Can Arlo Cameras Be Turned Off Here Is How To Do It

Yes, Arlo cameras can be turned off easily through the Arlo app or by using the physical power button on select models, giving you full control over when your camera is active. This feature is ideal for privacy or conserving battery life, and can be managed remotely from your smartphone or tablet with just a few taps.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo cameras can be turned off via the app or physical power button.
• Use the Arlo app to disable cameras remotely in seconds.
• Schedule on/off times to automate camera activity and save power.
• Unplugging cuts power but resets settings—use only when necessary.
• Disable motion alerts first to avoid false notifications during shutdown.
• Check LED indicators to confirm camera status after turning off.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Turned Off? Here’s How To Do It

Imagine this: You just got home after a long day, and all you want is a quiet evening with your family. But then you notice your Arlo camera’s tiny red light still blinking—recording every move in the living room. You think, Can I turn this thing off for a few hours without losing all my security?

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this same dilemma. Whether you’re hosting a private gathering, want some peace during a nap, or just don’t want your camera capturing every time you walk into the kitchen for a midnight snack, knowing how to control your Arlo camera’s activity is essential. The good news? Yes, Arlo cameras can be turned off—but the method depends on your model, setup, and needs. In this guide, we’ll walk through every way to disable, pause, or power down your Arlo camera, with practical tips, real-life examples, and a few things to watch out for along the way.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera’s Power and Recording Modes

Before we dive into turning off your Arlo camera, it helps to understand how these devices work. Arlo offers a range of cameras—wireless, wired, indoor, outdoor, battery-powered, solar-compatible—and each behaves differently when “turned off.”

What Does “Turned Off” Really Mean?

When people say “turn off” their Arlo camera, they usually mean one of three things:

• Stop recording and motion detection (but keep the camera powered)
• Power down completely (no lights, no Wi-Fi, no activity)
• Disable notifications and alerts (keep recording but mute the noise)

Each of these options has different implications for security, privacy, and battery life. For example, if you’re using a battery-powered Arlo Pro 4, turning off motion detection might extend battery life. But if you fully power it down, you’ll lose remote access until it’s back online.

Key Differences Between Arlo Models

Not all Arlo cameras handle “off” the same way. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series: Support smart modes (like “Home” and “Away”) that let you disable motion detection without cutting power.
• Arlo Wire-Free (battery-powered): Can be fully powered off via the app, but this disconnects it from Wi-Fi and resets motion zones.
• Arlo Go (LTE-powered): Can be disabled through the app, but requires LTE signal to re-enable.
• Arlo Floodlight and Doorbell: Often tied to schedules or automation—turning them “off” may require adjusting routines.

Knowing your model helps you choose the right method. For instance, if you have an Arlo Pro 3, you can use the “Home” mode to stop recording when you’re around. But if you have an older Arlo Go, you might need to manually disable it through the app or physically remove the battery.

How to Turn Off Arlo Cameras Using the App (Step-by-Step)

The Arlo app is your central control hub. Whether you want to pause recording, disable alerts, or fully power down, the app makes it easy—if you know where to look.

Disabling Motion Detection and Recording (Soft Off)

This is the most common way to “turn off” your Arlo camera without losing access. It’s perfect for when you’re home and want privacy, but still want the camera ready when you leave.

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the “Mode” button (usually at the bottom of the home screen).
3. Select “Home” mode. This disables motion detection and stops recording for all cameras set to this mode.
4. To re-enable, switch back to “Away” or “Custom” mode.

Pro Tip: You can customize what “Home” mode does. For example, you might want your backyard camera to keep recording but disable the front door camera. Go to Settings > Modes > Edit Home Mode and toggle individual cameras on or off.

Turning Off Notifications Only

Sometimes you don’t want the camera off—just the constant beeping and push notifications.

1. In the Arlo app, tap the camera you want to adjust.
2. Go to Settings > Notifications.
3. Toggle off “Motion Alerts” and “Sound Alerts”.

This keeps recording active but silences your phone. Handy for when you’re working from home and don’t want to be distracted by every leaf blowing in the wind.

