Can Arlo Cameras Have Different Schedules A Complete Guide

Yes, Arlo cameras can have different schedules, allowing you to customize recording times, motion detection, and alerts for each camera individually. This flexibility is ideal for securing multiple areas of your home or property with tailored monitoring—like keeping backyard cameras active at night while disabling front-door cams during the day. Easily managed via the Arlo app, scheduling empowers smarter, more efficient surveillance.

Key Takeaways

• Custom schedules: Arlo cameras support unique schedules per device via the app.
• Geofencing: Use location-based automation to trigger schedules when you leave or arrive.
• Rules integration: Combine schedules with motion detection for smarter recording triggers.
• Multi-user access: Share customized schedules with family members or team members easily.
• Time-based modes: Set different modes (Armed/Disarmed) for day, night, or weekends.
• Sync with modes: Align schedules with Arlo SmartHub modes for unified system control.

Understanding Arlo Camera Scheduling Basics

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your morning coffee, and suddenly remember you forgot to turn on your Arlo camera. Or worse, you’re on vacation, and you realize you left it recording non-stop, draining its battery. Frustrating, right? This is where scheduling comes in. Scheduling your Arlo cameras lets you control when they record, detect motion, or even when they’re active. It’s like having a personal assistant for your home security.

But can Arlo cameras have different schedules? The short answer is yes! Arlo’s flexibility allows you to set unique schedules for each camera. Whether you want your front door camera to stay active all day while your backyard camera only turns on at night, Arlo has you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about scheduling your Arlo cameras, from setup to troubleshooting. By the end, you’ll feel like a pro at managing your home security.

Why Scheduling Matters for Arlo Cameras

Scheduling isn’t just about convenience—it’s about efficiency. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Battery Life: Arlo’s wireless cameras rely on batteries. Scheduling helps conserve power by turning them off when not needed.
• Storage: Recording 24/7 fills up cloud storage quickly. Scheduling reduces unnecessary footage, saving space and money.
• Privacy: You might not want cameras recording when you’re home. Scheduling lets you disable them during personal moments.

For example, if you have a camera in your kids’ playroom, you can schedule it to turn off during nap time. Or, if you work from home, you can disable the front porch camera during business hours. The possibilities are endless!

Setting Up Different Schedules for Each Arlo Camera

Now that you know why scheduling matters, let’s dive into how to set up different schedules for each camera. Arlo’s app makes this surprisingly simple, but there are a few nuances to keep in mind.

Step-by-Step Guide to Custom Schedules

1. Open the Arlo App: Log in to your account and tap the camera you want to schedule.
2. Navigate to Settings: Look for the “Settings” icon (usually a gear or three dots) and select “Schedule.”
3. Create a New Schedule: Tap “Add Schedule” and name it (e.g., “Front Door Daytime”).
4. Set Time Blocks: Choose when the camera should be active (e.g., 7 AM to 7 PM). Repeat for other cameras.
5. Save and Apply: Confirm the schedule and repeat for each camera.

Pro Tip: Use descriptive names for schedules (e.g., “Backyard Night Only”) to avoid confusion later.

Example: Scheduling for a Multi-Camera Setup

Let’s say you have three cameras:

• Front Door: Active 24/7 (for package deliveries).
• Backyard: Active only from 6 PM to 6 AM (to monitor nighttime activity).
• Garage: Active weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM (to watch for deliveries).

With Arlo’s scheduling, you can customize each camera’s behavior independently. No more one-size-fits-all!

Advanced Scheduling Features and Workarounds

Arlo’s basic scheduling is great, but what if you need more control? Maybe you want a camera to activate only when you’re away or sync schedules with other smart devices. Here’s how to level up.

Geofencing for Location-Based Scheduling

Geofencing uses your phone’s location to trigger camera actions. For example:

• When you leave home, all cameras turn on.
• When you return, cameras in private areas (like bedrooms) turn off.

To set this up:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Geofencing” in the Arlo app.
2. Enable “Away Mode” and “Home Mode.”
3. Assign cameras to each mode (e.g., backyard camera only activates in “Away Mode”).

Note: Geofencing requires location permissions on your phone, so make sure it’s enabled.

Smart Home Integrations for Complex Schedules

If you use smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT, you can create even more sophisticated schedules. For example:

• Use Alexa routines to turn on cameras when you say, “Goodnight.”
• Link Arlo to a smart lock so cameras activate when the door unlocks.

These integrations aren’t native to Arlo but add incredible flexibility for power users.

Common Scheduling Challenges and Solutions

Scheduling isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are some common hiccups and how to fix them.

Problem: Schedules Don’t Apply Consistently

Sometimes, schedules seem to “stick” for one camera but not another. Why? Arlo’s app can glitch if you switch between schedules too quickly. Here’s what to do:

• Wait a few minutes after setting a schedule before editing another camera.
• Force-close the app and reopen it if changes don’t appear.
• Check for app updates—bugs are often fixed in newer versions.

