Can You Disarm One Arlo Camera A Complete Guide to Control Your Security System Effortl…

Yes, you can disarm one Arlo camera independently without affecting the rest of your security system, giving you precise control over monitoring. Use the Arlo app to toggle individual cameras off or on for privacy, maintenance, or customized security—all in seconds. This guide walks you through the simple steps to manage your cameras effortlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can disarm one Arlo camera independently via the app without affecting others.
• Use the Arlo app’s toggle switch to quickly enable or disable specific cameras.
• Create custom modes for selective disarming to automate camera control efficiently.
• Disarmed cameras still record manually if triggered, ensuring no gaps in coverage.
• Geofencing allows auto-disarm when you arrive, adding convenience and security.
• Check camera status regularly to confirm disarmed settings are active and intentional.

Understanding Arlo Camera Disarming: What It Really Means

Imagine this: You’re hosting a small backyard BBQ, and the last thing you want is your security camera recording every move of your guests. Or maybe you’re home alone late at night and want to disable the outdoor cameras to feel more at ease. If you’re an Arlo user, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can you disarm one Arlo camera?”—and the answer isn’t always straightforward. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about controlling your Arlo system with precision, so you can feel confident about your privacy and security.

Arlo cameras are known for their flexibility, smart features, and ease of use. But when it comes to managing individual cameras, especially turning them off or disabling specific ones, things can get a little confusing. Whether you’re using a single Arlo camera or a full system with multiple units, understanding how to control each one independently is key. This post will cover the ins and outs of disarming Arlo cameras, including step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and common pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to manage your setup without sacrificing security or convenience.

How to Disarm a Single Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step

Disarming one Arlo camera doesn’t mean you’re turning it off completely. Instead, you’re temporarily disabling certain features—like motion detection or recording—while keeping the camera powered and connected. This is perfect for times when you want privacy without unplugging or resetting the device. Here’s how to do it properly.

Using the Arlo App (iOS and Android)

The Arlo mobile app is your best friend when it comes to managing individual cameras. Here’s how to disarm one camera:

• Step 1: Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
• Step 2: Tap on the camera you want to disarm from the dashboard.
• Step 3: Tap the “Mode” icon (usually looks like a gear or toggle).
• Step 4: Select “Disarmed” or “Custom Mode” and disable motion detection for that specific camera.
• Step 5: Confirm the change. The camera will now stop recording and sending alerts.

Pro tip: You can also set a timer for disarming. For example, if you’re having guests over from 6 PM to 9 PM, you can schedule the camera to auto-disarm during that window and re-enable afterward. This saves you from manually toggling it every time.

Using the Arlo Web Portal

If you prefer desktop, the web portal offers the same functionality:

• Step 1: Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
• Step 2: Click on “Cameras” and select the one you want to disarm.
• Step 3: Click “Settings” > “Modes” and choose “Disarmed”.
• Step 4: Save the changes. The camera will now be inactive for motion-based triggers.

Note: The web portal is especially helpful if you’re managing multiple cameras across different locations (e.g., home and vacation property). You can disarm one without affecting others.

Disarming via Smart Home Integration (Alexa, Google Home)

If you use smart home platforms, you can disarm Arlo cameras using voice commands or routines:

• For Amazon Alexa, say: “Alexa, turn off the backyard Arlo camera.
• For Google Home, say: “Hey Google, disarm the front door Arlo.”

You’ll need to set up routines in the Alexa or Google Home app to link specific cameras to voice commands. This is great for quick, hands-free control—especially if you’re cooking or holding something.

Real-life example: I used to forget to disarm my porch camera when I came home late. Now, I’ve set up a Google Home routine so that when I say, “I’m home,” it disarms the porch and driveway cameras automatically. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in privacy.

Why You Might Want to Disarm One Camera (and Not Others)

You might be thinking, “Why not just disarm the whole system?” Great question. The ability to disarm one Arlo camera while keeping others active is one of Arlo’s most underrated features. Here’s why it matters.

