How to Set a Schedule for Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, you can set a schedule for Arlo cameras using the Arlo app or web portal to automate when your cameras record, detect motion, or go offline—perfect for balancing security and privacy. Customize schedules by day, time, or activity zones to match your routine and reduce false alerts effortlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can schedule Arlo cameras using the app’s “Mode” settings for automated recording.
• Set custom schedules per camera to match your daily routine or security needs precisely.
• Leverage geofencing for smart triggers that arm/disarm cameras based on your phone’s location.
• Use “Instant Cue” for temporary adjustments without altering your primary schedule.
• Sync schedules with other Arlo devices like lights or sirens for layered security.
• Review activity zones first to ensure schedules align with monitored areas.

Why Scheduling Your Arlo Cameras Matters

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your morning coffee, when your phone buzzes with a notification. Your Arlo camera just detected motion in your backyard. You open the app, expecting to see a raccoon or the neighbor’s dog, but instead, you find yourself staring at an empty patch of grass. It was just the wind blowing a trash can lid. Sound familiar?

This is a common scenario for many Arlo users. While Arlo cameras are fantastic for home security, they can sometimes feel like overeager puppies – always barking (or in this case, sending notifications) at the slightest movement. That’s where scheduling comes in. By setting a schedule for your Arlo cameras, you can customize when they’re active, reducing false alarms and saving battery life. It’s like telling your camera, “Hey, I only need you to be on high alert during these hours, okay?”

Understanding Arlo Camera Scheduling Features

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about what Arlo’s scheduling features can and can’t do. It’s important to set realistic expectations to avoid frustration down the road.

What Arlo Scheduling Can Do

• Set specific times for cameras to be active or inactive: You can program your cameras to only record during certain hours, like when you’re at work or sleeping.
• Create different schedules for different days: Maybe you want your cameras active all day on weekdays but only at night on weekends. Arlo lets you do that.
• Reduce false alarms: By turning off cameras during times when you know there will be regular activity (like when your kids come home from school), you’ll get fewer unnecessary notifications.
• Save battery life: For wireless Arlo cameras, turning them off when you don’t need them can significantly extend their battery life between charges.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• No geofencing for individual cameras: While Arlo has a “Geofencing” mode that turns your entire system on or off based on your phone’s location, you can’t set geofencing for just one camera.
• Schedules apply to entire modes: You can’t have one camera in “Armed” mode and another in “Disarmed” mode during the same time slot. Schedules are system-wide.
• No conditional scheduling: Arlo doesn’t support schedules that change based on other factors, like weather conditions or sunrise/sunset times (though some newer models have basic sunrise/sunset scheduling).

For example, I have an Arlo Pro 3 at my back door. I love that I can schedule it to turn off during my kids’ after-school playtime, so I don’t get 100 notifications of them running around the yard. But I wish I could set it to only record when motion is detected in a specific zone during certain hours. Maybe in the next update!

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Schedule for Your Arlo Cameras

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually set a schedule for your Arlo cameras. I’ll walk you through the process, step by step, with tips I’ve learned from my own experience.

Step 1: Update Your Arlo App and Firmware

Before you start, make sure you’re using the latest version of the Arlo app and that your cameras have the most recent firmware. This ensures you have access to all the scheduling features and any bug fixes.

• Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
• Go to “Settings” (usually represented by a gear icon).
• Tap on “My Devices” and select your base station or camera.
• If there’s a firmware update available, you’ll see an option to download and install it.

Pro tip: I learned this the hard way when I couldn’t find the scheduling option in my app. A quick update fixed the issue!

Step 2: Create a New Mode or Edit an Existing One

Arlo uses “modes” to determine what your cameras do at different times. You’ll need to either create a new mode for your schedule or edit an existing one.

• In the Arlo app, tap on “Settings” and then “Modes.”
• To create a new mode, tap the “+” button. Give it a descriptive name, like “Work Hours” or “Nighttime.”
• To edit an existing mode, tap on it and then tap the pencil icon.

