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Rearranging your Arlo cameras is quick and simple using the Arlo app’s drag-and-drop interface. Just navigate to your camera list, press and hold the device you want to move, then drag it to your preferred position—changes sync instantly across all devices. This effortless customization helps you prioritize views and manage your security layout efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Access the Arlo app: Open the app to manage your camera order.
- Drag and drop cameras: Reorder easily by holding and moving camera tiles.
- Use the dashboard: Rearrange cameras directly from the home screen.
- Save changes automatically: No manual save—updates apply instantly.
- Customize for priority: Place frequently used cameras at the top for quick access.
📑 Table of Contents
- Why Reordering Your Arlo Cameras Matters
- Understanding Arlo Camera Order Basics
- Step-by-Step: Reordering Cameras in the Arlo App (iOS & Android)
- Reordering on the Arlo Web Portal (Desktop)
- Advanced Tips for Organizing Multiple Cameras
- Troubleshooting Common Issues and Limitations
- Conclusion: Make Your Arlo Cameras Work for You
Why Reordering Your Arlo Cameras Matters
Imagine this: you’re scrolling through your Arlo app after a long day, trying to check on your backyard. But the cameras are in a jumbled mess—your front door cam is at the bottom, the garage feed is buried, and the baby monitor is somewhere in between. It’s frustrating, right? I’ve been there. The order of your Arlo cameras isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about efficiency, peace of mind, and saving time when every second counts. Whether you’re monitoring your home, kids, or pets, having your most important cameras at your fingertips makes a world of difference.
Thankfully, changing the order of your Arlo cameras is easier than you might think. But it’s not always obvious, especially if you’re new to the Arlo ecosystem. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different setups, from a single outdoor cam to a full 10-camera system, and I’ve learned the tricks to make reordering smooth and painless. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—step by step—so you can customize your camera order exactly how you want it.
Understanding Arlo Camera Order Basics
Before diving into the “how,” let’s clarify what “camera order” actually means in the Arlo system. The order refers to how your cameras appear in the main camera feed list within the Arlo app or web portal. This list is what you see every time you open the app—your home screen, so to speak. The order affects how you navigate, which cameras load first, and even how quickly you can respond to alerts.
How the Default Order Works
When you first set up your Arlo cameras, they’re typically added in the order you activate them. The first camera you pair appears at the top, the next one below, and so on. This might work fine for small setups, but as you add more cameras—say, for different rooms, entry points, or even multiple properties—this default order quickly becomes chaotic. For example, I once added a camera in my backyard last, and it showed up at the bottom, even though it’s one of the most frequently checked spots.
Arlo doesn’t automatically prioritize cameras based on usage or location. That’s where manual reordering comes in. By changing the order, you can group related cameras (like all outdoor cams), put high-priority feeds (like your front door or baby monitor) at the top, or even create a logical flow from left to right if you’re using the web portal’s grid view.
Why Order Affects Usability
Think of your Arlo camera order like organizing apps on your phone. You wouldn’t put your camera app at the very end of your home screen, right? The same logic applies here. A well-organized feed:
- Reduces stress during emergencies—no frantic scrolling to find the right camera.
- Saves time when checking routine things, like whether the garage door is closed.
- Improves workflow for multi-camera setups, especially if you have cameras in different homes or for business use.
- Enhances automation if you use rules or modes, as the top cameras often get priority in notifications.
I learned this the hard way during a storm when a tree branch fell. I needed to check my backyard cam instantly, but it was buried at the bottom. By the time I found it, the damage was worse. That day, I reordered my cameras—and I’ve never looked back.
Step-by-Step: Reordering Cameras in the Arlo App (iOS & Android)
The Arlo app is the most common way to manage your cameras, and luckily, it’s where you’ll do the bulk of reordering. The process is similar for both iOS and Android, though there are slight differences in gestures and menus.
Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Navigate to the Camera List
Launch the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. You’ll land on the “Cameras” tab (usually at the bottom of the screen). This is your main feed list, showing all your cameras in their current order. If you don’t see it, tap the house icon or “Cameras” in the menu.
