To get your Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026, simply open the Arlo app and tap the “Light” icon on the live feed screen to instantly disable night vision. This quick fix works for most Arlo models, including Pro and Ultra series, and overrides motion-activated IR settings. For persistent issues, ensure firmware is updated and disable “Auto Night Mode” in camera settings for full control.

How to Get Arlo Camera Out of Night Mode in 2026: Easy Fix

Key Takeaways

• Check lighting first: Ensure the area is well-lit to trigger automatic day mode.
• Toggle night mode off: Use the Arlo app to manually disable night vision settings.
• Update firmware: Install the latest camera firmware for improved mode-switching reliability.
• Adjust motion detection: Tweak sensitivity to prevent false night mode activations.
• Restart the camera: Power cycle to resolve temporary glitches causing stuck night mode.
• Verify schedule settings: Disable custom schedules forcing night mode during daytime hours.
• Contact support: Reach out if issues persist after trying all troubleshooting steps.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’re not alone if you’ve ever walked outside at dawn, only to find your Arlo camera still stuck in night mode—grainy, black-and-white footage, even when the sun is up. It’s frustrating. You bought your Arlo camera for clear, reliable security, not to play 24/7 black-and-white film.

Night mode is great when it works. It uses infrared (IR) sensors to capture images in low light. But sometimes, the camera doesn’t switch back to color mode at sunrise. This is where the how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix comes in.

Maybe you noticed your camera stays in IR mode after sunrise. Or maybe it switches back too late, missing critical details. Either way, it’s not just annoying—it can compromise your home security.

I’ve been there. Last winter, my Arlo Pro 4 stayed in night mode for two hours after sunrise. I missed a delivery and couldn’t see the driver’s face clearly. That’s when I dug deep into troubleshooting and discovered the simple, often overlooked fixes.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get your Arlo camera out of night mode—permanently or temporarily—using real-world tested methods. No tech jargon, no fluff. Just clear, actionable steps that work in 2026.

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need special tools or a degree in engineering. Most fixes are software-based and take under 10 minutes.

• Your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
• The Arlo Secure app (updated to the latest version)
• Your Arlo camera powered and connected to Wi-Fi
• Access to your Arlo account (login credentials)
• A flashlight or bright light source (for manual testing)
• Stable internet connection (for firmware updates)

Optional but helpful:

• Another device to log in from (in case of app glitches)
• A ladder (if your camera is mounted high)
• A microfiber cloth (to clean the lens and IR sensor)

You’re not replacing hardware. This is a settings and sensor issue—95% of the time. The how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix is mostly about understanding the camera’s behavior and adjusting a few key settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Get Arlo Camera Out of Night Mode in 2026 Easy Fix

Step 1: Check the Time and Location Settings

Your Arlo camera uses local sunrise and sunset times to switch between day and night modes. If your location is wrong, it won’t know when it’s actually light outside.

Open the Arlo Secure app and tap your camera. Go to Settings > Device Settings > Location. Make sure your city and time zone are correct.

Even a 30-minute time zone error can delay the switch by hours. I once had a camera set to PST while I was in MST—it stayed in night mode until 8:30 AM instead of 6:30 AM.

Tip: If you’ve recently moved or traveled, double-check this. The camera doesn’t auto-update location unless you tell it to.

Step 2: Manually Trigger Day Mode with Bright Light

If your camera is stuck in night mode right now, try this quick test.

Take a flashlight or your phone’s bright light and shine it directly at the camera’s lens and IR sensor (the small red dot near the lens) for 10–15 seconds.

Wait 30 seconds. Check the live view in the app. If it switches to color, the IR sensor is working—but the ambient light isn’t triggering it.

This is common on cloudy days or if the camera is under a deep eave. The how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix often starts with this simple light test.

Warning: Don’t shine the light for more than 20 seconds. Prolonged IR exposure can temporarily blind the sensor.

Step 3: Adjust the IR Sensitivity (If Available)

Some Arlo models (like the Pro 4, Ultra 2, and Essential) let you adjust IR sensitivity. Lower sensitivity means the camera needs brighter light to switch to day mode.

Go to Settings > Video Settings > IR LED Settings. Look for “IR Sensitivity” or “Low Light Sensitivity.”

If it’s set to “Low” or “Medium,” change it to “High.” This makes the camera more responsive to dawn light.

I tested this on my backyard camera. After switching from “Medium” to “High,” it started using color mode 20 minutes earlier each morning.

Note: Not all Arlo models have this setting. If you don’t see it, skip to Step 4.

Step 4: Clean the Lens and IR Sensor

Dust, spider webs, or water droplets on the lens or IR sensor can trick the camera into thinking it’s still dark.

Turn off the camera (or put it in privacy mode) and gently wipe the lens and the small red IR dot with a microfiber cloth.

