How Do You Turn Off an Arlo Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Turning off your Arlo camera is quick and simple—just open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap the power icon to disable it instantly. For a complete shutdown, remove the batteries or unplug the power source, especially useful during long-term storage or privacy needs. This ensures full control over your camera’s operation with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app: Open the app and toggle the camera off instantly.
• Schedule downtime: Set automatic off times via the app’s scheduling feature.
• Disable motion detection: Turn off alerts without powering down the camera.
• Physically unplug: Disconnect power for a complete, immediate shutdown.
• Check battery models: Remove batteries to power off wireless Arlo cameras quickly.

How Do You Turn Off an Arlo Camera? A Quick and Easy Guide

Let’s face it—life gets busy. You’ve got your hands full with work, family, and everything in between. So when you realize your Arlo camera has been recording 24/7 and you just want to take a break from surveillance, the last thing you need is a complicated process to turn it off. Maybe you’re having a backyard BBQ and don’t want the camera catching Aunt Linda doing the chicken dance. Or perhaps you’re just trying to save battery life on your outdoor camera during a long weekend away. Whatever the reason, knowing how to turn off an Arlo camera quickly and easily is a skill every owner should have in their back pocket.

Arlo cameras are fantastic for security, but they’re not always meant to run non-stop. Whether you’re using a wire-free Arlo Pro, an Arlo Ultra, or even the newer Arlo Essential models, the process of turning them off varies slightly depending on your setup. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard. With a few taps on your phone or a simple physical step, you can pause your camera without losing your settings or compromising future security. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every method—from the app, to physical controls, to automation—so you can turn off your Arlo camera with confidence, knowing you’re doing it the right way.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera: Models and Features

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “what.” Arlo offers several camera models, and while they share core functionality, the way you turn them off can differ. Think of it like driving different cars—each has a steering wheel, but the dashboard layout and features vary.

Popular Arlo Camera Models and Their Power Options

• Arlo Pro 3/4 (Wire-Free): These run on rechargeable batteries. Turning them off usually means disabling them via the app or removing the battery.
• Arlo Ultra: High-end model with 4K video and spotlight. Can be powered via battery or continuous power (like a solar panel or AC adapter).
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): Budget-friendly and often hardwired or USB-powered. Some versions have no physical power switch.
• Arlo Go (LTE): Uses a SIM card and battery. Best for remote locations without Wi-Fi.
• Arlo SmartHub/Base Station: Central unit that connects multiple cameras. Disabling the hub can affect all connected cameras.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Your Camera

You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t the whole point to keep it on?” And you’re not wrong. But there are legitimate reasons to pause or disable your Arlo camera:

• Privacy during gatherings: No one wants to be recorded while changing in a pool house or having a private conversation.
• Conserving battery life: If you’re away for a week, turning off cameras can extend battery life by days.
• Reducing motion alerts: During construction or pet activity, you might get hundreds of alerts. A temporary off switch helps.
• System updates or troubleshooting: Sometimes Arlo pushes firmware updates that require the camera to restart or disconnect.
• Testing new placements: You might want to turn it off while adjusting angles or moving it indoors temporarily.

Understanding your model and your reason for turning it off will help you choose the best method—app-based, physical, or automated.

Method 1: Turning Off Your Arlo Camera Using the App (The Easiest Way)

The Arlo app is your command center. Whether you’re on iOS or Android, it gives you full control over your cameras—including the ability to turn them off with just a few taps. This is the most common and user-friendly method, especially for those who don’t want to touch the hardware.

Step-by-Step Guide: Disabling a Camera via the Arlo App

1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
2. On the home screen, you’ll see a grid of your cameras. Tap the camera you want to turn off.
3. Look for a toggle switch labeled “Camera On/Off”—it’s usually near the top of the screen.
4. Slide the toggle to “Off.” The camera will immediately stop recording, and motion detection will be disabled.
5. You’ll see a grayed-out camera icon or a message like “Camera is offline” to confirm it’s disabled.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple cameras, you can disable them all at once. Go to Settings > Devices > Select All, then tap the power icon to turn them off in bulk. Great for vacations!

What Happens When You Turn Off a Camera in the App?

• Recording stops: No new videos will be saved to the cloud or local storage.
• Motion detection is disabled: You won’t get push notifications or email alerts.
• Live view is still accessible: You can still view the camera feed manually, but only if you open the app and tap “View Live.”
• Settings are preserved: Your motion zones, recording schedules, and audio settings stay intact.

