Can I Name Each Arlo Camera Tips for Easy Identification

Yes, you can name each Arlo camera to simplify identification and streamline monitoring across multiple devices. Custom names help organize your security system—whether by location (e.g., “Front Door”) or purpose (e.g., “Backyard Motion”)—making it easier to manage alerts and live feeds in the Arlo app.

Key Takeaways

• Rename cameras instantly: Use the Arlo app to customize names for quick identification.
• Be location-specific: Name cameras after areas like “Front Door” or “Backyard” for clarity.
• Include device type: Add “Floodlight” or “Doorbell” to distinguish camera models easily.
• Update firmware: Ensure cameras run the latest software for smooth renaming functionality.
• Sync with voice assistants: Use simple, consistent names for Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility.
• Group strategically: Organize cameras by zones (e.g., “Downstairs”) for multi-camera households.

Why Naming Your Arlo Cameras Matters

Imagine this: You’re sipping your morning coffee, checking your phone for security updates, and you see a notification from your Arlo camera. But wait—which one? Is it the front door, the backyard, or the one you set up near the garage? Without unique names, identifying which camera triggered the alert can be a guessing game. Naming your Arlo cameras isn’t just a nice-to-have feature—it’s a practical solution that turns a cluttered, confusing setup into a streamlined, easy-to-manage security system. Whether you have two cameras or ten, giving each one a clear, descriptive name makes life so much easier.

Arlo cameras are designed for convenience, but their default naming system (like “Arlo Camera 1”) doesn’t always help when you’re juggling multiple devices. The good news? Yes, you can name each Arlo camera, and it’s a simple process that takes just a few minutes. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned DIYer, this feature is a game-changer for keeping track of your home or office security. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to name your Arlo cameras, why it’s worth doing, and some clever tips to make your setup as user-friendly as possible. Let’s dive in!

How to Name Your Arlo Cameras: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renaming your Arlo cameras is surprisingly simple, and the process is almost identical across all Arlo models—whether you’re using the Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or even the Arlo Baby. Here’s how to do it, whether you’re using the Arlo app or a web browser.

Using the Arlo App (Mobile or Tablet)

• Step 1: Open the Arlo app and log in to your account. Make sure all your cameras are connected and showing as “Online.”
• Step 2: Tap the camera you want to rename. This will open the camera’s live view.
• Step 3: Tap the gear icon (settings) in the top-right corner. This takes you to the camera’s settings menu.
• Step 4: Look for “Device Name” or “Camera Name” and tap it. You’ll see a text field with the current name.
• Step 5: Type in your new name (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard Patio”) and tap “Save” or “Done.”

Pro Tip: If you’re using an iPhone, you can use emojis in the name—like 🚪 for the front door or 🌳 for the backyard. It’s a fun way to make your cameras even more identifiable at a glance!

Using the Arlo Web Portal (Desktop or Laptop)

• Step 1: Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
• Step 2: Click “Settings” in the top-right corner, then select “Device Settings.”
• Step 3: Choose the camera you want to rename from the list.
• Step 4: Find the “Device Name” field, type your new name, and click “Save.”

One thing to keep in mind: Names sync across all devices. So if you rename a camera on your phone, it will automatically update on your tablet, desktop, and any other device linked to your account. This ensures consistency, no matter how you access your cameras.

Creative Naming Ideas for Your Arlo Cameras

Now that you know how to rename your cameras, let’s talk about the fun part: choosing the right names. A good name isn’t just descriptive—it’s memorable, intuitive, and tailored to your home’s layout. Here are some practical naming ideas and strategies to help you get started.

1. Use Location-Based Names

The most straightforward approach is to name your cameras based on where they’re installed. This is especially helpful if you have cameras in different zones of your property. For example:

• “Front Door”
• “Backyard Gate”
• “Garage Side”
• “Driveway Entrance”
• “Living Room Window”

This method works great for larger homes or properties with multiple entry points. If you have a long driveway, you might even name cameras “Driveway 1,” “Driveway 2,” etc., to track movement along the path.

