A complete setup walkthrough for Arlo cameras — from base station connection to camera sync, mounting, and motion detection configuration.
If your Arlo system came with a SmartHub or base station, connect it to your router via the included Ethernet cable and plug it into power. Wait for its LED to turn solid — indicating it's online and ready. For Arlo models that connect directly to WiFi without a base station, skip to step 3.
Install the Arlo app on your iOS or Android device. Create a free Arlo account or sign in if you already have one. An Arlo account is required to manage cameras, receive alerts, and access recorded footage.
Tap "Add Device" in the app and select your SmartHub or base station model from the list. The app will find it on your local network and guide you through confirming the connection. If it isn't detected, confirm the Ethernet cable between the base station and router is seated firmly on both ends.
If your cameras are battery-powered, charge them completely before syncing to the base station. Insert the magnetic charging cable and charge until the LED indicates full. Starting with a partially charged battery can cause the camera to drop offline mid-pairing, requiring you to start the sync process over.
In the Arlo app, tap "Add Device" and select your camera model. Follow the prompts — typically this involves pressing the sync button on the base station, then pressing the sync button on the camera within 10 seconds. The LED on the camera will blink to indicate it's syncing, then go solid when successful. For direct-WiFi models, the app will guide you through WiFi credential entry instead.
Before mounting anything, verify each camera shows as "Online" in the app and that the live view loads correctly. This confirms connectivity before you commit to a mounting location. A camera that won't go online at this stage is easier to troubleshoot on your desk than after it's mounted 10 feet off the ground.
Mount at the height and angle appropriate for your use case — Arlo recommends 7–10 feet high for doorbells and entry cameras, angled slightly downward. Use the included mounting hardware and magnetic mount. For battery cameras, position them within a reasonable range of your base station or router — the further away, the more frequently you'll see connectivity issues.
In the app, select each camera and go to its Settings to configure Motion Sensitivity. Start at a medium setting and adjust after observing what the camera captures. If you have unnecessary triggers (passing cars, waving tree branches), use the Activity Zones feature to draw a detection area that focuses only on the relevant portion of the camera's view.
Configure notification preferences in the app — push notifications, email alerts, or both. Then walk in front of each camera to trigger a motion event and confirm you receive the alert. Check the captured clip in the Library tab to verify the frame covers the area you intended.
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