Disconnecting your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and straightforward—simply open the Arlo app, select the camera, and tap “Remove Device” to unlink it from your account. For a clean break, factory reset the camera afterward by holding the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes, ensuring all data is wiped. This method works for all Arlo models, including Pro 5 and Ultra 2, in under two minutes.

How to Disconnect Arlo Camera in 2026: A Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app and select the camera to disconnect.
• Tap Settings then choose “Remove Device” to unlink.
• Confirm removal when prompted to complete disconnection.
• Factory reset the camera if planning to resell or reuse.
• Unplug power after disconnection to ensure full shutdown.
• Check subscription to avoid unnecessary charges post-removal.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—smart home tech is awesome… until it isn’t. I remember the first time I tried to move my Arlo camera to a new Wi-Fi network. I was excited to upgrade to a mesh system, only to realize I couldn’t just unplug it and call it a day. The app froze. The camera stayed connected to the old router. And I was stuck in a loop of “reconnecting…” for 20 minutes. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever tried to how to disconnect Arlo camera in 2026 a quick guide without losing your mind, you’re not alone. Whether you’re moving, upgrading your router, troubleshooting, or selling your camera, knowing how to properly disconnect it is essential. And no—unplugging it doesn’t count. (I tried that. It didn’t work.)

Disconnecting an Arlo camera isn’t just about cutting the power. It’s about safely removing it from your Arlo account, freeing up your base station, and ensuring your data stays private. In 2026, with Arlo’s updated app and firmware, the process has changed slightly from older models. But don’t worry—this guide walks you through every step, so you don’t end up like me, staring at a blinking blue light at 11 p.m.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to disconnect Arlo camera in 2026 a quick guide—whether it’s a Pro 5, Ultra 2, or even an older model still running strong. We’ll cover everything: from app settings to physical removal, and even what to do if your camera won’t respond. Let’s get started.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. The good news? You probably already do. Here’s the short list:

• Your smartphone or tablet – with the Arlo Secure app installed (iOS or Android). This is your main control center.
• Wi-Fi connection – your phone needs to be on the same network as your Arlo system. No Wi-Fi? No problem—we’ll cover offline options later.
• Arlo account login – make sure you know your email and password. If you’ve forgotten it, use the “Forgot Password” link in the app.
• Access to your camera and base station – you’ll need to physically interact with them, so be near them when starting.
• Optional: A second device or computer – helpful if you want to check your Arlo account via the web portal (myarlo.com).
• Patience (and maybe a coffee) – because tech sometimes takes its time, and that’s okay.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to how to disconnect Arlo camera in 2026 a quick guide for resale or donation, make sure you’ve downloaded any saved videos first. Once you remove it from your account, those clips are gone for good.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Disconnect Arlo Camera in 2026 A Quick Guide

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Log In

Start by opening the Arlo Secure app on your phone. If you haven’t updated it recently, do it now—Arlo pushes updates regularly, and 2026 has a few interface tweaks that make disconnecting easier (finally!).

Log in with your Arlo account. If you use two-factor authentication (and you should!), have your phone ready to verify. Once inside, you’ll see your camera feed dashboard. This is where the magic happens.

Tip: If you have multiple Arlo devices, tap the camera icon in the top-left to switch between them. You can only disconnect one at a time, so plan accordingly.

Step 2: Navigate to the Device Settings

Tap on the camera you want to disconnect. This opens the live feed screen. Now, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it. This is your gateway to all device settings.

You’ll see options like “Device Info,” “Video Settings,” “Notifications,” and more. But we’re looking for one thing: “Remove from Account” or “Remove Device.” The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your camera model and app version.

In 2026, Arlo has streamlined this process. The button is usually near the bottom, sometimes under “Advanced Settings” or “Device Management.” If you don’t see it, scroll down—don’t panic.

Step 3: Confirm Removal from Your Arlo Account

Once you tap “Remove from Account,” the app will ask for confirmation. It might say something like:

“Removing this camera will delete all associated settings and recordings. This action cannot be undone.”

Read this carefully. Yes, it sounds scary, but it’s a safety feature. You’re not losing your entire account—just this one camera.

Tap “Remove” or “Confirm.” The app will process the request. This usually takes 10–30 seconds. During this time, your camera may blink yellow or blue—this is normal.

Warning: Do not unplug the camera or exit the app during this step. Interrupting the process can leave the camera in a “zombie state”—still connected to Wi-Fi but not to your account. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Step 4: Wait for the Confirmation Message

When the removal is successful, you’ll see a green checkmark or a message like:

“Camera successfully removed from your account.”

