Can I Schedule Each Arlo Camera Smart Home Guide

Yes, you can schedule each Arlo camera individually using the Arlo app, allowing customized recording, motion detection, and alert times for every camera in your smart home setup. Easily automate on/off schedules per device to match your daily routine, enhancing security and conserving storage without compromising control.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can schedule each Arlo camera individually via the Arlo app for tailored automation.
• Use geofencing to auto-enable schedules when you leave or arrive home seamlessly.
• Create custom modes for unique schedules like vacations or nighttime monitoring.
• Sync schedules with smart home routines for unified control across devices.
• Adjust recording times per camera to optimize storage and battery life.
• Review schedules regularly to ensure they match your current security needs.

Can I Schedule Each Arlo Camera Smart Home Guide

Imagine coming home after a long day, only to realize you forgot to arm your outdoor security cameras. Or worse—your camera recorded hours of empty driveway footage while you were on vacation, eating up storage and cloud space. If you’ve ever felt that mix of frustration and helplessness, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. As someone who’s tested multiple smart home setups, I know how much we all crave flexibility and control. That’s why one of the first questions I asked when setting up my Arlo camera system was: “Can I schedule each Arlo camera individually?”

The short answer? Yes, you can. But like most smart home features, it’s not always as simple as flipping a switch. The ability to schedule individual Arlo cameras depends on your specific model, firmware, and the Arlo app version you’re using. Whether you’re trying to monitor your front porch at night but keep your backyard camera off during the day, or want to silence notifications while you’re working from home, scheduling gives you that fine-tuned control. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how it works, what’s possible, what’s not, and how to make the most of your Arlo setup—without turning your phone into a notification nightmare.

Understanding Arlo Camera Scheduling: What’s Possible and What’s Not

Let’s start with the basics. Scheduling in the Arlo world refers to setting specific times when your cameras turn on (armed) or off (disarmed). This affects whether they record, send alerts, or activate motion detection. But here’s the catch: not all Arlo cameras support individual scheduling in the same way. Some models let you create unique schedules for each camera, while others tie them together under a single “mode.”

Which Arlo Models Support Individual Scheduling?

Most modern Arlo cameras—like the Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential—allow you to assign different schedules to each camera. This is a game-changer for homes with multiple entry points, backyards, garages, or even indoor cameras in nurseries or home offices. However, older models like the original Arlo or Arlo Go may have more limited options, often requiring you to group cameras under shared modes.

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 4 in your backyard and an Arlo Essential on your front porch, you can set the backyard camera to record from 6 PM to 6 AM, while the front camera runs 24/7. That way, you’re not wasting cloud storage on empty nighttime footage from the backyard, but you’re still covered where it matters most.

Limitations and Gotchas to Watch Out For

While individual scheduling is powerful, it’s not perfect. Here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way:

• Scheduling is tied to “Modes”: Arlo doesn’t let you schedule cameras directly. Instead, you create different modes (like “Home,” “Away,” “Sleep”) and assign schedules to those modes. Then, you decide which cameras activate in each mode.
• Firmware updates matter: I once lost individual scheduling after a firmware update. It was restored in the next patch, but it reminded me to always check Arlo’s release notes.
• Cloud vs. local storage: If you’re using local storage (like a microSD card in an Arlo SmartHub), scheduling still applies, but you’ll need to manage recordings manually if you want to review them outside the scheduled times.
• No per-camera time zones: All cameras use the same time zone set in your Arlo app. If you’re traveling or have cameras in different time zones (like a vacation home), this can get tricky.

So yes, you can schedule each Arlo camera—but it’s more about how you configure the system than a one-click solution.

How to Set Up Individual Scheduling in the Arlo App

Now that you know it’s possible, let’s walk through how to actually do it. I’ll use the Arlo app (iOS/Android) as of 2024, which is where most of the magic happens.

Step 1: Create Custom Modes for Each Camera (or Group)

Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Modes & Rules > + (Add Mode). You’ll see options like “Home,” “Away,” and “Disarmed,” but you can create your own. For example:

• “Front Door 24/7” – Always on, records and alerts.
• “Backyard Night Only” – Activates from 7 PM to 6 AM.
• “Garage Work Hours” – Runs 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.

