Disabling your Arlo cameras in 2026 is quick and easy—simply open the Arlo app, select the camera you want to disable, and toggle the “Camera On/Off” switch to instantly stop recording and live streaming. This action preserves your settings and footage while giving you full control over when your cameras are active, ideal for privacy or temporary deactivation.

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How to Disable Arlo Cameras in 2026: A Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and disable devices quickly.
• Select the camera you wish to disable from the device list.
• Toggle the power switch to instantly disable the camera feed.
• Use “Sleep Mode” to disable recording without disconnecting the device.
• Revoke shared access to prevent others from re-enabling the camera.
• Check firmware updates to ensure smooth disabling in 2026 systems.
• Contact Arlo support if software issues block disabling attempts.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Picture this: You’re about to host a family BBQ in your backyard, but the Arlo camera perched on the corner of your house keeps recording every laugh and spilled soda. Or maybe you’re going on a vacation and want to pause surveillance without deleting your entire system. These are moments when knowing how to disable Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t just convenient—it’s essential.

Whether you’re protecting privacy during gatherings, troubleshooting connectivity issues, or simply giving your camera a breather, disabling your Arlo cameras temporarily can be a lifesaver. But let’s be honest: Arlo’s interface isn’t always intuitive. The steps change slightly every year, and by 2026, new updates might leave even tech-savvy users scratching their heads.

This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, using the latest Arlo app (version 4.26) and firmware updates. We’ll cover everything from quick toggles to full deactivation, all while keeping your data safe and your settings intact. Whether you’re using Arlo Pro 5, Ultra 2, or the newer Arlo Go 2 LTE, this how to disable Arlo cameras in 2026 a quick guide has you covered.

What You Need

Before diving in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Don’t worry—this isn’t rocket science. Here’s your checklist:

• Arlo app (updated to version 4.26 or newer) on your smartphone or tablet
• Your Arlo account login (email and password)
• A stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection (for syncing changes)
• Your Arlo camera(s)—obviously! (Pro 5, Ultra 2, Essential, etc.)
• Optional: A second device (like a tablet) if you prefer managing settings from a larger screen

No extra tools, no hardware modifications—just your phone and a few minutes. That’s the beauty of modern smart home tech. And remember: disabling doesn’t mean deleting. Your camera stays connected, just inactive. Think of it like putting your camera in “sleep mode.”

Pro Insight: If you’re planning to disable cameras for an event, do it 15 minutes beforehand. That way, if the app glitches (rare, but it happens), you have time to fix it.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Disable Arlo Cameras in 2026: A Quick Guide

Alright, let’s get into it. Below are the most up-to-date steps for disabling your Arlo cameras in 2026. These work across all current models and the latest Arlo app. Whether you want to disable one camera or all of them, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

First, unlock your phone and tap the Arlo app icon. If you haven’t updated it recently, do that now. The 2026 update (v4.26) includes a redesigned dashboard that makes camera management easier.

Log in with your Arlo account. If you’re using Face ID or fingerprint, great—it’ll be instant. Otherwise, enter your email and password. Pro tip: If you’re on a shared device, log out after you’re done to protect your privacy.

Once in, you’ll see your camera grid—each camera represented by a thumbnail. This is where the magic happens.

Step 2: Select the Camera You Want to Disable

Tap the camera you want to disable. A small menu will pop up with options like “Live Feed,” “Recordings,” and “Settings.” You’re looking for Settings—it’s the gear icon.

Click it. You’ll now see detailed options for that specific camera, including motion detection, audio, and power settings. This is where you’ll find the disable toggle.

Warning: Don’t tap “Remove Device” by mistake. That deletes the camera from your account entirely. We’re just disabling it—not removing it.

Step 3: Navigate to the “Camera Activity” or “Status” Section

Scroll down until you see a section labeled Camera Activity or Camera Status (the name varies slightly by model). In 2026, Arlo unified this under “Status” for most cameras.

Here, you’ll see a toggle switch labeled “Enable Camera” or “Active”. It’s usually green when on. Tap it to turn it off. The switch will turn gray or red, and the camera will go into standby mode.

That’s it for a single camera. But what if you have multiple?

Step 4: Disable Multiple Cameras at Once (Bulk Mode)

For those with 3+ cameras (looking at you, smart home enthusiasts), Arlo introduced Bulk Actions in 2026. Here’s how to use it:

1. From the home screen, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Manage Devices”.
3. Tap the checkbox next to each camera you want to disable.
4. Tap the “Power” icon at the bottom.
5. Choose “Disable” from the dropdown.

All selected cameras will turn off simultaneously. The app will confirm with a green checkmark. This is a game-changer for large setups—no more tapping each camera individually.

Real-Life Example: I used this last month when I hosted a baby shower. I disabled all four cameras in under 30 seconds. My guests felt more relaxed knowing they weren’t being recorded.

Step 5: Confirm the Camera Is Disabled (No More Red Light)

After disabling, look at the camera itself. Most Arlo models have a status LED on the front or side. When active, it’s usually solid green or blue. When disabled, it should turn off or flash slowly (varies by model).

Open the app and check the camera’s thumbnail. It should now show “Offline” or “Disabled” in gray text. You can also test it: wave your hand in front of the camera. No recording should happen.

If the light is still on or the app says “Active,” repeat Steps 2–3. Sometimes the app takes a moment to sync.