Problem: Overlapping Schedules Cause Confusion

If you have multiple schedules (e.g., “Weekdays” and “Vacation”), they might conflict. Arlo follows the most recently saved schedule, so:

• Use the “Priority” feature (if available) to set which schedule takes precedence.
• Keep schedules simple—avoid overlapping time blocks unless necessary.

Problem: Geofencing Doesn’t Work Reliably

Geofencing depends on your phone’s location accuracy. To improve it:

• Keep your phone’s GPS turned on.
• Ensure the Arlo app has background location permissions.
• Test geofencing with a small radius first (e.g., 100 meters).

Comparing Arlo Scheduling to Other Security Cameras

How does Arlo stack up against competitors like Ring, Nest, and Eufy? Let’s break it down.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Nest	Eufy
Custom Schedules Per Camera	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No (whole-home only)	✅ Yes
Geofencing	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Smart Home Integrations	✅ Alexa, Google, IFTTT	✅ Alexa, Google	✅ Google Assistant	✅ Alexa, Google
Battery-Saving Modes	✅ Yes (scheduling + geofencing)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (local storage)

Key Takeaways:

• Arlo and Ring lead in flexibility with per-camera scheduling.
• Nest is simpler but less customizable.
• Eufy lacks geofencing but excels in local storage (no subscription needed).

Pro Tips for Optimizing Your Arlo Schedules

You’ve set up schedules—now let’s make them work smarter. Here are some insider tips.

1. Use Motion Zones to Reduce False Alerts

Pair schedules with motion zones (areas where motion triggers recordings). For example:

• Schedule your driveway camera to be active at night.
• Set motion zones to ignore the street but detect the sidewalk.

This cuts down on unnecessary alerts from passing cars.

2. Sync Schedules with Smart Lighting

Use IFTTT to link Arlo schedules to smart lights. For example:

• When the backyard camera activates at dusk, turn on outdoor lights.
• When the front door camera detects motion at night, flash the porch light.

This deters intruders and makes your home look occupied.

3. Test Schedules Before Relying on Them

Set up a test schedule (e.g., “Test: 3 PM to 3:30 PM”) and check the app to confirm the camera behaves as expected. This avoids surprises when you’re away.

4. Review and Adjust Monthly

Seasons change, routines shift—so should your schedules. Every few weeks, ask:

• Are there cameras recording when they don’t need to?
• Are any schedules causing false alerts?
• Do you need to add a new schedule (e.g., for holidays)?

Conclusion: Mastering Arlo Scheduling for Peace of Mind

Scheduling your Arlo cameras isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must for efficient, personalized home security. Whether you’re conserving battery life, reducing storage costs, or respecting privacy, different schedules give you control over every corner of your home.

From basic time-based schedules to advanced geofencing and smart home integrations, Arlo’s flexibility is unmatched. And while no system is perfect (geofencing glitches happen, and schedules need occasional tweaks), the peace of mind is worth it. You’ll never have to worry about forgetting to turn on a camera again.

So, take the time to customize your schedules today. Your future self—whether it’s the one checking alerts at midnight or the one relaxing on vacation—will thank you. Happy scheduling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras have different schedules for different times of day?

Yes, Arlo cameras support customizable schedules for different times of day via the Arlo app. You can set unique recording or alert schedules for morning, evening, or night modes under the “Mode” settings.

How do I set up multiple schedules for my Arlo cameras?

To set up different schedules, go to the Arlo app, select your camera, and navigate to “Modes & Rules.” Create custom modes with unique schedules for specific days or times, allowing tailored automation for each camera.

Can I assign different schedules to multiple Arlo cameras in one system?

Absolutely. Arlo’s app allows you to assign different schedules to each camera within the same system. Simply select the desired camera, adjust its schedule under “Modes,” and repeat for others—ideal for varying security needs.

Do Arlo cameras support geofencing to trigger different schedules?

Yes, Arlo cameras can use geofencing to activate or deactivate schedules based on your phone’s location. This feature automatically switches modes (e.g., “Home” vs. “Away”), offering hands-free schedule changes aligned with your routine.

Are there limitations to how many schedules I can create for Arlo cameras?

Arlo allows unlimited custom schedules per camera, but each schedule must be tied to a specific “Mode.” While flexible, managing many schedules may require careful organization to avoid conflicts or overlapping rules.

Can I sync different schedules across Arlo cameras using IFTTT?

Yes, with IFTTT integration, you can link Arlo cameras to third-party apps for advanced scheduling. For example, create applets to trigger unique schedules based on weather, smart lights, or other IoT devices for dynamic automation.