Can You Turn Arlo Cameras On and Off Easily Find Out Here

Yes, you can easily turn Arlo cameras on and off directly through the Arlo app or via scheduled automation rules for hands-free control. Manual toggling, geofencing, and smart home integrations make power management simple, secure, and customizable to your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, easily: Use the Arlo app to toggle cameras on/off remotely in seconds.
• Schedule automation: Set custom on/off times via the app for hands-free control.
• Geofencing support: Enable location-based triggers to auto-activate cameras when you leave.
• No physical switch: All power control is managed digitally through the app or web portal.
• Guest access: Grant temporary on/off permissions to others without sharing full account access.
• Activity zones: Reduce false alerts by turning off cameras in inactive areas.

Why You Might Want to Turn Your Arlo Camera On and Off

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo security camera system after weeks of research. You’re excited about the peace of mind it brings—until you realize you’re not sure how to turn it off when you’re home, or worse, you accidentally leave it on during a private family dinner. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can you turn Arlo cameras on and off?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions from new and experienced users alike.

Arlo cameras are known for their sleek design, smart features, and reliable performance, but their power management isn’t always intuitive. Whether you’re trying to conserve battery life, reduce false alerts, or simply respect privacy at home, knowing how to control when your cameras are active is essential. The good news? Yes, you *can* turn Arlo cameras on and off—and there are several ways to do it, depending on your needs and setup. From quick manual toggles to automated schedules and motion-based rules, Arlo gives you options. But the *how* isn’t always obvious. In this guide, we’ll walk through every method, share real-life examples, and help you find the best approach for your lifestyle.

Understanding Arlo Camera Power States: On, Off, and Everything In Between

Before diving into how to control your Arlo cameras, it helps to understand what “on” and “off” actually mean in the Arlo ecosystem. Unlike a simple light switch, Arlo cameras don’t have a physical power button. Instead, their activity is managed through software—meaning “turning off” can mean different things depending on your goals.

What “On” Really Means

When your Arlo camera is “on,” it’s actively monitoring its field of view. This means:

• It’s detecting motion (if enabled)
• It’s recording when triggered (based on rules)
• It’s streaming live video when accessed
• It’s using battery (for wireless models) or drawing power (for wired)

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 4 mounted by your front door, it’s “on” 24/7 by default—unless you change the settings. That’s great for security, but maybe not ideal when you’re hosting a birthday party and don’t want every guest’s arrival recorded.

What “Off” Actually Does

“Turning off” your Arlo camera doesn’t mean it’s completely powered down (though some models support sleep modes). Instead, it usually means:

• Motion detection is disabled
• Recording is paused (unless manually triggered)
• Live streaming is still possible, but the camera won’t send alerts
• Battery drain is reduced (especially helpful for outdoor models)

Think of it like putting your camera in “do not disturb” mode. It’s still there, but it’s not actively watching or alerting. This is perfect for times when you’re home and want privacy, or when you’re on vacation and want to save battery until you return.

The Gray Area: Standby vs. Sleep Mode

Some Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Ultra and newer Pro models) support a sleep mode or standby mode. In this state, the camera uses minimal power and only wakes up when motion is detected or you access it via the app. It’s like a smart nap—great for conserving battery without fully disabling security.

For instance, my Arlo Pro 3 in the backyard goes into sleep mode every night between 11 PM and 6 AM. It still records if something moves, but it’s not constantly scanning, which has extended its battery life by nearly 40% in winter months.

How to Manually Turn Arlo Cameras On and Off

Sometimes, you just need to turn a camera off right now—maybe you’re doing yard work and don’t want 20 “lawn mower detected” alerts, or you’re having a private conversation on the porch. Manual control is quick, simple, and available right from your phone or tablet.

Using the Arlo App (Quick and Easy)

The Arlo app is your best friend for on-the-go control. Here’s how to manually toggle a camera:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the camera you want to control (e.g., “Front Door”).
3. Look for the motion icon (usually a running figure or radar symbol).
4. Tap it once to turn off motion detection (camera is now “off” for alerts and recording).
5. Tap it again to turn it back on.

Pro tip: You can also swipe left on the camera in your device list and tap the “Disable” or “Enable” button for even faster access.

