How to Connect Arlo Pro4 to Google Wi-Fi (the 2.4 GHz problem)

To get a Pro4 to connect to Google Wi-Fi, you must connect your iPhone or Android to the same access point, both using 2.4 GHz. Sounds easy, but using Google Wi-Fi, this capability does not exist.

Therefore, here is what you must do.

  • Disconnect all but one Google Wi-Fi. This is a temporary measure; you’ll turn plug them back in later.
  • Force 2.4 GHz mode. Since Google Wi-Fi (the 802.11ac Wave 1 version) does not allow you to specify that you must connect using 2.4 GHz. Searching through the support pages for Google Wi-Fi, it has a “hint” that says is you move far enough away from your Google Wi-Fi device, you’ll eventually get too far away that it connects using 5 GHz and it’ll switch over to 2.4 GHz. The way to make sure you’re connecting to 2.4 GHz is to switch over to the Google Home application, click on Devices, find your iPhone (or Android), click Info and see if it says 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Keep moving away from your only working Google Wi-Fi device until you connect to 2.4 GHz.
  • Disable VPN and related blockers. I use the Lockdown VPN application. You must disconnect from VPNs because the requirement for the Arlo app is that you are connected to the “same” network. If you have a VPN or NAT on, you’ll be connecting to a different network.
  • Now follow the directions on your Arlo app. Go to Devices, scroll to the bottom to +Add Devices. Follow the steps, with blue blinking lights, QR codes, then the find function.

Now, plug in all your Google Wi-Fi devices and your Arlo Pro4 should be working.

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