You can arm only one Arlo camera on your system in 2026 by using custom modes and device-specific rules in the Arlo Secure app. Simply create a new mode, select the individual camera you want to arm, and disable the others—giving you precise control over your home security. This feature eliminates the need to arm your entire system, ideal for monitoring specific areas while away.

How to Arm Only One Arlo Camera on System in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Selective arming: Use the Arlo app to arm individual cameras, not the entire system.
• Custom modes: Create custom modes to control specific cameras’ armed status easily.
• Geofencing: Enable geofencing for automatic arming based on your location.
• Schedule settings: Set unique schedules per camera for precise security control.
• Instant alerts: Arm one camera to get alerts only from that device.
• Guest access: Grant limited arming permissions to guests via the app.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re heading to bed, and you want the backyard camera armed for security—but the front door? Nah, you’re still expecting a late-night pizza delivery. You don’t want false alerts every time the delivery person rings the bell.

This is where knowing how to arm only one Arlo camera on system in 2026 becomes a game-changer. Most people assume that when they arm their Arlo system, every camera activates. But that’s not always ideal. Maybe you’re working from home and want to avoid motion alerts from your office cam. Or perhaps you’re letting the dog out at night and don’t want the backyard camera triggering recordings every 10 minutes.

Thankfully, Arlo’s 2026 app update made this much easier. With smart modes, custom rules, and geofencing, you now have fine-grained control. But here’s the catch: the feature isn’t always obvious. I spent weeks trying to figure it out when I first got my Arlo Pro 5S setup. I’d accidentally arm all cameras, then get woken up by a raccoon in the trash can. Not fun.

So, whether you’re a new Arlo user or just upgrading from an older model, this guide will walk you through exactly how to arm just one camera—without affecting the others. No fluff, no tech jargon. Just real, practical steps based on my own trial and error.

Real Talk: The ability to arm a single camera isn’t just about convenience. It reduces false alerts, saves storage, and helps you focus on what really matters—like keeping an eye on the garage while letting the kids play in the front yard.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. You don’t need any extra tools or hardware—just your Arlo setup and a smartphone or tablet. Here’s the checklist:

• Arlo app (v2026.1 or later) – This is critical. Older versions don’t support single-camera arming in all modes. I learned this the hard way after a frustrating hour of tapping “Arm” with no results.
• One or more Arlo cameras – Works with Arlo Pro 5S, Essential, Ultra 2, and newer models. Older models (like Pro 3) may have limited functionality.
• Arlo Smart subscription (optional but recommended) – Needed for advanced features like custom rules and geofencing. If you’re on the free plan, you can still arm individual cameras, but with fewer automation options.
• Wi-Fi connection – Your base station (or Wi-Fi-enabled cameras) must be online.
• Your phone or tablet – iOS 15+ or Android 10+ is best for smooth performance.

Pro tip: Make sure all cameras are fully charged or plugged in. I once tried arming a camera that was at 5% battery—it didn’t respond. Not a bug, just low power. Always check battery levels in the app before making changes.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Arm Only One Arlo Camera on System in 2026

Now, let’s get into the meat of it. The process changed a bit in 2026 with Arlo’s new “Smart Modes” and “Camera-Specific Rules.” Here’s how it works—step by step.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Check Your Cameras

Launch the Arlo app on your phone. You’ll land on the home screen, which shows all your cameras in a grid. Each one has a status icon: Disarmed, Armed, or Recording.

Before you do anything, verify that all cameras are connected. Look for the Wi-Fi or battery icon in the corner. If one shows “Offline,” fix that first. A camera can’t be armed if it’s not online.

My Mistake: I once tried to arm a camera that was offline due to a weak signal. The app let me tap “Arm,” but nothing happened. Always double-check connectivity first.

Once everything’s online, tap on the camera you want to arm. This opens the live feed and settings for that specific camera.

Step 2: Use “Smart Modes” to Create a Custom Profile

In 2026, Arlo introduced Smart Modes—customizable profiles that let you control individual cameras differently. This is the key to how to arm only one Arlo camera on system in 2026.

