Can You Schedule Separate Cameras on Arlo A Complete Guide

Yes, you can schedule separate cameras on Arlo using the “Modes” feature in the Arlo app, allowing customized recording times for each camera. This guide walks you through creating unique schedules for different cameras—like front door at night and backyard during the day—maximizing efficiency and reducing false alerts. Take full control of your security setup with simple, flexible automation.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo allows scheduling separate cameras via the app for customized monitoring times.
• Use Activity Zones to focus on specific areas and reduce false alerts effectively.
• Set unique schedules per camera to match different routines or security needs.
• Leverage geofencing for automatic adjustments based on your smartphone’s location.
• Scheduling works with all Arlo models, but features may vary slightly by hardware.
• Sync schedules with modes to automate arm/disarm actions across multiple cameras.

Can You Schedule Separate Cameras on Arlo? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: you’re away on vacation, sipping coffee by the beach, when you suddenly remember—did you arm the camera facing the backyard shed? Or worse, did the front porch camera record the package delivery while the garage cam was off? If you’re using an Arlo security system, you’ve probably asked yourself: can you schedule separate cameras on Arlo? It’s a common frustration for anyone with multiple cameras trying to balance convenience, privacy, and security.

Arlo’s ecosystem is popular for its sleek design, smart features, and integration with home automation. But as your setup grows—from a single doorbell cam to a full network of outdoor, indoor, and spotlight cameras—managing them individually becomes a puzzle. You want the backyard camera to record only after dark, the front door cam to stay active 24/7, and the garage cam to turn on when you’re not home. Is that possible? The short answer: yes, but with some caveats and clever workarounds. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about scheduling individual Arlo cameras, from built-in features to smart automations, and even some limitations you should be aware of.

Understanding Arlo’s Scheduling Capabilities

Before diving into the “how,” let’s clarify what Arlo *can* and *can’t* do out of the box. Arlo doesn’t offer a one-click “per-camera schedule” in its basic settings. Instead, it uses a combination of modes, rules, and smart home integrations to let you customize when each camera records, arms, or stays silent. Think of it like a puzzle—you have the pieces, but you need to assemble them just right.

Arlo Modes: The Foundation of Scheduling

Arlo’s scheduling starts with modes—predefined or custom settings that determine how your cameras behave. By default, most Arlo systems come with:

• Home Mode: Cameras monitor specific areas (e.g., front door, backyard).
• Away Mode: All cameras are armed and recording.
• Disarmed Mode: All cameras are off.

Here’s the catch: these modes apply to *all* cameras by default. If you set “Away Mode,” every camera in your system activates. But what if you want your front door cam armed while the baby’s room cam stays off? That’s where customization comes in.

Custom Modes for Per-Camera Control

Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and newer systems let you create **custom modes**. This is where you can schedule separate cameras. For example:

1. Open the Arlo app > tap the gear icon (Settings) > Modes.
2. Tap + Add Mode and name it (e.g., “Backyard Only”).
3. Under “When this mode is active,” select which cameras should arm or disarm.
4. Save, then schedule the mode using Rules (more on this below).

Pro Tip: Use descriptive names like “Nighttime Backyard” or “Weekend Garage” to avoid confusion later. I once named a mode “Cameras On” and accidentally left the baby cam running during nap time—lesson learned!

Scheduling Modes with Rules

Once you’ve created a custom mode, you can schedule it using **Rules**. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings > Modes > Rules.
• Tap + Add Rule > choose “Time” as the trigger.
• Set start/end times (e.g., 10 PM to 6 AM) and select your custom mode.
• Repeat for other cameras or schedules.

For instance, you could schedule the backyard cam to arm at sunset and disarm at sunrise, while the front door cam follows a 24/7 schedule. The key is layering modes and rules to mimic per-camera control.

Step-by-Step: How to Schedule Individual Cameras

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to scheduling separate Arlo cameras—no tech jargon, just clear actions.

1. Audit Your Camera Needs

Before tweaking settings, ask yourself:

• Which cameras need to run 24/7? (e.g., front door, driveway)
• Which should only record at night? (e.g., backyard, side yard)
• Which should be off during certain times? (e.g., indoor cameras when you’re home)

Example: I have a garage cam that only needs to record when I’m away, but my front door cam should *always* be on. This means I’ll need two custom modes: “Front Door Only” and “Garage Active.”

