How do I download the arlo app and create an account?

On your phone, open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "Arlo." Download the free Arlo app. Open it and tap Create Account. Enter your email address, create a password, and verify your email with the code Arlo sends you. Sign in to the app.

How do I add your camera to the app?

In the Arlo app, tap the plus (+) button or Add Device. Select your camera model from the list — Arlo Pro, Arlo Essential, Arlo Ultra, etc. The app will show you step-by-step instructions for your specific model. For most cameras, you will press a Sync button on the camera itself (sometimes on a separate SmartHub base station) and then follow the app prompts.

How do I connect to your wi-fi network?

During setup, the app will ask for your home Wi-Fi network name and password. Enter these carefully — the camera will not connect if the password is wrong. Make sure you are entering the password for your home Wi-Fi, not a guest network. The camera will take about 30 to 60 seconds to connect.

How do I name and place your camera?

After a successful connection, give the camera a descriptive name like "Front Door," "Backyard," or "Garage." Mount the camera in your chosen location — most come with a magnetic mount or screw mount. Position it to cover the area you want to monitor. Outdoor cameras should be mounted high enough (6 to 10 feet) to avoid tampering while still showing faces clearly.

How do I test motion alerts and live view?

In the app, tap your camera to open the live view. You should see a real-time feed. Walk in front of the camera — within a minute, you should receive a motion alert notification on your phone with a short video clip. Go into the camera settings in the app to adjust motion sensitivity (high sensitivity picks up everything including small animals; lower sensitivity only triggers on larger movements like people).

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Arlo makes wireless security cameras you can place around your home — indoors or outdoors — to monitor activity and receive alerts on your phone when something moves. You can check a live view of any camera from anywhere in the world using the free Arlo app.

Arlo cameras are battery-powered and wireless. You do not need to run any cables — just mount them where you want, and they connect to your home Wi-Fi (or a separate Arlo SmartHub base station, depending on the model). Battery life varies from 3 to 6 months depending on how much activity the cameras detect.

Here is what Arlo cameras can do:

Live view: Open the app any time and see a real-time video feed from each camera.

Motion alerts: When the camera detects movement, it sends a notification to your phone with a video clip of what triggered it. You can review clips of anyone who approached your door, a delivery, or unexpected activity.

Two-way audio: Many Arlo cameras have a microphone and speaker, so you can hear what is happening and speak through the camera. Useful for telling a delivery driver where to leave a package.

Night vision: All Arlo cameras see in the dark using infrared night vision. The video is black and white at night, but you can clearly see what is happening.

The free Arlo account includes a few days of cloud video storage. An Arlo Secure subscription ($2.99/month per camera) adds 30 days of video history, person/vehicle/animal detection, and package detection.

Arlo cameras work best when placed within a reasonable distance of your Wi-Fi router — outdoor cameras farthest from the router may need a Wi-Fi extender or the optional Arlo SmartHub to maintain a strong connection.

How to Set Up Arlo Security Cameras to Watch Your Home from Your Phone

Download the Arlo app and create an account

Add your camera to the app

Connect to your Wi-Fi network

Name and place your camera

Test motion alerts and live view

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