How to Rearrange My Arlo Cameras On Screen Easily

How to Rearrange My Arlo Cameras On Screen Easily

Featured image for can i rearrange my arlo cameras on screen

Image source: petshun.com

Yes, you can easily rearrange your Arlo cameras on screen using the Arlo app’s drag-and-drop interface for a customized viewing layout. Simply tap, hold, and move any camera feed to your preferred position in the live view dashboard for quicker access and better monitoring.

Key Takeaways

  • Drag and drop cameras in the Arlo app to rearrange them instantly.
  • Customize layouts per device for optimal multi-camera viewing.
  • Use full-screen mode to focus on specific cameras effortlessly.
  • Rearrange via desktop using the Arlo web portal for larger screens.
  • Save preferences to maintain your layout across app sessions.
  • Group cameras by location or purpose for smarter organization.

Why Rearranging Your Arlo Cameras Matters

Have you ever stared at your Arlo app and thought, “I wish my cameras were in a different order”? You’re not alone. Many Arlo users find themselves juggling multiple cameras—front door, backyard, garage, nursery—and the default layout doesn’t always match how we use them. Maybe you want your most important camera front and center, or perhaps you’d like a logical flow from left to right based on where each camera is placed around your home. Rearranging your Arlo cameras on screen isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about usability, efficiency, and peace of mind.

When your cameras are arranged in a way that makes sense to you, checking in on your home becomes faster and less stressful. Imagine checking your front door camera first, then your backyard, then your kids’ room—all without scrolling or tapping through menus. It’s like organizing your phone’s home screen so your most-used apps are within easy reach. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to rearrange your Arlo cameras on screen, step by step, so you can customize your view and make the most of your smart security system.

Understanding the Arlo App Interface and Layout Options

The Arlo app is designed to be intuitive, but its flexibility isn’t always obvious. When you first set up your cameras, they appear in the order they were added. That’s fine for one or two cameras, but once you hit three or more, things can get messy. The good news? You can rearrange them—but the method depends on whether you’re using the mobile app or the web dashboard.

Mobile App vs. Web Dashboard: What’s the Difference?

The Arlo mobile app (available for iOS and Android) is the most common way users interact with their cameras. It’s optimized for touch, with swipe gestures and pinch-to-zoom features. The web dashboard, accessible through a browser, offers a slightly different layout and more granular control over settings, but the camera arrangement process is similar.

  • Mobile App: Best for quick access, live viewing, and on-the-go adjustments. The drag-and-drop feature is more tactile and satisfying here.
  • Web Dashboard: Ideal if you’re managing many cameras or prefer a larger screen. It’s also useful if your phone is charging or if you’re troubleshooting from a desktop.

Both platforms allow camera rearrangement, but the mobile app is generally faster and more user-friendly for this task. I’ll focus on the mobile app first, then cover the web version later.

What You Can (and Can’t) Change

Let’s set expectations. You can:

  • Change the order of cameras in the main feed
  • Group cameras by location or priority (more on this later)
  • Pin frequently used cameras to the top

But you can’t:

  • Resize camera thumbnails (they’re all the same size)
  • Create custom layouts like a 2×2 grid (the app uses a single column)
  • Hide cameras permanently without removing them

This means the rearrangement is about sequence, not visual design. Still, a well-ordered feed can make a big difference in daily use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rearranging Cameras on the Mobile App

Now let’s get into the meat of it. I’ll walk you through the process as if we’re sitting together, phone in hand. I’ve tested this on both iOS and Android, and the steps are nearly identical.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Make sure you’re logged into the correct account. If you have multiple Arlo systems (e.g., home and vacation house), double-check you’re in the right one. Tap the app icon—it’s the blue one with the white “A”—and enter your credentials if needed.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Cameras” Tab

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see icons for Home, Cameras, Library, and Settings. Tap Cameras. This shows your live feed with all connected cameras in a vertical list.

Step 3: Enter Edit Mode

Here’s the key step: Tap and hold any camera thumbnail for 2–3 seconds. You’ll feel a slight vibration (on supported phones) and the camera will lift slightly, like a draggable icon. This activates “edit mode.”

