Where to find your payment settings in Arlo
To change your payment method on Arlo, log into your account on the Arlo website or open the Arlo mobile app, then go to Account Settings and select Billing or Payment Method. The exact location depends on whether you're using the web version or the app, but both routes lead to the same place.
On the web, click your profile icon in the top right corner, then choose My Account. Scroll down to the Billing section. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then Settings, then Account, then Billing. You should see your current payment method listed there.
If you don't see a billing section, you may not have any active subscriptions or paid services on your account. Arlo's free tier does not require a payment method, so the billing page only appears once you've purchased a subscription or service.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Arlo account on the website or app and navigate to Account Settings, then Billing to view and change your payment method.
- You can add a new credit or debit card, or update an existing one, directly from the payment method page without canceling your current subscription.
- Changes to your payment method take effect immediately for future charges, but do not affect charges already processed.
- If a payment fails, Arlo will attempt to charge your account again using the updated payment method on your next billing cycle.
Adding a new card or updating an existing one
Once you're in the Billing section, look for a button labeled Add Payment Method, Update Payment Method, or Edit next to your current card. Click it to enter your new card details: the cardholder name, card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back).
Arlo accepts all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enter your billing address exactly as it appears on your card statement, because mismatches can cause payment failures. After you submit the new card information, Arlo may run a small temporary charge (usually $1) to verify the card is valid. This charge will be reversed within a few business days.
If you have multiple cards on file, you can set one as your default payment method for future charges. Look for a radio button or checkbox next to each card and select the one you want to use going forward.
Removing an old payment method
You cannot remove your only payment method while you have an active subscription, because Arlo needs a way to charge you at renewal. However, once you've added a new card and set it as your default, you can delete the old one.
Go back to the Billing section, find the card you want to remove, and look for a Delete or Remove button next to it. Click it and confirm the removal. The old card will be deleted immediately and will not be used for any future charges.
If you're trying to remove your only payment method because you want to cancel your subscription, cancel the subscription first through the same Billing section. Once the subscription is canceled and no longer active, you can remove the card.
What happens when your payment fails
If a charge fails on your current payment method—because the card expired, was reported lost, or the issuer declined the charge—Arlo will send you an email notification. The email will tell you that payment could not be processed and ask you to update your payment method.
You have a grace period to update your card before Arlo suspends your subscription or service. The length of this period varies, but is typically 10 to 15 days. During this time, your service may continue to work, but you will receive reminder emails. Update your payment method as soon as you see the first notice to avoid any interruption.
Once you've updated your card, Arlo will attempt to charge the failed amount on your next billing cycle. If the charge succeeds, your account returns to normal standing. If it fails again, the grace period restarts and you'll receive another notification.
Changing payment method on the Arlo app versus the website
The process is nearly identical on both platforms, but the app is often faster if you're on your phone. The app's Billing section is usually more streamlined and requires fewer clicks to reach your payment settings.
If you update your payment method on the app, the change syncs to your web account immediately, and vice versa. You do not need to update it in both places. However, if you're having trouble on one platform, try the other—some users find the web version more reliable for payment updates, especially on older phones.
Both the app and website are equally secure for entering card information. Arlo encrypts all payment data and does not store your full card number on its servers.
Troubleshooting payment method changes that don't go through
If you try to add a new card and receive an error message, first check that you've entered all information correctly: the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address must match your card issuer's records exactly. Spaces or dashes in the card number field can sometimes cause problems, so try entering the number without any formatting.
If the error persists, contact your card issuer to confirm the card is not blocked or flagged for fraud. Some banks decline online transactions by default until you confirm them. You may need to call your bank and authorize Arlo as a merchant before the card will work.
If your card is valid and your bank confirms it's not blocked, try adding the card again after a few minutes. Temporary server issues on Arlo's end can cause failed submissions. If it still doesn't work after a second attempt, contact Arlo support through the app or website—they can manually process the payment method change or investigate whether your account has a restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my payment method cancel my subscription?
No. Changing your payment method does not affect your subscription status. Your service will continue uninterrupted, and the new card will be charged on your next billing date. You only cancel a subscription if you explicitly choose to do so in the Billing section.
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card with Arlo?
Yes, as long as the prepaid card is a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. However, prepaid cards sometimes decline if the issuer thinks the transaction is suspicious. If your prepaid card is declined, contact the card issuer to authorize Arlo as a merchant, or use a different card.
How long does it take for a new payment method to start working?
A new payment method starts working immediately after you save it. If you've just added a card to replace a failed one, Arlo will attempt to charge it on your next scheduled billing date, which may be within days or weeks depending on your subscription cycle.
What if I want to use a different payment method for each subscription?
Arlo does not allow you to assign different cards to different subscriptions. All active subscriptions on your account will be charged to your default payment method. If you need separate billing, you would need to create separate Arlo accounts.
Can I change my payment method if my account is suspended?
Yes. Even if your account is suspended due to a failed payment, you can still log in and update your payment method. Once you've added a valid card, contact Arlo support to request that they retry the charge and reactivate your account.