Privacy in Private Spaces

Not every part of your property needs 24/7 surveillance. Your backyard, garage, or side yard might be areas where you or your family spend time regularly. Leaving cameras armed there means constant recordings, alerts, and potential false alarms (like your dog chasing a squirrel).

By disarming just that camera, you maintain privacy in high-traffic personal zones while keeping the front door, driveway, or side gate under watch. It’s like having a smart, customizable security blanket.

Reducing False Alarms and Notification Fatigue

Ever get tired of your phone buzzing every time a leaf blows across the driveway? That’s notification fatigue—and it’s real. When one camera keeps triggering alerts, it can make you ignore *all* alerts, which is dangerous.

Disarming the camera in a high-traffic or low-risk area (like a tree-lined backyard) reduces false alarms. You’ll get fewer notifications, and the ones you do get will feel more urgent and trustworthy.

Energy and Storage Efficiency

Every time your Arlo camera records, it uses cloud storage (if you have a subscription) or local storage (if using a base station). Disarming one camera means:

• Less data usage
• Fewer recordings to review
• Longer lifespan for SD cards (if using local storage)

Example: I used to have a camera facing my garden, and it recorded birds, squirrels, and even the occasional raccoon. After disarming it and keeping only the front and back entrances active, my monthly cloud storage dropped by 40%. That’s real savings over time.

Special Events and Gatherings

Hosting a birthday party, holiday dinner, or neighborhood BBQ? You don’t want your camera recording your guests or sending alerts every time someone walks by. Disarming the backyard or side-yard camera during events keeps the party private while still protecting your front door and entry points.

Tip: Use the Arlo app’s scheduling feature to auto-disarm the camera during event hours and re-enable afterward. No need to remember to turn it back on!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with a great system like Arlo, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common issues users face when trying to disarm one camera—and how to fix them.

Camera Won’t Stay Disarmed

You disarm a camera, but it re-arms itself after a few hours. Why?

• Scheduled Modes: Check if you have a schedule set up that automatically re-arms the camera at a certain time.
• Geofencing: If you have geofencing enabled, the camera might re-arm when you leave home. Go to Settings > Modes > Geofencing and adjust the rules.
• Firmware Glitch: Sometimes, a simple restart fixes it. Unplug the camera for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

My story: I once had a camera re-arming itself every night at 8 PM. Turns out, I’d accidentally set a schedule for “Evening Mode” that included all cameras. Once I edited the schedule to exclude that one camera, the problem stopped.

App Shows Camera as “Offline” After Disarming

This is a common misunderstanding. Disarming a camera doesn’t make it offline. If the app shows “offline,” check:

• Wi-Fi signal strength (move the camera closer to the router or add a Wi-Fi extender)
• Battery level (if it’s a wireless model)
• Power source (for wired models)

Disarming only affects motion detection and recording—not connectivity.

Voice Assistant Doesn’t Recognize Camera Name

If Alexa or Google says, “I don’t know that device,” it’s likely because:

• The camera name in the Arlo app doesn’t match the name in your smart home app.
• You haven’t synced the Arlo skill recently.

Fix: In the Alexa or Google Home app, remove the Arlo device and re-add it. Make sure the camera name is clear and unique (e.g., “Backyard Arlo” instead of “Camera 3”).

Multiple Users, Conflicting Commands

If your family uses Arlo, one person might disarm a camera while another re-arms it. To avoid confusion:

• Set up user roles in the Arlo app (Admin vs. Viewer).
• Use notifications to alert you when someone changes a camera’s mode.
• Create a shared calendar for when cameras should be disarmed (e.g., “BBQ Day: Backyard Disarmed 4–10 PM”).

Advanced Tips: Custom Modes and Automation

Once you’ve mastered basic disarming, it’s time to level up. Arlo’s custom modes and automation tools let you create smart, responsive security setups.

Creating a Custom Mode for Specific Cameras

Instead of using the default “Disarmed” mode, create a custom one:

• Go to Settings > Modes > Add Mode.
• Name it (e.g., “Guest Mode”).
• Set which cameras are armed/disarmed.
• Add rules: “Disarm backyard camera when front door is unlocked.”