Pro tip: If it doesn’t work the first time, try holding a bit longer. Some phones register the press faster than others. Also, make sure you’re pressing on the camera image itself, not the name or status text below it.

Step 4: Drag and Drop to Rearrange

Once in edit mode, drag the camera up or down to its new position. As you move it, the other cameras will shift to make space. It’s like rearranging apps on your phone’s home screen. When you’re happy with the spot, release your finger. The change saves automatically.

Example: Let’s say you have four cameras:

  1. Front Door
  2. Backyard
  3. Garage
  4. Nursery

You want the Nursery and Front Door to be at the top. Tap and hold the Nursery camera, drag it to the top, release. Then do the same for Front Door—drag it just below Nursery. Now your most important views are front and center.

Step 5: Exit Edit Mode

Tap anywhere outside the camera thumbnails (e.g., the “Cameras” header at the top) to exit edit mode. The changes are now locked in.

Note: If you accidentally exit before finishing, just re-enter edit mode and continue. The app remembers your progress.

Troubleshooting Common Mobile App Issues

  • Camera won’t lift? Try a longer press. Ensure your phone’s “haptic feedback” is on (in Settings > Sound).
  • Changes not saving? Check your internet connection. A weak signal can interrupt sync.
  • App crashes? Restart the app or update it via your device’s app store.

I once spent 10 minutes trying to drag a camera, only to realize my phone’s battery saver mode was limiting background processes. Turning it off fixed the issue instantly.

Rearranging Cameras on the Arlo Web Dashboard

Maybe you’re at work, using a laptop, and want to reorganize your cameras. The web dashboard (https://my.arlo.com) has a slightly different process, but it’s just as effective.

Step 1: Log In to the Web Dashboard

Open your browser and go to my.arlo.com. Log in with your Arlo account. If you’re already logged in on your phone, you might be redirected to the dashboard automatically.

Step 2: Go to the “Cameras” Section

On the left sidebar, click Cameras. This opens a grid view (on larger screens) or a vertical list (on smaller screens) of your cameras.

Step 3: Use the Drag-and-Drop Interface

Unlike the mobile app, the web version uses a three-dot menu to activate rearrangement. Hover over any camera thumbnail. You’ll see three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner. Click and hold those dots, then drag the camera to its new position. Release to save.

Pro tip: On some browsers (like Chrome), you can also use the Tab key to navigate to the three-dot menu and Enter to select it—great for accessibility.

Step 4: Syncing Across Devices

One of the best features of Arlo is syncing. Any changes you make on the web dashboard automatically update on the mobile app (and vice versa). I tested this: I rearranged my cameras on my laptop at work, opened the app on my phone during lunch, and—bam—the new order was there.

However, syncing isn’t instant. It usually takes 10–30 seconds, depending on your internet speed. If the change doesn’t appear, wait a minute or force-refresh the app (swipe down on the camera list).

Web-Only Features

  • Bulk Actions: Select multiple cameras using checkboxes to rename, delete, or change settings in bulk. This isn’t directly related to rearrangement but helps keep your system organized.
  • Advanced Filters: Filter cameras by status (online, offline), location, or type. Useful if you have 10+ cameras.

The web dashboard feels more like a “control center,” while the mobile app is your daily driver. Use both to your advantage.

Smart Tips for Organizing Your Camera Layout

Rearranging is just the start. To really optimize your Arlo setup, think about why you’re moving cameras. Here are some practical strategies I’ve learned from years of using Arlo systems.

Prioritize by Frequency of Use

Put your most-checked cameras at the top. For most people, this is:

  • Front door (for deliveries, visitors)
  • Backyard (for pets, kids playing)
  • Nursery or kids’ rooms (if you have a baby monitor)

Cameras you rarely check (e.g., a side gate or basement) can go lower. This saves time and reduces visual clutter.

