How to Change Wifi on Arlo Doorbell

Changing the WiFi network on your Arlo Doorbell is simple with the right steps. This guide walks you through disconnecting, reconnecting, and troubleshooting your device for a smooth switch.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app: All WiFi changes must be done through the official Arlo app, not your phone’s settings.
• Ensure 2.4 GHz network: Arlo Doorbells only work with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks, not 5 GHz.
• Keep device charged: A low battery can interrupt the setup process—charge your doorbell fully before starting.
• Stay close to the router: Move near your WiFi router during setup for a stronger signal and faster connection.
• Reset if needed: If connection fails, perform a factory reset using the sync button on the doorbell.
• Update firmware: Always check for the latest firmware in the app to avoid compatibility issues.
• Test after setup: Confirm the doorbell is online and receiving alerts before finishing.

How to Change WiFi on Arlo Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve moved to a new home, upgraded your internet plan, or maybe your old WiFi network just isn’t cutting it anymore. Whatever the reason, you now need to change the WiFi network on your Arlo Doorbell. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, with the right steps, you can have your doorbell back online in under 15 minutes.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of changing the WiFi network on your Arlo Doorbell, whether you have the wired or wireless model. We’ll cover everything from preparation to troubleshooting, so you won’t be left scratching your head when things don’t go as planned. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to reconnect your doorbell to a new network and ensure it’s working perfectly.

Let’s get started.

Why You Might Need to Change Your Arlo Doorbell’s WiFi

Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why you might need to change your WiFi network in the first place. Here are the most common reasons:

• Moving to a new location: If you’ve moved homes or offices, your Arlo Doorbell will need to connect to the new WiFi network.
• Router replacement: Upgrading to a new router often means a new network name (SSID) or password.
• Network issues: If your current WiFi is slow or unstable, switching to a stronger network can improve performance.
• Security concerns: If you suspect your network has been compromised, changing the network and reconnecting devices is a smart move.
• Splitting networks: Some users separate their 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands—your Arlo Doorbell needs the 2.4 GHz band specifically.

No matter your reason, the process is the same. The key is to follow each step carefully and avoid skipping ahead.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before you begin changing the WiFi on your Arlo Doorbell, make sure you have the following:

• A charged Arlo Doorbell: If you have a wireless model, ensure the battery is fully charged. A low battery can cause the setup to fail.
• The Arlo app installed: Download the official Arlo app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if you haven’t already.
• Your new WiFi network name and password: Have these ready—you’ll need to enter them during setup.
• Access to your WiFi router: You don’t need to touch the router, but you should be within range of it.
• A smartphone or tablet: The Arlo app runs on mobile devices, so make sure yours is charged and ready.

Having these items ready will save you time and frustration during the process.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

The first step is to open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’ve used your doorbell before, you should already have an account. If not, you’ll need to create one.

How to Log In

• Tap the Arlo app icon to open it.
• Enter your email address and password.
• Tap “Sign In.”

If you’ve forgotten your password, tap “Forgot Password?” and follow the instructions to reset it.

What If the App Doesn’t Open?

Sometimes the app may freeze or crash. If this happens:

• Close the app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps).
• Restart your phone or tablet.
• Reopen the app and try again.

Make sure your device is connected to the internet—either via WiFi or mobile data—so the app can communicate with Arlo’s servers.

Step 2: Locate Your Doorbell in the App

Once you’re logged in, you’ll see a dashboard with all your Arlo devices. Look for your doorbell—it should be listed with its name (e.g., “Front Door” or “Arlo Doorbell”).

How to Find Your Doorbell

• Scroll through the device list.
• Tap on the doorbell to open its live view or settings.

If you don’t see your doorbell, it may be offline or disconnected. Don’t worry—this is normal if you’re changing the WiFi. We’ll fix that in a moment.

Tip: Rename Your Doorbell for Clarity

If you have multiple Arlo devices, consider renaming your doorbell to something easy to identify, like “Front Door” or “Back Porch.” To do this:

• Tap the gear icon (settings) next to the doorbell.
• Select “Device Settings.”
• Tap “Device Name” and enter a new name.
• Save your changes.

This small step can save confusion later.

Step 3: Remove the Current WiFi Network

Before connecting to a new network, you need to remove the old one. This ensures a clean setup and avoids conflicts.

How to Remove the Old Network

• Tap the gear icon next to your doorbell.
• Select “Device Settings.”
• Tap “Network.”
• Choose “Forget Network.”
• Confirm by tapping “Yes” or “Forget.”

This step disconnects your doorbell from the current WiFi. The device will go offline temporarily—this is normal.

What If “Forget Network” Isn’t an Option?

If you don’t see the “Forget Network” option, your doorbell may already be disconnected. In that case, you can skip to the next step. Alternatively, you may need to reset the doorbell (we’ll cover that later).

Step 4: Put Your Doorbell in Sync Mode

Now it’s time to prepare your doorbell to connect to the new WiFi network. To do this, you need to put it in sync mode.

How to Enter Sync Mode

• Locate the sync button on your doorbell. It’s usually on the side or back, depending on the model.
• Press and hold the sync button for about 10 seconds.
• You’ll see a blinking blue light—this means the doorbell is in sync mode and ready to connect.

Different Models, Same Process

Whether you have the Arlo Essential, Arlo Pro, or Arlo Video Doorbell, the sync process is the same. Just find the small button and hold it until the light blinks.