2. Add Descriptive Details for Clarity

Sometimes, location alone isn’t enough. If you have two cameras in the backyard—one facing the pool and another near the shed—you’ll want to be more specific:

• “Backyard Pool”
• “Backyard Shed”
• “Front Porch – Left” and “Front Porch – Right”

These details help you instantly identify the camera’s purpose and field of view. Bonus tip: If you’re using motion detection, descriptive names make it easier to filter alerts (e.g., “Backyard Pool” alerts might only matter during the day).

3. Use Themed or Fun Names (For a Personal Touch)

Want to add a little personality? Try themed or playful names, especially if you’re setting up cameras in a kid-friendly space or a vacation home:

• “Guardian Angel” (for a camera near a baby’s room)
• “Snack Patrol” (for a camera in the kitchen)
• “Sunset View” (for a backyard camera with a great view)
• “Bark Watch” (for a camera facing the dog run)

Just remember: While fun names are great, don’t sacrifice clarity. If you’re sharing access with family members, make sure the names are still easy to understand.

4. Numbering for Large Setups

If you have more than 5–6 cameras, consider a numbering system combined with location:

• “Cam 1 – Front Door”
• “Cam 2 – Backyard”
• “Cam 3 – Garage”

This is especially useful for businesses or large estates. It keeps things organized and makes troubleshooting easier—like if a camera goes offline, you can quickly identify which one needs attention.

Why Naming Cameras Improves Your Security Experience

You might be thinking, “Is naming my cameras really that important?” The answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why this simple step can dramatically improve how you interact with your Arlo system.

1. Faster Alert Response

When a motion alert pops up on your phone, you don’t want to waste time figuring out which camera triggered it. A clear name like “Front Door” tells you exactly where to look—saving precious seconds in an emergency. This is especially critical if you’re away from home or have multiple properties.

2. Better Organization for Multi-Camera Setups

Let’s say you have 8 Arlo cameras. Without names, your app dashboard might look like this:

• Arlo Camera 1
• Arlo Camera 2
• Arlo Camera 3
• …and so on.

Now imagine seeing:

• Front Door
• Backyard
• Garage
• Side Yard
• Kitchen Window

Which setup is easier to navigate? The second one, right? Named cameras reduce cognitive load and make your security system feel less like a tech puzzle and more like a helpful tool.

3. Simplified Troubleshooting

If a camera goes offline or starts recording blurry footage, you’ll know exactly which one it is. No more guessing games or checking each camera’s live view to figure out the problem. This saves time and reduces frustration.

4. Smarter Automation and Rules

Arlo’s automation features (like geofencing or scheduling) rely on camera names. For example, you can set a rule like:

• “When I leave home, turn on ‘Front Door’ and ‘Backyard’ cameras.”
• “At night, record only on ‘Garage’ and ‘Driveway’ cameras.”

Clear names make it easier to set up and manage these rules. You won’t accidentally activate the wrong camera or miss important areas.

5. Sharing Access with Family or Neighbors

If you grant access to other users (like your spouse, kids, or a neighbor), named cameras make the system much easier to use. Instead of explaining, “Camera 3 is the one by the back gate,” you can say, “Check the ‘Backyard Gate’ camera.” It’s more intuitive and reduces confusion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Cameras

While naming your Arlo cameras is simple, there are a few common pitfalls that can trip you up. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to avoid them.

1. Using Vague or Generic Names

Avoid names like:

• “Camera A”
• “Outside”
• “Main”

These don’t provide enough context. If you have multiple cameras, they’ll all feel interchangeable, defeating the purpose of naming them. Instead, opt for specific, location-based names that leave no room for confusion.

2. Overloading with Too Much Information

On the flip side, don’t make names too long or complex. For example:

• “Front Door – Left Side – Near Porch Light – Facing East”

This is overkill. A shorter name like “Front Door – Left” is clearer and easier to read on a small phone screen.

3. Forgetting to Update Names After Moving Cameras

Let’s say you rename a camera to “Backyard” and later move it to the front porch. If you don’t update the name, you’ll be misled every time it sends an alert. Always rename cameras after relocating them—it’s a quick fix that prevents long-term confusion.

4. Ignoring Emoji or Special Characters

Emojis can be a fun way to make names more visual, but use them sparingly. Too many emojis can clutter your app and make it harder to read. Stick to one emoji per name, and avoid using them in shared access scenarios (some users might not see them the same way).

