How Do You Turn Off the Arlo Camera A Quick 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 wired models, you can also cut power directly via the connected outlet or switch. This ensures privacy or conserves battery life whenever needed.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera controls and settings quickly.
• Tap the camera icon to toggle it off instantly from the home screen.
• Use the “Sleep” mode to disable recording temporarily without unplugging.
• Schedule auto-off times via the app for hands-free management.
• Unplug for full shutdown if software methods fail or for long-term off.
• Check LED status to confirm the camera is fully powered down.

Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your Arlo Camera

So, you’ve got your Arlo camera set up, and it’s been working like a charm—until now. Maybe you’re hosting a family gathering, and the last thing you want is your camera recording Aunt Linda’s dance moves. Or perhaps you’ve noticed the red light blinking in the hallway, making your cat jump every time it turns on. Whatever the reason, knowing how to turn off your Arlo camera can be a real lifesaver.

Arlo cameras are fantastic for home security, but they’re not always needed 24/7. Whether you’re looking for privacy, conserving battery life, or just giving your Wi-Fi a break, turning off your camera is a simple yet powerful option. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to turn off your Arlo camera—no tech jargon, no confusing steps, just straightforward advice.

Understanding Your Arlo Camera Models

Before we dive into the how-to, it’s important to know that not all Arlo cameras are created equal. Different models come with different features, and the process for turning them off might vary slightly. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common Arlo camera types and their quirks.

Arlo Wire-Free Cameras

These are the battery-powered, wireless models (like the Arlo Pro 3 or Arlo Ultra). They’re great for easy setup and flexible placement, but turning them off isn’t always as simple as pressing a button. Since they’re designed to be “always on,” you’ll need to use the app or manually remove the battery for a full shutdown.

Arlo Pro Series (Wired and Wire-Free)

The Pro series (Pro 2, Pro 3, Pro 4) includes both wired and wire-free options. Wired models can be turned off via the app or by physically disconnecting the power source. Wire-free versions rely on the app or battery removal. A pro tip: If you’re using a solar panel, disconnecting it will stop charging, but the camera will still run on battery until it drains.

Arlo Q and Q Plus (Indoor Wired)

These indoor models are always connected to power, so turning them off means either using the app or unplugging them. The Arlo Q Plus has a built-in microphone and speaker, which might be a privacy concern if you’re not actively monitoring—another reason to know how to disable it.

Arlo Doorbell and Floodlight Cameras

Doorbell and floodlight models are often hardwired, which means they’re always drawing power. For these, the app is your best friend. You can disable motion detection or turn off the camera feed without cutting power completely. For floodlights, you might also want to adjust the brightness settings to “off” if you’re just trying to reduce light pollution.

Arlo Security Lights (Standalone)

While not technically cameras, Arlo security lights can be paired with cameras. If you’re turning off your camera but still want light, you can disable the camera function while keeping the light active through the app. It’s a neat workaround for nighttime privacy.

How to Turn Off Arlo Cameras Using the App (Step-by-Step)

The Arlo app is your control center for everything—including turning off your cameras. Here’s how to do it, whether you’re using an iPhone or Android.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App

Launch the app and log in if needed. Make sure you’re on the home screen where all your devices are listed. If you’ve got multiple cameras, tap the one you want to turn off. Pro tip: If you’re not sure which camera is which, rename them in the app (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) for easier navigation.

Step 2: Disable the Camera Feed

• Tap the camera icon to view the live feed.
• Look for a toggle switch labeled “Camera On/Off” or “Disable.”
• Slide it to the “Off” position. The camera will stop recording and streaming immediately.

Note: On some models, this might only disable the feed but keep motion detection active. If you want full privacy, check the next step.

Step 3: Disable Motion Detection (Optional but Recommended)

• Go to the camera settings (tap the gear icon).
• Find “Motion Detection” and toggle it off.
• This stops the camera from sending alerts and recording clips, even if the feed is on.

Example: If you’re having a BBQ in the backyard, disable motion detection to avoid getting 20 alerts about the kids playing. You can still check the feed manually if needed.

Step 4: Schedule “Away” or “Disarmed” Mode

• In the app’s main menu, tap “Modes.”
• Select “Disarmed” or create a custom mode (e.g., “Party Mode”) where all cameras are disabled.
• You can set schedules so the camera turns off automatically at certain times (e.g., every Saturday from 6 PM to 10 PM).

Tip: Use geofencing if your phone is linked to the app. Your cameras will turn off when you’re home and back on when you leave.

Step 5: Check for Firmware Updates

Sometimes, bugs can cause the app to glitch. If the camera won’t turn off, check for updates in the app’s settings. A quick restart of the app or your phone can also help.

Manual Methods: Turning Off Without the App

What if your phone dies or the app crashes? Don’t worry—there are manual ways to turn off your Arlo camera. These methods are especially useful for battery-powered models.

Remove the Battery (Wire-Free Models)

For Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential cameras, simply pop open the battery compartment and take out the battery. The camera will shut down immediately. When you’re ready to turn it back on, reinsert the battery. Warning: This resets the camera’s Wi-Fi connection, so you may need to re-sync it with the app.

Unplug the Power (Wired Models)

If your camera is plugged into an outlet or hardwired, unplugging it stops power completely. For indoor models like the Arlo Q, this is the fastest way to disable the camera. Bonus: Unplugging also reduces energy usage if you’re not using the camera for a while.

Cover the Lens (Temporary Fix)

Not a true “off,” but covering the lens with a cloth or tape stops recording. Use this for short-term privacy (e.g., during a private conversation). Just remember to remove the cover later—Arlo’s motion detection might still trigger, but nothing will be recorded.