When setting up a new mode, you’ll be able to choose which cameras are active, whether they record video, and whether they send you notifications. For example, you might create a “Nighttime” mode where all your cameras are active, record video, and send notifications, but during “Work Hours,” you only want your backyard camera active.

Step 3: Set Your Schedule

Now for the main event – setting the schedule for your mode.

• After creating or editing a mode, tap on “Schedule” (on iOS) or the calendar icon (on Android).
• Tap on the day of the week you want to schedule. You can set different schedules for each day.
• Tap the “+” button to add a time slot.
• Set the start and end times for this mode to be active. For example, you might set “Work Hours” from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Choose whether this schedule repeats daily or just on specific days.

Here’s a practical example: Let’s say you want your cameras to be in “Home” mode (only backyard camera active) during the day when you’re at work, and “Away” mode (all cameras active) at night. You’d create two modes, set the “Home” mode to be active from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, and the “Away” mode to be active from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM, also on weekdays. You can then set different schedules for weekends if needed.

Step 4: Test and Adjust

After setting your schedule, it’s crucial to test it to make sure it’s working as expected.

• Wait for the scheduled time to arrive or manually change the time on your phone to test.
• Check that the correct cameras are active or inactive.
• Verify that notifications are being sent (or not sent) as expected.

I recommend testing each mode at least once to ensure everything is working correctly. I once set up a schedule but accidentally set the “Away” mode to start at 5:00 AM instead of 5:00 PM – not the wake-up call I was hoping for!

Step 5: Use the “Instant” Feature for Quick Changes

Sometimes you need to override your schedule. Arlo has an “Instant” feature that lets you temporarily change your mode.

• In the main Arlo app screen, tap on the current mode.
• Select “Instant” and choose the mode you want to switch to.
• Your system will stay in this mode until the next scheduled change or until you switch back manually.

This is great for when you’re having a party and don’t want your cameras recording, or when you’re away for a weekend and want to arm all your cameras.

Advanced Scheduling Tips and Tricks

Once you’ve got the basics down, there are some more advanced techniques you can use to get even more out of your Arlo scheduling. These tips have helped me fine-tune my system to be more efficient and effective.

Use Activity Zones with Your Schedule

Activity zones let you tell your camera to only pay attention to motion in certain areas of the frame. When combined with scheduling, this can significantly reduce false alarms.

• Go to the settings for a specific camera.
• Tap on “Activity Zones” and draw the zones where you want motion to be detected.
• For example, you might create a zone only around your front door, ignoring the street and sidewalk.

I have an Arlo camera facing my front porch, which is near a busy street. By setting an activity zone only around the porch and steps, I’ve cut down on notifications from passing cars and people walking by. I use this in combination with a schedule that turns the camera off when I know the mail carrier comes, further reducing false alerts.

Combine Scheduling with Smart Home Integrations

If you use smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, you can create more complex automation with your Arlo cameras.

• For example, you could create an Alexa routine that sets your Arlo system to “Away” mode when you say “Alexa, I’m leaving.”
• Or use a smart plug to turn on outdoor lights when your Arlo camera detects motion at night.

I have a Google Assistant routine that sets my Arlo system to “Night” mode when I say “Hey Google, good night.” It also turns off my smart lights and locks my smart door lock. It’s a simple way to secure my home with one command.

Use Scheduling to Conserve Battery

If you have wireless Arlo cameras, scheduling can be a game-changer for battery life.

• Turn off cameras when you don’t need them, like when you’re home and can keep an eye on things.
• Schedule cameras to turn on just before you leave for work and turn off after you get home.

My Arlo Pro 3 at the back door used to need charging every 2 weeks. By scheduling it to be off during the day when I’m home and at night when I’m asleep, I’ve extended the battery life to about 6 weeks. That’s a huge improvement!

Create a “Vacation” Mode

When you’re away from home, you probably want your cameras to be extra vigilant.