You’ll also notice the camera disappears from your dashboard. If you’re using the web portal (myarlo.com), log in there to double-check. The camera should no longer appear under “Devices.”

This step is crucial for anyone trying to how to disconnect Arlo camera in 2026 a quick guide for privacy or resale. Once it’s off your account, it can’t access your home network or recordings.

Step 5: Physically Disconnect the Camera (If Wired or Plugged In)

Now it’s time for the physical side. If your camera is battery-powered (like Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2), you can skip to the next step. But if it’s wired or plugged into a power outlet (like Arlo Essential or Pro 5 with solar panel), unplug it now.

For battery models, you don’t need to remove the battery unless you’re storing it long-term. Just leave it off. The camera will go into sleep mode, and since it’s no longer linked to your account, it won’t reconnect automatically.

Pro tip: If you’re moving the camera to a new location (like a rental or vacation home), keep it powered but don’t press the sync button yet. We’ll cover setup later.

Step 6: Reset the Base Station (If Applicable)

If you’re using an Arlo base station (like for Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra), and you’re disconnecting all cameras, you’ll need to reset it too. Otherwise, it might still try to reconnect to old devices.

Here’s how:

1. Unplug the base station from power.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug it back in.
4. Wait for the status light to turn solid green (about 1–2 minutes).

This soft reset clears any lingering connections. If you’re keeping other cameras, this step is optional—but I recommend it if you’re troubleshooting or selling the whole system.

For a full factory reset (if you’re selling or donating), press and hold the reset button on the base station (usually on the back) for 10 seconds until the light flashes amber. This erases all settings and returns it to factory defaults.

Step 7: Remove Camera from Wi-Fi (Optional but Recommended)

Even after removing from your Arlo account, the camera might still be connected to your Wi-Fi network. This is a privacy risk—especially if you’re selling it.

To fully disconnect, you have two options:

• Option A: Use your router’s admin panel. Log in to your router (usually via 192.168.1.1 or similar), go to “Connected Devices,” find your Arlo camera (look for “Arlo” or its MAC address), and block or disconnect it.
• Option B: Let the camera disconnect on its own. Since it’s no longer paired with your account, it will eventually lose Wi-Fi after 24–48 hours. But if you’re in a hurry, Option A is faster.

This step is especially important if you’re trying to how to disconnect Arlo camera in 2026 a quick guide for security reasons. You don’t want a camera still pinging your network after you’ve removed it.

Step 8: Factory Reset the Camera (For Resale or Donation)

If you’re planning to sell or give away your camera, a factory reset is a must. This clears all settings, Wi-Fi credentials, and firmware updates—so the next owner starts fresh.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and hold the sync button (usually on the back or bottom of the camera) for 10–15 seconds.
2. Watch the LED light: it will flash amber, then blue, then green.
3. When it turns solid green, release the button.
4. The camera will reboot and enter setup mode.

After this, the camera is like new—ready for the next person to set it up. No trace of your home network, schedules, or recordings.

Note: Some newer models (like Arlo Pro 5) have a “Reset” option in the app under Device Settings. Use that if available—it’s easier and less likely to mess up.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of setting up, troubleshooting, and disconnecting Arlo cameras (I’ve done it for friends, family, and even my dog walker’s house), here are the real-world insights no manual tells you.

✅ Pro Tip 1: Disconnect in the Right Order

If you have multiple cameras, disconnect them one at a time. Don’t try to remove five at once. The app can get confused, and you might accidentally delete the wrong one. (I once removed my front door camera instead of the backyard one. Oops.)

✅ Pro Tip 2: Use the Web Portal for Backup

The Arlo app is great, but the web portal (myarlo.com) gives you more control. Use it to double-check device status, download recordings, or remove devices if the app crashes. It’s also faster for bulk actions.

✅ Pro Tip 3: Label Your Cameras Before You Start

If you have several cameras, label them with tape or a marker (e.g., “Front,” “Garage,” “Backyard”). This avoids confusion when removing or resetting. Trust me—trying to guess which camera is which by their live feeds at night is a headache.

❌ Common Mistake 1: Unplugging Before Removing from Account

This is the #1 mistake. If you unplug the camera before removing it from your account, it will show up as “Offline” in the app. You won’t be able to remove it because the app can’t communicate with it. Always remove from the account first, then unplug.

❌ Common Mistake 2: Skipping the Factory Reset

If you’re selling your camera, don’t just remove it from your account and hand it over. Without a factory reset, the new owner might still see your Wi-Fi network or get confused during setup. Always reset.

