Can I Disarm One of 2 Arlo Cameras A Quick Guide

Yes, you can disarm one of two Arlo cameras without affecting the other by customizing individual camera settings through the Arlo app. Simply select the desired camera, adjust its mode to “Disarmed,” and leave the other active—ideal for privacy or focused monitoring. This quick solution ensures flexibility and control over your home security setup.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can disarm one Arlo camera without affecting the other using the app’s device settings.
• Use the “Device Settings” menu to toggle individual cameras on or off remotely in real-time.
• Create custom modes like “Home” or “Away” to control which cameras stay active.
• Disarmed cameras won’t record or alert but still display live feed when manually accessed.
• Schedule disarming via rules to automate camera downtime during specific hours or events.
• Check camera status icons in the app to confirm which units are currently armed.

Understanding Arlo Cameras and Their Disarming Options

Have you ever found yourself wondering, can I disarm one of 2 Arlo cameras without affecting the other? Maybe you’ve got a camera pointed at the front yard and another at the backyard, but you only want to disable the backyard one temporarily. Perhaps you’re hosting a small gathering and don’t want the camera recording guests in a more private area of your property. These are common scenarios for Arlo users, and the good news is—yes, you can disarm one camera while keeping the other active. But how exactly does it work, and are there any limitations or tricks to keep in mind?

Arlo cameras are popular for their flexibility, ease of use, and smart home integration. Whether you’re using the Arlo Pro, Arlo Essential, or Arlo Ultra, the system is designed to give you granular control over your security setup. But like any tech, it’s not always intuitive at first glance. I remember when I first set up my dual-camera system—I accidentally disarmed both cameras trying to disable just one. It was frustrating, but after some trial and error (and a few late-night support chats), I learned the ins and outs. This guide is here to save you that trouble. We’ll walk through everything you need to know about selectively disarming your Arlo cameras, from the app settings to scheduling, geofencing, and even troubleshooting common issues.

How Arlo’s Disarming System Works

Individual vs. Group Disarming

One of the first things to understand is that Arlo treats each camera as an individual device, but they can also be grouped under a single base station or hub. This means you have two main options when it comes to disarming:

• Disarming a single camera: You can turn off motion detection and recording for one camera while the other stays active.
• Disarming a group or all cameras: This turns off all cameras connected to the same base station or account.

The key is knowing where to look in the app. When you open the Arlo app (available on iOS and Android), you’ll see your devices listed individually. Tapping on a specific camera gives you access to its unique settings—including the ability to disarm just that one. It’s like having two light switches in your house: you can turn off the kitchen light without affecting the living room.

For example, let’s say you have:

• Camera 1: Front porch (you want it active)
• Camera 2: Backyard (you want it disarmed for a BBQ)

You don’t need to disable the whole system. Just open the app, tap on Camera 2, and toggle off motion detection and recording. Camera 1 continues working as normal. This granular control is one of Arlo’s strengths, but it’s easy to miss if you’re not familiar with the interface.

Disarming via the Arlo App

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to disarm a single camera:

1. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. From the home screen, tap on the camera you want to disarm (e.g., “Backyard Camera”).
3. Look for the “Motion Detection” toggle—this controls whether the camera records when it senses movement.
4. Toggle it off. You’ll see the camera icon change to indicate it’s disarmed.
5. Optionally, you can also disable “Audio Detection” if your model supports it.
6. To re-enable, just toggle it back on.

Tip: You can also access this from the camera’s settings menu (the gear icon), but the direct toggle on the camera card is faster for quick changes.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the app sometimes takes a few seconds to sync the change across devices. So if you don’t see the update immediately on your tablet, wait 10–15 seconds and refresh. This is especially true if you’re using a slow Wi-Fi connection or have multiple base stations.

Using Schedules to Automatically Disarm Cameras

Setting Up Custom Disarm Times

Manually toggling cameras on and off every day isn’t practical. That’s where schedules come in. Arlo lets you create custom schedules for each camera, so you can automatically disarm one during specific hours while keeping the other active.