Pro tip: Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the cameras. If you share access with others, you’ll need to reorder from your primary account.
Step 2: Access the Edit/Reorder Mode
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. On iOS:
- Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner.
- Select “Edit” next to “Cameras.”
- You’ll see a three-line handle (☰) appear to the right of each camera name.
On Android:
- Tap the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Edit camera order.”
- Handles will appear next to each camera.
I remember the first time I did this—I almost missed the “Edit” option because it’s tucked away. Don’t worry; it’s not intuitive, but now you know!
Step 3: Drag and Drop to Reorder
This is the fun part. Tap and hold the handle (☰) next to the camera you want to move. Drag it up or down the list to your desired position. As you move it, the other cameras will shift to make space. Release your finger when it’s in place.
Example: Let’s say you have five cameras: Front Door, Backyard, Garage, Living Room, and Driveway. You want Front Door and Garage at the top (for quick access), Backyard in the middle (frequent checks), and Driveway at the bottom (rarely used). Just drag Front Door to #1, Garage to #2, and so on.
Tip: For long lists, use the scroll gesture while holding the camera. It’s a bit fiddly, but it works. On iOS, you can also swipe left on a camera name to reveal a “Move” button, which opens a draggable list.
Step 4: Save Your Changes
Once you’re happy with the order, tap “Done” (iOS) or “Save” (Android). The app will refresh, and your new order is now active! Test it by reopening the app or switching between tabs to ensure it sticks.
Note: If you have multiple Arlo accounts (e.g., home and office), you’ll need to reorder cameras in each account separately. The order doesn’t sync across accounts.
Reordering on the Arlo Web Portal (Desktop)
For those who prefer a bigger screen or use Arlo for work, the web portal offers a slightly different—and often more precise—way to reorder cameras. It’s perfect for detailed adjustments or if you’re managing a large setup.
Step 1: Log In to the Arlo Web Portal
Go to arlo.com and log in with your Arlo account. Click “My Devices” or “Cameras” in the left sidebar. You’ll see your cameras in a grid or list view, depending on your preference.
Tip: Use the “List View” (toggle in the top-right) for easier reordering. It’s cleaner and shows all cameras in a single column.
Step 2: Enter Edit Mode
Hover over the camera list. You’ll see a gear icon (⚙️) or “Edit” button in the top-right corner. Click it to enter edit mode. Handles (☰) will appear next to each camera name, just like in the app.
Key difference: On the web, you can also drag and drop cameras directly in the grid view if you’re using a large monitor. This is great for visual thinkers who want to see spatial relationships.
Step 3: Drag, Drop, or Use the Up/Down Arrows
In list view, drag the handles to reorder. In grid view, click and drag a camera to a new spot. Alternatively, use the up/down arrows that appear when you hover over a camera. This is handy for small adjustments (e.g., moving a camera one spot up).
Example: I use the web portal to group my outdoor cameras (Front Door, Backyard, Driveway) together in the grid, with indoor cams (Living Room, Nursery) below. It makes the layout feel more natural.
Step 4: Save and Sync
Click “Save” or “Done” in the top-right. The web portal syncs instantly with the app, so your new order will appear on your phone within seconds. Refresh the app if it doesn’t show up right away.
Note: If you have a mix of Arlo cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra), the web portal lets you reorder them all in one place—no need to switch between devices.
Advanced Tips for Organizing Multiple Cameras
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up. Here are some pro strategies I’ve used for complex setups.
Grouping by Location or Purpose
Instead of a flat list, think in categories:
- Outdoor: Front Door, Backyard, Driveway, Garage
- Indoor: Living Room, Kitchen, Nursery, Hallway
- High-Priority: Baby Monitor, Front Door (duplicate if needed)
You can’t create folders in Arlo, but you can use camera names to group them. For example, prefix outdoor cams with “Out-” (Out-Front Door, Out-Backyard) or use emojis (🌳 Backyard, 🏠 Front Door). This makes scanning the list faster.
Using “Favorite” Cameras for Quick Access
Arlo lets you mark cameras as “Favorites.” These appear at the top of your feed, regardless of the main order. To set a favorite:
- In the app, tap the star icon next to a camera name.