2. Create Custom Modes for Each Schedule

Using the Arlo app:

1. Go to Settings > Modes > + Add Mode.
2. Name the mode (e.g., “Nighttime Backyard”).
3. Under “When this mode is active,” toggle ON only the backyard cam.
4. Repeat for other cameras (e.g., “Front Door 24/7” with only the front door cam armed).

Tip: If you have many cameras, group them logically. For example, “Outdoor Night” (backyard + side yard) and “Indoor Privacy” (living room + bedroom).

3. Set Up Time-Based Rules

Now, schedule these modes:

1. Go to Settings > Modes > Rules > + Add Rule.
2. Choose Time as the trigger.
3. Set the start/end time (e.g., 8 PM to 7 AM) and select the “Nighttime Backyard” mode.
4. Repeat for other modes (e.g., “Front Door 24/7” with no end time).

Pro Tip: Use sunset/sunrise triggers (available in the app) for outdoor cameras. This way, your backyard cam automatically arms at dusk and disarms at dawn—no manual updates for daylight saving time!

4. Test Your Schedules

Don’t assume it’s working! Test each schedule:

• Manually activate a mode and check if only the intended cameras arm.
• Wait for the scheduled time to see if modes switch automatically.
• Review the activity log (Arlo app > Activity) to confirm recordings.

I once scheduled a “Weekend Garage” mode but forgot to disarm the backyard cam. Result? 48 hours of useless footage. Testing saved me from repeating that mistake.

Advanced Scheduling with Smart Home Integrations

What if you want your garage cam to turn on only when your car leaves the driveway? Or your indoor cameras to arm when you say, “Hey Google, I’m leaving”? That’s where smart home integrations shine.

Using IFTTT for Custom Triggers

IFTTT (If This Then That) lets you link Arlo to other smart devices. For example:

• Trigger: Your smart garage door opens.
• Action: Arm the garage cam.

Setup steps:

1. Create an IFTTT account and connect your Arlo and smart devices (e.g., smart lock, door sensor).
2. Make an Applet: If [Garage Door Opens] Then [Arm Garage Cam].
3. Test by opening the garage door and checking if the cam activates.

Limitations: IFTTT can be slow (1-2 second delay) and may not work with all devices. But for simple triggers, it’s a game-changer.

Google Home & Alexa for Voice Control

Both Google Home and Alexa let you arm/disarm Arlo modes with voice commands. For example:

• “Hey Google, set Arlo to Nighttime Backyard.”
• “Alexa, disarm the garage cam.”

To set this up:

1. Link Arlo to your Google Home or Alexa app.
2. Create a routine (e.g., “Goodnight”) that activates a custom mode.
3. Test with a voice command.

Pro Tip: Use voice commands for quick adjustments, but rely on scheduled rules for reliability. Voice control is great for emergencies but shouldn’t replace automated schedules.

Geofencing for Automatic Mode Switching

Arlo’s geofencing feature uses your phone’s location to switch modes when you leave/return home. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Arlo app > Settings > Modes > Geofencing.
2. Enable geofencing and select your “Away” and “Home” modes.
3. When you leave home, Arlo switches to “Away” mode (arming all outdoor cams).
4. When you return, it switches to “Home” mode (disarming indoor cams).

Note: Geofencing works best with custom modes. For example, my “Home” mode disarms the living room cam but keeps the front door cam armed.

Common Challenges (And How to Fix Them)

Even with careful setup, you might hit snags. Here are common issues and solutions.

Cameras Not Switching Modes on Time

Problem: Your backyard cam doesn’t arm at sunset.

Fix:

• Check your time zone in the Arlo app (Settings > Account > Time Zone).
• Ensure “Sunset/Sunrise” triggers are enabled (Settings > Modes > Rules > Time > Sunset).
• Restart the Arlo app and router if the camera is offline.

I once had a camera stuck in “Disarmed” mode because my phone’s location services were off. Lesson: always check geofencing permissions!

Overlapping Schedules

Problem: Two rules activate at the same time (e.g., “Weekend Garage” and “Nighttime Backyard”).

Fix: Arlo follows the *most recent* rule. To avoid conflicts:

• Use non-overlapping time ranges (e.g., “Nighttime Backyard: 8 PM–6 AM” and “Weekend Garage: 9 AM–5 PM”).
• Name rules clearly (e.g., “Night_Backyard” vs. “Day_Garage”).

Indoor Cameras Recording When You’re Home

Problem: Your bedroom cam arms even though you’re home.