For instance, you might want to:

• Disarm the backyard camera every evening from 6 PM to 9 PM (when you’re grilling or having guests over).
• Keep the front door camera armed 24/7.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices.
2. Select the camera you want to schedule (e.g., “Backyard Camera”).
3. Tap on “Schedule”.
4. Choose “Custom” and set your desired time slots.
5. For each time block, select “Disarmed” for when you want the camera off, and “Armed” for when it should be active.
6. Save the schedule.

Pro tip: You can set different schedules for weekdays vs. weekends. Maybe you only want the backyard camera disarmed on weekends, or during summer months. Arlo’s scheduling is flexible enough to handle that.

Example: A Real-World Schedule

Let’s say you’re a homeowner who works from home. You have:

• Front Door Camera: Always armed.
• Backyard Camera: Disarmed during work hours (9 AM–5 PM) when you’re in the yard, and also from 6 PM–9 PM for family time.

Your schedule would look like this:

Camera	Time	Status
Front Door	All day	Armed
Backyard	12 AM–9 AM	Armed
Backyard	9 AM–5 PM	Disarmed
Backyard	5 PM–6 PM	Armed
Backyard	6 PM–9 PM	Disarmed
Backyard	9 PM–12 AM	Armed

This way, you’re protected when needed, but not recording yourself during private moments. The best part? Once it’s set, you don’t have to think about it again—unless you want to adjust the times.

Leveraging Geofencing for Smarter Disarming

How Geofencing Works with Arlo

If you’re tired of manually disarming cameras or relying on fixed schedules, geofencing might be your new best friend. Geofencing uses your smartphone’s location to automatically arm or disarm cameras based on whether you’re home or away.

For example, when you leave your neighborhood:

• Your phone triggers the Arlo system to arm all cameras.
• When you return, the system disarms specific cameras (like the backyard) while keeping others (like the front door) active.

But here’s the catch: Arlo’s built-in geofencing only supports arming/disarming all cameras together. So if you want to disarm just one camera using geofencing, you’ll need to use a workaround—like integrating with a smart home platform.

Using Smart Home Integrations (e.g., Alexa, Home Assistant)

This is where things get powerful. By connecting Arlo to platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Home Assistant, you can create custom automation rules. These allow you to disarm individual cameras based on your location.

Here’s how it works with Alexa:

1. Link your Arlo account to the Alexa app.
2. Create a routine: “When I arrive home”.
3. In the routine actions, add: “Turn off Backyard Camera”.
4. Keep the Front Door Camera armed by not including it in the routine.

Similarly, in Home Assistant, you can use the Arlo integration and write automations in YAML or the UI. For example:

• Trigger: Your phone enters the “Home” zone.
• Action: Disarm “Backyard Camera”.
• Condition: Time is between 5 PM and 9 PM (so it doesn’t disarm late at night).

I’ve used this setup for years, and it’s a game-changer. No more fiddling with the app when I get home from work. The backyard camera turns off automatically, but the front door stays on. It feels like your home knows what you need before you ask.

Troubleshooting Common Disarming Issues

Camera Won’t Stay Disarmed

One of the most frustrating things is when a camera refuses to stay disarmed. You toggle it off, but it turns back on after a few minutes. This usually happens due to:

• Overlapping schedules: You’ve set a schedule that overrides your manual change.
• Geofencing or automation rules: A smart home routine is re-arming the camera.
• App sync delay: The change hasn’t fully synced across devices.

To fix it:

1. Check your schedule settings for the camera. Make sure no time block is set to “Armed” during the period you want it disarmed.
2. Review any smart home routines that might be triggering the camera.
3. Log out and back into the Arlo app, or restart the app to force a sync.
4. As a last resort, reboot the camera (turn it off and on via the app or power cycle).

I once had this issue during a party—the backyard camera kept re-arming because a schedule I’d forgotten about was set to “Armed” at 7 PM. A quick check in the app revealed the culprit. Lesson learned: always double-check schedules before events.

Disarming Doesn’t Work on One Camera

If the disarm toggle is grayed out or unresponsive for one camera but works for the other, it could be due to:

• Camera firmware issues: Outdated firmware can cause glitches.
• Network connectivity: The camera might be offline or on a weak signal.
• Subscription limitations: Some Arlo plans restrict individual camera controls.