When creating a mode, tap on the camera you want to control and choose whether it’s Active (records and alerts), Inactive (no recording, no alerts), or Custom (you can fine-tune motion zones and sensitivity).

Step 2: Assign a Schedule to Each Mode

After creating a mode, tap on it and select “Schedule”. Here’s where you set the days and times. For example:

• Set “Backyard Night Only” to 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM, every day.
• Set “Garage Work Hours” to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday.

You can also set recurring schedules (like every weekend) or one-time events (like a vacation mode). Pro tip: Use the “Sunrise/Sunset” option for outdoor cameras. Arlo can automatically adjust the schedule based on your location’s daylight—perfect for changing seasons.

Step 3: Activate the Mode (Manually or Automatically)

You can activate a mode in three ways:

1. Manually: Tap the mode in the app.
2. Via Schedule: It turns on automatically at the set time.
3. Via Geofencing: If you enable geofencing, Arlo can switch to “Away” when you leave home and “Home” when you return. This works best when you pair it with individual camera rules.

For example, when geofencing triggers “Away” mode, your front and back cameras activate, but your indoor nursery camera stays off. When you return, “Home” mode disarms the outdoor cameras but keeps the nursery active—ideal for parents with kids.

Tip: Test your schedules by setting them to start in 1–2 minutes. That way, you can verify everything works before relying on it overnight.

Advanced Scheduling: Geofencing, Automation, and IFTTT

Scheduling isn’t just about time. The real power comes from combining it with automation. Here’s how I’ve taken my Arlo setup to the next level.

Using Geofencing for Smarter Scheduling

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

• When you leave home, Arlo switches to “Away” mode and activates all outdoor cameras.
• When you return, it switches to “Home” and disarms them (or only keeps the front camera on).

To set it up, go to Settings > Modes & Rules > Geofencing and enable it. Then, assign which mode activates when you leave and return. You can also set a radius (e.g., 100 meters) so it doesn’t trigger when you’re just walking the dog.

Real-life example: I used to forget to arm my cameras when leaving for work. Now, geofencing does it automatically. I also set a “Sleep” mode that disarms all cameras at 10 PM, so I don’t get alerts from my cat at night.

Integrating with Smart Home Platforms (Alexa, Google, IFTTT)

Arlo plays nice with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. This opens up even more scheduling possibilities:

• Alexa Routines: Say, “Alexa, I’m leaving,” and it triggers “Away” mode in Arlo.
• Google Assistant: “Hey Google, good night” can disarm all cameras.
• IFTTT: Create applets like “When the garage door closes, activate the backyard camera” or “If it’s raining, turn on the porch light and activate the front camera.”

I use IFTTT to link my Arlo cameras with my smart thermostat. If the front camera detects motion at night, it turns on the porch light. It’s not scheduling per se, but it’s automated control that feels like magic.

Using Motion Zones with Scheduling

Here’s a pro tip: pair scheduling with motion zones. For example, set your backyard camera to only record in the “patio” zone at night, but in the “driveway” zone during the day. That way, you’re not getting alerts from trees blowing in the wind at night, but you still catch anyone pulling up during work hours.

To set motion zones, go to Camera Settings > Motion Detection > Motion Zones. Draw boxes over the areas you want to monitor (or ignore).

Common Scheduling Challenges and How to Fix Them

Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues I’ve faced—and how to solve them.

Cameras Not Activating at Scheduled Time

Problem: Your “Night Mode” starts at 7 PM, but the camera doesn’t turn on.

Fix:

• Check if the camera is online (look for a green dot in the app).
• Restart the camera (remove and reinsert the battery, or power cycle).
• Verify the schedule is correctly set—sometimes time zones or daylight saving changes mess things up.
• Ensure the camera isn’t in “Disarmed” mode due to a conflicting rule.

Geofencing Not Working Reliably

Problem: Arlo doesn’t switch modes when you leave or return.

Fix:

• Check your phone’s location services—Arlo needs “Always Allow” for geofencing.
• Restart the Arlo app and phone.
• Reduce the geofencing radius if it’s too large.
• Test with a short radius (e.g., 50 meters) to confirm it’s working.