Here’s how to set one up:

1. Tap the “Modes” tab at the bottom of the app (it looks like a gear with a play icon).
2. Tap “+ Create Mode” (usually in the top-right).
3. Name your mode something clear, like “Backyard Only” or “Night Garage.”
4. Now, tap “Add Cameras” and select only the camera(s) you want armed.
5. For each selected camera, choose “Armed” from the dropdown.
6. For the others, choose “Disarmed” or “Ignore.”

For example: You have a backyard cam, front door cam, and garage cam. In your “Backyard Only” mode, you’d set:

• Backyard: Armed
• Front Door: Disarmed
• Garage: Disarmed

Tap Save when done. Now, whenever you activate this mode, only your backyard camera will be armed.

Why This Works: Smart Modes override the default “All Cameras” setting. It’s like creating a custom playlist for your security system.

Step 3: Activate Your Custom Mode (Manually or Automatically)

You’ve built your mode. Now, how do you turn it on?

There are two ways:

Option A: Manual Activation

• Go back to the Modes tab.
• Tap the toggle next to your custom mode (e.g., “Backyard Only”).
• It turns green, and the app confirms: “Backyard Only is now active.”

That’s it! Only your selected camera is armed. The others stay off.

Option B: Automatic Activation (Using Schedules or Triggers)

This is where it gets smart. You can set your custom mode to turn on automatically based on:

• Time of day – e.g., “Backyard Only” activates at 10 PM.
• Geofencing – When you leave home, the garage cam arms automatically.
• Other device triggers – If your Arlo doorbell is pressed, arm the front camera.

To set this up:

1. In the Modes tab, tap your custom mode.
2. Tap “Automation”.
3. Choose a trigger (e.g., “At 10:00 PM daily”).
4. Select your custom mode as the action.
5. Save.

Now, every night at 10 PM, your backyard camera arms—and only that one. Perfect for deterring nocturnal visitors.

Step 4: Verify the Status (Don’t Skip This!)

After activating your mode, always double-check the status.

• Go to the home screen.
• Look at each camera’s status icon. Only the one you selected should say “Armed.”
• If it says “Disarmed,” tap the camera and check its mode settings.

I can’t tell you how many times I thought a camera was armed, only to find it wasn’t because I’d accidentally set it to “Ignore” instead of “Disarmed.” Small typo, big risk.

Quick Tip: The app shows a small “A” icon on armed cameras in the grid. Use it as a visual check.

Step 5: Use “Quick Actions” for On-the-Go Arming

What if you’re not at home and want to arm just one camera? No problem. Arlo’s 2026 update added Quick Actions to the home screen.

• Long-press any camera on the home screen.
• A pop-up appears: “Arm This Camera,” “Disarm,” “View Live Feed.”
• Tap “Arm This Camera.”

This instantly arms that camera—regardless of the current mode. But here’s the catch: it only lasts until the next mode change. So if you have a schedule set for 8 PM, and you manually arm a camera at 6 PM, it’ll disarm when the schedule kicks in.

Use this for emergencies or temporary needs. For example: You’re leaving for a weekend trip and want to arm just the garage camera for 24 hours. Quick Action is perfect.

Step 6: Fine-Tune Detection Zones (Optional but Smart)

Even when you arm one camera, you don’t want it going off every time a leaf blows by. That’s where motion zones come in.

1. Tap the armed camera.
2. Go to “Settings” > “Motion Detection” > “Detection Zones.”
3. Draw boxes around the areas you want monitored (e.g., the back gate, not the trees).
4. Adjust sensitivity (I keep mine at 75% for outdoors).

This reduces false alerts and makes your single-camera arming even more effective.

My Setup: My backyard cam ignores the pool area but watches the gate. No more “motion detected” alerts every time my dog jumps in.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up dozens of Arlo systems for friends and family, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up. Here’s how to avoid them—and some insider tips.

Pro Tip #1: Name Your Modes Clearly

Don’t name them “Mode 1,” “Mode 2.” Call them “Night Backyard,” “Away Garage,” or “Kids Playing.” When you’re in a hurry, clear names save you from arming the wrong camera.

Pro Tip #2: Use Geofencing for Hands-Free Control

If you have an Arlo Smart plan, enable geofencing. When your phone leaves the house, your custom mode (e.g., “Away Garage”) activates automatically. No manual toggling. I use this every day—it’s seamless.

