How Do I Disable Wireless Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

To disable your wireless Arlo camera quickly, open the Arlo app and toggle the camera’s power switch to “Off” under the Devices tab—no unplugging or factory reset needed. This instantly stops live streaming, motion detection, and recordings while preserving your settings for future use. Perfect for privacy, maintenance, or troubleshooting without losing configurations.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings quickly.
• Select your camera from the device list to disable it.
• Tap the power icon to turn off wireless functionality instantly.
• Disable motion detection to stop alerts while keeping the camera on.
• Remove batteries for a complete wireless disconnection when needed.
• Use geofencing to automate camera on/off based on your location.
• Check LED indicators to confirm wireless status after disabling.

Why You Might Need to Disable Your Wireless Arlo Camera

Let’s be honest—smart home tech is amazing, but it’s not always “on” all the time. Maybe you’ve just installed a new wireless Arlo camera and realized it’s recording when you’d rather it wasn’t. Perhaps you’re having a backyard BBQ and don’t want the camera capturing every move. Or maybe you’re dealing with privacy concerns, a false motion alert storm, or you just want to save battery life during a long trip. Whatever your reason, knowing how to disable wireless Arlo camera functionality is a must-have skill for any Arlo user.

I remember the first time I needed to turn off my Arlo camera. I was hosting a surprise birthday party, and the last thing I wanted was my camera pinging me every time someone walked into the yard. I fumbled through the app, panicked, and almost unplugged the base station—only to realize there was a much simpler way. That experience taught me that disabling your Arlo camera doesn’t mean you’re giving up on security. It means you’re using the system smarter, more intentionally, and with better control over your privacy and energy use.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera System Before Disabling It

How Arlo Cameras Work Wirelessly

Before you disable your wireless Arlo camera, it helps to understand what you’re working with. Arlo cameras are designed for flexibility—they run on batteries, connect via Wi-Fi (or through a base station), and communicate with the Arlo app using cloud or local storage (depending on your model and plan). The wireless aspect isn’t just about power; it’s about connectivity, motion detection, alerts, and video streaming.

For example, the Arlo Pro 5S uses dual-band Wi-Fi and a base station to extend range and reduce battery drain. The Arlo Essential series connects directly to your home Wi-Fi, making it even more wireless—but also more dependent on a strong signal. When you disable the camera, you’re essentially telling it to stop sending data, stop detecting motion, and stop streaming—but not necessarily turning it off completely (unless you want to).

Different Ways to “Disable” Your Arlo Camera

Here’s the good news: “disabling” your Arlo camera doesn’t mean just one thing. You have several options, depending on your needs:

• Temporarily stop recording and alerts (e.g., during a party)
• Put the camera in standby mode (motion detection off, but ready to resume)
• Remove it from the network (for long-term storage or relocation)
• Physically power it down (for battery savings or privacy)
• Disable Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity (if using Arlo Go or similar)

I once had a neighbor who thought disabling meant throwing the camera in a drawer. Not only did that damage the lens, but it also made it impossible to reactivate later without resetting. So, let’s get smart about how we disable these devices—safely and reversibly.

How to Disable Wireless Arlo Camera via the Arlo App (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone or tablet and open the Arlo app. Make sure you’re logged into the account associated with your camera. If you’re using a shared account, double-check that you have admin rights—otherwise, you might not see all the options.

Pro tip: If you’re using a family plan or sharing access with a partner, communicate before disabling. Nothing’s worse than getting a frantic call: “Why isn’t the camera working?!”

Step 2: Navigate to the Camera You Want to Disable

From the home screen, tap on the camera you want to disable. You’ll see a live feed (if active), battery level, signal strength, and quick controls. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right—that’s your settings menu.

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 4 mounted over your garage, tap on it. You’ll see options like “Live View,” “Record,” and “Settings.” We’re going into Settings.

Step 3: Use the “Camera Mode” or “Arm/Disarm” Toggle

Inside Settings, look for a section called Camera Mode or Arm/Disarm. This is where the magic happens. Arlo uses a system called “Modes” to control when your cameras are active.