Too Many False Alerts Despite Scheduling

Problem: You’ve scheduled the camera, but it still alerts you about squirrels or shadows.

Fix:

• Refine motion zones (as mentioned above).
• Adjust motion sensitivity in Camera Settings > Motion Detection.
• Enable Person Detection (if available) to filter out animals and vehicles.
• Use Activity Zones to ignore high-traffic areas like streets or trees.

Personal story: My backyard camera kept alerting me about raccoons. After setting a motion zone that excluded the trash area, false alerts dropped by 90%.

Best Practices for Optimizing Your Arlo Scheduling Strategy

Scheduling isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing. It evolves as your needs change. Here’s how I keep my system efficient and stress-free.

Create a Camera “Map” of Your Home

Draw a simple floor plan and label each camera. Note:

• What it monitors (front door, backyard, etc.).
• Its ideal schedule (24/7, night only, work hours).
• Any special rules (motion zones, geofencing).

I keep this as a note in my phone. It helps me remember why I set a camera to “Disarmed” on weekends or why the garage camera only runs during the day.

Review and Adjust Monthly

Life changes. Kids grow, routines shift, and seasons affect lighting. Every month, I:

• Check if my schedules still make sense.
• Review recent recordings to see if I’m missing anything.
• Update motion zones or sensitivity if needed.

Use Naming Conventions for Modes and Cameras

Instead of “Camera 1,” name your cameras descriptively: “Front Door – Pro 4,” “Backyard – Essential,” “Garage – Ultra.” For modes, use names like “Night – All Outdoor” or “Work Hours – Garage Only.” It makes the app much easier to navigate.

Balance Security and Privacy

Scheduling helps you respect privacy. For example:

• Disarm indoor cameras when you’re home.
• Only arm outdoor cameras when you’re away.
• Use “Sleep” modes to avoid recording at night.

This is especially important if you have roommates, guests, or kids who might feel uncomfortable being recorded 24/7.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Scheduling Features by Model (2024)

Model	Individual Scheduling?	Geofencing Support	Motion Zones	Person Detection	IFTTT/Alexa/Google
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Ultra	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Essential	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Go	Limited (shared modes)	No	Yes	No	Limited
Original Arlo	No (shared modes)	No	Yes	No	Limited
Arlo Video Doorbell	Yes (as part of system)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

As you can see, newer models offer the most flexibility. If you’re using older cameras, consider upgrading or adjusting your expectations.

At the end of the day, the question “Can I schedule each Arlo camera?” isn’t just about technical capability—it’s about peace of mind. I used to stress about whether my cameras were on when I left the house. Now, I know they’re armed automatically, and I’m not getting alerts from my dog in the backyard at 3 AM. That’s the real power of scheduling: it turns your security system from a reactive tool into a proactive ally.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a remote worker, or just someone who wants more control, individual scheduling lets you tailor your Arlo setup to your life—not the other way around. Start small, experiment, and refine as you go. And remember: the best schedule isn’t the most complex one. It’s the one that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule each Arlo camera individually?

Yes, you can schedule each Arlo camera separately using the Arlo app. Go to Settings > Schedule for a specific camera to customize its recording or motion detection times.

How do I set up a schedule for my Arlo cameras?

To schedule each Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, select the camera, and create a custom schedule under the “Schedule” tab. You can set different times for motion detection, recording, or geofencing.

Can I schedule each Arlo camera to turn off at night?

Absolutely! Use the scheduling feature to disable specific cameras during nighttime hours. This helps conserve battery life and reduces unnecessary recordings when activity is minimal.

Does Arlo allow different schedules for multiple cameras?

Yes, Arlo lets you assign unique schedules to each camera. This is ideal for homes where front-door and backyard cameras may need different active times.

Can I schedule Arlo cameras to work with geofencing?

Yes, you can combine scheduling with geofencing. Set your Arlo cameras to arm or disarm based on your phone’s location while also applying time-based rules.

What happens if I don’t schedule each Arlo camera?

Without a schedule, your Arlo cameras will record continuously or detect motion 24/7, which may drain batteries faster and fill your storage with unnecessary clips.