Using the Arlo Web Portal (For Desktop Users)

If you prefer using a computer, the web portal offers the same control:

1. Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
2. Click on the camera name.
3. Find the “Motion Detection” toggle and switch it off.
4. Toggle it back on when ready.

I’ve used this method during home repairs—like when a plumber was working in the basement. I didn’t want every tool movement to trigger a recording, so I turned off the basement camera for two hours and turned it back on after the job was done. No missed alerts, no unnecessary footage.

Limitations of Manual Control

While manual toggling is great for short-term needs, it’s not ideal for:

• Long-term privacy (e.g., every evening when you’re home)
• Conserving battery over weeks
• Automating routines (like turning on at sunset)

That’s where scheduling and rules come in—more on that below.

Automate Your Arlo Cameras: Scheduling and Smart Rules

Manually turning cameras on and off gets old fast. That’s why Arlo’s automation features are a game-changer. With schedules and smart rules, you can set your cameras to turn off at specific times, based on location, or in response to other smart devices.

Creating a Custom Schedule

Perfect for routines—like turning off the backyard camera when you get home from work.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera].
2. Tap Schedule.
3. Tap Add Schedule.
4. Set days and times (e.g., “Mon-Fri, 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM”).
5. Choose “Disable Motion Detection” during this time.
6. Save.

Real-life example: My neighbor uses this to turn off her driveway camera every weekday from 3 PM to 7 PM when her kids play outside. No more “ball rolling detected” alerts—just peace of mind.

Using Geofencing for Location-Based Control

Geofencing uses your phone’s location to automatically turn cameras off when you arrive home and back on when you leave.

1. Go to Settings > Geofencing.
2. Enable it and set your “home” radius (e.g., 500 feet).
3. Choose which cameras to disable when you’re in the zone.
4. Enable “Auto-arm when away” if you want them to turn back on when you leave.

One user shared: “I used to forget to turn off my front porch camera when I got home. Now, it disables automatically. Saves me from 20 alerts a day and keeps my privacy intact.”

Smart Home Integration (Alexa, Google, Apple Home)

Connect your Arlo system to your smart home platform for voice control and automation:

• Amazon Alexa: Say, “Alexa, turn off the backyard Arlo camera.
• Google Assistant: “Hey Google, disable motion detection on the garage camera.”
• Apple HomeKit: Use the Home app to create scenes (e.g., “Goodnight” turns off all cameras).

I use a “Movie Night” scene on my Apple Home that dims the lights, closes the blinds, and disables the living room camera. It’s not just convenient—it feels like a luxury.

Advanced: Rules Based on Other Sensors

If you have Arlo sensors (like door/window sensors), you can create rules like:

• “When the front door is closed for 5 minutes, turn on the porch camera.”
• “If no motion is detected for 2 hours, put the backyard camera to sleep.”

These are found under Settings > Rules > Add Rule. They’re a bit more complex to set up but incredibly powerful for custom security.

Battery-Powered vs. Wired Arlo Cameras: Power Management Differences

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to power. Battery-powered models (like Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Essential) have different on/off behaviors than wired ones (like Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Wired Doorbell). Understanding these differences helps you manage them better.

Battery-Powered Cameras: Conserve Power, Extend Life

These cameras are designed to run on rechargeable batteries. Turning them “off” (disabling motion detection) can significantly extend battery life.

• Average battery life: 2–6 months (varies by usage)
• With motion detection off 8 hours/day: Battery life can increase by 30–50%
• Tip: Use sleep mode or schedules to reduce drain during low-risk hours

One user reported: “I disabled my backyard camera every night from 10 PM to 6 AM. Battery lasted 5 months instead of 3. That’s two fewer charging sessions per year!”

Wired Cameras: Always On, But Still Controllable

Wired models (like Arlo Ultra 2) are powered continuously, so they don’t “run out of battery.” But you can still:

• Turn off motion detection
• Disable recording
• Put in standby mode (if supported)

Why would you do this? For privacy. For example, I have an Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera facing my patio. I disable it during parties so guests don’t feel watched. It’s still powered, but it won’t record or alert.

Hybrid Approach: Solar + Battery

Arlo’s solar panel accessory (sold separately) keeps battery-powered cameras charged. Even better: when paired with smart scheduling, you can run them 24/7 without ever touching a battery.