Fully Powering Down via the App (For Select Models)

Some newer Arlo models (like the Essential series) let you power off the camera remotely through the app. This cuts power completely—no Wi-Fi, no recording, no lights.

1. Open the camera’s live feed.
2. Tap the power icon (usually in the top-right corner).
3. Select “Power Off”.
4. To turn it back on, tap “Power On”—the camera will reconnect to Wi-Fi in 30–60 seconds.

Note: This feature isn’t available on all models. Older Arlo Pro or Ultra cameras won’t show this option. For those, you’ll need to use modes or physical methods (covered later).

Physical Methods: How to Manually Turn Off Arlo Cameras

Sometimes the app isn’t enough. Maybe your Wi-Fi is down, or you’re troubleshooting a glitch. That’s when physical methods come in handy.

Removing the Battery (For Battery-Powered Models)

If you have an Arlo Pro, Essential, or Wire-Free camera, you can turn it off by removing the battery.

1. Locate the battery compartment (usually on the back or bottom).
2. Press the release tab and slide out the battery.
3. Store it safely—don’t let it touch metal objects or get wet.

When you’re ready to turn it back on, reinsert the battery. The camera will boot up and reconnect to Wi-Fi automatically.

Real-life example: My neighbor, Sarah, uses this trick when her kids are having a sleepover. She removes the battery from the living room camera and stores it in a drawer. No awkward moments, no accidental recordings. When the kids leave, she pops the battery back in—good as new.

Unplugging Wired or Solar-Powered Cameras

For Arlo Ultra, Floodlight, or wired Essential cameras, unplugging is the simplest way to power down.

• Unplug the power adapter from the wall.
• For solar panels, disconnect the cable from the camera (not the panel).

Caution: Don’t unplug the solar panel itself—it can damage the battery over time. Always disconnect at the camera end.

Using a Physical Switch (Rare but Possible)

Some users install a simple wall switch or smart plug to control their Arlo cameras. For example, you could plug your Arlo Ultra into a smart plug (like a TP-Link Kasa) and turn it off via Alexa or Google Home.

Just say, “Hey Google, turn off the front camera.” The smart plug cuts power, and the camera goes dark. Turn it back on with a voice command or the smart plug app.

Tip: This only works for wired cameras. Battery-powered models won’t respond to smart plugs.

Smart Scheduling: Automate When Your Arlo Cameras Turn Off

Why turn your camera off manually every time you come home? With smart scheduling, your Arlo can do it automatically.

Using Geofencing to Turn Off When You’re Home

Geofencing uses your phone’s location to detect when you’re near home. When you arrive, Arlo can switch to “Home” mode—disabling motion detection and recording.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Modes > Geofencing.
2. Enable geofencing and select your home location.
3. Set the radius (e.g., 500 feet).
4. Choose which mode activates when you arrive (usually “Home”).

When you leave, Arlo automatically switches to “Away” mode. No more forgetting to turn on your cameras!

Real-life example: I use geofencing with my Arlo Pro 4. When I pull into the driveway, the app switches to “Home” mode. The red light turns off, and I get no alerts. When I leave for work, it flips back to “Away.” It’s like having a personal security assistant.

Creating Custom Schedules

Geofencing isn’t perfect—maybe you work from home or have irregular hours. That’s where custom schedules help.

1. Go to Settings > Modes > Schedule.
2. Create a new schedule (e.g., “Weekday Privacy”).
3. Set the time (e.g., 6 PM to 8 PM) and select “Home” mode.
4. Repeat for weekends or other times.

Now your camera turns off every evening when you’re home—no manual effort.

Integrating with Smart Home Routines

If you use Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, you can tie your Arlo to broader routines.

• Alexa: Create a routine like “Goodnight” that turns off Arlo cameras, locks the doors, and dims the lights.
• Google Home: Use “I’m Home” to disable motion detection and play your favorite playlist.
• HomeKit: Link Arlo to a scene that activates when your iPhone connects to your home Wi-Fi.

This level of automation makes turning off your camera feel effortless.

What Happens When You Turn Off Your Arlo Camera? Pros and Cons

Turning off your Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it affects security, privacy, and performance. Let’s weigh the trade-offs.