This method is ideal if you want a quick, temporary pause. Think of it like putting your camera in “sleep mode.” It’s not fully powered down, but it’s not actively working either.

App Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the app is convenient, there are a few caveats:

• Requires internet connection: If your phone loses signal or Wi-Fi is down, you can’t use the app to turn it off remotely.
• No physical confirmation: You can’t tell if the camera is off just by looking at it. Always double-check in the app.
• App updates can change UI: Arlo occasionally redesigns the app, so the exact location of the toggle might shift slightly.

Still, for 95% of users, the app is the go-to method. It’s fast, intuitive, and doesn’t require getting your hands dirty.

Method 2: Physically Turning Off Your Arlo Camera (For Battery-Powered Models)

Sometimes, the app just won’t cut it. Maybe your phone died, the Wi-Fi is down, or you’re standing right next to the camera and want to shut it off immediately. That’s when physical methods come into play—especially for battery-powered Arlo models like the Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra.

How to Power Down a Battery-Powered Arlo Camera

1. Locate the battery compartment on the back or bottom of the camera.
2. Use a small tool (like a paperclip or the included key) to press the release button and remove the battery cover.
3. Slide out the battery carefully. The camera will shut down immediately.
4. Store the battery in a cool, dry place if you’re not using it for a while.

Example: I once had to turn off my Arlo Pro 3 during a surprise birthday party. I didn’t want the camera recording the cake surprise, so I just popped out the battery in 10 seconds. No app needed—just quick thinking and a paperclip from my desk.

When to Use Physical Power-Off

• Emergency privacy: You need to disable recording instantly (e.g., guests arriving).
• App is unresponsive: If the app crashes or the camera won’t connect, physical removal is a reliable fallback.
• Long-term storage: If you’re not using the camera for months, removing the battery prevents drain and corrosion.
• Firmware issues: Some users report that a full power cycle (remove battery for 30 seconds, reinsert) can resolve glitches.

Important Safety Tips

• Always power down via app first (if possible): This ensures the camera isn’t actively recording or uploading.
• Handle the battery gently: Don’t puncture or bend it. Store it upright.
• Check for moisture: If you’ve had rain or snow, let the camera dry before reinserting the battery.
• Label your batteries: If you have multiple cameras, label batteries to avoid mixing them up.

One downside? You lose access to live view unless you reinsert the battery. But for short-term privacy, it’s a solid option.

Method 3: Using Schedules and Modes to Automate Camera Off Times

Let’s say you want your camera off every night from 10 PM to 7 AM—maybe because your dog barks at shadows, or you just don’t need surveillance while you’re asleep. Instead of turning it off manually every day, use Arlo’s scheduling and modes to automate the process.

How to Set Up a Schedule in the Arlo App

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the “Settings” icon (gear symbol).
2. Go to “Modes” (sometimes called “Activity Zones” or “Automation”).
3. Tap “Add Mode” or edit an existing one (e.g., “Home” or “Away”).
4. Name your mode (e.g., “Sleep Mode”) and tap “Add Device”.
5. Select your camera and choose “Turn Off” as the action.
6. Set a schedule (e.g., 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, every day).
7. Save the mode. The camera will now turn off and on automatically.

Real-life example: My neighbor uses this for his backyard camera. It turns off at 9 PM (after the kids go to bed) and back on at 6 AM. No more alerts from raccoons or falling leaves at 2 AM!

Using Geofencing for Smart Automation

Arlo also supports geofencing—a feature that uses your phone’s location to control cameras. For example:

• When all family members leave home, the camera turns on.
• When the first person arrives, it turns off.

This is perfect for families who want security when away but privacy when home. To set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Modes > Geofencing.
2. Add family members’ phones to the geofence.
3. Assign actions (e.g., “Turn off camera when anyone arrives”).

Pros and Cons of Automation

Pros	Cons
No manual effort required	Requires stable Wi-Fi and phone location services
Customizable for routines (sleep, work, vacation)	Geofencing can be delayed by GPS accuracy
Reduces false alerts (e.g., pets at night)	Complex setup for beginners
Energy-efficient for battery cameras	App updates may reset schedules

Method 4: Disabling via the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, you might be using a SmartHub or Base Station—a central unit that connects all your devices. While you can’t “turn off” the hub to disable cameras (that would cut Wi-Fi and power to all), you can disable individual cameras through the hub interface.

