Deactivating your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and secure—simply open the Arlo app, select the device, and tap “Remove from Account” to disable it instantly. This ensures your privacy and prevents unauthorized access during upgrades, resale, or troubleshooting. Follow the in-app prompts to confirm, and your camera will be fully deactivated within seconds.

How to Deactivate Arlo Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Log in to Arlo app: Access your account to manage camera settings and deactivation.
• Select camera: Choose the specific Arlo camera you wish to deactivate.
• Disable motion alerts: Turn off notifications before deactivation to avoid false alarms.
• Remove from subscription: Cancel any active plans tied to the camera for cost savings.
• Unplug and reset: Power down and factory reset the camera to erase all data.
• Confirm deactivation: Double-check settings to ensure the camera is fully offline.
• Reactivate anytime: Follow setup steps to reuse the camera in the future.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real: we’ve all been there. You’ve moved, upgraded your security system, or maybe you just don’t need that Arlo camera in the backyard anymore. But when you try to deactivate Arlo camera in 2026, it feels like you’re stuck in a digital maze. The app changes, features get buried, and what used to take two clicks now takes ten.

You’re not alone. Many users search for how to deactivate Arlo camera in 2026 a complete guide because the process isn’t as intuitive as it should be. Whether you’re selling your camera, switching systems, or just want to stop receiving notifications from a device you no longer use, deactivation is about more than just turning it off. It’s about control, privacy, and peace of mind.

And here’s the thing: deactivating an Arlo camera isn’t just about unplugging it. If you don’t do it properly, you risk leaving your account exposed, losing access to cloud storage, or worse—your old camera still recording without your knowledge. That’s why this guide walks you through every step, from prep to final confirmation, so you can do it safely and confidently.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry—this isn’t a hardware-heavy process. Most of it happens on your phone or computer. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Your Arlo account login (email and password)
• The Arlo app (iOS or Android) or access to my.arlo.com on a browser
• The camera(s) you want to deactivate (you’ll need to locate them physically or in the app)
• Your smartphone or tablet (for app use) or a computer with internet access
• Optional but helpful: a notepad or notes app to jot down device names or serial numbers

Pro tip: If you’re planning to sell or give away the camera, make sure you’ve backed up any saved videos or footage. Once deactivated, cloud recordings tied to that device may be lost unless you’ve downloaded them.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Deactivate Arlo Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

This is the core of our how to deactivate Arlo camera in 2026 a complete guide. I’ll walk you through each step with real-world scenarios—like when I had to deactivate my old Arlo Pro 2 after upgrading to a newer model. These steps work for all Arlo cameras (Pro, Ultra, Essential, Floodlight, etc.) and are updated for the 2026 app interface.

Step 1: Log Into Your Arlo Account

Open the Arlo app or go to my.arlo.com in your browser. Enter your email and password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (which I highly recommend), you’ll need to verify your identity.

Once logged in, you’ll land on the “Devices” or “Home” screen. This is your dashboard. Take a moment to scan the list of cameras. You should see each one with its name, status (online/offline), and battery or power level.

Tip: If a camera shows as “Offline,” don’t panic. You can still deactivate it. But if it’s completely dead and you can’t power it on, we’ll cover that in the FAQs.

Step 2: Select the Camera You Want to Deactivate

Tap on the camera you want to remove. This opens the device details screen. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) or “Settings” option—usually in the top-right corner.

Click or tap it. You’ll see a menu with options like “Device Info,” “Video Settings,” “Notifications,” and—crucially—“Remove Device.”

This is where many people get stuck. The “Remove Device” option is easy to miss if you’re not looking closely. It’s often at the bottom, below more common settings.

Warning: Do not confuse “Remove Device” with “Delete Video” or “Turn Off Notifications.” Those only affect settings, not the device itself.

Step 3: Confirm Deactivation (Remove Device)

Tap “Remove Device.” A pop-up will appear with a warning: “Are you sure you want to remove this device?” It might also say, “This will delete all cloud recordings for this device.”

Read that line carefully. If you have important footage, go back and download it first (more on that in Step 5).

Click “Remove” or “Confirm.” The app will process the request. You’ll see a loading spinner, then a success message: “Device removed successfully.”

At this point, the camera is deactivated. It’s no longer linked to your account, and it won’t record to the cloud. But there’s more to do.

Step 4: Physically Reset the Camera (Optional but Recommended)

Now, go to the physical camera. Even though it’s deactivated in the app, it might still be in “pairing mode” or retain old network settings. To fully reset it:

• Unplug the camera (if wired) or remove the battery (if wireless).
• Locate the reset button (usually a tiny hole on the back or side).
• Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED light flashes rapidly.
• Wait for it to reboot (this may take 1–2 minutes).

This clears any stored Wi-Fi credentials and resets the camera to factory settings. It’s essential if you’re selling or giving it away.

Why this matters: I once sold a camera without resetting it. The new owner couldn’t set it up because it kept trying to reconnect to my old Wi-Fi. Not cool—and easily avoided.

Step 5: Back Up or Export Your Recordings (If Needed)

Before you deactivate, ask yourself: Do I have any videos I want to keep?

Arlo stores footage in the cloud for 7, 30, or 60 days (depending on your subscription). Once you deactivate, those recordings are deleted from the cloud—but you can download them first.

Here’s how:

• In the Arlo app, go to “Library” or “Timeline.”
• Select the date range and camera.
• Tap on any video clip you want to save.
• Tap the download icon (📥) or “Save to Device.”
• Choose where to save it (Photos, Files, etc.).

Pro tip: Use a computer for bulk downloads. Go to my.arlo.com, log in, and use the “Export” feature to download entire timelines as ZIP files.