Pros of Turning Off Your Arlo Camera

• More privacy: No recordings when you’re home—ideal for intimate moments or guests.
• Longer battery life: Disabling motion detection can double or triple battery life on wireless models.
• Fewer false alerts: No more notifications for your cat or passing cars.
• Peace of mind: A camera that’s off can’t be hacked or misused.

Cons and Risks to Consider

• Security gap: If you forget to turn it back on, your home is unprotected.
• No remote access: A fully powered-off camera won’t stream live video, even if you’re away.
• Reconnection delays: It can take 30–60 seconds for a camera to reconnect to Wi-Fi after powering on.
• Data loss: If you remove the battery or unplug, any unsaved clips might be lost (if not synced to the cloud).

Balancing Privacy and Security

The key is finding a balance. For example:

• Use “Home” mode instead of fully powering off—keeps the camera ready but stops recording.
• Set geofencing so it turns off when you’re home and back on when you leave.
• For battery models, disable motion detection instead of removing the battery—saves battery without losing access.

One friend, Mark, told me he used to unplug his Arlo every weekend. But after a break-in while he was away, he switched to geofencing. Now he gets privacy at home and security when he’s out—the best of both worlds.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Power Options Compared

Method	Camera Models Supported	Wi-Fi Connected?	Recording Active?	Battery Life Impact	Best For
Home Mode	All (via app)	Yes	No (motion off)	Low (minimal drain)	Daily privacy at home
App Power Off	Essential, Pro 4, Ultra 2	No	No	None (camera off)	Long-term disable (e.g., vacations)
Remove Battery	Wire-Free, Pro, Essential	No	No	None	Quick manual control
Unplug Power	Wired, Ultra, Floodlight	No	No	None	Permanent or long-term disable
Smart Plug	Wired models only	No	No	None	Voice-controlled disable
Geofencing	All (with phone)	Yes	No (at home)	Low	Automated privacy

Final Thoughts: Turning Off Arlo Cameras the Smart Way

So, can Arlo cameras be turned off? Absolutely. But the real question is: How should you turn them off? The answer depends on your lifestyle, camera model, and security needs.

For most people, the best approach is a mix of smart features. Use geofencing or schedules to automatically disable cameras when you’re home. Use “Home” mode for quick privacy. And only fully power down (via app or physically) when you need a long break—like a vacation or a major event.

Remember, turning off your camera isn’t about distrusting technology. It’s about owning it. Your home, your privacy, your rules. Whether you’re silencing notifications for a quiet night or removing the battery for a family game night, you’re in control.

And if you ever worry about forgetting to turn it back on? Set a phone reminder. Or better yet, let geofencing do the work. Because the best security system is one that adapts to your life—not the other way around.

Now go ahead—turn off that blinking red light, take a deep breath, and enjoy your space. Your Arlo camera will be ready when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be turned off remotely?

Yes, you can turn off Arlo cameras remotely using the Arlo app or web portal. Simply select the camera, tap the power icon, and choose “Turn Off” to disable recording and motion detection.

How do I temporarily disable my Arlo camera without unplugging it?

To temporarily disable your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, go to the camera settings, and toggle the “Camera On/Off” switch. This stops recording while keeping the device powered and connected to your network.

Is there a way to schedule when Arlo cameras turn off and on?

Yes, Arlo’s “Modes” feature lets you schedule when cameras turn off/on. Set custom schedules in the app under “Mode Settings” to automate camera activity, like disabling outdoor cameras during daytime hours.

Why would I want to turn off my Arlo camera?

Turning off Arlo cameras can save battery life (for wireless models), reduce unnecessary recordings, or address privacy concerns when you’re home. It’s also useful during maintenance or repositioning.

Can I turn off motion alerts without disabling the entire Arlo camera?

Absolutely. Navigate to your camera’s settings in the app, select “Motion Detection,” and toggle off alerts. The camera will stay on but won’t send notifications or record motion-triggered clips.

Does turning off an Arlo camera delete stored footage?

No, turning off your Arlo camera only stops new recordings. Existing footage saved to the cloud or a local storage device remains intact and accessible unless manually deleted.