Do Arlo Cameras Light Up When Recording Find Out Here

Arlo cameras do light up when recording, but the behavior depends on the model and settings—most indoor and outdoor models feature a visible LED indicator that activates during motion-triggered or continuous recording. You can disable or adjust the light in the Arlo app for discreet monitoring, giving you control over visibility without sacrificing security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can light up during recording if the LED setting is enabled.
• Disable LED lights easily via the Arlo app for discreet monitoring.
• Motion detection triggers both recording and optional LED illumination.
• Check LED status regularly to balance visibility and privacy needs.
• Customize LED behavior by adjusting settings per camera or schedule.

Do Arlo Cameras Light Up When Recording? The Truth Behind the Glow

Let’s be honest: when you install a security camera, you don’t want it to be a beacon for every passerby. You’re looking for discreet protection, not a flashing neon sign that screams, “Hey, we’re recording!” That’s probably why you’re here, asking: *Do Arlo cameras light up when recording?* Maybe you’ve seen conflicting advice online, or perhaps you’ve noticed a tiny LED on your own Arlo and are worried it’s giving away your surveillance game.

I get it. I’ve been there. I once installed an Arlo Pro 4 at my front porch, only to realize the small blue light was visible from across the street. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it made me question whether I was sacrificing privacy for security. And I know I’m not alone. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or considering your first purchase, the question of visibility—especially at night—is critical. You want to know if the camera’s activity indicators (like lights) compromise its stealth. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how Arlo cameras handle lighting during recording, what you can customize, and how to balance visibility with discretion. No fluff, no hype—just real-world answers based on testing, user feedback, and Arlo’s own documentation.

Understanding Arlo’s LED Indicators: What Each Light Means

Arlo cameras use LEDs (light-emitting diodes) for more than just recording. These small lights serve as status indicators, helping you know what your camera is doing at a glance. But here’s the key: not all lights mean the camera is recording. Understanding the difference is crucial for managing your privacy.

Types of LEDs on Arlo Cameras

• Status LED (usually blue or white): This is the main indicator. It shows power, Wi-Fi connectivity, and setup mode. On models like the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Ultra, it’s a small circle near the lens.
• Infrared (IR) LEDs: These are the invisible red or amber lights you see at night. They enable night vision but aren’t visible to the human eye during the day.
• Spotlight (on spotlight models): Some Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight or Arlo Ultra 2) have built-in spotlights that activate when motion is detected. These are not status lights but functional lighting.

For example, when your Arlo is in setup mode, the status LED will blink blue. Once connected to Wi-Fi, it turns solid blue. If the camera detects motion and starts recording, the LED may flash briefly—but this isn’t always the case, and it depends on your settings (more on that below).

Does the LED Light Up *During* Recording?

Here’s the good news: **Arlo cameras do not have a dedicated “recording in progress” light** that stays on continuously while recording. Instead, the status LED may flash once when recording starts, then go dark or return to its idle state (e.g., solid blue). This means:

• If someone walks by and triggers your camera, they might see a brief flash—but it’s subtle and easy to miss.
• Once recording begins, there’s no persistent “we’re watching you” glow.
• The IR LEDs for night vision are always on when the camera is in night mode, but these are faint and often blend into the camera’s housing.

Tip: If you’re using an Arlo with a spotlight (like the Arlo Floodlight), the spotlight itself will turn on during motion events. This is a major visibility factor—more on that in the next section.

Customizing Visibility: How to Control or Disable Lights

One of Arlo’s biggest strengths is customization. You’re not stuck with default settings. If you want to reduce visibility—especially at night—you have options. Let’s break down what you can adjust.

Turning Off the Status LED (Blue/White Light)

Yes, you can disable the status LED! This is a game-changer for stealth. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Go to Settings > Device Settings > [Your Camera Name].
3. Look for LED Settings or Status Light.
4. Toggle Disable Status LED to ON.