How to Disable a Camera via the SmartHub

1. Log in to your Arlo account on a web browser (app doesn’t always show hub settings).
2. Go to Settings > Devices > SmartHub.
3. Find your camera in the list and click “Disable”.
4. Confirm the action. The camera will go offline.

Note: This method is less common now, as most users rely on the app. But it’s useful if your app crashes or you prefer desktop control.

When to Use the SmartHub Method

• Troubleshooting: If a camera won’t connect, disabling it via the hub can reset the connection.
• Firmware updates: Arlo sometimes pushes updates through the hub. Disabling a camera can pause the update.
• Network management: If the hub is overloaded, disabling a camera reduces bandwidth.

Important Considerations

• SmartHub must be online: If the hub loses power or internet, all connected cameras go offline.
• Not all models use hubs: Arlo Essential and some newer models connect directly to Wi-Fi, bypassing the hub.
• Disabling ≠ Unpairing: Disabling keeps the camera in your account. To remove it permanently, you must unpair it.

This method is more technical, but it’s a lifesaver for power users with complex setups.

Method 5: Turning Off Hardwired or USB-Powered Arlo Cameras

Not all Arlo cameras run on batteries. The Arlo Essential and some Ultra models can be plugged into AC power or USB ports. These don’t have a physical switch, so turning them off requires cutting power.

How to Power Down a Hardwired Arlo Camera

• For AC-powered cameras: Unplug the power adapter from the outlet or wall socket.
• For USB-powered cameras: Disconnect the USB cable from the power source (e.g., a wall charger, power bank, or computer).
• For solar-powered models: Turn off the solar panel’s switch (if it has one) or cover the panel to stop charging.

Tip: If you’re using a power strip, label the outlet so you don’t accidentally unplug your router or fridge!

Challenges with Hardwired Models

• No instant app confirmation: The app may still show the camera as “online” for a few minutes after unplugging.
• Risk of power surges: Always unplug during storms to protect the camera.
• Reconnection delay: It may take 30–60 seconds for the camera to reconnect after powering back on.

For these models, I recommend combining power-off with the app method. First, turn it off in the app, then unplug. This ensures a clean shutdown.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs

So, how do you turn off an Arlo camera? As you’ve seen, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best method depends on your camera model, your reason for turning it off, and your technical comfort level.

• For quick, temporary pauses: Use the app toggle—it’s fast and keeps settings intact.
• For privacy during events: Remove the battery (for wireless models) or unplug (for wired).
• For routine off times: Set up a schedule or geofencing mode.
• For troubleshooting: Try the SmartHub method or a full power cycle.

Remember, turning off your camera doesn’t mean you’re compromising security—it means you’re using it intelligently. Whether you’re saving battery, reducing noise, or protecting privacy, knowing how to control your Arlo camera gives you peace of mind.

And hey, if you ever forget how to turn it back on? Just open the app, flip the toggle, or reinsert the battery. Arlo is designed to be user-friendly, even when you’re not a tech pro. So go ahead—enjoy your BBQ, your quiet nights, or your weekend away. Your camera will be ready when you need it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you turn off an Arlo camera using the app?

To turn off an Arlo camera via the app, open the Arlo app, select the camera, and tap the power icon to disable it. This method is ideal for temporarily deactivating the camera without removing it from your account.

Can you turn off an Arlo camera without the app?

Yes, you can turn off an Arlo camera by physically removing its batteries or unplugging the power adapter (for wired models). However, using the app is recommended for a more controlled shutdown.

How do you turn off an Arlo camera’s motion detection?

To disable motion detection, go to the Arlo app, select the camera, tap “Device Settings,” and toggle off “Motion Detection.” This keeps the camera powered but stops alerts and recordings.

Is there a way to schedule when to turn off an Arlo camera?

Yes, use the Arlo app’s “Schedule” feature under “Mode Settings” to automate when your camera turns off or on. This is helpful for privacy during specific times, like at night.

Why would you need to turn off an Arlo camera?

You might turn off an Arlo camera for privacy, to save battery life, or to stop recordings temporarily. It’s also useful during maintenance or if the camera is in a sensitive area.

Does turning off an Arlo camera delete recordings?

No, turning off an Arlo camera only stops live streaming and new recordings. Existing recordings remain stored in the cloud or local storage unless manually deleted.