• Create a “Vacation” mode that activates all your cameras and increases the sensitivity.
• Schedule this mode to be active during your vacation dates.
• Don’t forget to set your regular schedule to resume when you return!

I once forgot to switch back to my regular schedule after a trip, and my cameras were on high alert for a week. I got notifications every time my cat walked in front of the camera! Lesson learned: always double-check your schedule after changing it.

Troubleshooting Common Scheduling Issues

Even with the best-laid plans, things can go wrong with your Arlo camera schedule. Here are some common issues I’ve encountered and how to fix them.

Schedule Not Activating at the Right Time

If your cameras aren’t switching modes when they should, try these steps:

• Check that your phone and base station have the correct time and time zone.
• Make sure your phone has a good internet connection when the schedule is supposed to activate.
• Restart your base station and cameras.
• Check for any app or firmware updates.

I had an issue where my schedule would only activate about 80% of the time. It turned out my base station was having trouble connecting to the internet. A simple restart fixed the problem, but it took me a few days to figure that out!

Cameras Not Returning to the Correct Mode

Sometimes after using the “Instant” feature, cameras don’t return to the scheduled mode.

• Check that the “Instant” mode doesn’t have an end time set.
• Manually switch back to the scheduled mode and see if it sticks.
• If the issue persists, try deleting and recreating the schedule.

This happened to me when I used the “Instant” feature to turn off all cameras for a party. The next day, the cameras stayed off instead of switching back to the “Home” mode. I had to manually switch them back on and then the schedule worked fine.

Schedule Conflicts

If you have multiple schedules for the same day, they might conflict.

• Make sure your time slots don’t overlap.
• If you need complex scheduling, consider using a third-party automation tool like IFTTT or SmartThings.

I once set up a schedule for weekdays and a different one for weekends, but I forgot that holidays are technically weekdays. My cameras were in the wrong mode on a holiday! Now I double-check any holidays that might affect my schedule.

App Glitches

Sometimes the Arlo app itself can be buggy when it comes to scheduling.

• Force close the app and reopen it.
• Clear the app’s cache (on Android) or delete and reinstall the app (as a last resort).
• Check the Arlo status page to see if there are any known issues.

I had a problem where the schedule would show up correctly in the app, but the cameras wouldn’t follow it. A simple force close and reopen of the app fixed it. It’s a good first step for any app-related issue.

Comparing Arlo Scheduling to Other Security Camera Systems

How does Arlo’s scheduling feature stack up against other popular home security camera systems? Let’s take a look at how it compares to some of the competition.

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Nest	Wyze
Custom Scheduling	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Different Schedules for Different Days	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Sunrise/Sunset Scheduling	Limited (newer models only)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Geofencing for Individual Cameras	No	No	No	No
Activity Zones with Scheduling	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Smart Home Integration	Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit)	Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit)	Yes (Google Assistant, HomeKit)	Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Battery Saving Scheduling	Yes	Yes	Yes (wired cameras only)	Yes

As you can see, Arlo holds its own against the competition when it comes to scheduling features. The main limitation is the lack of geofencing for individual cameras and limited sunrise/sunset scheduling on older models. However, Arlo’s integration with activity zones and smart home platforms makes it a strong contender.

One area where Arlo shines is in battery-saving scheduling for its wireless cameras. Since many Arlo models are battery-powered, the ability to schedule them to be off when not needed is a significant advantage over wired systems.

I’ve used both Arlo and Ring systems, and I find Arlo’s scheduling interface to be more intuitive. Ring’s scheduling is powerful, but it can be a bit clunky to navigate. Nest’s scheduling is also excellent, but it requires a subscription for many features that Arlo includes for free.

Maximizing Your Arlo Camera Schedule for Home Security

Now that we’ve covered all the ins and outs of scheduling your Arlo cameras, let’s talk about how to use these features to maximize your home security. A well-designed schedule can make your system much more effective and less intrusive.

Create a Schedule That Matches Your Lifestyle

The best schedule is one that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.