5. Not Testing Names in Real Scenarios

Before finalizing your names, test them by:

• Checking how they look in the Arlo app’s dashboard.
• Reviewing motion alerts with the new names.
• Asking a family member if they understand the names.

This helps you catch any ambiguities or awkward phrasing before you commit to the names long-term.

Advanced Tips for Managing Multiple Arlo Cameras

If you’re managing a large Arlo setup (5+ cameras), naming is just the beginning. Here are some advanced tips to keep your system organized, efficient, and easy to use.

1. Use Groups for Multi-Camera Management

The Arlo app lets you create camera groups, which are perfect for managing related cameras. For example:

• Group: “Exterior” – Includes “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage,” etc.
• Group: “Indoor” – Includes “Living Room,” “Kitchen,” “Nursery,” etc.

Groups let you view, arm, or disarm multiple cameras at once. You can also set group-specific rules, like turning on all exterior cameras at sunset.

2. Leverage Smart Alerts with Named Cameras

Arlo’s Smart Alerts feature (available with a subscription) can distinguish between people, packages, animals, and vehicles. When combined with clear camera names, this becomes incredibly powerful:

• “Front Door: Person detected at 8:00 PM.”
• “Backyard: Animal detected at 6:30 AM.”

You can even set custom alerts for specific cameras. For example, get a notification only when motion is detected on the “Garage” camera after 10 PM.

3. Regularly Review and Update Your Naming System

As your home or needs change, so should your camera names. Set a reminder to review your setup every 3–6 months. Ask yourself:

• Are all camera names still accurate?
• Have I added or removed any cameras?
• Are the names still easy for everyone to understand?

This ensures your system stays organized as your security needs evolve.

4. Sync Names with Other Smart Home Devices

If you use other smart home platforms (like Google Home or Alexa), make sure your camera names match across devices. For example:

• Arlo app: “Front Door”
• Google Home: “Front Door Camera”

This consistency prevents confusion when using voice commands or cross-platform automations.

Camera Name Strategy	Best For	Example Names
Location-Based	Homes with distinct zones	“Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”
Number + Location	Large setups (5+ cameras)	“Cam 1 – Front Door,” “Cam 2 – Backyard”
Themed/Fun Names	Kid-friendly or vacation homes	“Snack Patrol,” “Sunset View”
Descriptive Details	Cameras with overlapping fields of view	“Front Porch – Left,” “Backyard – Pool”

Final Thoughts: Make Naming a Habit

At first glance, naming your Arlo cameras might seem like a small detail. But as we’ve explored, it’s a powerful tool that improves organization, speeds up responses, and makes your security system feel more intuitive. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, taking the time to name your cameras is one of the simplest—and most effective—steps you can take to get the most out of your Arlo system.

Start by renaming one camera today. Use a clear, descriptive name that makes sense to you and anyone else who might need to use the system. Then, gradually update the rest. Before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Remember, the goal isn’t just to name your cameras—it’s to create a security setup that works for you, not against you. With the right names, your Arlo cameras won’t just protect your home—they’ll make your life easier, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name each Arlo camera for better organization?

Yes, you can name each Arlo camera individually through the Arlo app or web portal. Custom names help you easily identify cameras by location (e.g., “Front Door” or “Backyard”).

How do I rename my Arlo cameras in the app?

Open the Arlo app, select the camera you want to rename, tap the settings icon, and edit the “Device Name” field. Save your changes, and the new name will appear across all devices linked to your account.

Why should I name each Arlo camera?

Giving unique names to your Arlo cameras makes monitoring and managing multiple locations effortless. It’s especially helpful if you have several cameras, ensuring you know exactly which feed you’re viewing.

Can I use special characters or spaces when naming Arlo cameras?

Yes, you can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters when naming your Arlo cameras. Avoid overly long names to keep them readable in the app and notifications.

Do renamed Arlo cameras sync across all devices?

Yes, once you rename an Arlo camera, the change syncs automatically to all devices linked to your Arlo account, including smartphones, tablets, and web browsers.

Is there a limit to how many Arlo cameras I can name?

There’s no limit to how many Arlo cameras you can name, but your total number of cameras depends on your subscription plan. Each camera can be uniquely named for easy identification, regardless of plan size.