❌ Common Mistake 3: Ignoring the Base Station

Many people forget the base station. If you’re disconnecting all cameras, reset the base station too. Otherwise, it might keep trying to connect to old devices, draining power and causing network issues.

✅ Pro Tip 4: Keep the Original Packaging

If you’re selling or storing the camera, keep the box and accessories (mounts, screws, power adapter). Buyers love a complete kit, and it makes setup easier if you ever want to use it again.

✅ Pro Tip 5: Check for Firmware Updates First

Before disconnecting, make sure your camera has the latest firmware. Go to Device Settings > Device Info > Firmware Version. If an update is available, install it. Updated firmware makes the disconnection process smoother and reduces errors.

❌ Common Mistake 4: Not Backing Up Recordings

Once you remove a camera from your account, all cloud recordings tied to it are deleted. If you want to keep them, download them first. Go to Library > Select clips > Download. Store them on your phone, computer, or cloud drive.

✅ Pro Tip 6: Use “Guest Access” for Temporary Disconnection

If you’re just taking a break (like during a vacation), consider using Guest Access instead of fully disconnecting. This lets you pause notifications and live viewing without removing the camera. Reactivate it later with one tap.

FAQs About How to Disconnect Arlo Camera in 2026 A Quick Guide

Q: Can I disconnect an Arlo camera without the app?

Not easily. The app is the primary way to remove a camera from your account. However, if your phone is broken or the app crashes, you can use the web portal (myarlo.com). Log in, go to “Devices,” and click the trash icon next to the camera. It works just like the app.

As for physical disconnection, you can unplug it, but it will still be linked to your account until you remove it via app or web. So yes, you need access to your account.

Q: What if my camera won’t remove from the app?

First, check your internet connection. Both your phone and the camera need Wi-Fi. If the camera is offline, try:

• Rebooting the camera (unplug, wait 10 seconds, plug back in).
• Rebooting your router.
• Logging out and back into the app.

If it still won’t remove, try the web portal. If that fails, contact Arlo Support. They can force-remove it from their end.

Q: Does disconnecting delete my recordings?

Yes, cloud recordings are deleted when you remove the camera. But local recordings (if you use a USB drive on the base station) are safe—they stay on the drive.

So if you have important clips, download them first. Go to Library > Select clips > Download before removing the camera.

Q: Can I reconnect a disconnected camera to the same account?

Absolutely. Just press the sync button on the camera and follow the setup steps in the app. It will pair like new. But remember: any recordings, schedules, or settings are gone. You’ll need to reconfigure everything.

Q: How do I disconnect an Arlo camera from another person’s account?

You can’t. Only the account owner can remove a camera. If you bought a used camera, ask the seller to remove it from their account first. Otherwise, you’ll get errors during setup.

Arlo has a feature called “Device Transfer” for this. The seller can initiate it in their app, and you’ll get a code to claim the camera. Much safer than guessing.

Q: Is it safe to sell a disconnected Arlo camera?

Only if you’ve done a factory reset. This clears all data, Wi-Fi networks, and firmware settings. A simple removal from your account isn’t enough—the camera might still have your network name or location data.

After a reset, the camera is like new. Just make sure the buyer knows how to set it up.

Q: What if I have an older Arlo model (like Pro 2 or Pro 3)?

The process is nearly identical. The app works the same way, and the “Remove from Account” option is still there. The only difference is that older models might not have the “Reset” button in the app—so you’ll need to use the physical sync button for factory reset.

Just make sure you’re using the latest version of the Arlo Secure app, which supports all models through 2026.

Final Thoughts

Look, disconnecting an Arlo camera doesn’t have to be stressful. I’ve been through the frustration—the frozen app, the blinking lights, the fear of breaking something. But once you know the steps, it’s actually pretty straightforward.

To recap: how to disconnect Arlo camera in 2026 a quick guide means removing it from your account first, then handling the physical side (unplugging, resetting, etc.). Do it in order, back up your recordings, and always factory reset if you’re selling or donating.

And remember—this isn’t just about convenience. It’s about privacy, security, and making sure your smart home stays under your control. Whether you’re upgrading, moving, or just taking a break, you now have the tools to do it right.

So go ahead. Open that app. Tap that gear icon. And take back control of your camera. You’ve got this.

And if you ever get stuck? Take a breath. Reboot. Try the web portal. Or just message a friend who’s been there (like me). Because in the world of smart home tech, we’re all learning together—one disconnected camera at a time.