Cant Take Arlo Camera Out of Manual Try These Fixes Now

If your Arlo camera is stuck in manual mode, the most common fix is restarting the device or re-syncing it with the base station. This often resolves glitches caused by firmware hiccups or signal interference. For persistent issues, check for app updates, reset network settings, or perform a factory reset as a last resort.

Key Takeaways

• Restart your Arlo camera: Power cycle to resolve temporary glitches preventing mode changes.
• Check app permissions: Ensure the Arlo app has full control in device settings.
• Update firmware: Install the latest firmware via the app for bug fixes and improvements.
• Verify subscription status: Manual mode may lock if your Arlo plan is inactive or expired.
• Re-sync the camera: Remove and re-add the camera to refresh its connection.
• Contact Arlo support: If issues persist, request advanced troubleshooting from the support team.

Why Your Arlo Camera Is Stuck in Manual Mode (And What to Do About It)

You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Arlo camera, wondering, *Why can’t I take this thing out of manual mode?* It’s frustrating—especially when you just want your security system to work seamlessly, like the sleek, smart device it promised to be. Maybe you’ve tapped every button, swiped through every menu, and even unplugged and replugged the camera, but the manual mode icon just won’t budge. Trust me, I’ve been there. That little “M” on the screen feels like a personal challenge, and it’s easy to start questioning whether your camera is broken or if you’re missing some hidden trick.

The good news? This is a common issue, and more often than not, it’s fixable. Arlo cameras, whether wired or battery-powered, sometimes get stuck in manual mode due to a mix of software quirks, sync issues, or user interface confusion. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, or a simpler model like the Arlo Essential, the root causes are often similar. The key is understanding what “manual mode” actually means in the Arlo ecosystem, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to get your camera back to automatic, hassle-free operation. In this post, we’ll walk through practical, step-by-step fixes that have worked for thousands of users, including me. No jargon, no fluff—just real solutions to help you regain control of your smart home security.

Understanding What “Manual Mode” Means on Your Arlo Camera

Manual vs. Automatic: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into fixes, let’s clear up what “manual mode” actually does. On Arlo cameras, manual mode is a feature that allows you to manually trigger recordings or snapshots instead of relying on motion or sound detection. When the camera is in manual mode, it won’t automatically start recording when it senses activity. Instead, you have to tap a button in the Arlo app—usually a red “Record” icon—to capture video. This is great if you want to document a specific event, like a delivery or a pet doing something cute, but it’s a real pain if you want your camera to work autonomously.

Think of it like a DSLR camera: manual mode gives you full control, but it’s not ideal for everyday use. For home security, you want your camera in “automatic” mode, where it responds to triggers like motion or sound. The confusion often comes from the fact that Arlo doesn’t always label this clearly in the app. The “M” icon or the word “Manual” might appear after you’ve used the manual record function, and it doesn’t always switch back automatically—especially if there’s a glitch or a sync delay.

Why Manual Mode Gets “Stuck”

So why does it get stuck? There are a few common reasons:

• App glitches: The Arlo app sometimes fails to send the “switch back to auto” command to the camera after manual recording.
• Sync delays: If your camera is on battery power, it might enter a low-power state, delaying communication with the base station or Wi-Fi.
• Software bugs: Older versions of the Arlo app or camera firmware may have bugs that prevent mode switching.
• User error: Tapping the wrong button or holding it too long can accidentally activate manual mode without you realizing it.

I once spent 20 minutes trying to figure out why my Arlo Ultra wouldn’t detect motion—only to realize I’d accidentally tapped the manual record button during a test. The camera was working perfectly; I just hadn’t noticed the tiny “Manual” indicator in the app. Lesson learned!

Quick Fixes You Can Try Right Now

1. Toggle the Manual Record Button

The simplest fix—and often the most effective—is to turn manual recording off and back on. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app and select your camera.
2. Look for the red “Record” button (it might say “Manual” or have an “M” icon).
3. Tap it once to stop recording (if it’s active).
4. Wait 10 seconds, then tap it again to turn manual recording off completely.
5. Exit the camera view and re-enter it.

Sometimes, the app just needs a “refresh” of the state. This worked for me when my Arlo Pro 3 wouldn’t exit manual mode after a power outage. The camera was fine—it just needed a nudge from the app.

2. Force Close and Reopen the Arlo App

Mobile apps are notorious for caching old states. If the app thinks the camera is still in manual mode (even if it’s not), a simple force close can reset it:

• On iPhone: Double-press the home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer models), find the Arlo app, and swipe it up to close it.
• On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Arlo > Force Stop.

Then, reopen the app and check if the camera is back to automatic mode. I’ve used this trick more times than I’d like to admit—especially after updating my phone’s OS, which sometimes messes with app permissions or background processes.

3. Check for App or Firmware Updates

Outdated software is a common culprit. Here’s how to check:

• Arlo app: Go to your device’s app store (Google Play or App Store) and see if an update is available.
• Camera firmware: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Device Info. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt.

Pro tip: Always update your firmware at night or during low-usage hours. Updates can take 5–10 minutes, and the camera will be offline during that time. I once tried updating during the day, and my camera missed a delivery—not ideal for a security device!

Advanced Troubleshooting for Stubborn Cases

1. Power Cycle the Camera and Base Station

If quick fixes don’t work, it’s time to power cycle. This resets the connection between the camera, base station, and Wi-Fi router:

1. For wired cameras: Unplug the power adapter for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. For battery cameras: Remove the batteries, wait 30 seconds, then reinsert them.
3. If you have an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station: Unplug it for 1 minute, then restart it.