• If you work from home, you might only want cameras active when you’re in a specific room.
• If you have kids, schedule cameras to be off during playtimes but on during nap times.
• If you have pets, create a schedule that accounts for their routines.

My schedule changes with the seasons. In summer, I turn off the backyard camera during the day when my kids are playing outside. In winter, I keep it on all day since they’re mostly indoors.

Use Scheduling to Deter Crime

Criminals are less likely to target homes that appear to be monitored.

• Schedule your cameras to be visibly active (with LED lights on) during high-risk hours.
• Use a “Vacation” mode when you’re away to make it look like someone is home.
• Consider using a camera with a spotlight feature and schedule it to turn on at night.

I have a friend who schedules his Arlo camera to turn on for 30 minutes at random times during the day when he’s away on vacation. It’s a simple way to make the house look occupied.

Balance Security with Privacy

Scheduling can help you maintain privacy while still keeping your home secure.

• Turn off cameras when you’re entertaining guests.
• Schedule cameras to be off when family members are home but active when the house is empty.
• Use activity zones to avoid recording private areas like bedrooms or bathrooms.

I have a camera in my backyard that points toward my neighbor’s yard. I’ve set an activity zone that only covers my property, and I schedule it to be off when I know my neighbor is gardening. It’s a small gesture, but it helps maintain good neighborly relations!

Regularly Review and Adjust Your Schedule

Your needs may change over time, so it’s important to review your schedule periodically.

• Check if your current schedule is still meeting your needs.
• Look at your notification history to see if there are patterns you can address with scheduling.
• Adjust for changes in daylight saving time, work schedules, or family routines.

I review my Arlo schedule every season and make adjustments as needed. It only takes a few minutes, but it ensures my system is always working optimally.

Setting a schedule for your Arlo cameras is one of the best ways to get the most out of your home security system. It reduces false alarms, saves battery life, and helps you maintain privacy while still keeping your home secure. While it may take a little time to set up initially, the benefits are well worth the effort.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to scheduling. The best schedule is the one that works for your unique lifestyle and security needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings and modes until you find what works best for you.

And if you run into any issues along the way, don’t get discouraged. Even the most experienced Arlo users encounter hiccups with scheduling from time to time. The key is to keep troubleshooting and refining your setup until it’s working smoothly.

With the tips and techniques we’ve covered in this guide, you should now have all the tools you need to create an effective schedule for your Arlo cameras. Whether you’re looking to reduce false alarms, save battery life, or just have more control over when your cameras are active, scheduling is the answer.

So go ahead, dive in, and start customizing your Arlo camera schedule today. Your future self (and your phone’s notification center) will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a schedule for Arlo cameras to record only at certain times?

Yes, you can set a schedule for Arlo cameras using the “Modes” feature in the Arlo app. This lets you define specific times for recording, motion detection, or turning the camera off automatically.

How do I schedule my Arlo camera to turn on at night and off during the day?

Use the Arlo app to create a custom Mode and pair it with a schedule under “Settings > Modes.” Select “Schedule” and set the start/end times for night activation. Your camera will follow this routine daily or on selected days.

Can I set a schedule for Arlo cameras to reduce false alerts?

Absolutely. By setting a schedule for Arlo cameras, you can disable motion detection during high-traffic times (e.g., when kids or pets are active). This minimizes unnecessary notifications and recordings while maintaining security.

Does the Arlo schedule feature work with all camera models?

Most Arlo cameras support scheduling via the Modes feature, including Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential models. However, older models may require a firmware update to access this functionality.

Can I set a schedule for Arlo cameras to record when I’m not home?

Yes! Combine geofencing (using your phone’s location) with scheduled modes. When the app detects you’ve left, it can trigger your camera to record, and revert to standby when you return.

How many schedules can I create for one Arlo camera?

You can create multiple schedules by assigning different Modes to specific times or triggers. For example, set one schedule for workdays and another for weekends, all within the same camera settings.