Step 6: Re-Enable Your Camera When Ready

Need to turn it back on? Easy. Go back to the same Settings > Status section and toggle the switch to “Enable”. Or, in Bulk Actions, select the camera and tap “Enable.”

The camera will reconnect to Wi-Fi (takes 10–30 seconds) and resume recording. The LED will return to its active color. You’ll get a push notification: “Arlo Camera [Name] is now active.”

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder to re-enable cameras after events. I once forgot and didn’t notice a package theft for two days—lesson learned!

Step 7: Use “Privacy Mode” for Temporary Pauses (Bonus Feature)

Arlo’s 2026 update introduced Privacy Mode—a softer way to disable recording without turning the camera off completely. It’s perfect for when you just want to block the lens temporarily.

• Go to the camera’s Settings.
• Look for “Privacy Mode” (under “Advanced”).
• Toggle it on. The camera will physically cover the lens with a mechanical shutter (on Pro 5/Ultra 2) or digitally blur the feed (on Essential models).

This is ideal for private conversations in the yard or when kids are playing nearby. It’s less drastic than fully disabling and keeps your camera connected for alerts (if motion is detected, you’ll get a notification, but no recording).

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made every mistake in the book. Here’s what I’ve learned—so you don’t have to.

1. Don’t Confuse “Disable” with “Uninstall”

Many users accidentally tap “Remove Device” instead of “Disable.” That erases the camera from your account, requiring a full re-setup. Always double-check the menu. If you see “Remove,” do not tap it unless you’re certain.

2. Check for Firmware Updates First

Before disabling, ensure your camera’s firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware can cause sync issues. Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware and update if needed. This is especially important in 2026, as Arlo rolled out security patches that affect camera status reporting.

3. Use “Away Mode” for Scheduled Disabling

If you disable cameras regularly (e.g., every weekend), use Schedules in the Arlo app:

• Go to Settings > Modes & Rules.
• Create a new mode called “Weekend Privacy.”
• Set it to disable all cameras from Friday 6 PM to Sunday 9 PM.
• Enable the schedule.

This automates the process. No more manual toggling—your cameras turn off and on like clockwork.

4. Watch Out for Battery-Powered Cameras

Wireless cameras (like Arlo Essential) may not respond immediately when disabled. Their battery-saving mode can delay sync. If the app says “Disabled” but the camera is still active, wait 2–3 minutes or move closer to the camera to trigger a connection.

5. Test Your Re-Enable Process

After disabling, always test re-enabling. I once disabled a camera for a party, then forgot to turn it back on. A week later, I realized I hadn’t recorded anything—my home was unmonitored the whole time. Oops.

Set a reminder on your phone or use the app’s “Re-Enable Alert” (new in 2026). It sends a notification 24 hours after disabling.

6. Privacy Mode ≠ Full Disable

Remember: Privacy Mode only blocks the lens. The camera still detects motion and sends alerts. If you want zero activity, use full disable. Privacy Mode is for when you want to feel “watched” but not recorded.

FAQs About How to Disable Arlo Cameras in 2026: A Quick Guide

Got questions? I’ve got answers—straight from my own Arlo journey.

1. Will disabling my Arlo camera delete my recordings?

Nope! Disabling only stops future recordings. All existing videos stay in your cloud storage (or SD card, if you use one). They won’t be deleted unless you manually remove them.

2. Can I disable Arlo cameras remotely?

Absolutely. As long as your phone has internet (Wi-Fi or cellular), you can disable cameras from anywhere. I’ve done this while on vacation in Bali—just opened the app, disabled the backyard camera, and enjoyed my trip guilt-free.

3. Why does my Arlo camera still show motion alerts when disabled?

That’s likely because Privacy Mode is on instead of full disable. Privacy Mode stops recording but keeps motion detection active. To stop alerts entirely, fully disable the camera or adjust the motion sensitivity in Settings.

4. Do I need to unplug my Arlo camera to disable it?

No. Disabling is a software action—no unplugging needed. The camera stays powered and connected to Wi-Fi. Unplugging is only necessary if you’re troubleshooting hardware issues.

5. How long does it take to re-enable a disabled Arlo camera?

Usually 10–30 seconds. The camera reconnects to Wi-Fi, syncs with the app, and resumes recording. Battery-powered models may take longer (up to 2 minutes) if they’re in deep sleep mode.

6. Can I schedule my Arlo cameras to disable automatically?

Yes! Use the Schedules feature (Settings > Modes & Rules). You can set daily, weekly, or custom times. For example: “Disable all cameras every Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM.”

7. Is it safe to disable my Arlo camera during a storm?

It’s safe, but not recommended. Arlo cameras are weatherproof, and disabling them means no recording during a potential emergency (e.g., storm damage). If you’re worried about power surges, use a surge protector instead.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to disable Arlo cameras in 2026 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control. Whether you’re hosting a party, troubleshooting, or simply reclaiming privacy, this skill gives you power over your smart home.

Remember: Disabling is temporary. Your camera, recordings, and settings remain intact. Use the steps above—disable, re-enable, schedule, or even use Privacy Mode—to tailor your surveillance to your life.

And here’s my final piece of advice: Bookmark this guide. Tech changes fast, and by 2027, who knows what Arlo will add? But for now, you’ve got the ultimate how to disable Arlo cameras in 2026 a quick guide—tested, trusted, and shared with a friend.

Now go enjoy your BBQ, your vacation, or your private moment—without a camera in your face. You’ve earned it.

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