Reset the Base Station (For Multi-Camera Systems)

If you’re using an Arlo base station, you can power it off. This disables all connected cameras. To do this:

• Locate the base station’s power button (usually on the back).
• Press and hold for 3-5 seconds until the lights turn off.
• To turn it back on, press the button again.

Caution: Resetting the base station may require re-pairing cameras, so use this as a last resort.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with clear steps, things can go sideways. Here are solutions to the most common problems when turning off your Arlo camera.

Camera Won’t Turn Off in the App

• Problem: The toggle switch is stuck or unresponsive.
• Solution: Restart the app and your phone. If that doesn’t work, force-quit the app and reopen it. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the app (your settings will be saved in the cloud).

Camera Keeps Re-Enabling Itself

• Problem: You turned it off, but it’s back on 5 minutes later.
• Solution: Check your “Modes” settings. A scheduled mode (like “Away”) might be overriding your manual disable. Adjust the schedule or switch to “Disarmed” mode.

Battery Dies Too Fast After Turning Off

• Problem: You turned off the camera, but the battery drains overnight.
• Solution: Some models still use battery power for Wi-Fi or motion sensors even when disabled. Fully remove the battery or unplug the camera for zero drain.

Camera Red Light Won’t Turn Off

• Problem: The red LED light stays on, even after disabling the camera.
• Solution: The light indicates the camera is powered, not recording. To turn it off:
  • For wired models: Unplug the power.
  • For battery models: Remove the battery.
  • Some newer models let you disable the LED in the app (Settings > LED).

App Shows “Offline” After Turning Off

• Problem: The app says the camera is offline after you disabled it.
• Solution: This is normal for battery models—they go to sleep to conserve power. The camera will “wake up” when you re-enable it or when motion is detected (if motion detection is still on).

Data Table: Arlo Camera Shutdown Methods by Model

Arlo Model	App Method	Manual Method	Best For
Arlo Essential	Disable via app + motion detection off	Remove battery	Quick, temporary shutdown
Arlo Pro 3/4	Disable via app + schedule mode	Remove battery or unplug	Long-term privacy
Arlo Q/Q Plus	Unplug or disable in app	Unplug power	Indoor privacy
Arlo Doorbell	Disable motion detection or camera feed	Unplug (if hardwired)	Guest privacy
Arlo Floodlight	Turn off camera feed + adjust light	Unplug power	Nighttime privacy

Pro Tips for Managing Arlo Cameras (Beyond Just Turning Off)

Turning off your camera is just one part of managing your Arlo system. Here are some extra tips to get the most out of your setup—without compromising privacy.

Use Custom Modes for Different Scenarios

The app’s “Modes” feature lets you create custom settings. For example:

• “Sleep Mode”: Disable cameras in bedrooms but keep the front door on.
• “Work Mode”: Turn off indoor cameras during work hours if you’re home.
• “Vacation Mode”: Keep all cameras on with extended recording.

You can switch modes manually or set them to activate automatically.

Adjust Motion Detection Zones

Instead of turning off the camera completely, tweak the motion zones. In the app, go to Settings > Motion Detection > Zones. Draw a box around areas you want to ignore (e.g., a busy sidewalk). This way, the camera stays on but ignores irrelevant motion.

Enable “Privacy Mode” for Audio

Some Arlo cameras have two-way audio. If you’re worried about accidental eavesdropping, disable the microphone in the app. Go to Settings > Audio and toggle off “Microphone.” The camera will still record video, but no audio.

Check Your Subscription Plan

If you’re using Arlo’s cloud storage, turning off the camera stops recordings from being saved. But if you’re on a free plan, the camera might still record locally (on an SD card). Check your plan details to avoid surprises.

Label Your Cameras for Easy Control

With multiple cameras, it’s easy to disable the wrong one. Rename each camera in the app (e.g., “Garage,” “Kitchen”) and assign them to rooms. This makes it easier to turn off specific cameras without affecting others.

Test Your Setup Regularly

Once a month, test your cameras by turning them off and on again. This ensures the app is working and your manual methods (like removing the battery) still function. It’s a small step that prevents big headaches later.

Turning off your Arlo camera isn’t just about privacy—it’s about control. Whether you’re using the app, manual methods, or custom modes, you now have the tools to manage your cameras exactly how you want. No more unwanted recordings, no more red lights keeping the cat up at night. Just a smart, flexible system that works for your life.

Remember, the best security setup is one that adapts to your needs. So go ahead—turn off that camera when you need to. Your home, your rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To turn off your Arlo camera via the app, open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap the power icon to disable it. This method works for both indoor and outdoor models.

Can you turn off Arlo cameras without the app?

Yes, you can unplug the camera’s power source or use the physical power button (if available) to turn it off. However, using the app is recommended for remote access and scheduling.

How do you turn off Arlo camera motion detection?

To disable motion detection, go to your camera’s settings in the Arlo app, tap “Motion Detection,” and toggle it off. This stops alerts without fully powering down the camera.

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

Yes, use the “Schedule” feature in the Arlo app to set specific times to turn your camera off/on automatically. This is ideal for privacy during certain hours.

Why can’t I turn off my Arlo camera remotely?

If remote access fails, ensure your camera is connected to Wi-Fi and the app is updated. A weak signal or firmware issue may prevent the command from processing.

Does turning off the Arlo camera affect recordings?

When you turn off the camera, live streaming and recordings stop until it’s re-enabled. However, previously stored footage remains safe in the cloud or local storage.