Tip: Use a Paperclip if Needed

Some sync buttons are recessed. If you can’t press it with your finger, use a paperclip or SIM tool to gently press and hold.

Step 5: Connect to the New WiFi Network

Now that your doorbell is in sync mode, it’s time to connect it to your new WiFi network using the Arlo app.

Step-by-Step Connection

• Return to the Arlo app.
• Tap “Add Device” or “+” in the top corner.
• Select “Video Doorbell” from the list.
• Follow the on-screen prompts.
• When asked, select your new WiFi network from the list.
• Enter the WiFi password carefully—case-sensitive and exact.
• Tap “Next” or “Connect.”

The app will now send the network information to your doorbell. This may take 30–60 seconds.

What If Your Network Doesn’t Appear?

If your new WiFi network isn’t showing up:

• Make sure your phone is connected to the same network you want to use.
• Move closer to your router—signal strength affects visibility.
• Ensure the network is 2.4 GHz (Arlo Doorbells don’t support 5 GHz).

Important: Use 2.4 GHz Only

Arlo Doorbells only work with 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name (e.g., “HomeWiFi”), you may need to temporarily rename the 5 GHz band or disable it during setup. Check your router settings if needed.

Step 6: Wait for the Connection to Complete

After entering the password, the app will attempt to connect your doorbell to the new network. This process can take up to two minutes.

What to Expect

• The app will show a progress bar or spinning icon.
• Your doorbell’s light will blink blue during the process.
• Once connected, the light will turn solid blue or green.

Don’t Interrupt the Process

Avoid closing the app, turning off your phone, or moving too far from the doorbell during this time. Interrupting the connection can cause it to fail.

Tip: Stay Near the Doorbell

Even though you’re using your phone, the doorbell needs a strong signal to receive the network info. Stay within 10–15 feet of it during setup.

Step 7: Test the Connection

Once the app says “Connected” or “Setup Complete,” it’s time to test your doorbell.

How to Test

• Tap on your doorbell in the app to open the live view.
• Check if the video loads quickly and clearly.
• Press the doorbell button (or simulate a press in the app) to see if you receive a notification.
• Test motion detection by walking in front of the doorbell.

If everything works, congratulations—you’ve successfully changed the WiFi on your Arlo Doorbell!

What If It Doesn’t Work?

If the live view is slow, notifications aren’t coming through, or the doorbell goes offline again, don’t panic. We’ll cover troubleshooting in the next section.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful steps, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when changing WiFi on your Arlo Doorbell.

Issue 1: Doorbell Won’t Connect to New Network

If the app says “Connection Failed” or “Unable to Connect”:

• Double-check the WiFi password—typos are the #1 cause of failure.
• Ensure the network is 2.4 GHz.
• Move closer to the router.
• Restart your router and try again.
• Reset the doorbell and repeat the process.

Issue 2: Doorbell Goes Offline After Setup

If your doorbell connects but then disconnects:

• Check your WiFi signal strength at the doorbell location.
• Use a WiFi extender if the signal is weak.
• Ensure the doorbell is within 100 feet of the router (less if there are walls).
• Update the Arlo app and doorbell firmware.

Issue 3: App Can’t Find the Doorbell

If the app doesn’t detect your doorbell during setup:

• Make sure the doorbell is in sync mode (blinking blue light).
• Restart the app and your phone.
• Try removing the doorbell from the app and adding it as a new device.
• Perform a factory reset (see below).

Issue 4: Battery Drains Too Fast After WiFi Change

If your wireless doorbell’s battery drains quickly after reconnecting:

• This can happen if the signal is weak—the doorbell works harder to stay connected.
• Move the router closer or use a WiFi extender.
• Reduce motion detection sensitivity in the app.
• Check for firmware updates—Arlo often releases battery optimizations.

How to Factory Reset Your Arlo Doorbell

If all else fails, a factory reset can solve stubborn connection issues. This erases all settings and returns the doorbell to its original state.

Steps to Reset

• Press and hold the sync button for 20–30 seconds.
• The light will blink rapidly, then turn off.
• Release the button.
• The doorbell will restart and enter sync mode automatically.

After Reset

You’ll need to set up the doorbell as if it were new:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Tap “Add Device.”
• Follow the setup steps from the beginning.

Note: A factory reset will not delete your recordings—those are stored in the cloud. But it will remove custom settings like motion zones and schedules.

Tips for a Smooth WiFi Change

To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:

• Do it during the day: Natural light helps you see the doorbell’s lights clearly.
• Use a strong password: Avoid simple passwords like “123456”—they’re easy to mistype.
• Write down your WiFi details: Keep the network name and password written down nearby.
• Update the app regularly: New versions often include bug fixes and improved setup flows.
• Check for firmware updates: After connecting, go to Device Settings > Firmware to ensure your doorbell is up to date.

Conclusion

Changing the WiFi on your Arlo Doorbell doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a clear step-by-step approach, you can switch networks quickly and confidently. Remember to use the Arlo app, ensure you’re on a 2.4 GHz network, and keep your doorbell charged. If you run into issues, don’t hesitate to reset the device or check your signal strength.

By following this guide, you’ll keep your doorbell connected, secure, and ready to alert you whenever someone’s at the door. Whether you’re upgrading your internet or moving to a new place, your Arlo Doorbell will be back online in no time.

Now go enjoy your smart home—with a doorbell that’s always in touch.