Try these steps:

1. Check the camera’s status in the app. If it shows “Offline,” troubleshoot connectivity first.
2. Update the camera’s firmware via Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update.
3. Verify your Arlo subscription. Free accounts have fewer features than paid plans (e.g., Arlo Secure).
4. Remove and re-add the camera to your account (this resets its settings).

Note: If you’re using a multi-camera subscription, make sure each camera is properly assigned to your plan. Sometimes, a camera might be linked to a different account or subscription tier, which can cause control issues.

Advanced Tips for Managing Multiple Arlo Cameras

Using Camera Labels and Groups

When you have two or more cameras, organization is key. Use clear labels (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”) so you can easily identify which camera to disarm.

You can also create camera groups in the Arlo app:

• Go to Settings > My Devices > Create Group.
• Add cameras that share similar needs (e.g., “Outdoor Cameras”).
• Now you can arm or disarm the group with one tap—but remember, this affects all cameras in the group.

Use groups for broad changes (e.g., disarming all outdoor cameras at night), and individual controls for fine-tuning.

Best Practices for Privacy and Security

Disarming a camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about privacy. You might not want recordings of:

• Guests in your backyard.
• Your kids playing in a private area.
• Yourself during personal time.

Here are some best practices:

• Disarm during known private events: Use schedules or geofencing for regular gatherings.
• Notify guests: Let them know which cameras are active and when they’re disarmed.
• Review recordings regularly: Make sure disarmed cameras aren’t accidentally capturing data.
• Use local storage (if available): Some Arlo models support microSD cards, which can be removed when the camera is disarmed for extra privacy.

I once had a neighbor ask why my backyard camera was always off during summer evenings. I explained it was for privacy, and they appreciated the transparency. Good security respects both safety and personal space.

Another tip: If you’re using Arlo’s cloud storage, remember that disarming a camera stops new recordings, but doesn’t delete existing ones. So if you disarm a camera after it’s already recorded something, that footage stays in your library until you delete it manually.

Final Thoughts: Can I Disarm One of 2 Arlo Cameras?

So, can I disarm one of 2 Arlo cameras? Absolutely—and it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re using the app’s direct toggle, setting up schedules, leveraging geofencing, or integrating with smart home platforms, Arlo gives you the tools to customize your security setup with precision.

The key is understanding the difference between individual and group controls, and using automation to reduce manual effort. I’ve gone from fumbling with toggles during a backyard BBQ to having my cameras adjust automatically based on my location and routine. It’s not magic—it’s smart setup.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to turn cameras on and off. It’s to create a system that works for your lifestyle—protecting your home when you’re away, while respecting privacy when you’re home. With a little planning and the right settings, your Arlo cameras can do exactly that.

So go ahead—try disarming that one camera. Test the schedules. Play with geofencing. And if something doesn’t work at first? Don’t worry. Tech has its quirks, but once you figure it out, it’s smooth sailing. After all, the best security system is one you actually understand and use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disarm one of 2 Arlo cameras without turning off both?

Yes, you can disarm one Arlo camera while keeping the other active. Use the Arlo app to customize the “Arm/Disarm” settings for each camera individually under the “Mode” tab.

How do I disarm a single Arlo camera in a multi-camera setup?

Open the Arlo app, go to “Modes,” and create or edit a mode where only the camera you want to disarm is set to “Off.” This lets you disable just one camera while the other remains armed.

Is there a way to schedule one of my 2 Arlo cameras to disarm automatically?

Yes, use the Arlo app’s “Schedule” feature to set specific times for one camera to disarm while the other stays active. This is ideal for customizing monitoring during certain hours.

Can I disarm one Arlo camera remotely using the app?

Absolutely. The Arlo app allows remote disarming of any camera in your system. Select the camera, tap “Off,” and it will stop recording while the second camera continues working.

Does disarming one camera affect the other in my Arlo system?

No, disarming one Arlo camera has no impact on the other. Each camera operates independently, so you can mix and match armed/disarmed statuses for flexible home security.

Can I disarm one of 2 Arlo cameras using geofencing?

Yes, enable geofencing in the Arlo app and assign specific cameras to disarm when you arrive home. This lets you customize which camera(s) stay armed based on your location.