Pro Tip #3: Check for App Updates Regularly

Arlo rolls out bug fixes and feature updates monthly. An outdated app might not show the “Arm This Camera” quick action or Smart Modes correctly. I once spent an hour troubleshooting a mode that wouldn’t save—only to realize my app was two versions behind.

Common Mistake #1: Forgetting the Base Station

If you have a base station (like the Arlo Hub), make sure it’s online. Even Wi-Fi cameras rely on it for mode synchronization. I once had a camera that wouldn’t arm because the hub was in sleep mode. A simple reboot fixed it.

Common Mistake #2: Ignoring Battery Levels

Low battery can prevent arming. The camera might show “Online,” but if it’s at 10%, it might not respond to commands. Check battery in Settings > Device Info > Battery.

Common Mistake #3: Overcomplicating Modes

Don’t create 10 different modes. Start with 2–3: one for nighttime, one for when you’re away, and one for daytime. More modes mean more confusion. I once had a “Backyard Only” mode and a “Backyard & Garage” mode—and accidentally activated the wrong one during a break-in scare. Lesson learned.

Common Mistake #4: Not Testing After Setup

Always test your custom mode. Arm it, then walk in front of the camera. Does it detect motion? Does it record? Check the activity log. I test every new mode for 24 hours before relying on it.

Real-Life Scenario: A friend set up a “Front Door Only” mode but didn’t test it. A package was stolen, and the camera never armed. Always test.

FAQs About How to Arm Only One Arlo Camera on System in 2026

You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers—based on real experience.

Q: Can I arm one camera without a subscription?

Yes! The how to arm only one Arlo camera on system in 2026 feature works on the free plan. You can create custom modes and use Quick Actions. But you’ll miss out on geofencing, custom rules, and advanced automation. If you want true “set and forget” control, the Smart plan is worth it.

Q: Why does my camera show “Armed” but not record?

Two likely reasons: (1) Motion detection is turned off in settings, or (2) you’re in a mode that doesn’t trigger recording. Check Settings > Motion Detection > Record on Motion. Also, ensure your mode is set to “Armed” and not “Siren Only.”

Q: Can I arm a camera from the Arlo web app?

Yes, but with limits. The web app supports custom modes, but the Quick Actions feature (long-press to arm) is only on mobile. For full control, use the phone app.

Q: What if I have an older Arlo model (like Pro 3)?

Older models work, but with caveats. The Pro 3 doesn’t support Quick Actions or Smart Modes as robustly. You can still create custom modes in the Modes tab, but they might not sync instantly. I’ve had delays of up to 30 seconds. Consider upgrading if you rely on this feature daily.

Q: Can I arm a camera using Alexa or Google Assistant?

Yes! But only if you use a custom mode. For example: “Alexa, activate Backyard Only.” You can’t say, “Arm just the front camera” without setting up the mode first. I use this every night—“Alexa, activate Night Mode”—and it arms only the backyard cam.

Q: What happens if I arm a camera manually and then change modes?

The manual arming gets overridden. For example, if you use Quick Action to arm the garage at 6 PM, but your “Away Mode” activates at 7 PM (which disarms the garage), it’ll turn off. Manual actions are temporary—modes are permanent.

Q: Is there a way to arm one camera and disarm another at the same time?

Absolutely. That’s exactly what custom modes are for. In your mode settings, you can arm Camera A and disarm Camera B in the same action. It’s perfect for dynamic situations—like letting the dog out while keeping the front door monitored.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to arm only one Arlo camera on system in 2026 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about smarter, more intentional security. You’re no longer forced to choose between “all on” or “all off.” Now, you can tailor your system to your life.

Start simple: Create one custom mode for a specific need (e.g., “Backyard at Night”). Test it. Then expand. Use geofencing, schedules, and Quick Actions to automate what you can.

And remember: Security isn’t about having every camera on all the time. It’s about having the right camera on at the right time. Whether you’re guarding against porch pirates, keeping an eye on the kids, or just avoiding raccoon alerts, this feature gives you that control.

So go ahead—open your Arlo app, create that first mode, and arm just the camera you need. Your peace of mind (and your sleep schedule) will thank you.

Last Tip: Bookmark this guide. When you’re setting up a new mode at 11 PM, you’ll be glad you did.