Step 6: Remove from Smart Home Integrations (Alexa, Google, etc.)

If you’ve connected your Arlo camera to Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home, it may still appear in those apps—even after deactivation.

To fully disconnect:

• For Alexa: Open the Alexa app → Devices → Cameras → Find your Arlo → Tap the three dots → Remove.
• For Google Home: Open Google Home app → Settings → Cameras → Select Arlo → Remove.
• For Apple Home: Open Home app → Tap the camera → Settings (i) → Remove Accessory.

This prevents confusion and ensures no one accidentally accesses the camera through a third-party app.

Step 7: Verify Deactivation in Your Account

Go back to your Arlo app or web dashboard. Check the “Devices” list. The camera should no longer appear.

If it’s still there, refresh the page or restart the app. If it persists, try logging out and back in.

You can also check under “Account Settings” → “Devices” to see a full list of registered devices. Make sure the deactivated one is gone.

Note: In rare cases, there’s a 1–2 hour delay due to server sync. If it’s still showing after 24 hours, contact Arlo support.

Step 8: Cancel or Adjust Your Subscription (If Applicable)

If you’re deactivating your only Arlo camera, you might want to cancel your Arlo Secure subscription. Otherwise, you’re paying for storage you’re not using.

To do this:

• Go to Arlo app → Settings → Subscription.
• Tap “Manage Subscription” or “Cancel.”
• Follow the prompts. You can pause or downgrade instead of canceling.

But if you have other Arlo devices (like doorbells or lights), keep the subscription. It covers all devices under one plan.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping friends, family, and even neighbors deactivate their Arlo cameras, I’ve seen a few patterns. Here are the real-world insights you won’t find in the manual.

✅ Pro Tip: Deactivate Before Selling

Always deactivate and reset the camera before you sell or gift it. This protects your privacy and makes setup easier for the new owner. I learned this the hard way when a buyer called me, confused, because the camera kept showing my old Wi-Fi name.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Skipping the Reset

Many people think deactivating in the app is enough. But if you skip the physical reset, the camera may still try to connect to your network or appear in other apps. Always reset it physically.

✅ Pro Tip: Use a Labeling System

If you have multiple cameras, label them with stickers or tape (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”). This helps you identify which one to deactivate without guesswork. I use colored electrical tape—simple but effective.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Assuming “Offline” Means “Deactivated”

Just because a camera is offline doesn’t mean it’s deactivated. It’s still on your account and can record if powered on. Always go through the official deactivation steps.

✅ Pro Tip: Check for Firmware Updates First

Before deactivating, make sure the camera is on the latest firmware. This ensures a smooth deactivation process. Go to Settings → Device Info → Firmware → Check for Updates.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Not Backing Up Footage

I’ve seen people realize too late that a birthday party or pet moment was only saved in the cloud. Always download important clips before deactivating.

✅ Pro Tip: Use the Web App for Bulk Actions

If you’re deactivating multiple cameras, the web version is faster. You can select multiple devices and manage them in bulk—something the mobile app doesn’t support well.

FAQs About How to Deactivate Arlo Camera in 2026 A Complete Guide

Let’s tackle the questions I get asked most often—straight, simple, and from real experience.

Q: Can I deactivate an Arlo camera that’s not powered on?

Yes. You can remove it from your account even if it’s offline or dead. Just go to the app, find it in your device list, and tap “Remove Device.” The app will deactivate it remotely. But remember: if you plan to sell it, you’ll still need to reset it physically when you find it.

Q: Will deactivating delete my subscription?

No. Your Arlo Secure subscription covers all your devices. Deactivating one camera doesn’t cancel the subscription. But if you’re deactivating your only camera, you should cancel or downgrade your plan to avoid paying for unused storage.

Q: Can I reactivate a deactivated camera?

Yes—but only if you still have it. After deactivation, you can set it up again like a new camera. Just power it on, open the Arlo app, and follow the setup steps. It will appear as a “new device.” But note: any cloud recordings from before deactivation are permanently gone.

Q: What if I can’t find the “Remove Device” option?

It happens. Try these fixes:

• Update your Arlo app to the latest version.
• Log out and back in.
• Use the web app at my.arlo.com—sometimes it’s easier to find there.
• Check if you’re in a shared account. Only the primary account owner can remove devices.

Q: Is deactivating the same as turning it off?

No. Turning it off (via power or app) just stops it from recording. Deactivating removes it from your account entirely. The camera won’t appear in your device list, won’t use cloud storage, and won’t send notifications. It’s a full disconnection.

Q: What if I’m moving and want to take the camera with me?

You don’t need to deactivate it. Just take it with you, set it up in your new home, and it will continue working under your account. Deactivation is only for cameras you no longer want to use or own.

Q: Can someone else access my camera after I deactivate it?

No—as long as you’ve properly deactivated and reset it. Once removed from your account and reset to factory settings, the camera has no link to you. But if you skip the reset, it might still try to connect to your old Wi-Fi or appear in shared apps.

Final Thoughts

Deactivating an Arlo camera in 2026 doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right steps—log in, remove in app, reset physically, back up footage, and verify—you can do it in under 15 minutes.

This how to deactivate Arlo camera in 2026 a complete guide isn’t just about following steps. It’s about taking control of your smart home, protecting your privacy, and making smart decisions with your tech.

So here’s my final advice: don’t rush it. Take the time to back up what matters, reset the hardware, and double-check your account. And if you’re selling or gifting the camera? Do the reset before you hand it over. It’s a small step that shows you care—both about your privacy and the new owner’s experience.

Now go ahead. Deactivate with confidence. Your smart home—and your peace of mind—will thank you.