How Do I Name My Arlo Camera Tips for Easy Identification

Choose clear, descriptive names for your Arlo cameras to instantly identify locations like “Front Door” or “Backyard Shed” in alerts and recordings. Avoid generic labels like “Camera 1”—opt for unique, location-based names that simplify monitoring and enhance home security efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Use location-based names like “Front Door” for quick visual identification.
• Avoid generic labels like “Camera 1” to prevent confusion.
• Incorporate direction (e.g., “North Patio”) to clarify camera angles.
• Keep names concise but descriptive for easy app navigation.
• Update names after repositioning to maintain accurate monitoring records.
• Add purpose tags like “Driveway (Package Watch)” for added clarity.

How Do I Name My Arlo Camera? Tips for Easy Identification

So, you’ve just set up your Arlo camera system. Maybe it’s one camera on your front porch, or maybe it’s a whole network of them watching over your home. You’re feeling pretty good—until you open the Arlo app and realize that every camera is just labeled as “Front Door,” “Backyard,” or worse: “Camera 1,” “Camera 2,” “Camera 3.” Suddenly, you’re staring at a list that feels more like a spreadsheet than a smart security system. You start asking yourself: How do I name my Arlo camera so I can actually know which one is which at a glance?

Trust me, I’ve been there. I once had a camera named “Camera 3” that I thought was pointing at the garage, but it turned out to be the one near the side gate. I didn’t realize it for weeks. When a delivery person left a package near the gate, I had to sift through footage from three different cameras just to find the right one. That moment taught me a valuable lesson: naming your Arlo cameras isn’t just about being organized—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re monitoring your home, checking on pets, or keeping an eye on your kids playing outside, clear, thoughtful names save time, reduce confusion, and make your security system truly smart.

Why Naming Your Arlo Camera Matters More Than You Think

At first glance, naming a camera might seem like a small detail—something you can “figure out later.” But in reality, it’s one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make when setting up your Arlo system. A well-named camera helps you act quickly, avoid confusion, and even improve your home security strategy over time.

Clarity in Critical Moments

Imagine it’s 2 a.m. Your Arlo app sends a motion alert. You tap it, and the video loads—but you’re not sure which camera triggered it. Was it the one near the front steps? The one by the basement window? Or the one that sometimes picks up your neighbor’s cat? If your cameras are named “Cam1,” “Cam2,” and “Cam3,” you’re left guessing. But if they’re named “Front Porch – Motion Sensor,” “Back Deck – Night Mode,” and “Side Gate – Pet Zone,” you know exactly where to look and what to expect. This kind of clarity can make all the difference in an emergency.

Easier Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Over time, your cameras may need updates, battery changes, or repositioning. If you have five cameras and three of them are named “Camera,” you’ll spend extra time checking which one is low on battery or has a weak Wi-Fi signal. A descriptive name lets you identify the right device instantly. For example, “Garage – Solar Charging” tells you not just where it is, but how it’s powered—helpful when diagnosing issues.

Better Integration with Smart Home Routines

If you use Arlo with Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT, clear names help voice commands work more reliably. Telling Alexa, “Show me the front porch,” is seamless if your camera is named “Front Porch.” But if it’s “Camera A,” you’ll get a confused “I’m not sure which camera you mean.” The same goes for automated routines—like turning on lights when motion is detected on “Backyard – Motion.”

Personalization and Peace of Mind

Let’s be honest: your home security system is personal. It’s not just about data and alerts—it’s about feeling safe. Giving your cameras meaningful names makes the system feel more human. I named one camera “Luna’s Spot” after my dog, because it watches her favorite napping area in the backyard. It’s a small touch, but it reminds me that the tech is serving a real purpose in my life.

Best Practices for Naming Your Arlo Cameras

Now that you know why naming matters, let’s talk about how to do it well. The goal is to create names that are clear, consistent, and easy to remember. Here are some proven strategies I’ve picked up after setting up multiple Arlo systems for myself and friends.

Use Location-Based Naming (But Be Specific)

The most common approach is to name your camera after its location. But instead of vague names like “Outside” or “Back,” go for specifics. For example:

• Instead of: Backyard → Try: Backyard – West Fence
• Instead of: Front Door → Try: Front Door – Right Side
• Instead of: Garage → Try: Garage – Side Entrance

This helps when you have multiple cameras covering the same general area. It also makes it easier to identify blind spots or reposition cameras later.

