I purchased a set of 4 Arlo Pro Spotlight cameras that included a “trial subscription.” When the trial period ended, my 4 cameras would trigger, and I was sent a notification, but I was unable to view any of the recordings. I chatted with an Arlo tech support person, and I was told that there is what amounts to a “work around.” I was advised that by purchasing an Arlo base unit, I’d be able to continue to use my cameras similar to the way that they functioned during the trial period. I purchased the VMB5000, synched my four cameras to it- but the cameras did not work. I chatted with a second Arlo tech support person who advised me that I needed a class 10 SD card. I purchased this MICRO card through Amazon, and when it arrived I searched and eventually found the well hidden micro SD card slot. It’s at the bottom of the base unit. The Record locally toggle switch recognized the SD card; and after following the prompts- I successfully formatted the SD card. I activated both the “record locally” toggle switch, as well as, the “direct storage access” toggle. At this point- I was able, while in Wi-Fi mode on my iPhone, to view captured triggered videos from each camera similar to when the trial subscription was active. However, when I was out of Wi-Fi range, once again, I could no longer view any triggered camera videos. Upon further reading, Arlo states that viewing triggered camera videos, remotely, that is, out of Wi-Fi range can be accomplished with by using a VPN, or by using Port Forwarding. I watched a YouTube video, loaded my ISP’s (Spectrum) App onto by iPhone, and with a few inputs*-I’m happy to say that it works. I can, now, view triggered camera videos either locally, or remotely with my iPhone via the cell phone network. *Arlo app >Devices >Smart Hub/Base Station/Bridge >tap on the base station >Local Storage(storage settings) >activate: Record Locally Direct Storage Access >tap on: Port Forwarding >activate: Enable Port Forwarding Write down the internal and external port numbers- you will Input these on your ISP’s router. I was fortunate I found a YouTube video with instructions for setting up my ISP, Spectrum, router. Good Luck! (FYI: The VPN setup is believed to be more secure than the port forwarding setup- I may explore the VPN option, there are free VPN apps, and there are subscription VPN apps, as well, but my whole thing was to eliminate yet another monthly subscription.

Good camera, the app is pretty user friendly. Installation can be tricky, but once they’re done they work well. I recommend getting the spare battery pack. Mine are up high enough to need a ladder so now it’s 5 minutes to get it back online. The subscription is way too expensive but I’m happy with the product. Just added a 4th camera to my system today and it was really simple to add onto the app.

This review is for the Arlo Wired Doorbell & Pro 4 Camera since I was trying to integrate them to work together. Overall the cameras are just OK, however there are many issues that caused me to return the camera. The biggest issues are the long lag time that makes the video doorbell almost useless, motion sensing and recording not working consistantly, integration with Smarthings not working correctly with long lag time, and the quality of the cameras of not sensing motion and forgetting settings every night. Pros: * Good Price when on sale for $79 (Doorbell Camera) * Decent video quality (though hard to read a license plate) * Night vision (only in black in white) works well if the IR light does not reflect off an object close to the camera lens. (Doorbell Camera) * Color Night vision (Pro 4 – as long as you enable the internal spotlight) * Motion alert (only motion) will send to Smartthings to be able to trigger lights (via a web connection) * Will ring your wired doorbell * Announces on Google Nests, however there is a delay after the doorbell is pressed * Allows pre canned announcements that the user on the app can send while in a call after the doorbell is pressed. * Allows someone to leave a message after ringing the doorbell * Get email alerts of low battery (Pro 4 camera) Cons: * One of 3 cameras forgets / changes record length time every night to 10 seconds even though the app is set to record for 120 seconds (Pro 4 Camera) * One of 3 cameras will not sense motion most of the time and when it does you have to be very close to the camera (Pro 4 camera) * Cross triggering of recording of motion on one camera to start recording on another camera takes from 2 to 12 seconds and sometimes does not trigger the other camera. * Cross triggering of recoding will not work properly when linked to other cameras to record, setting time limit of recording to motion would not record anything if triggered by another camera * Cross triggering of recording will not work if you mask the recording area on the cameras triggered to record. * Batteries only lasted 4 to 6 days (Pro 4 camera) * Can not use color night vision if you turn off the spotlight. I have motion yard lights that turn on, however you must turn the camera spotlight on (and use camera battery) to see in color. (Pro 4 Camera) * Plan on spending hours to work with customer service. I found the phone number works best during the day. You must look to find the number. * Very long delay, about 13 seconds to get notification on your phone after the doorbell is pressed, and 8 to 14 seconds when trying to talk to someone at your door when they ring the doorbell. That is a 16 to 28 second round trip wait to ask a question. I have gigabit internet and a dedicated wireless router for just the one camera so it is not a bandwidth issue on my side. Customer service told me that they have a typical delay of 5 seconds. * Audio is choppy and drops out often, even with the built-in messages. * Motion sensor only works for the bottom half of the screen. If you aim the camera down to see the step in front of your door, it may not pick up anything from the sidewalk as people enter * No prerecording of what happened before the motion sensor triggers (when it triggers) * Masking of the area you want to record does not work properly. Customer service told me to turn it off to ensure I get more motion sensing. * No way to turn off black and white video at night, even when you have motion lights that turn on. (wired doorbell camera) * Light and the internal IR light will cause bad glares across the video if reflected into the camera lens * Camera will not record when sent “record” from Smartthings. (possibly may work if mask is turned off) then it would take 12 to 29 seconds to start recording (if it starts at all) * No way to turn certain types of alarm notifications on / off for different times of the day to the app while maintain motions sensors and recording. * Android app has some issues such as no way to turn on / off night vision light. You must log in to a web-based control to turn on / off * No direct connection to Smartthings, must rely on the internet and link your account. * Smartthings only gets motion alerts from Arlo, it cannot receive alerts for people, vehicles, packages, animals, etc. * Alarm types in Smartthings do not work properly: (Strobe, Siren and Strobe, Siren) All settings sound the siren and turn the light on. * Can not record locally with an IP based recorder or software like Blue Iris * Must pay a monthly fee to be able to record. * Must pay a higher monthly fee if you want to add another camera to use as a motion sensor so the doorbell will record when someone comes down the sidewalk towards the door. * The Android app needs to be fixed. Originally when I got the camera I could only use iOS (Apple) phone to connect the camera, they have since fixed that, however other features still do not work as of 9 December 2022 Overall, I got this camera to use to integrate with Smarthings, to record on certain events and THIS DOES NOT WORK correctly with Smartthings. You must get other Arlo cameras to trigger the other Arlo cameras to record. You cannot use routines or existing Smartthings sensors to trigger a recording. The motion sensor on the camera is not sensitive enough to cover my sidewalk and driveway, and only the bottom half of the screen is what can be used to sense motion. Never got the cameras working properly, never received follow up support as promised The agent did not understand the problems, nor was able to fix them. the issues are in the hardware and software of the product.

These are good quality cameras with clear picture. Super easy to install and the app works well. The motion detection is quick, sound is great, alarm is great. The motion zones don't always work great and I get motion alerts outside the zones (very annoying on my front cameras that point toward the road). Batteries die quickly if there is a lot of motion, but they charge quickly and easily.

Excellent addition to my 2 older ARLO cameras. Setup and operation went very well. Has several improvements over the older cameras. Great price and fast shipping.

Will change this if a response happens. Product arrived missing any charging cable or outlet and missing 1 of 3 batteries and magnetic mounts. Does not have the other set of screw-in mounts that the manufacturer includes. So, not a refurbished full set. EDIT: Great response and missing parts were mailed promptly.