Tap on “Modes” and you’ll see options like:

• Home (motion detection on)
• Away (full monitoring)
• Standby (motion detection off)
• Custom (you can define rules)

To disable your wireless Arlo camera temporarily, select Standby. This turns off motion detection, stops recording, and halts push notifications—but keeps the camera connected to the app. It’s perfect for short-term use, like a dinner party or when you’re doing yard work.

Step 4: Create a Custom Mode (Optional but Powerful)

If you need more control, create a custom mode. For example, you might want:

• Only the backyard camera disabled
• Front door camera to record, but not alert
• All cameras off between 6 PM and 8 PM (dinner time)

To do this, tap “Add Mode,” name it (e.g., “Dinner Time”), and toggle off the cameras you don’t want active. You can even set schedules—like automatically switching to “Standby” every evening at 6 PM.

I use a custom “Vacation Mode” that disables all cameras except the one facing the mailbox. That way, I still get alerts for deliveries but don’t get 100 notifications from raccoons.

Alternative Methods to Disable Your Arlo Camera

Physically Powering Down the Camera

Sometimes, the app isn’t enough. Maybe you’re worried about hacking, or you want to ensure zero data transmission. In that case, physically disabling your wireless Arlo camera is the most secure method.

For battery-powered models (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential):

1. Remove the battery pack (usually a small compartment on the back or bottom).
2. Store the battery separately if you’re not using it for a while (prevents corrosion).
3. The camera will shut down immediately.

For plug-in models (like Arlo Wired Floodlight or Arlo Go):

1. Unplug the power source.
2. For Arlo Go (cellular model), also turn off the SIM card or disable cellular data in the app.

Note: This method stops all functions—recording, alerts, live view. But it’s 100% effective for privacy. I used this when I had guests staying over who were uncomfortable with surveillance. Just be sure to reinsert the battery or plug it back in when you’re ready to resume.

Disconnecting from Wi-Fi or Base Station

If you want to keep the camera powered but stop it from sending data, you can disconnect it from Wi-Fi or the base station.

• For Wi-Fi-only models: Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, and tap “Forget Network.”
• For base station models: In the app, go to Device Settings > Remove Device (this removes it from the network but doesn’t factory reset it).

Warning: This will prevent remote access and cloud recording. But if you’re using a microSD card (local storage), the camera might still record—just not upload. Check your model’s local recording capabilities first.

Using the Physical Button (Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Some Others)

Some Arlo cameras have a small button on the side or bottom. A quick press might toggle modes, but a long press (10+ seconds) often puts the camera into “sleep” or “offline” mode.

For example, on the Arlo Pro 5S, holding the button for 10 seconds disables Wi-Fi transmission. The LED will flash amber, then turn off. To re-enable, press the button again or reconnect to Wi-Fi in the app.

This is great for quick, on-the-spot disabling—like when you’re mowing the lawn and don’t want false alerts.

Disabling Arlo Cameras in Special Scenarios

Disabling During a Power Outage or Internet Downtime

Here’s a common scenario: your Wi-Fi goes out, and you don’t want your Arlo camera to keep trying to reconnect (which drains the battery). What do you do?

First, if you have a base station with battery backup, it will keep the local network alive. But if your internet is down, the camera can’t upload footage or send alerts. In this case:

• Use the app to switch to a mode that only records locally (if your model supports microSD).
• Or, manually disable the camera via the button method to save battery.

I once had a storm knock out my internet for two days. My Arlo kept pinging “offline” every few minutes, and the battery dropped 40% in 48 hours. After that, I learned to disable non-critical cameras during outages.

Disabling for Privacy (Guests, Renters, or Sensitive Areas)

You don’t have to explain your surveillance to everyone, but it’s respectful to disable cameras in private areas when guests are over. For example:

• Disable the backyard camera during a pool party.
• Turn off the camera facing the guest bedroom when visitors are staying.
• Use “Privacy Zones” in the app to black out parts of the video feed (like your neighbor’s yard).

Arlo’s “Privacy Mode” (available on newer models) lets you cover the lens with a mechanical shutter. It’s a physical barrier—perfect for when you want to be 100% sure no recording is happening.

Disabling for Long-Term Storage or Relocation

If you’re moving or storing your camera for months, you’ll want to disable it properly to avoid battery degradation.

1. Charge the battery to about 50% (ideal for long storage).
2. Remove the battery or unplug the power.
3. Store in a cool, dry place (avoid extreme temperatures).
4. Before reuse, reinsert the battery and let it charge fully.