Add Functional Tags

Consider adding a tag that describes the camera’s purpose or behavior. This is especially helpful if you use features like motion zones, night vision, or pet detection. Examples:

• Driveway – Motion Zone A
• Back Deck – Night Vision
• Front Walk – Pet Detection
• Basement – Low Light

These tags don’t just describe where the camera is—they describe what it does. Over time, this helps you fine-tune your settings. For instance, if you notice “Front Walk – Pet Detection” keeps sending false alerts, you’ll know to adjust the sensitivity or reposition it.

Include Power or Connectivity Info (If Relevant)

If you’re using solar-powered cameras, battery models, or ones with weak Wi-Fi, consider adding that info to the name. It helps with maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Patio – Solar Powered
• Side Gate – Battery (Low Signal)
• Garage – Wired Ethernet

Note: Don’t overdo this. If all your cameras are battery-powered, you don’t need to tag each one. But if you have a mix, it’s helpful to highlight the differences.

Use Consistent Formatting

Consistency is key. Pick a naming format and stick to it. For example:

• Always use “Location – Feature” (e.g., Front Porch – Motion)
• Or “Area – Purpose” (e.g., Backyard – Pet Watch)
• Avoid mixing formats: don’t have one called “Front Door” and another called “Backyard – Camera 2”

This makes your camera list easier to scan, especially if you have 6+ devices.

Keep It Short But Meaningful

Arlo allows up to 32 characters for camera names, so you have room to be descriptive—but don’t overcomplicate it. Avoid names like “Main House Front Right Corner – Primary Motion Detection Zone A.” Instead, opt for something like Front Right – Motion. Short names are easier to read on mobile, especially when scrolling through alerts.

Creative and Practical Naming Ideas for Different Scenarios

Not every camera needs a technical name. Sometimes, a creative or functional name works better—especially if you’re using Arlo for more than just security. Here are some real-world examples based on common setups.

Family-Friendly Naming

If you have kids or pets, consider names that reflect their routines. This makes it easier to check on them without sifting through footage.

• Playground – Kids Zone (for a backyard camera watching the playset)
• Backyard – Dog Run (if your dog has a designated area)
• Front Walk – School Bus Stop (to monitor kids waiting for the bus)
• Driveway – Car Drop-Off (for when the school bus or rideshare picks up)

I once helped a friend name a camera “Maddie’s Window” because it watched her daughter’s bedroom window at night. She said it gave her peace of mind—and made the app feel more personal.

Pet-Specific Naming

Pets trigger a lot of false alerts. Giving pet-related cameras specific names helps you filter alerts faster.

• Back Fence – Cat Patrol (for a camera that often catches neighborhood cats)
• Patio – Dog Nap Spot
• Side Yard – Squirrel Watch (if your dog goes nuts at squirrels)

Pro tip: Pair these names with motion zones set to ignore small animals. That way, you get alerts only when it’s something important.

Multi-Camera Property (Homes, Rentals, Vacation Homes)

If you have a large property or multiple buildings, use names that reflect the structure.

• Main House – Front Porch
• Guest House – Back Door
• Boat Dock – Night Mode
• Storage Shed – Motion
• Pool Area – Safety Watch

For vacation homes, I like adding the location: Cabin – Front Door or Beach House – Garage. This helps if you manage multiple properties through one Arlo account.

Business or Rental Property Use

If you’re using Arlo for a small business or rental, clarity is even more important. Use names that help with liability or tenant monitoring.

• Office – Main Entrance
• Parking Lot – North End
• Unit 3 – Back Door (for a multi-unit rental)
• Retail Store – Cash Register

Note: Always comply with privacy laws when using cameras in rental or business settings. Avoid naming cameras in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (like bathrooms or private offices).

How to Rename Your Arlo Camera in the App (Step-by-Step)

Now that you have naming ideas, let’s walk through how to actually rename your camera. The process is simple and takes less than a minute per camera. Here’s how to do it on the Arlo app (iOS and Android).

Step 1: Open the Arlo App

Launch the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in and connected to your account.

Step 2: Go to the Devices Tab

Tap the Devices icon (usually looks like a camera or home symbol) at the bottom of the screen. This shows all your connected cameras and base stations.

Step 3: Select the Camera You Want to Rename

Tap on the camera you’d like to rename. This opens the camera’s live feed and settings.