After restarting, give the camera 2–3 minutes to reconnect to Wi-Fi and sync with the app. I had a stubborn Arlo Ultra that refused to exit manual mode for two days—until I power cycled the SmartHub. The camera was fine, but the hub needed a reset to clear its cache.

2. Re-Sync the Camera to the Base Station

Sometimes, the camera loses sync with the base station, causing it to “freeze” in manual mode. To re-sync:

• Press and hold the sync button on the base station for 10 seconds (until the LED blinks).
• Within 2 minutes, press the sync button on the camera (usually a small pinhole on the back or side).
• Wait for the base station LED to turn solid green.

This forces the camera to re-establish its connection. I recommend doing this at night or when you don’t need the camera, as it can take 5–10 minutes to fully sync. One user on the Arlo community forums reported that their camera was stuck in manual mode for weeks until they re-synced it—problem solved in minutes.

3. Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If nothing else works, a factory reset will wipe the camera’s settings and restore it to default. Warning: This will delete all custom settings, including activity zones and schedules. To reset:

1. Press and hold the reset button (usually a small pinhole) for 10–15 seconds.
2. Wait for the camera LED to blink rapidly (this means it’s resetting).
3. Re-add the camera to your Arlo account via the app.

I’ve only had to do this twice—once after a major firmware update caused a bug, and once when my camera was stuck in a “manual loop” after a power surge. It’s a nuclear option, but it works.

Preventing Manual Mode Issues in the Future

1. Use Activity Zones Wisely

One reason users accidentally trigger manual mode is because they’re trying to record something specific. Instead, use activity zones to tell the camera which areas to monitor. For example, set a zone for your front porch but exclude the sidewalk. This reduces false triggers and keeps the camera in automatic mode more reliably.

I set up activity zones for my backyard camera to ignore the neighbor’s cat. Now, it only records when someone enters my property—no more manual recording needed.

2. Schedule Automatic Modes

The Arlo app lets you schedule when your camera is active or in “Away” mode. Use this to avoid accidentally leaving it in manual mode overnight or during vacations. Go to Settings > Modes & Rules > [Your Mode] > Schedule. Set it to “Auto” during high-traffic times and “Manual” only when needed (e.g., for a party).

3. Keep Your Devices Updated

As mentioned earlier, updates fix bugs. Enable auto-updates for the Arlo app and check for firmware updates monthly. I set a reminder on my phone every 30 days to check for updates—it takes 2 minutes and saves hours of frustration.

Real User Stories and Lessons Learned

Let’s look at some real-world examples to put these fixes into context:

Issue	User’s Fix	Result
Arlo Pro 4 stuck in manual mode after power outage	Power cycled the camera and base station	Fixed in 3 minutes; camera resumed automatic recording
Arlo Ultra wouldn’t exit manual mode after firmware update	Factory reset + re-added to account	Resolved after 10-minute reset; all settings restored via backup
Arlo Essential kept reverting to manual mode	Re-synced to base station	Fixed after 5-minute sync; no further issues
Manual mode icon stuck on app (camera was auto)	Force-closed app and reloaded	App refreshed; camera showed correct mode

These stories highlight a key takeaway: most manual mode issues are software-related, not hardware failures. Users often panic and think their camera is broken, but the fix is usually a simple reset, update, or sync. I’ve learned to stay calm and try the quick fixes first—9 times out of 10, they work.

When to Contact Arlo Support (And What to Say)

If you’ve tried all the fixes above and your camera is still stuck in manual mode, it’s time to call in the pros. Here’s how to make your support call as effective as possible:

• Have your camera model and serial number ready (found in the app under Device Info).
• Describe exactly what you’ve tried (e.g., “I power cycled the camera, updated the firmware, and re-synced to the base station”).
• Ask if there are known bugs for your camera model and app version.
• Request a replacement if the camera is under warranty and the issue persists.

I once called Arlo support after a firmware update caused my camera to glitch. The rep walked me through a hidden menu to force a mode reset—something not mentioned in the user manual. Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed help; that’s what support is for.

At the end of the day, getting your Arlo camera out of manual mode is usually a matter of persistence and patience. Start with the quick fixes—toggle the record button, force-close the app, check for updates—and work your way up to power cycles and resets. Most issues are temporary glitches, not permanent failures. And remember: if you’re ever unsure, the Arlo community forums and customer support are full of people who’ve faced the same problem. You’re not alone.

Your Arlo camera is designed to work for you, not against you. With these tips, you’ll be back to hands-free, automatic security in no time. So take a deep breath, try the fixes one by one, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly functioning smart camera. After all, that’s why you bought it in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I take my Arlo camera out of manual mode?

This usually happens due to incorrect settings, firmware glitches, or sync issues with the Arlo app. Try restarting the camera and checking for updates in the app to resolve the problem.

How do I disable manual mode on my Arlo camera?

Open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap the “Mode” icon to switch from “Manual” to a preset mode like “Armed” or “Disarmed.” Ensure your camera is connected and responsive before making changes.

What should I do if the Arlo app won’t let me exit manual mode?

Force close and reopen the Arlo app, then check your internet connection. If the issue persists, reinstall the app or update your camera’s firmware via the “Device Settings” menu.

Can a faulty battery cause my Arlo camera to stay in manual mode?

Yes, low battery power can limit functionality, including mode changes. Charge or replace the battery and wait for the camera to reconnect to the network before adjusting settings.

Why does my Arlo camera keep reverting to manual mode after I change it?

This may indicate a sync issue between the camera and base station. Resync the devices by removing and re-adding the camera in the Arlo app, ensuring they’re within range.

Is there a factory reset option to fix “can’t take Arlo camera out of manual” issues?

Yes, a factory reset can resolve persistent mode problems. Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds, then reconfigure the camera in the Arlo app—note this erases all custom settings.