- On the web, hover over a camera and click the star.
I use this for my front door cam and baby monitor. Even if I reorder the list, they’re always front and center.
Syncing Order Across Devices
Your camera order does sync between the app and web portal. However, if you have multiple phones or tablets, you’ll need to reorder on each device. The order is tied to your account, not the device, so it’s consistent across logins.
Handling Shared Cameras or Multi-Account Setups
If you share Arlo access with family or coworkers, note that:
- Only the primary account owner can reorder cameras.
- Shared users see the order set by the primary account.
- For business use, create separate accounts for different properties (e.g., Home, Office) and reorder within each.
I once had a friend’s camera shared with me, and I accidentally reordered it on my end. Oops! The primary account owner has to fix that.
Troubleshooting Common Issues and Limitations
Reordering isn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s how to handle the hiccups I’ve faced.
“Edit” Button Missing or Grayed Out
Causes:
- You’re not logged into the primary account.
- Your app or web portal is outdated.
- Network issues (try switching to Wi-Fi or mobile data).
Fix: Log out and back in, update the app, or restart your device. If it persists, contact Arlo support.
Changes Not Saving
This is rare but frustrating. If your order resets:
- Ensure you tapped “Save” or “Done.”
- Check for app crashes—close and reopen the app.
- Clear the app cache (Settings > Apps > Arlo > Storage > Clear Cache).
I once had this happen after a major app update. A quick cache clear fixed it.
No Reordering for Arlo SmartHub or Base Stations
You can only reorder individual cameras, not the SmartHub or base station. They’ll always appear at the top or bottom, depending on your setup.
Table: Common Reordering Scenarios and Solutions
| Scenario | Issue | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| New camera added | It appears at the bottom | Reorder immediately after setup |
| Multiple properties | Cameras from different homes mixed | Use descriptive names (Home-Front Door, Office-Reception) |
| Frequent reordering needed | Tiresome to drag cameras | Use favorites for top cameras |
| Shared access | Order resets for shared users | Primary account owner must manage order |
Conclusion: Make Your Arlo Cameras Work for You
Changing the order of your Arlo cameras isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer for usability. Whether you’re a busy parent checking on the kids, a homeowner monitoring security, or a business owner with multiple locations, a well-ordered feed saves time, reduces stress, and makes your system feel truly personalized.
From the simple drag-and-drop in the app to advanced grouping strategies, you now have all the tools to take control. Remember: your camera order should reflect how you use your cameras, not just how they were installed. So go ahead—reorder, experiment, and find the setup that works best for you. And if you hit a snag? Don’t sweat it. Even after years of using Arlo, I still tweak my order every few months as my needs change. That’s the beauty of it: it’s flexible, just like you.
Now, when you open the Arlo app and see your front door cam right at the top, your backyard in the middle, and your garage just a tap away, you’ll know it’s not just luck. It’s smart organization—and it feels good.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the order of my Arlo cameras in the app?
To change the order of your Arlo cameras, open the Arlo app, go to “Devices,” then press and hold the camera you want to move. Drag it to your preferred position in the list. The new order will save automatically.
Can I reorder my Arlo cameras on the web dashboard?
Yes, you can change the order of your Arlo cameras on the web by logging into your account at arlo.netgear.com. Click and drag cameras in the “Devices” section to rearrange them. The changes sync across all devices.
Why would I need to change the order of my Arlo cameras?
Rearranging your Arlo cameras helps prioritize frequently viewed devices or group them by location (e.g., front door, backyard). This makes monitoring faster and more efficient in the app or dashboard.
Is there a limit to how many times I can reorder Arlo cameras?
No, you can change the order of your Arlo cameras as often as needed. The system allows unlimited adjustments, and updates appear instantly across all your connected devices.
Do camera order changes affect recordings or schedules?
No, changing the order of your Arlo cameras only affects their display sequence in the app or dashboard. Recordings, alerts, and schedules remain unaffected by the new arrangement.
Can I change the order of my Arlo cameras using voice commands?
Currently, Arlo doesn’t support reordering cameras via voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. You must manually rearrange them using the app or web dashboard.