Step 4: Access Camera Settings

Tap the three dots (⋮) or gear icon in the top-right corner. This opens the camera’s settings menu.

Step 5: Tap “Rename”

Look for the Rename option (sometimes labeled “Camera Name”). Tap it, and a text field will appear.

Step 6: Enter Your New Name

Type in your chosen name. Remember: keep it under 32 characters, use clear language, and follow your naming format (e.g., “Front Porch – Motion”).

Step 7: Save and Confirm

Tap Save or Done. The app will update the name, and it will appear across all views—live feed, alerts, and recordings.

Bonus: Renaming via Web Browser

You can also rename cameras through the Arlo web portal:

1. Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
2. Click Settings (gear icon).
3. Select Cameras from the left menu.
4. Find the camera, click the pencil icon, enter the new name, and save.

The web version is great if you’re managing many cameras at once—it’s easier to see them all on a larger screen.

Data Table: Recommended Naming Schemes by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Naming Format	Example Names	Why It Works
Single-Family Home	Location – Feature	Front Porch – Motion, Backyard – Night Vision, Garage – Side Door	Clear, consistent, easy to scan
Multi-Pet Household	Area – Pet Purpose	Backyard – Dog Run, Patio – Cat Patrol, Front Walk – Squirrel Watch	Helps filter pet-related alerts
Large Property	Building – Location	Main House – Front, Guest House – Back, Shed – Motion	Useful for managing multiple structures
Vacation Home	Property – Location	Cabin – Front Door, Beach House – Garage, Lake House – Dock	Helps distinguish between properties
Family with Kids	Area – Child Activity	Playground – Kids Zone, Front Walk – Bus Stop, Driveway – Car Drop	Personalized and functional
Business or Rental	Unit/Area – Function	Office – Entrance, Parking – North, Unit 3 – Back Door	Professional and clear for monitoring

Final Thoughts: Make Your Arlo System Work for You

Renaming your Arlo camera isn’t just a setup step—it’s a habit that pays off every single time you check your security feed. Whether you’re glancing at an alert, reviewing a recording, or adjusting motion zones, a well-named camera makes the experience smoother, faster, and more intuitive.

Think of it like labeling your kitchen cabinets. Sure, you could open every door to find the pasta, but wouldn’t it be easier if it was clearly marked? The same goes for your cameras. A name like “Front Porch – Motion” is like a sign on the door: it tells you exactly what’s inside, so you can act with confidence.

And remember: your naming system can evolve. When I first set up my Arlo system, I used simple names like “Backyard.” But as I added more cameras and features, I refined them to include motion zones, power sources, and even pet-specific tags. Don’t be afraid to rename cameras later if your needs change.

Ultimately, the best name is the one that makes sense to you. Whether you go technical, creative, or somewhere in between, the goal is to create a system that’s easy to use, easy to understand, and truly integrated into your daily life. So take a few minutes today to name your cameras thoughtfully. Your future self—especially the one checking alerts at 2 a.m.—will thank you.

Now, go open that Arlo app, tap those three dots, and give your cameras names that actually mean something. Because when it comes to home security, clarity isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I name my Arlo camera for better organization?

To name your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, select the camera, and tap “Device Settings.” Choose a descriptive name like “Front Door” or “Backyard” to easily identify its location or purpose. This helps streamline monitoring and management.

Can I rename my Arlo camera after setup?

Yes, you can rename your Arlo camera anytime via the Arlo app. Go to “Device Settings,” edit the camera name, and save. This is useful if you reorganize your home or add new cameras.

What are the best naming conventions for Arlo cameras?

Use clear, location-based names (e.g., “Garage,” “Driveway”) or functional names (e.g., “Baby Room”). Avoid generic names like “Camera 1” to ensure easy identification, especially if you have multiple Arlo cameras.

Why is naming my Arlo camera important?

Naming your Arlo camera helps you quickly identify its location or function in the app, especially with multiple devices. It also simplifies automation rules and voice commands with smart home integrations.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my Arlo camera name?

Yes, the Arlo app allows spaces, numbers, and most special characters in camera names. However, stick to simple, readable names to avoid issues with voice assistants or third-party integrations.

How do I name my Arlo camera to work with Alexa or Google Home?

Use short, distinct names like “Kitchen Cam” or “Patio Camera” to ensure voice assistants recognize them correctly. Avoid duplicates or overly complex names to prevent confusion during voice commands.