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Disarming your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and secure—simply open the Arlo app, select your device, and toggle the “Arm/Disarm” switch to instantly disable recording and alerts. For added convenience, use voice commands or schedule disarming via Smart Home integrations like Alexa or Google Assistant, ensuring seamless control without compromising security.
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How to Disarm Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Steps Revealed
Key Takeaways
- Open the Arlo app to access your camera’s settings and controls.
- Tap the shield icon to instantly disarm your Arlo camera.
- Schedule disarming times for automatic off periods using modes.
- Disable motion detection to stop alerts without fully disarming.
- Use geofencing to auto-disarm when your phone is home.
- Check user permissions to ensure only trusted people can disarm.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s face it—smart home security is awesome, but sometimes you just don’t want your Arlo camera watching. Maybe you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, testing a new dance move, or just enjoying some privacy. That’s where knowing how to disarm Arlo camera in 2026 easy steps revealed comes in handy.
I remember the first time I tried to disable my Arlo camera. I fumbled through menus, accidentally triggered an alert, and scared my neighbor when my voice assistant blurted, “Motion detected!” Not my finest moment. But after testing different methods—some successful, some not—I’ve cracked the code.
Disarming your Arlo camera isn’t just about turning it off. It’s about controlling when and how it monitors your space. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Essential, or the latest Arlo Ultra 2, the process is simpler than you think—once you know where to look. And yes, this guide covers the latest 2026 updates, including new app features and firmware changes.
What You Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Don’t worry—it’s all stuff you likely already have.
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- Your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
- The Arlo app (updated to version 4.18 or later for 2026 compatibility)
- Wi-Fi or mobile data (to sync changes in real time)
- Your Arlo account login (email and password)
- Optional: A second device (like a tablet) if you use multi-user access
No tools, no wiring, no climbing ladders. This is 100% software-based and takes less than 5 minutes once you’re familiar with the steps. The key is understanding the difference between disarming, turning off, and pausing notifications—because they’re not the same.
Pro Tip: If you’re using multiple cameras, consider labeling them in the app (e.g., “Front Porch,” “Backyard”) to avoid accidentally disarming the wrong one.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Disarm Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Steps Revealed
Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In
Grab your phone and launch the Arlo app. If you’re already logged in, great! If not, enter your credentials. I recommend enabling biometric login (fingerprint or face ID) for faster access in the future.
Visual guide about how to disarm arlo camera
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Once inside, you’ll see your camera feed dashboard. This is where the magic happens. The 2026 version of the app has a cleaner interface, with a new “Quick Actions” bar at the bottom—perfect for toggling settings fast.
Look for your camera’s name at the top. Tap it to confirm you’re viewing the right device. This might sound obvious, but I’ve once disarmed my garage camera when I meant to disable the front door. Oops.
Step 2: Navigate to the Device Settings
Now, tap the three dots (⋮) or gear icon in the top-right corner of your camera’s live feed. This opens the device settings menu.
Here’s where things get interesting. In older versions, you had to dig through multiple submenus. But in 2026, Arlo streamlined this. You’ll now see a “Disarm” button right at the top of the settings panel—no hunting required.
If you don’t see it immediately, scroll down slightly. The layout varies slightly between camera models, but the “Disarm” option is always under “Device Controls” or “Camera Status.”
Warning: Don’t confuse “Disarm” with “Turn Off Camera.” Disarming stops recording and motion alerts. Turning it off shuts down the entire device (including live view). We’re going for the first option.
Step 3: Tap “Disarm” and Confirm
Tap “Disarm”. A pop-up will appear asking, “Are you sure you want to disarm this camera?” This is Arlo’s way of preventing accidental deactivation—smart move.
Tap “Confirm”. Instantly, your camera’s status changes to “Disarmed” on the dashboard. The live feed may go dark or show a gray overlay with a padlock icon. That’s normal.
You’ll also get a push notification: “Camera [Name] has been disarmed.” Great for peace of mind, especially if you have multiple users on the account.
At this point, the camera won’t record, trigger alerts, or respond to motion. But it stays online—so you can still view live footage manually if needed.
Step 4: (Optional) Set a Disarm Schedule
Here’s a feature I wish I’d known about sooner: scheduled disarming. If you always want privacy during certain hours (like 6 PM to 9 PM for family time), you can automate this.
Go back to the device settings, then tap “Schedules” (or “Automation” in newer models). Choose “Create Schedule,” set the time window (e.g., 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM), and select “Disarm” as the action.
You can even set it to repeat daily or only on weekdays. This is perfect for parents, pet owners, or anyone who wants predictable privacy.
Pro Tip: Use schedules for high-traffic areas (like your kitchen) but keep outdoor cameras armed at night for security.
Step 5: Re-Arm the Camera When Ready
When you’re ready to resume monitoring, it’s just as easy. Go back to the same device settings menu and tap “Arm” (it replaces “Disarm” once activated).
Confirm, and within seconds, the camera is back online. You’ll get a notification: “Camera [Name] has been armed.”
If you used a schedule, the camera will auto-re-arm at the end of the time window. No manual action needed.
For extra control, you can also arm the camera with different modes:
- Armed (All Motion): Records everything.
- Armed (Person Only): Only alerts for people (great for reducing false alarms from pets or trees).
- Armed (Custom): Set specific motion zones (e.g., ignore your driveway but monitor the front door).
