications after every settings change.
  • Keep your phone’s app updated so new features and fixes arrive promptly.
  • If you use a router with a guest network, confirm whether your camera should join the main network or the guest network.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If the camera goes offline or the app cannot find it, work through these checks in order:

  1. Confirm your Wi-Fi network is working on other devices.
  2. Restart the camera and, if applicable, the base station.
  3. Move the camera or hub closer to the router to test signal strength.
  4. Check for firmware updates in the app.
  5. Remove the camera from the app and re-add it if the problem continues.

For wiring-based systems, see Security Camera Power Over Ethernet: Step-by-Step Setup Guide (2026).

These accessories help you get more reliable performance from an Arlo system. Check compatibility with your specific model before buying.

  • Arlo Ultra 2 spotlight camera: A wired-power option that supports consistent recording and two-way audio, useful if you want continuous uptime.
    View on Amazon
  • Arlo Essential Indoor Camera: A compact indoor model that works well for monitoring entryways and pets from the app.
    View on Amazon
  • SanDisk High Endurance microSD card: Designed for continuous recording in surveillance devices, which suits local storage setups.
    View on Amazon

FAQ

Is the arlo security camera app free to use?

The app itself can be downloaded and used to set up and view live video at no cost. Some features, such as extended cloud video history, require a paid subscription. Check the app’s plan details for current options.

Can I view my cameras on more than one phone?

Yes. You can sign in to the same account on multiple devices. Each device will receive notifications, so you may want to adjust settings per phone.

Why am I not receiving push notifications?

Check that notifications are enabled for the app in your phone’s settings, that motion detection is turned on for the camera, and that Do Not Disturb or focus modes are not blocking alerts.

Does the app work without an internet connection?

Live viewing requires an internet connection. Local recordings on a microSD card can be reviewed once the camera or base station is reachable on your local network, depending on the model.

How do I delete a camera from my account?

Open the camera’s settings in the app and look for the remove or delete device option. This unlinks it from your account, so you can then reset and re-add it if needed.

Can I share access with a family member?

Many Arlo accounts let you invite other users. Check the sharing or members section in the app settings to add people and set their access level.

What should I do if the camera shows as offline?

Verify your Wi-Fi connection, restart the camera, check battery or power, and confirm the camera is within range of your router. Follow the troubleshooting steps above in order.

Conclusion

The arlo security camera app makes it straightforward to add cameras, set motion alerts, store footage and check on your property from anywhere. Taking time to configure sensitivity, zones and storage at the start will reduce false alerts and missed events. Revisit your settings every few months as your needs change.

Ready to choose one?

Claire Whitaker

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our smart home guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.