How do I connect my mobile device to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network to set up my Arlo camera?

If you are connecting an Arlo camera directly to a WiFi router—without an Arlo SmartHub or base station—you must connect your mobile device to your router’s 2.4 GHz band during the setup process. Many routers broadcast WiFi networks in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Your Arlo device directly connects to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. This means that you must first connect your mobile device to your 2.4 GHz WiFi network, then connect your Arlo device to that same 2.4 GHz WiFi network during the setup process in the Arlo app.

Note: The Arlo Video Doorbell, Pro 3 Floodlight Camera, Q, Q Plus, and Baby can connect directly to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network.

Find your 2.4 GHz WiFi network

When connecting your mobile device and Arlo device to a WiFi network, ensure that you select the SSID that indicates it is a 2.4 GHz network. This is typically indicated by a 2, 2.4, or 2G at the end of the SSID.

If you have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi networks:

  • Your 2.4 GHz network name or SSID might have a 2, 2.4, or 2G at the end.
  • Your 5 GHz network name or SSID might have a 5 or 5G at the end.

Some WiFi routers have only one WiFi network name that is used for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands. If you’re having trouble connecting and your WiFi network name doesn’t indicate whether it’s 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, read the Troubleshooting section in this article.

Connect to your 2.4 GHz network

To connect your iOS (Apple) device to a 2.4 GHz network:

  1. Unlock your device and open Settings.
  2. Tap Wi-Fi, near the top of the list of settings options.
  3. Turn on WiFi by tapping the switch next to Wi-Fi at the top.
    Note: WiFi is enabled when the WiFi button is green.
  4. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
    This is commonly indicated by a 2, 2.4, or 2G at the end of the network name or SSID.
  5. If prompted, enter the password for the network.
    When you are connected to the WiFi network, a blue checkmark appears to the left of the network name.

To connect your Android device to a 2.4 GHz network:

  1. Unlock your device and tap the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
  3. Enable WiFi by tapping Use WiFi at the top.
  4. Select a 2.4 GHz WiFi network.
    This is commonly indicated by a 2, 2.4, or 2G at the end of the network name or SSID.
  5. If prompted, enter the password for the network.
    When your device is connected to the WiFi network, the word Connected appears under the network name.

Troubleshooting

If your WiFi network name or SSID doesn’t indicate whether it’s 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz:

  • Try opening your router settings, and look for a 2.4 GHz WiFi network that your mobile device can connect to. If you need help with this, contact your router manufacturer.
  • Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and ask for help connecting your mobile device to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network.

If your router uses the same WiFi network name or SSID for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands:

  • Mesh WiFi networks use the same network name or SSID to broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi networks. If your mobile device is connected to a mesh network, your Arlo device will not be able to connect to the 5 GHz band, so it will automatically connect to the 2.4 GHz band.

If your Arlo device still isn’t found during setup:

  • Ensure that you entered the correct SSID and password in the Arlo app during the setup process.
    Note: The SSID is case sensitive. Ensure that it is EXACTLY correct when you enter it in the Arlo app.
  • Ensure that your mobile device is NOT connected to a VPN.
  • Ensure that “auto join” settings are turned off on your mobile device.
  • Ensure that Wi-Fi Assist and Adaptive Wi-Fi features are off on your mobile device.
    Wi-Fi Assist and Adaptive Wi-Fi features use cellular data when your Wi-Fi connection is poor. This can interfere with the Arlo device setup process.
  • Visit Arlo Support to speak with an expert.