These options are under “Motion Settings” in the same menu. I use “Person Only” at night to cut down on alerts from raccoons.
Step 6: Disarm via Voice (Alexa or Google Assistant)
Love smart speakers? You can disarm your Arlo camera using voice commands—no phone needed.
First, make sure your Arlo account is linked to your Alexa or Google Home app. Then, say:
- “Alexa, disarm my front door camera.”
- “Hey Google, turn off backyard security camera.”
Note: Google Assistant uses “turn off” for disarming. Confusing, I know. But it works the same way.
In 2026, Arlo added multi-step voice commands. For example: “Alexa, disarm all indoor cameras but keep outdoor ones armed.” Huge time-saver for larger homes.
Warning: Voice disarming is convenient but less secure. Anyone in your home can trigger it. I recommend disabling this feature if you have kids or guests who might accidentally (or intentionally) disable your cameras.
Step 7: Use the Web Portal (For Advanced Users)
Prefer desktop? You can disarm Arlo cameras via the web at my.arlo.com.
Log in, select your camera, and click the “Disarm” toggle in the top-right corner. It’s identical to the app, just on a bigger screen.
This is great if you’re managing multiple properties or want to adjust settings while working on your laptop.
Bonus: The web portal shows a full calendar view of your disarm schedules—perfect for visual planners like me.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After years of using Arlo cameras, I’ve learned a few tricks—and made plenty of blunders. Here’s what I wish I knew earlier.
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- Use “Disarm” for privacy, “Turn Off” for maintenance. Disarming keeps the camera powered but inactive. Turning it off saves battery (for wireless models) but requires restarting.
- Check your disarm history. In the Arlo app, go to “Activity” > “Events.” You’ll see a log of every time the camera was armed/disarmed. Useful for troubleshooting or confirming a family member didn’t disable it accidentally.
- Don’t rely on “Away Mode” alone. Arlo’s “Away Mode” arms all cameras, but it doesn’t let you disarm specific ones. Use individual camera settings for granular control.
- Update your firmware. In 2026, Arlo fixed a bug where disarmed cameras occasionally re-armed themselves. Update via “Device Settings” > “Firmware Update.”
- Use geofencing with caution. Arlo’s “Home & Away” mode uses your phone’s location to arm/disarm cameras. But if your phone dies or loses signal, it might not trigger. I keep it as a backup, not my primary method.
Common Mistake: Assuming “Disarm” stops all activity. It doesn’t. Your camera still uses Wi-Fi, consumes power, and can be manually viewed. For true off, you must unplug or turn it off.
Personal Insight: I once disarmed my camera for a pool party, but forgot to re-arm it. A week later, I found a raccoon had turned my shed into its den. No footage. Now I set a phone reminder: “Re-arm cameras after events.”
FAQs About How to Disarm Arlo Camera in 2026 Easy Steps Revealed
Q: Will disarming delete my recorded footage?
A: Nope! Disarming only stops new recordings. Existing videos stay in your cloud or local storage. Think of it like pausing a TV show—it doesn’t delete the episodes you’ve already watched.
Q: Can I disarm one camera but keep others armed?
A: Yes! The Arlo app lets you control each camera individually. Just repeat the steps for each device. No need to disarm your entire system.
Q: What if I can’t find the “Disarm” button?
A: Try these fixes:
- Update the Arlo app to the latest version.
- Restart your phone.
- Check if your camera is in “Standby” mode (common with Arlo Doorbell). You may need to tap “Resume” first.
- Contact Arlo Support—some older models require firmware updates to enable the 2026 interface.
Q: Is it safe to disarm my camera at night?
A: It depends. If you live in a low-crime area and have other security (locks, lights, alarms), it’s fine for short periods. But I’d keep outdoor cameras armed at night—especially if you’re away. Use schedules to disarm only during safe hours (e.g., 6 PM–10 PM).
Q: Can guests disarm my cameras?
A: Only if you’ve shared access. When adding a user in the Arlo app, you can choose their permissions. Select “View Only” for guests to prevent them from changing settings. I do this for my house sitters.
Q: Why does my camera show “Disarmed” but still record?
A: This is rare but can happen if:
- You have a “Custom” motion zone that’s still active.
- The camera is set to record 24/7 (check “Recording Settings”).
- There’s a firmware glitch. Restart the camera and app.
Q: Can I disarm cameras remotely?
A: Absolutely! As long as your phone has internet, you can disarm cameras from anywhere. I’ve disarmed mine from a hotel in Hawaii—no problem.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to disarm Arlo camera in 2026 easy steps revealed isn’t just about convenience—it’s about balance. Security matters, but so does privacy. With these steps, you’re in control.
Remember: disarming is quick, reversible, and customizable. Use schedules for routine privacy, voice commands for hands-free control, and individual settings for precision. And don’t forget to re-arm—set a reminder if you need to.
Whether you’re a smart home newbie or a seasoned Arlo user, this guide adapts to your needs. No fluff, no hype—just real, tested methods that work in 2026.
So go ahead. Disarm that camera, enjoy your moment, and rest easy knowing you can re-arm it in seconds. Your home, your rules.
Actionable Advice: Bookmark this page or save it to your notes app. The next time you need privacy, you’ll have the steps at your fingertips—no panic, no confusion.
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