How Do I Turn Off My Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Turning off your Arlo camera is quick and easy—simply open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap the power icon to disable it instantly. For a physical shutdown, unplug the camera or remove its batteries if it’s wire-free. This guide ensures full control over when your camera records, helping preserve privacy or extend battery life.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and controls.
• Tap the camera icon to select the device you want to turn off.
• Use the “Device On/Off” toggle to disable the camera instantly.
• Schedule auto-off times via the “Modes” feature for routine power-downs.
• Unplug the camera for a physical shutdown if app access fails.
• Check subscription status as some features require an active plan.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Your Arlo Camera

Let’s be honest—there are times when even the best security cameras feel like a little too much. Maybe you’re having a family game night, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just enjoying some quiet time on your porch. You don’t want to feel like you’re under surveillance in your own home. That’s where knowing how do I turn off my Arlo camera becomes more than just a technical question—it’s about privacy, comfort, and control.

Arlo cameras are fantastic for keeping an eye on your home when you’re away, but they’re not meant to be on 24/7 for everyone in the household. Whether it’s to save battery life, reduce motion alerts during predictable activity, or simply to give yourself a break from constant monitoring, turning off your Arlo camera is a practical step. And the good news? It’s easier than you think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every method—from the Arlo app to physical controls—so you can choose the one that fits your needs. No tech degree required.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera Model and Its Controls

Arlo Camera Types and Their Unique Features

Before you dive into turning off your camera, it helps to know what kind of Arlo device you’re working with. Arlo offers several models—Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, Arlo Video Doorbell, and even indoor-only models like the Arlo Baby. Each has slightly different controls and capabilities.

• Arlo Pro 4/5/5S: Wire-free, rechargeable, supports local storage (with SmartHub), and has a built-in spotlight.
• Arlo Ultra 2: 4K HDR video, color night vision, and advanced AI detection—great for high-end users.
• Arlo Essential: Budget-friendly, 1080p video, no local storage option, and a simpler app interface.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: Designed for front doors, includes two-way talk and motion detection.
• Arlo Indoor Cameras: Often used in nurseries or living rooms, with privacy shutters or mute options.

Knowing your model helps because some cameras have physical switches (like the privacy shutter on indoor models), while others rely entirely on app-based controls. For example, the Arlo Essential doesn’t have a physical on/off button, so you’ll need the app. But the Arlo Pro 4 has a magnetic base—you can remove it to disable recording temporarily.

Why the Method Matters

Different situations call for different approaches. If you’re just stepping outside for 10 minutes, you might want a quick app toggle. But if you’re going on vacation and want to preserve battery, a full power-down or schedule-based disable might be better. Also, some methods affect cloud recording, while others only stop live streaming or motion detection. Understanding the nuances helps you pick the right tool for the job.

For instance, my neighbor once asked me, “I don’t want my Arlo recording when my kids are playing in the yard, but I still want it to turn on if a stranger comes by.” The solution? We set up a schedule in the app to disable motion detection during daytime hours—perfect balance.

Turning Off Your Arlo Camera via the Arlo App (Most Common Method)

Step-by-Step Guide Using the Arlo Mobile App

The Arlo app is your central hub for everything—viewing live feeds, adjusting settings, and yes, turning cameras off. This is the most common and flexible method. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Log in to your Arlo account if you aren’t already.
3. Tap the camera icon for the device you want to turn off.
4. On the camera’s live view screen, look for the power icon (usually a circle with a line through it) near the top-right corner.
5. Tap the power icon. A confirmation message will appear: “Turn off [Camera Name]?”
6. Tap Turn Off.

That’s it! The camera will go dark, and you’ll see a grayed-out preview with a message like “Camera is off.” It won’t record, detect motion, or send alerts until you turn it back on.

What Happens When You Turn Off via the App?

When you disable the camera through the app, here’s what actually happens:

• Live view stops: You can’t stream video from that camera until it’s turned back on.
• Motion detection disabled: No alerts, no recordings triggered by movement.
• Cloud storage unaffected: Past recordings remain in your library.
• Battery drain reduced: The camera enters a low-power state, conserving battery.

This method is perfect for short-term privacy. For example, I use it every time I have guests over. I don’t want them feeling watched, but I also don’t want to unplug anything. A quick tap, and peace of mind returns.

