An Arlo SmartHub or Base Station doesn’t join Wi-Fi. It connects to your Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet cable. Plug the Ethernet cable in before you power the hub on, then add it in the Arlo Secure app and wait for the ready light. Arlo’s own guidance puts it this way: you must connect the hub to your router with an Ethernet cable before you power it on.
Step-by-step setup
Arlo’s setup article covers the VMB5000, VMB4540, VMB4500, VMB4000, VMB3500, VMB3000 and VMB3010. The steps below apply to all of them.
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- Open the Arlo Secure app, go to Devices, and confirm the Location where you’re installing the hub is selected.
- Use the add-device control and choose Base Station/Hub. If the app offers Choose From Device List, select it.
- Connect the hub to a free Ethernet port on your router. Do this while the hub is still unpowered.
- Plug the AC adapter into the hub and a wall outlet. On older base stations with an On-Off button, press it after plugging in.
- Wait for the ready light (see the table below).
- Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to finish.
Which light means it’s ready
| Hardware | Ready indicator |
|---|---|
| Hub or base station with one LED | LED turns blue |
| Base station with three LEDs | Power LED turns green |
Arlo warns that powering the hub on before the Ethernet cable is attached may stop it from connecting to the network.
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Why “Wi-Fi” is confusing here
The hub creates its own separate secure network for compatible Arlo cameras and doorbells. Your cameras talk to the hub over that network, and the hub reaches the internet through the wired link to your router. That is why the router connection is Ethernet and not wireless.
#1 Best Overall
- The smart hub will provide long range connectivity for your cameras.
- Features included Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Wave. Zigbee, and ardor Ready, local backup, smart siren and expanded coverage through additional base stations.
- Connect a USB Type A to the Smart Hub for local video backup.
- Setup & Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Setting up your camera is easy using the 2.4GHz band. If you have a 5GHz network your router is likely dual-band & will have a 2.4GHz network running. Once connected, the device will automatically switch to the stronger band.
- What's in the Box: (1) SmartHub, (1) Power Adapter, (1) Ethernet Cable, (1) Quick Start Guide, and (1) Arlo Window Decal
Some camera and doorbell models can instead connect straight to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router without a hub. That is a separate installation path and depends on the model. Arlo has a support article on moving a device from a SmartHub or base station to your router directly. It is a change to the camera’s connection, not a way to put the hub itself on Wi-Fi.
Hub-connected or direct Wi-Fi?
- Model support: check that your exact camera or doorbell supports the mode you want. Arlo’s compatibility page lists devices that cannot pair directly with a SmartHub or Base Station, so check your hub and device model before buying or pairing.
- Network: decide whether you want the camera on the hub’s separate network or directly on your router’s 2.4 GHz network.
- App flow: each path has its own setup flow in the Arlo Secure app, so pick the path before you start.
If the hub won’t connect or the app can’t find it
- Redo the order: unplug power, make sure the Ethernet cable runs from the router to the hub, then power on again.
- Check the cable: use a working Ethernet cable long enough to reach the router from where the hub will sit. Arlo doesn’t specify a length, brand or category. A wireless adapter or Wi-Fi extender is not a documented substitute for the wired link.
- Check the Location: the app must have the intended Location selected before you add the hub.
- Wait for the right light: blue on one-LED units, green Power LED on three-LED units. If you never get it, note the exact model and what the LEDs are doing.
- Use model-specific pages: Arlo’s setup article links to separate discovery troubleshooting pages for one-LED and three-LED hardware. Follow those rather than guessing at resets or router settings.
Sources
Based on Arlo Support articles: “How do I set up my Arlo SmartHub or Base Station?” (article 000062876, listed as updated 2026-05-20), “How do I connect my Arlo SmartHub or Base Station to the Internet?” (listed 2025-08-01), “Arlo SmartHub and Base Station Compatibility” (listed 2026-09-02), and “How do I connect my Arlo device directly to my WiFi router if the camera is currently connected to a SmartHub or base station?” (listed 2025-08-01).
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✅ 【 Dedicated Network for Your Arlo Cameras】Instead of crowding your home Wi-Fi, Our Arlo Pro SmartHub creates a separate, dedicated 2.4GHz network just for your Arlo cameras. Longer range, more stable video streaming, and better battery life for your cameras. No more "camera offline" errors or laggy live views.
- ✅ 【 Local USB Backup 】Plug any USB Type‑A drive (not included) into the SmartHub, and your motion‑triggered videos save automatically to local storage. What's in the Box: (1) SmartHub, (1) Power Adapter, (1) Ethernet Cable, (1) Quick Start Guide, and (1) Arlo Window Decal
- ✅ 【 Built‑in Smart Siren 】The smart hub will provide long range connectivity for your cameras. Features included smart siren and expanded coverage through additional base stations. The smart hub will provide long range connectivity for your cameras.
- ✅ 【 Works with Almost Every Arlo Camera 】Compatible with: Arlo Ultra 2, Ultra, Pro 5S 2K, Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, Floodlight, Essential (all versions), and Video Doorbell cameras. Whether you have an older Pro 2 or the newest Pro 5S 2K, this SmartHub connects them all.
- ✅ 【 Manufacturer Renewed 】This Arlo Pro SmartHub is professionally inspected, tested, and recertified by the original manufacturer. You get the exact same range, speed, and features as a brand new SmartHub. Includes 90‑day warranty + free 30-Day Arlo Subscription.
Rank #4
- 2K Super HD Day & Night! Incredible 2K HD, with advanced HDR/3D DNR and distortion correction technologies, brings you sharp and detailed images even in low light conditions.
- 2.4/5GHz WiFi & Waterproof! No worry about network disconnection; its 5GHz WiFi ensures a stable and fluent network experience. No worry about harsh weather as well; it's waterproof!
- 4:3 &180° Wide Viewing Angle! Find the right position for your doorbell with its 15° wedge kit and enjoy the super wide field of view (4:3 aspect ratio). Get more extra surrounding details for better and quicker responses.
- Chime V2 Included! Plug the chime included to any electrical socket at any room and be confidently alerted when visitors "knock". You can choose 1 of its 10 tunes and adjust its volume.
- Answer the Door Faster! With its built-in mic and speaker, you can hear and talk back to the visitors even if you're not at home. You can also preset voice messages or automatic replies for times when you're occupied.
Rank #3
- The Arlo Ultra Smart hub securely connects Arlo, Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro 3 & Arlo Ultra Wire-Free cameras to the Internet.
- The smart hub will provide long range connectivity for your cameras.
- Features included Wi-Fi 2. 4 GHz, Wave. Zigbee, and ardor Ready, local backup, smart siren and expanded coverage through additional base stations.
- Connect a Micro USB Drive to the Smart Hub for local video backup
Rank #2
- Arlo certified accessory – designed and developed by Arlo
- Works with: Pro 2/3/4/5S/6/6 XL, Essential Outdoor 3/3 XL, Ultra Cameras, Essential Indoor, Floodlight, Video Doorbell
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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