I once stored an Arlo in my attic for six months. When I tried to use it again, the battery wouldn’t hold a charge. Lesson learned: always store at 40–60% charge.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Disabling Arlo Cameras

Forgetting to Re-Enable the Camera

This is the #1 mistake. You disable the camera for a party, forget to turn it back on, and miss a package delivery or suspicious activity. To avoid this:

• Set a reminder on your phone (e.g., “Re-enable Arlo at 10 PM”).
• Use Arlo’s scheduling feature to auto-reactivate at a certain time.
• Name your modes clearly (e.g., “Party Mode – Auto Off at 11 PM”).

Confusing “Standby” with “Offline”

Standby means the camera is still connected but not detecting motion. Offline means it’s disconnected from the network. If you see “Offline” in red, it might not be disabled intentionally—it could be a Wi-Fi issue.

Always check the status in the app. A green “Online” with no motion alerts? That’s standby. A red “Offline”? You might need to troubleshoot connectivity.

Disabling the Wrong Camera

If you have multiple cameras, it’s easy to tap the wrong one. I’ve accidentally disabled my front door camera while trying to turn off the one in the backyard—twice. Now I:

• Take a screenshot of each camera’s view before changing settings.
• Use custom names (e.g., “Front Door – Pro 5S”).
• Double-check the live feed before confirming changes.

Method	Best For	Reversibility	Battery Impact
App: Standby Mode	Short-term disable (parties, work)	Instant	Low (camera stays on but idle)
App: Custom Mode	Selective or scheduled disable	Instant	Low to Medium
Physical Power Off	Long-term, privacy, storage	Manual (must reinsert battery)	Zero (camera off)
Button Long Press	Quick disable (yard work, guests)	Manual (press again to re-enable)	Low (Wi-Fi off, camera on)
Wi-Fi Disconnect	Internet privacy, local-only use	Manual (reconnect in app)	Medium (camera may keep recording locally)

Final Thoughts: Disabling Your Arlo Camera Is About Control, Not Compromise

Learning how to disable wireless Arlo camera isn’t about rejecting smart home tech. It’s about using it wisely. Whether you’re protecting your privacy, saving battery, or just taking a break from notifications, knowing your options gives you control. You’re not turning off security—you’re customizing it.

From the simple tap of a “Standby” button to the peace of mind that comes with a physically powered-down camera, every method has its place. I’ve used them all—sometimes because I forgot my keys and didn’t want to be recorded fumbling at the door, other times because I just wanted a quiet weekend without tech nagging me.

The key is to choose the right method for your situation. Use the app for convenience, physical power for security, and custom modes for flexibility. And always remember: disabling is temporary. Re-enabling is just as easy. With a little practice, you’ll find the balance between safety, privacy, and peace of mind that works for you.

So the next time someone asks, “How do I disable wireless Arlo camera?” you can smile and say, “Let me show you—it’s easier than you think.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I disable wireless Arlo camera temporarily?

To disable your wireless Arlo camera temporarily, open the Arlo app, select the camera, and toggle the “Device On/Off” switch to Off. This pauses recording and live streaming without unpairing the device.

Can I disable my Arlo camera without removing it from the app?

Yes, you can disable your wireless Arlo camera without removing it from the app by using the “Sleep” mode. This keeps the camera paired but stops all activity until you reactivate it.

How do I disable wireless Arlo camera notifications?

To disable notifications, go to the Arlo app, tap the camera, select “Device Settings,” then “Notifications,” and toggle off alerts. This only stops alerts—your camera will still record if armed.

Is there a way to disable the Arlo camera’s LED light?

Yes, in the Arlo app, navigate to the camera’s settings, select “Lamp” or “Light Settings,” and toggle off the status LED. This helps make the camera less noticeable while keeping it active.

How do I completely disable wireless Arlo camera connectivity?

To fully disable connectivity, remove the camera’s batteries or disconnect its power source. For a software solution, unpair the camera via the app’s “Settings” > “Remove Device” option.

Can I schedule my Arlo camera to disable automatically?

Yes, use the “Schedule” feature in the Arlo app to set specific times for your camera to disable and re-enable. This is ideal for routine privacy needs or power-saving purposes.