Fix:

• Use geofencing with a “Home” mode that disarms indoor cams.
• Create a “Manual Only” mode for privacy-sensitive areas.
• Use motion zones to ignore areas (e.g., your bed).

Tip: I disable my indoor cams during the day and only arm them at night when I’m asleep. This saves storage and respects privacy.

Data Table: Arlo Scheduling Features by Model

Feature	Arlo Pro 4/Ultra	Arlo Pro 3/2	Arlo Essential	Arlo Wire-Free
Custom Modes	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️ (Limited)
Time-Based Rules	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️
Sunset/Sunrise Triggers	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️
IFTTT Integration	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Geofencing	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️
Voice Control (Alexa/Google)	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️

Note: The Arlo Essential series lacks advanced scheduling features, making it less ideal for per-camera control. If you need granular scheduling, invest in Pro or Ultra models.

Final Tips for Smarter Arlo Scheduling

After years of tinkering with Arlo cameras, here are my top tips to make scheduling effortless:

1. Start Simple, Then Layer Complexity

Don’t try to automate everything at once. Begin with basic time-based schedules, then add geofencing, IFTTT, and voice control as you get comfortable. I once overcomplicated my setup with 10+ rules and spent hours fixing overlaps. Start with 2-3 modes and expand gradually.

2. Use Descriptive Names

Clear labels save time. Instead of “Mode 1,” name it “Nighttime Backyard (Sunset–6 AM).” This makes troubleshooting easier.

3. Regularly Review Activity Logs

Check the Arlo app’s Activity tab weekly. Look for:

• Unexpected recordings (e.g., indoor cam active during the day).
• Missed events (e.g., no recording when the garage door opened).

Catch issues early before they become habits.

4. Leverage Motion Zones

Pair scheduling with motion zones to avoid false alerts. For example, set your backyard cam to ignore the neighbor’s yard but record the gate area. This reduces unnecessary recordings and saves storage.

5. Backup Your Setup

Arlo doesn’t have a “backup settings” feature, but you can:

• Take screenshots of your modes and rules.
• Write down custom mode names and schedules.

This helps if you reset your system or switch phones.

Scheduling separate Arlo cameras isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. With custom modes, time-based rules, and smart integrations, you can tailor your security system to your life. Yes, it requires some setup, but the payoff is peace of mind. No more wondering if the garage cam caught the delivery driver, or if the backyard cam is wasting battery during the day. You’re in control.

Remember: Arlo’s strength lies in flexibility. Whether you’re a tech novice or a home automation pro, there’s a scheduling method that works for you. Start small, experiment, and don’t fear mistakes. Every misstep is a lesson—like the time I accidentally disarmed all cameras while testing geofencing. (Spoiler: my dog triggered the motion sensor. Chaos ensued.) Now, I have a robust system that adapts to my routine. You can too. Happy scheduling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you schedule separate cameras on Arlo for different times?

Yes, Arlo’s app allows you to schedule individual cameras to arm or disarm at different times. This is ideal for customizing surveillance, like keeping a backyard camera active at night while disabling a front-door camera during the day.

How do I set up camera-specific schedules on my Arlo system?

Open the Arlo app, select a camera, go to “Mode,” and create a custom schedule under “Schedule” or “Rules.” Repeat for each camera—each can have unique on/off times, motion sensitivity, and notifications.

Is it possible to schedule Arlo cameras to record at separate intervals?

Yes, using the “Custom Mode” feature, you can configure separate recording schedules for each camera. For example, schedule a garage camera to record only during work hours and a living room camera after sunset.

Can you schedule separate cameras on Arlo to avoid false alerts?

Absolutely. By scheduling cameras to disable motion detection in low-risk areas (e.g., a tree-lined driveway at night), you reduce false alerts. Adjust schedules per camera via the app’s “Activity Zones” and “Scheduling” settings.

Do Arlo Pro and Arlo Ultra support individual camera scheduling?

Yes, all Arlo models, including Pro and Ultra, support per-camera scheduling. The process is identical across devices, though higher-end models may offer additional scheduling options like geofencing or AI-powered alerts.

Can I sync schedules across multiple Arlo cameras for group actions?

While each camera’s schedule is set individually, you can create “Modes” (e.g., “Away” or “Sleep”) to apply the same schedule to multiple cameras simultaneously. This streamlines management without sacrificing per-camera customization.