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What You Get in the Box
The Arlo Pro 2 ships with everything you need to get a wireless security camera system running in about 30 minutes. Inside the box, you’ll find the Arlo Pro 2 camera (or cameras, depending on your kit), a SmartHub base station, an Ethernet cable, a power adapter for the hub, a rechargeable battery for each camera, a magnetic camera mount, mounting screws, and a quick start guide. Before you start plugging things in, take a second to check that nothing is missing. If you bought a multi-camera kit, make sure each camera has its own battery.
Charge the Batteries First
Each Arlo Pro 2 camera runs on a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Pop the battery into the camera, then plug the included USB charging cable into the camera’s micro-USB port. Connect the other end to a USB wall charger (not included) or a computer USB port. A full charge takes about two to three hours. The LED on the front of the camera will glow amber while charging and turn solid green when it’s done. You can set up the SmartHub while the batteries charge, so you’re not just sitting around waiting.
Setting Up the SmartHub
The SmartHub is the brain of the Arlo Pro 2 system. It connects to your router with an Ethernet cable and communicates wirelessly with your cameras.
Connect the SmartHub to Your Router
1. Plug one end of the included Ethernet cable into the back of the SmartHub.
2. Plug the other end into an open Ethernet port on your router.
3. Connect the SmartHub’s power adapter and plug it into a wall outlet.
4. Wait for the power LED and internet LED on the front of the SmartHub to turn solid green. This takes about two minutes.
If the internet LED stays amber or blinks, check that your Ethernet cable is seated properly on both ends. Also make sure your router is online and working normally.
Install the Arlo App and Create an Account
Download the Arlo app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Open it and tap New to Arlo? to create an account. You’ll enter your email, set a password, and verify your email address. If you already have an Arlo account from a previous device, just sign in.
Once you’re logged in, the app walks you through adding a new device. Select Arlo Pro 2 from the list of cameras, then choose SmartHub when it asks about your base station. The app will prompt you to scan the QR code on the bottom of the SmartHub. Point your phone camera at the code and wait for the app to detect it.
Adding Cameras to the SmartHub
After the SmartHub is paired with your account, the app will ask you to add cameras. Press the Sync button on top of the SmartHub, then press the Sync button on the camera. The camera’s LED will blink blue, then turn solid blue when it’s connected. The whole sync process usually takes under 30 seconds. Repeat this for each camera in your kit.
The Arlo Pro 2 records in 1080p by default and supports two-way audio, so you can talk through the camera using the app. You can test this right after syncing by tapping the camera feed in the app and pressing the microphone icon.
Mounting Your Cameras
Each camera comes with a magnetic mount that makes positioning easy. The mount consists of a metal ball attached to a wall plate and a magnetic base on the camera. Just screw the wall plate into your preferred spot (indoor or outdoor), and the camera snaps onto the ball magnetically. You can adjust the angle freely.
Placement Tips
Mount cameras about 7 to 8 feet off the ground, angled slightly downward. This height gives a wide field of view and keeps the camera out of easy reach. For outdoor use, position the camera under an eave or overhang if possible. The Arlo Pro 2 is weather-resistant, but shade extends battery life and reduces false alerts from direct sunlight.
Make sure each camera is within range of the SmartHub, generally up to 300 feet with a clear line of sight. Walls and floors reduce that range, so test the connection before drilling holes. The app shows signal strength for each camera.
Wi-Fi and Network Setup
The cameras don’t connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. They use a proprietary wireless connection to the SmartHub, which handles the internet connection through its Ethernet cable. This means your cameras won’t clog your Wi-Fi bandwidth. However, the SmartHub itself needs a stable internet connection for remote viewing and cloud features.
If your router is far from where you want the SmartHub, you can use a longer Ethernet cable or a powerline adapter to extend the connection. Just keep in mind that the SmartHub must be wired, not wireless.
Setting Up Activity Zones and Schedules
Activity zones let you define specific areas within the camera’s view that trigger motion alerts. This is great for ignoring busy sidewalks or trees that blow in the wind while still catching motion on your porch or driveway.
In the Arlo app, open a camera’s settings and tap Activity Zones. Draw a box over the area you want to monitor. You can create multiple zones per camera and name each one. Scheduling is also available: go to Mode in the app to set specific times for armed, disarmed, or custom modes. For example, you might arm the system automatically when you leave for work and disarm it when you get home.
Smart Home Integration
The Arlo Pro 2 works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home. To connect with Alexa, open the Alexa app, search for the Arlo skill, enable it, and link your Arlo account. Once linked, you can say things like “Alexa, show me the front door” to pull up a live feed on an Echo Show or Fire TV.
For Google Home, open the Google Home app, tap the plus icon, select Set up device, then Works with Google, and search for Arlo. Sign in with your Arlo credentials to link the accounts. You can then view camera feeds on a Nest Hub or Chromecast-enabled TV.
If you already have experience setting up similar systems, you might also want to check out how to set up Arlo Pro or set up Swann camera on iPhone for comparisons between different security camera platforms.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If a camera keeps going offline, check the battery level and signal strength in the app. Low batteries and weak signals are the two most common culprits. If the SmartHub won’t connect, power cycle it by unplugging the adapter for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. For cameras that won’t sync, hold the Sync button on the camera for about 15 seconds to reset it, then try the pairing process again.
Night vision on the Arlo Pro 2 activates automatically in low light. If the image looks washed out at night, make sure there isn’t a reflective surface (like a window) directly in front of the camera. Mounting the camera outside the window rather than pointing through glass always gives better results.
