How Do I Set Up the Arlo Go 2 with Cellular?

Problem Description

You are setting up the Arlo Go 2 camera with cellular connectivity for remote locations without WiFi. The Arlo Go 2 uses a SIM card (inside a slot on the back of the camera) for LTE data. You need to activate a cellular plan through Arlo before the camera can transmit video. This guide covers SIM installation, plan activation, and setup.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

The Go 2 is built for places without WiFi — it uses an LTE SIM and a data plan — so setup revolves around cellular, not your router. The make-or-break factor is signal: a remote site with weak LTE will leave it offline no matter what.

Start by activating the SIM and confirming a data plan with coverage at the location, then check the LTE signal strength in the app before permanently mounting. Charge the camera fully for setup, and if signal is marginal, positioning for better reception (or using its WiFi mode where available) makes the difference.

Symptoms

• Unsure how to set up cellular
• No cellular data connection
• SIM not detected
• Camera offline on LTE
• Setup will not complete
• Weak signal at the site
• Data plan questions
• Falls back to WiFi only

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• SIM not activated or seated
• No cellular plan/coverage at the location
• Weak LTE signal at the mounting spot
• APN/carrier settings not configured
• Camera not fully charged for setup
• SIM incompatible with the region
• Firmware update pending
• Setup done out of coverage

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Activate the Arlo Go 2 cellular plan

The Arlo Go 2 uses LTE cellular data instead of WiFi, making it ideal for remote locations without internet. Insert the included SIM card or activate the embedded SIM through the Arlo app. You need an Arlo Secure plan that includes cellular data. The data plan typically includes 500MB-2GB of cellular data per month depending on your subscription tier. The camera can also use WiFi when available to save cellular data.

2

Check LTE signal strength at your installation location

Before permanently mounting the camera, power it on at the intended location and check the LTE signal strength in the Arlo app. You need at least 2 bars for reliable video streaming and clip uploads. The Arlo Go 2 works on AT&T and T-Mobile LTE networks. If signal is weak, try different mounting heights or angles — even a few feet of elevation can improve cellular reception significantly.

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3

Mount and power the camera

The Arlo Go 2 has a rechargeable battery that lasts 2-4 weeks depending on usage, or you can wire it to a continuous power source. For remote installations, the Arlo solar panel is the best option — it keeps the battery charged without running power cables. Mount the camera at 7-8 feet, angled slightly downward. Secure the mount firmly since remote cameras are harder to adjust after installation.

4

Configure data-saving settings

Cellular data is limited, so configure the camera to minimize unnecessary data usage. Lower the video resolution to 720p instead of 1080p — this roughly halves data usage per clip. Reduce clip length to 10 seconds. Set strict activity zones so only relevant motion triggers recordings. Disable live view auto-start — each time you open live view, it streams over cellular data.

5

Set up WiFi as a fallback

The Arlo Go 2 can connect to WiFi when available, automatically switching from cellular to WiFi to save data. If the camera is within range of a WiFi network (even intermittently), add the WiFi credentials in camera settings. The camera uses WiFi when connected and falls back to cellular when WiFi drops. This is useful for locations that have seasonal WiFi (like a cabin) or shared WiFi from a neighbor.

Quick Solutions

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

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.