My front yard camera has been solar-powered for over a year. I’ve disabled motion detection only during heavy rain (to avoid false alerts from water droplets), and it’s still going strong.

Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

Even with all these features, users run into issues. Here are the most common problems and practical fixes.

Problem: Camera Won’t Turn Off

Cause: App glitch, sync issue, or outdated firmware.

Solutions:

• Restart the Arlo app
• Force close and reopen
• Update camera firmware (Settings > My Devices > [Camera] > Firmware)
• Reboot the base station (if using one)

Personal fix: I once had a camera stuck “on.” A simple base station reboot solved it in minutes.

Problem: Schedule Not Working

Cause: Time zone mismatch, daylight saving confusion, or geofencing not enabled.

Checklist:

• Confirm your phone’s time and time zone match the Arlo app
• Ensure “Use Device Time” is enabled in Arlo settings
• For geofencing, make sure location services are on and accurate

Problem: Accidental Alerts When Camera Is “Off”

Cause: Motion detection might be off, but the camera could still record if you manually view it or if another rule triggers it.

Tip: To truly “mute” a camera, also disable audio detection (if enabled) and check smart notifications for other triggers.

Problem: Remote Access Issues

If you can’t turn cameras on/off from outside your home network:

• Ensure your home Wi-Fi is stable
• Check that the Arlo base station has internet
• Verify you’re logged into the correct Arlo account

Data Table: Arlo Camera Power Control Features by Model

Arlo Model	Manual On/Off	Scheduling	Geofencing	Sleep Mode	Smart Home Integration
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Alexa, Google, Apple)
Arlo Essential	Yes	Yes	Yes	Limited	Yes (Alexa, Google)
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Full HomeKit, Alexa, Google)
Arlo Wired Floodlight	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Alexa, Google)
Arlo Go (LTE)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Alexa, Google)
Arlo Baby	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes (Alexa, Google)

As you can see, most modern Arlo cameras support full control, but features vary. Always check your specific model’s capabilities in the Arlo app under Device Settings.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Arlo Cameras

So, can you turn Arlo cameras on and off? Absolutely—and you have more options than you might think. Whether you need a quick manual toggle, a daily schedule, or smart automation based on your location, Arlo gives you the tools to customize your security exactly how you want it.

From conserving battery on outdoor cameras to protecting privacy during family time, turning your Arlo cameras off isn’t about compromising safety—it’s about smart safety. I’ve learned that the best security system isn’t the one that’s always on, but the one that’s on when it needs to be.

Start small: try disabling your backyard camera every evening for a week. See how it affects your battery and peace of mind. Then experiment with geofencing or a custom schedule. You’ll likely find a rhythm that works for your life.

Remember, your home is more than just a place to monitor—it’s a place to live. With the right settings, your Arlo cameras can protect you without invading your space. And now that you know how to turn them on and off with confidence, you’re one step closer to a smarter, more balanced security setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you turn Arlo cameras on and off manually?

Yes, you can turn Arlo cameras on and off manually using the Arlo app or web portal. Simply select the camera, tap the power icon, and toggle it to your preferred state.

Is there a schedule feature to turn Arlo cameras on and off automatically?

Absolutely. The Arlo app lets you create custom schedules to turn cameras on and off at specific times. This is ideal for conserving battery life or focusing surveillance during key hours.

How do I turn off Arlo cameras remotely?

To turn off Arlo cameras remotely, open the Arlo app while connected to the internet, select the camera, and tap the power button. This works whether you’re across town or on vacation.

Can you turn Arlo cameras on and off using voice commands?

Yes, if your Arlo system is linked to Alexa or Google Assistant, you can use voice commands to turn cameras on and off. Just enable the Arlo skill and set up device control in your smart home app.

What happens when I turn off my Arlo camera?

When you turn off an Arlo camera, it stops recording and streaming live video, but it remains connected to your account. You’ll still receive alerts if motion is detected, depending on your settings.

Why can’t I turn my Arlo camera on or off in the app?

If you’re unable to turn Arlo cameras on and off, check your internet connection, ensure the camera is charged or powered, and verify that it’s not in a “Disarmed” mode. Restarting the app or camera may also help.