Pro Tips for App-Based Control

• Group multiple cameras: In the app, you can create camera groups. Turn off all backyard cameras at once instead of one by one.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode: Found in settings, this mutes notifications without turning off the camera—great for nighttime.
• Schedule it: Set a recurring time (e.g., 5 PM to 8 PM daily) to auto-disable during predictable activity.
• Check status remotely: You can turn off a camera even when you’re not at home—ideal for last-minute changes.

One thing to note: if your camera is connected to a SmartHub or Base Station, turning it off in the app doesn’t affect other devices on the same network. Each camera operates independently.

Using Schedules and Modes to Automate Camera Control

What Are Arlo Modes and How Do They Help?

Arlo’s “Modes” feature is like a smart thermostat for your security system. Instead of manually turning cameras on and off, you create rules based on your routine. For example:

• Home Mode: Only indoor cameras are active. Outdoor cameras are off or set to low sensitivity.
• Away Mode: All cameras on, motion detection maxed, alerts sent to your phone.
• Custom Mode: You define exactly which cameras are on and what they do.

To set this up:

1. Go to the Settings tab in the Arlo app.
2. Tap Modes, then Edit or Add New Mode.
3. Name your mode (e.g., “Family Time”).
4. For each camera, choose On, Off, or Custom (e.g., only record if motion lasts more than 10 seconds).
5. Save the mode.

Now, you can activate the mode with one tap. Or better yet—set it to trigger automatically.

Setting Up Automatic Schedules

Here’s where it gets really useful. You can link modes to a schedule:

1. In Modes, tap the three dots next to your custom mode.
2. Select Schedule.
3. Set start and end times (e.g., 6 PM to 9 PM, Monday to Friday).
4. Choose whether to repeat weekly.
5. Save.

Now, every weekday evening, your backyard cameras automatically turn off. No more fumbling with the app after dinner. This is especially helpful for:

• Parents who don’t want cameras recording during playtime.
• Remote workers who need privacy during calls.
• People with pets that trigger false alarms.

My friend Sarah uses this for her dog. “My German Shepherd runs around the yard every morning,” she told me. “Instead of turning off the camera manually, I set a 7 AM to 8 AM schedule. Now, no false alerts, and I still get notified if something unusual happens.”

Geofencing: Let Your Phone Do the Work

Another automation trick? Geofencing. When your phone leaves or enters a set radius (usually your home), Arlo can automatically switch modes.

• Enable Geofencing in the app under Modes.
• Grant location permissions to the Arlo app.
• Set “Away” mode when you leave, “Home” when you return.

It’s not perfect—sometimes it takes a minute to update—but it’s close enough for most users. Just make sure your phone’s battery isn’t too low, or it might not register.

Physical Methods: Disconnecting Power or Using Privacy Features

Unplugging or Removing the Camera

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. If your Arlo camera is plugged into a wall outlet (like the Arlo Ultra with a continuous power adapter), just unplug it. For wire-free models like the Arlo Pro or Essential, remove the battery or take the camera off its magnetic base.

Here’s what happens when you go this route:

• Immediate power loss: No recording, no live view, no alerts.
• Zero battery drain: Ideal for long-term storage or travel.
• No cloud access: You can’t monitor remotely until it’s plugged back in.

This method is best for:

• Extended vacations (e.g., 2+ weeks).
• Moving or storing cameras.
• When you want a complete “off” state with no chance of accidental activation.

Tip: If you’re storing a camera, charge the battery to 50% first. Fully charged or empty batteries degrade faster over time.

Using Built-in Privacy Shutters or Covers

Some Arlo models—especially indoor ones—come with privacy shutters. For example, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera has a manual sliding cover that physically blocks the lens. When closed:

• The camera still draws power (if plugged in).
• It won’t record or stream video.
• You can still use two-way audio (if enabled).

This is a great middle ground. You’re not fully unplugging, but you’re ensuring visual privacy. I use this in my home office. When I’m on a video call, I slide the shutter closed. No awkward “Is that a camera behind me?” moments.

Other models, like the Arlo Pro 4, don’t have a physical shutter, but you can buy third-party lens covers. Just make sure they’re designed for Arlo—some block the IR night vision sensors.