This is perfect for when you have guests staying over. You can activate “Guest Mode” and only the front and side cameras remain active.

Using IFTTT or Apple Shortcuts for Automation

Arlo integrates with IFTTT (If This Then That) and Apple Shortcuts for advanced automation:

• IFTTT: “If I arrive home (via GPS), then disarm the backyard Arlo camera.”
• Apple Shortcuts: Create a shortcut that disarms one camera and turns on a smart light—perfect for nighttime privacy.

Example: I use an Apple Shortcut that says, “Goodnight.” It disarms my backyard camera, arms the front door, and turns off the porch light. One tap, full control.

Scheduling for Daily Use

Set recurring schedules for disarming:

• Disarm backyard camera every day from 6 AM to 8 AM (when I walk the dog).
• Disarm side-yard camera during work hours (if I’m home working in the garden).

Go to Settings > Modes > Schedule and set the time and days. You can even set different schedules for weekdays vs. weekends.

Comparing Arlo Models: Disarming Features Across the Lineup

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. Some models offer more granular control than others. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand what’s possible.

Arlo Model	Can Disarm Individually?	Voice Control?	Local Storage?	Best For
Arlo Pro 5S	Yes	Yes (Alexa/Google)	Yes (with base station)	High-end, all-weather use
Arlo Essential	Yes	Yes (via app only)	No (cloud only)	Budget-friendly, basic monitoring
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes	Yes	Yes	4K clarity, advanced automation
Arlo Wire-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Easy install, battery-powered
Arlo Go 2 (LTE)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Remote locations, no Wi-Fi needed

As you can see, all modern Arlo models allow you to disarm one camera. The difference lies in how many control options you get (voice, local storage, automation). If you want maximum flexibility, go for the Pro 5S or Ultra 2. If you’re on a budget, the Essential still gives you individual disarming—just with fewer bells and whistles.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Arlo System

So, can you disarm one Arlo camera? Absolutely—and you should. It’s not just about turning off a camera; it’s about creating a security system that works *for* you, not against you. Whether you’re protecting your home, hosting guests, or just enjoying a quiet evening, the ability to control individual cameras gives you peace of mind and privacy when you need it most.

Remember, disarming one camera doesn’t mean you’re compromising security. In fact, it can make your system *more* effective by reducing false alarms, saving storage, and focusing attention where it matters. Use the Arlo app, smart home integrations, and automation tools to build a setup that fits your lifestyle—not the other way around.

And here’s my final tip: Start small. Pick one camera, disarm it for a day, and see how it feels. You’ll quickly realize how much control you’ve been missing. From backyard barbecues to late-night stargazing, your Arlo system should adapt to *you*—not the other way around. Now go ahead, take charge, and make your security work effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you disarm one Arlo camera without turning off the entire system?

Yes, you can disarm a single Arlo camera while keeping others active. Use the Arlo app to toggle motion detection and recording off for the specific camera you want to disable.

How do I disarm one Arlo camera using the mobile app?

Open the Arlo app, select the camera you want to disarm, and tap the “Motion Detection” or “Recording” toggle to disable it. This lets you customize security settings per camera without affecting the rest of your system.

Is it possible to schedule when an Arlo camera is armed or disarmed?

Absolutely! The Arlo app allows you to create custom schedules to automatically arm or disarm individual cameras at set times. This is ideal for disabling indoor cameras during nighttime hours.

Why would I want to disarm one Arlo camera instead of all of them?

Disarming a single Arlo camera is useful for privacy (e.g., an indoor camera) or reducing false alerts (e.g., a camera facing a busy street). It lets you maintain security coverage where needed while avoiding unnecessary recordings.

Does disarming an Arlo camera stop all notifications from it?

Yes, when you disarm a camera by turning off motion detection, you won’t receive activity alerts from it. However, the camera remains powered and visible in the app for live viewing if needed.

Can I disarm one Arlo camera remotely?

Yes, the Arlo app lets you disarm cameras remotely from anywhere with internet access. This is handy for quickly disabling a camera if you accidentally trigger it or need privacy while at home.