Arlo Pro 5S not available for setup in Arlo Secure

[lluppani]

Hi all!

I'm trying to setup my newly purchased Arlo Pro 5S 2K camera and I cannot do it, the main reason being that my camera model doesn't appear on the list of cameras to be added. When I choose `Add New Device`, then `Cameras` and finally `Pro Series`, the latest camera that I see there listed there is the Pro 4. 

I have the last version of the app (v 5.2.2), the camera was purchased in Amazon and I live in Argentina.

Thanks!

[jguerdat]

Argentina can't have a subscription (see below) so that's the likely reason you can't add the camera. There are tricks/workarounds such as using a VPN to the US or other supported country to set it up but that's it.

https://kb.arlo.com/000062249/Where-is-Arlo-Secure-available

[lluppani]

Thanks!

Weird that I have Arlo for years working fine here and now this appears with a new product... Now they geolocalized products, trying to squeeze the last little bit of milk out of the cash cow...

Will try... to do that basically I need to create a new account from scratch using a VPN right?

[jguerdat]

The legacy cameras (Pro 2 and older) didn't need a subscription so work all over. New ones need the sub to work.

You can delete your account and all devices in Settings, Data Privacy, Account to maybe make it easier. Then create the VPN to the appropriate country, create your account (use the same credentials if you like) and set up the whole system again. You'll need to use a credit card from that country you're connected to to add the subscription once the rail sub expires.

Or create a second account.

[Juanmaclio]

Hi there. I've purchased an Arlo PRO 5S bundle in Best Buy. I am from Argentina, and having the latest app, and my phone OS according to specs, I still cannot make these cams work. 

I get to the point where I scan the QR and so on, but it keeps on searching for devices, and then it times out.

really frustrating!!!

Also, what if I don't want to use Arlo Secure app? because I have a 30 day trial, but then I don't want to purchase any plans. Had Arlo cams before, and no plans were required.

What would be the next steps? 

Thanks

[StephenB]

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@Juanmaclio wrote:

Had Arlo cams before, and no plans were required.

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Legacy models (pro, pro 2, some others) were sold with 7-day cloud storage.  Arlo stopped doing that for new models back in 2018, and all current cameras require a subscription for cloud storage.  Unfortunately subscriptions are not available in Argentina.  

There is no alternative to the app.   But if a VMB4540 or VMB5000 smarthub was included in your kit, you can use local storage instead of a subscription.  There are lots of limitations.

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@Juanmaclio wrote:

I get to the point where I scan the QR and so on, but it keeps on searching for devices, and then it times out.

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Are you able to select the Pro 5s in "add device"?

Is the phone connected to your home wifi (with any VPNs turned off)?

Have you also tried a PC (my.arlo.com)?

[Juanmaclio]

Thanks for your answer.

I don't have 5s in my Add Device section. It goes only up to 4 Pro. Tried adding that one instead but no luck.

phone connected to my wifi. no VPN.

from arlo.com I don't have 5S either.

[StephenB]

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@Juanmaclio wrote:

I don't have 5s in my Add Device section. It goes only up to 4 Pro. Tried adding that one instead but no luck.

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The only workaround I know of is to 

• create a new account while using a VPN that terminates in the US
• disconnect the VPN
• then add the camera with "add device"

You will need a VMB4540 or VMB5000 smarthub if you don't want to purchase a plan. Then you can use the direct access to local storage feature of those smarthubs.  There are a number of limitations with that feature, so post back if that is a path you want to explore.

And you do decide to go with a plan, you will need a US payment method.