Group by Location or Zone

Imagine your home as a map. Arrange cameras from left to right (or top to bottom) in the order you’d walk through your property:

  1. Front Yard → Front Door → Living Room
  2. Backyard → Garage → Side Gate

This “flow” makes it easier to mentally track movement. I use this for my vacation home: I can quickly scan the feed and see if someone walked from the front to the back.

Use Custom Names (They Matter!)

Default names like “Camera 1” or “Arlo Pro 3” don’t help. Rename cameras to reflect their purpose:

  • “Front Door (Ring Chime)”
  • “Backyard (Motion Sensitive)”
  • “Garage (Night Vision)”

You can rename cameras in the Settings menu (tap the camera, then “Edit”). Clear names make rearrangement easier and reduce confusion.

Create a “Priority List” for Alerts

Some cameras trigger more alerts than others. If you get 50 backyard motion alerts a day but only 2 front door ones, move the front door camera up. This ensures critical alerts aren’t buried under less important ones.

Example: I have a camera facing a tree that sways in the wind. I renamed it “Tree (Ignore Motion)” and moved it to the bottom. Now, when I get an alert, I know to check the top cameras first.

Test and Adjust

Your ideal layout might change over time. After rearranging, use your system for a few days. If you find yourself scrolling too much or missing alerts, tweak the order. There’s no “perfect” setup—only what works for you.

Data Table: Arlo Rearrangement Features by Platform

Feature Mobile App (iOS/Android) Web Dashboard
Drag-and-Drop Method Tap and hold thumbnail Click and hold three-dot menu
Sync Across Devices Yes (10–30 sec delay) Yes (10–30 sec delay)
Bulk Actions No Yes (select multiple cameras)
Custom Grid Layout No (single column) No (single column or grid)
Accessibility Options VoiceOver (iOS), TalkBack (Android) Keyboard navigation, screen reader support
Offline Rearrangement No (requires internet) No (requires internet)

This table highlights key differences. The mobile app wins for speed and ease, while the web dashboard offers more control for power users. Choose based on your needs.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Arlo Experience

Rearranging your Arlo cameras on screen isn’t just a neat trick—it’s a way to reclaim your time and attention. When your most important cameras are easy to access, you’re more likely to use them regularly. Whether you’re checking in on a package delivery, a napping baby, or your backyard after dark, a well-organized feed makes the process smoother and less stressful.

Remember: You can rearrange your Arlo cameras on screen easily with just a few taps or clicks. Use the mobile app for quick adjustments, the web dashboard for deeper organization, and smart naming to keep things clear. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try grouping by location, prioritizing by usage, or even creating a “night mode” layout with outdoor cameras at the top.

At the end of the day, your Arlo system should work for you, not the other way around. Take the time to customize it. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. And the next time you open the app and see your cameras exactly where you want them? That’s the little win that makes smart home tech worth it.

So go ahead—open your Arlo app, tap and hold that first camera, and start dragging. Your ideal layout is just a few seconds away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I rearrange my Arlo cameras on screen in the app?

Open the Arlo app, tap the camera feed you want to move, and hold to drag it to your preferred position. The new layout will save automatically once you exit edit mode.

Can I rearrange Arlo cameras on screen for a customized view?

Yes! You can rearrange your Arlo cameras on screen by long-pressing a camera tile in the app and dragging it to reorder. This lets you prioritize frequently viewed cameras at the top.

Is there a way to organize Arlo cameras by room or location on the screen?

Absolutely. After rearranging cameras manually, use the “Group” feature in the Arlo app to create custom groups (e.g., “Backyard” or “Indoor”) for easier navigation.

Does the Arlo web dashboard allow rearranging cameras on screen?

Yes, the web version also supports dragging and dropping camera feeds. Click and hold a camera window to reposition it, just like in the mobile app.

Why can’t I rearrange my Arlo cameras on screen after updating the app?

If the feature isn’t working post-update, force-close the app, restart your device, and check for additional updates. The drag-and-drop function may require the latest version.

Can I save multiple layouts when I rearrange my Arlo cameras on screen?

Arlo doesn’t support saving multiple layouts natively, but you can quickly reorder cameras anytime. For frequent changes, consider using custom views via the “Favorites” option.