When one looks at all the home security systems, they all need WiFi one way or another.  Arlo cameras are no different as they rely on a WiFi connection for their functionality. There are some exceptions, where you can use an Arlo camera without WiFi. However, if Arlo camera not connecting to WiFi, it’s another issue as it cannot perform essential tasks such as transmitting live feeds or sending notifications to your smartphone. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the Arlo camera, you need to connect to a stable WiFi connection.

If you’re facing issues connecting your Arlo camera to WiFi, I will share step-by-step instructions on how to connect your Arlo camera to WiFi. If you need to troubleshoot your current WiFi connection or set up your Arlo camera with a new WiFi network, let’s discuss both situations.

Do Arlo Cameras Need WiFi

Arlo cameras rely on WiFi for live streaming, enabling real-time monitoring on your smartphone or computer. Recorded footage is stored in the Arlo cloud, which is accessible with a WiFi internet connection. For remote access to live feeds and cloud recordings, an internet connection via WiFi or cellular data is necessary.

Although Arlo cameras also come with local storage options like SD card or USB ports for backup, these features are used as secondary storage and you may need a WiFi connection. But for cloud storage, live notifications, and live feed, you need WiFi.

How To Connect Arlo Camera To WiFi

You can connect the Arlo camera directly to the WiFi using the Arlo Secure app. In order to connect, your smartphone and the Arlo camera must be connected to the 2.4 GHz WiFi network. 

How To Connect Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera To WiFi

1. Open the Arlo Secure app on iPhone or Android.
2. Click on “Add New Device.”
3. Choose Arlo  Essential camera.
4. Follow the steps in the app.
5. Tap Connect without SmartHub if you don’t want to connect using Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.
6. On the screen that says “Connect to a 2.4 GHz network,” tap “Continue.”
7. To finish setting up your gadget, follow the app prompts.

Please note the above steps explain the process of how to connect an Arlo camera to FiFi without an Arlo Base Station or SmartHub. If your Arlo camera is not connected to the Arlo Base Station, your recordings are not stored on local storage devices. In that case, consider subscribing to Arlo Secure plans for cloud storage, and other premium features.

When you set up and try to connect your Arlo device directly to a WiFi router, without an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station, you may see an error where your Arlo camera is not connecting to WiFi. The following discussion should help.

Reasons Arlo Camera Not Connecting To WiFi

Please make sure that you are connecting the Arlo camera to the 2.4 GHz WiFi network. Also, your smartphone should also be connected to the same WiFi network. Check that if your smartphone and Arlo camera are not too far away from the WiFi router.

If you are facing an Arlo camera no WiFi discovery issue, the following reasons should help you in addressing the issue.

1. 2.4 GHz vs 5GHz

One of the reasons your Arlo camera is not connecting to WiFi is that you are trying to connect it to a 5 GHz WiFi network instead of a 2.4 GHz one. Arlo cameras are compatible with 2.4 GHz networks, so make sure you are using the correct frequency for a successful connection.

2. Smartphone Not On The Same Network

One of the reasons for your Arlo camera’s failure to connect to WiFi is that your smartphone isn’t linked to the same 2.4 GHz network. This alignment between your smartphone and the network is crucial for a successful connection.

3. Incorrect WiFi network SSID

Arlo camera also does not connect to WiFi due to incorrect WiFi network SSID (network name) or password. Make sure that the network SSID and password are correct, as they are case-sensitive. Before confirming, you can use the password eye icon to double-check the accuracy of the password entry.

4. Arlo Camera Is Away From Wifi Router

Arlo camera WiFi connectivity issue is also due to the distance between your smartphone and the Arlo camera from your WiFi router. For an easy setup process, keep your Arlo camera at a distance of 10-15 feet from your WiFi router. Once the camera is successfully set up and connected, you can relocate it within the WiFi router’s range as needed.

5. Arlo Camera LED

You can see the reason why Arlo camera is not connecting to WiFi from the status of the Arlo camera LED. It should blink blue during the setup process . If the camera LED continues to blink for more than two minutes without successfully connecting to your WiFi network, it may time out. In such cases, you can resolve this by pressing the sync button once again.

Arlo Base Station and Camera

The Arlo Base Station functions as a Wi-Fi router for your Arlo cameras. Instead of relying on a separate Wi-Fi network, you can directly connect your Arlo cameras to the Base Station using a network cable. 

However, it’s important to note that for full access to Arlo’s features and remote monitoring, you still require an internet connection. The internet connection allows you to access your Arlo system from anywhere and enjoy all the features it offers, such as remote viewing and notifications.

The Arlo SmartHub or Base Station enhances security for your footage by creating a secure, private network within your home network. It also helps manage Wi-Fi traffic, potentially extending device battery life, and supports local storage, providing a comprehensive solution for safeguarding your Arlo camera data.

Conclusion

When it comes to Arlo cameras, WiFi is essential. These cameras rely on a stable WiFi connection for live streaming, cloud storage, and remote access to footage. While there are some exceptions and local storage options available, a reliable internet connection is still needed for full functionality.

If your Arlo camera not connecting to WiFi, it’s important to ensure you’re using the correct frequency (2.4 GHz), and your smartphone is on the same network. Additionally, maintaining an appropriate distance from your WiFi router and checking the camera LED status can help resolve connectivity problems.

Furthermore, the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station acts as a crucial component, serving as a secure network hub, managing traffic, and supporting local storage. However, even with the Base Station, an internet connection is necessary so that you don’t face any Arlo camera recording issues.