Once disabled, the blue/white light will no longer glow—even during setup, recording, or Wi-Fi reconnection. The only time it might flash is during a firmware update (which you can’t disable).

Real-world example: I disabled the status LED on my backyard Arlo Pro 4. Now, the only visible light is the faint IR glow at night, which is barely noticeable unless you’re standing right in front of the camera. It’s made a huge difference in keeping the camera discreet.

Managing Night Vision and Spotlights

• Night Vision Mode: Arlo cameras automatically switch to night vision (IR mode) when ambient light is low. The IR LEDs are always on in this mode, but you can’t disable them—they’re essential for recording in the dark. However, they’re designed to be subtle. On most models, the IR glow is a soft red or amber, not a bright white.
• Spotlights: If your camera has a spotlight (e.g., Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight), you can:
  • Adjust the brightness in the app (Settings > Device > Spotlight).
  • Set a schedule (e.g., only turn on between 8 PM–6 AM).
  • Use motion-triggered activation (default) or disable the spotlight entirely.

Pro tip: If you want maximum stealth, disable the spotlight and rely on IR night vision. The trade-off? Slightly less clarity in recordings, but the camera becomes nearly invisible at night.

Motion Zones and Sensitivity

You can also reduce unnecessary light triggers by fine-tuning motion zones:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device > Motion Detection.
2. Draw custom zones (e.g., ignore the street, focus on your driveway).
3. Adjust sensitivity (lower = fewer false triggers).

This way, your camera won’t light up (or record) every time a car passes by.

Arlo Models Compared: Which Cameras Light Up the Most?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to visibility. Some have brighter LEDs, larger spotlights, or more obvious IR glows. Here’s how the most popular models stack up.

Model	Status LED (Disablable?)	IR Night Vision	Spotlight	Stealth Level (1-5)
Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)	Blue LED (Yes)	Yes (faint red glow)	No	4
Arlo Pro 4	White LED (Yes)	Yes (amber glow)	No	4
Arlo Ultra 2	White LED (Yes)	Yes (invisible IR)	Yes (adjustable)	2
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight	Blue LED (Yes)	Yes (amber glow)	Yes (1600 lumens)	1
Arlo Go 2 (Cellular)	Blue LED (Yes)	Yes (red glow)	No	3

Stealth Level Key: 1 = Most visible (e.g., floodlight), 5 = Most discreet (e.g., disabled LED + no spotlight).

Which Model Is Best for Discreet Recording?

• For maximum stealth: Arlo Essential or Arlo Pro 4 (disable status LED, no spotlight).
• For balance: Arlo Ultra 2 (disable LED, reduce spotlight brightness).
• Avoid if you want invisibility: Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight (the spotlight is a dead giveaway).

Personal note: I use an Arlo Pro 4 for my front porch and disabled the LED. My neighbor didn’t even know I had a camera until I told him—proof that subtlety works!

Night Vision and the “Invisible” Light: What You Need to Know

Night vision is where things get tricky. Arlo cameras use infrared (IR) LEDs to capture footage in the dark, but these LEDs emit a faint glow. Is it visible? Yes, but it’s not as obvious as you might think.

How IR Night Vision Works

IR LEDs emit light in the 850–940nm range. Humans can’t see this light directly, but:

• 850nm IR: Slight red glow (common on budget cameras). Visible if you look closely.
• 940nm IR: Nearly invisible (used on premium models like Arlo Ultra). No visible glow.

Arlo uses a mix of both. For example, the Arlo Pro 4 has 850nm IR, so there’s a faint amber glow. The Arlo Ultra 2 uses 940nm, which is practically invisible.

Can You Disable IR LEDs?

No—and you shouldn’t. Disabling IR would leave you with no night vision. But you can:

• Use blackout tape: Cover the IR LEDs with electrical tape (not recommended—it can cause overheating).
• Install near ambient light: Position the camera near a porch light or streetlamp. This reduces reliance on IR, minimizing the glow.
• Choose a 940nm model: If stealth is critical, opt for Arlo Ultra 2 or newer models with near-invisible IR.

