How Do I Migrate Arlo Cameras From Old Base Station to New SmartHub?
- Camera not properly removed from old base station before attempting new pairing
- Camera firmware needs update before it is compatible with the SmartHub
- Camera too far from SmartHub during sync process
Problem Description
You have upgraded from an older Arlo base station to the newer Arlo SmartHub and need to migrate your existing cameras. The cameras must be removed from the old base station and paired to the new SmartHub individually. Arlo does not offer a one-click migration tool. The process involves removing cameras from the old hub, factory resetting them, and syncing them to the new hub. Users on Arlo community forums frequently report cameras that will not sync to the new hub after removal from the old one.
Symptoms
- Cameras paired to old base station and need to move to new SmartHub
- Camera will not sync to new SmartHub after removing from old base station
- Arlo app shows camera still associated with old base station
- Sync button on camera blinks but SmartHub does not detect it
- Old base station is being retired or replaced with SmartHub for new features
- Camera shows as offline on new SmartHub after apparently successful sync
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Camera not properly removed from old base station before attempting new pairing
- Camera firmware needs update before it is compatible with the SmartHub
- Camera too far from SmartHub during sync process
- SmartHub has reached its maximum camera capacity
- Camera needs factory reset to clear old base station pairing data
- Old base station still powered on and camera is reconnecting to it instead of new hub
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Cloud recordings stored from the old base station remain accessible in the Arlo app library regardless of which hub the cameras are now paired to. Migration does not affect stored recordings. However all camera settings like motion zones and sensitivity must be reconfigured on the new hub.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
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Step-by-Step Solution
Update SmartHub Firmware First
Before migrating any cameras connect the new SmartHub to your router via Ethernet and add it to the Arlo app. Let it download and install the latest firmware. This ensures compatibility with all camera models. Go to Settings then My Devices then SmartHub then Device Info to verify firmware is current. Starting with outdated firmware causes sync failures with newer cameras.
Needed for this step
Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 25 ft, Cat6 Flat Ethernet ...
$5.99Remove Cameras From Old Base Station
In the Arlo app go to Settings then My Devices. Select the old base station. For each camera tap the camera then tap Remove Device. Confirm removal. This clears the camera from the old base station pairing table. Do not skip this step. If a camera is still registered to the old base station the SmartHub will not be able to claim it.
Power Off Old Base Station
Unplug the old base station completely. If it remains powered on cameras may try to reconnect to it instead of the new SmartHub since they remember their old hub. With the old base station off the cameras have no choice but to pair with the new SmartHub when placed in sync mode.
Factory Reset Each Camera
Press and hold the reset button on each camera for 15 seconds until the LED flashes. This clears the old base station pairing data from the camera internal memory. After reset the camera enters pairing mode with the LED flashing blue. If you skip the factory reset the camera may retain old pairing data that conflicts with the new SmartHub.
Sync Cameras to New SmartHub One at a Time
Place the first camera within 3 feet of the SmartHub. In the Arlo app tap Add New Device and select your camera model. Press the sync button on top of the SmartHub for 2 seconds. Then press the sync button on the camera. The SmartHub and camera LEDs will flash indicating they are communicating. Wait for the app to confirm the camera is added. Repeat for each camera with a 2-minute gap between to avoid radio interference.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
Camera issues that start suddenly almost always trace back to an upload bandwidth drop — run a speed test before assuming hardware failure.
After all cameras are migrated move them back to their permanent mounting locations one at a time. Check live view from each location to ensure signal is strong enough. If a camera shows poor signal at its mount location consider adding an Arlo range extender or repositioning the SmartHub.
Live view problems that start suddenly usually trace back to an upload speed drop — the camera itself is fine, the bandwidth path to the cloud isn't.
- Camera not properly removed from old base station before
- Camera firmware needs update before it is compatible with
- Camera too far from SmartHub during sync process
- SmartHub has reached its maximum camera capacity
- Camera needs factory reset to clear old base station
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
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Official Manufacturer Manual
If you need the complete manufacturer documentation for advanced setup, wiring diagrams, or detailed specifications, you can download the official manual below. The manual includes full technical instructions directly from the manufacturer and may help if your issue requires deeper troubleshooting.
Download the Official Arlo Base Station and SmartHub ManualSource: arlo.com
Need More Help? Arlo Support
Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Arlo's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.
How Does Arlo Compare?
Before replacing your Arlo device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.