Turning Off the Base Station or SmartHub

If you have multiple cameras connected to a SmartHub or Base Station, turning off the hub disables all connected cameras. This is useful if you want to shut down your entire system at once.

1. Unplug the Base Station from power.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug it back in to restart.

Note: This method affects all cameras on that hub. Use it wisely—especially if you have cameras covering different areas (e.g., front door, garage, backyard).

Advanced Options: Disabling Specific Features Without Full Shutdown

Turning Off Motion Detection Only

You don’t always need to turn off the entire camera. Maybe you just want to stop motion alerts while still being able to check the live feed. Arlo lets you do this:

1. Tap the camera in the app.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
3. Select Motion Detection.
4. Toggle Motion Detection to OFF.

Now, the camera stays on, but it won’t send alerts or record clips when it detects movement. You can still open the app and view live video anytime.

This is perfect for:

• Indoor cameras during family gatherings.
• Outdoor cameras during known activity (e.g., lawn mowing).
• Testing camera placement without constant notifications.

Disabling Night Vision or Audio

Want to keep the camera on but reduce its “creep factor”? You can disable night vision or two-way audio:

• Night Vision: In camera settings, set to Off. The camera will only record in visible light.
• Microphone: Toggle Audio to OFF. You’ll still see video, but no sound.

These are great for temporary privacy. For example, I disable audio when I’m having a private conversation on the patio. The camera still records video, but no one can hear what we’re saying.

Using Activity Zones to Limit Monitoring

Instead of turning off the whole camera, you can define Activity Zones—areas where motion will be ignored. For instance, if your camera sees your driveway and the street, you can set a zone that only monitors the driveway.

1. In the app, go to camera settings.
2. Select Activity Zones.
3. Draw zones on the screen (e.g., exclude the sidewalk).
4. Save.

Now, motion on the sidewalk won’t trigger alerts. This is a smart way to “turn off” parts of your camera without disabling it entirely.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues—and how to fix them:

Issue	Why It Happens	Solution
Camera won’t turn off	App glitch or poor connection	Restart the app. Check Wi-Fi. Try turning off via the web portal.
Camera turns back on automatically	Scheduled mode or geofencing activated	Check Modes & Schedules in settings. Disable unwanted triggers.
Battery drains fast after turning off	Camera still searching for Wi-Fi	Remove from base or unplug. Use “Sleep Mode” if available.
Can’t find the power button in app	Outdated app version	Update the Arlo app from your device’s app store.
Camera shows “Offline” after turning off	Power source issue	Check battery charge or outlet. Reconnect if needed.

One user told me, “I turned off my camera, but it kept recording.” Turns out, they had a scheduled mode that turned it back on at 8 PM. Always double-check your settings!

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Privacy

Knowing how do I turn off my Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reclaiming your space. Whether you’re using the app, setting a schedule, or unplugging the device, Arlo gives you multiple ways to manage your cameras on your terms.

Remember, security and privacy aren’t opposites. You can protect your home and enjoy peace of mind when you’re there. Use the methods that fit your lifestyle: quick app toggles for short breaks, automated schedules for daily routines, and physical disconnection for long-term downtime.

I’ve used Arlo for years, and the best lesson I’ve learned is this: technology should serve you, not the other way around. So go ahead—turn off that camera when you need to. Your family, your guests, and your peace of mind will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off my Arlo camera using the app?

Open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap the power icon to toggle it off. This temporarily disables the camera without affecting its settings.

Can I schedule my Arlo camera to turn off automatically?

Yes, use the “Modes” feature in the Arlo app to create custom schedules. This lets you automate when your camera turns off or switches to privacy mode.

How do I turn off my Arlo camera’s motion detection?

Go to your camera’s settings in the app and disable “Motion Detection.” This keeps the camera powered on but stops alerts and recordings triggered by movement.

Is there a way to physically turn off my Arlo camera?

For wired Arlo cameras, unplug the power source. For battery-powered models, remove the batteries or use the power switch (if available) to shut it off completely.

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

Ensure your app is updated and you have admin access. Some Arlo subscription plans may restrict camera controls—verify your plan’s permissions.

How do I turn off my Arlo camera’s night vision?

Navigate to your camera’s video settings in the app and disable “Night Vision.” The camera will remain on but won’t switch to infrared mode in low light.