Example: My Arlo Pro 4’s IR glow is noticeable if I stand 2 feet away, but from the street, it’s just a tiny speck. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Real-World Scenarios: When Lights Matter (and When They Don’t)

Let’s talk about practical situations. When does camera visibility actually matter? When is it overkill?

Scenario 1: Front Door Camera (High-Traffic Area)

• Visibility concern: High. You want deterrence but not a “surveillance zone” vibe.
• Solution: Use an Arlo Pro 4 with disabled LED + motion-activated spotlight (only at night). The camera itself stays discreet, but the spotlight deters intruders.
• Trade-off: Slight IR glow at night, but the spotlight does the heavy lifting.

Scenario 2: Backyard/Perimeter Camera (Stealth Priority)

• Visibility concern: Critical. You don’t want neighbors or intruders spotting the camera.
• Solution: Arlo Essential with LED disabled + 940nm IR upgrade (if available). Mount high, near foliage to camouflage.
• Trade-off: Lower resolution than premium models, but the camera becomes nearly invisible.

Scenario 3: Indoor Nanny Cam (Privacy Balance)

• Visibility concern: Medium. You need to know it’s recording, but not scare the kids.
• Solution: Arlo Essential Indoor with LED enabled during the day, disabled at night. Use motion zones to avoid recording private areas.

Pro tip: Always test your camera at night. Walk around your property and see what’s visible from different angles. Adjust settings based on real-world visibility, not just the manual.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Security and Stealth

So, do Arlo cameras light up when recording? Not in the way you might fear. There’s no persistent “recording in progress” light. Instead, you get subtle indicators—status LEDs that can be disabled, IR glows that are faint, and spotlights you can customize. The key is knowing what you’re working with and making intentional choices.

Here’s my takeaway: Arlo gives you the tools to be as visible or invisible as you want. Want a camera that’s a deterrent? Use a spotlight model with bright LEDs. Want a ninja cam that blends into the night? Disable the LED, use 940nm IR, and mount it discreetly. The power is in your hands.

And remember: visibility isn’t always bad. Sometimes, letting people know you’re recording is a feature, not a bug. It’s about finding the right balance for your home, your neighborhood, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re protecting your family, your property, or just curious, Arlo’s flexibility makes it a solid choice—as long as you take the time to tweak the settings.

Now, go check your own Arlo. Is that tiny blue light on? If it is, and you’d rather it wasn’t, you know what to do. And if you’re still on the fence about which model to buy, think about your priorities: Do you want a spotlight, or stealth? High-res footage, or low visibility? The answers will guide you to the right camera.

At the end of the day, security is personal. Your setup should match your needs—not the other way around. And with Arlo, you’ve got the options to make it work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras light up when recording to indicate active surveillance?

Yes, most Arlo cameras have a status LED that lights up (usually blue or green) when actively recording. This visible indicator helps deter intruders and confirms the camera is capturing footage.

Can I disable the LED light on my Arlo camera during recording?

Yes, Arlo cameras allow you to disable the status LED in the app settings under “Device Settings > Status Light.” This is useful for discreet monitoring, though some models may retain a faint glow.

Why doesn’t my Arlo camera’s LED light up when recording?

If the LED isn’t lighting up, check the status light setting in the Arlo app—it may be disabled. Also, ensure the camera has power and is properly synced to the system.

Do Arlo cameras light up at night when recording in dark conditions?

Arlo cameras use infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision, which emit a faint red glow but aren’t as bright as daytime status lights. The main recording LED (if enabled) still activates, but IR is invisible to most people.

Is the Arlo camera’s recording light customizable for privacy?

Yes, you can customize LED behavior in the Arlo app, including brightness, color (on select models), and disabling it entirely to maintain privacy while recording.

What does a blinking LED on my Arlo camera mean while recording?

A blinking LED during recording typically indicates motion detection or a connection issue. Check the Arlo app for alerts or troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity to resolve persistent blinking.