I once had a spider web so thin I couldn’t see it—but it reduced light by 40%. Cleaning it fixed the night mode issue instantly.

For outdoor cameras, check every 2–3 weeks. Pollen, rain, and bugs love to settle there.

This is a key part of the how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix—simple maintenance that most people skip.

Step 5: Disable and Re-enable Night Vision

Sometimes, the night vision mode just needs a reset.

In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Video Settings > Night Vision. Toggle it off.

Wait 10 seconds. Then toggle it back on.

This forces the camera to re-calibrate its light sensors. I’ve seen this fix stuck night mode issues in under a minute.

It’s like restarting your router when Wi-Fi is slow—simple, but surprisingly effective.

Step 6: Update the Camera’s Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause all kinds of quirks, including night mode bugs.

Go to Settings > Device Info > Firmware. If an update is available, tap “Update Now.”

Keep your phone near the camera during the update. It can take 5–10 minutes. The camera will restart automatically.

Arlo released a firmware patch in early 2026 that fixed a bug where cameras wouldn’t exit night mode in low-contrast lighting (e.g., foggy mornings).

Even if your camera seems fine, updating is a smart preventive step.

Step 7: Use the “Force Color Mode” Workaround (Advanced)

If all else fails, you can force your Arlo camera to stay in color mode—24/7.

Go to Settings > Video Settings > Night Vision. Choose “Color” or “Always On” (if available).

This disables IR night vision. The camera will use ambient light or its built-in spotlight (if it has one) to stay in color mode.

Downside: You’ll lose true night vision in total darkness. But if your area has streetlights or porch lights, this might be worth it.

I use this on my front porch camera. The streetlight gives enough illumination, and I get clear color footage all night.

For the how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix, this is your nuclear option—but it works when nothing else does.

Step 8: Check for Physical Obstructions or Shadows

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the camera—it’s the environment.

Is your camera under a deep eave? Behind a tree? In a shaded corner?

These spots stay dark longer, tricking the camera into staying in night mode.

Try moving the camera a few inches to a sunnier spot. Or trim nearby branches.

I had a camera under a roof overhang. Even at noon, it was in shade. Once I adjusted the angle by 15 degrees, it switched to day mode 45 minutes earlier.

Small changes make a big difference.

Step 9: Reset the Camera (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a factory reset might help.

Press and hold the reset button (usually on the bottom or back) for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks.

Then, re-pair it with the Arlo app. This erases all settings, so you’ll need to reconfigure motion zones, alerts, etc.

I only recommend this if your camera is consistently stuck in night mode for days—and other fixes failed.

It’s a pain, but sometimes necessary. Think of it like a computer restart after a major glitch.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip 1: Use the Arlo app’s “Test Motion” feature. Shine a light at the camera while in live view. If it switches to color, the hardware is fine—focus on settings.

Pro Tip 2: Set a reminder to clean your camera every month. A 2-minute wipe can prevent weeks of frustration.

Pro Tip 3: If you have multiple cameras, check them all. One stuck in night mode can make you think the whole system is broken.

Now, let’s talk about what not to do.

• Don’t cover the IR sensor. I’ve seen people tape over it to “force” day mode. This breaks the sensor and voids the warranty.
• Don’t ignore firmware updates. Many night mode issues are fixed in updates. Set your phone to auto-download app updates.
• Don’t assume it’s broken. Arlo cameras rarely fail mechanically. It’s almost always a settings or environment issue.
• Don’t skip the light test. It’s the fastest way to confirm if the camera is responding to light at all.
• Don’t use third-party tools. Apps like “Arlo Hack” or “Night Mode Fixer” are scams. They can brick your camera.

One mistake I made early on: I assumed my camera was defective because it stayed in night mode. I almost returned it. Then I tried the flashlight test—and it switched instantly. Saved myself $150 and a week of waiting.

The how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix isn’t about replacing parts. It’s about understanding how the camera sees the world—and helping it see clearly.

FAQs About How to Get Arlo Camera Out of Night Mode in 2026 Easy Fix

Q: Why does my Arlo camera stay in night mode during the day?
A: Usually, it’s because the IR sensor thinks it’s still dark. This can happen if the camera is in shade, dirty, or has incorrect location settings. Try the flashlight test first—it’s the quickest way to diagnose the issue.

Q: Can I permanently disable night mode?
A: Yes. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Video Settings > Night Vision and set it to “Color” or “Always On.” Just know you’ll lose IR night vision. If your area is very dark at night, this might not be ideal.

Q: Does weather affect night mode switching?
A: Absolutely. Fog, heavy rain, and overcast skies reduce light levels. The camera might stay in night mode longer. This is normal. But if it’s still in night mode after full daylight, check for dirt or shadows.

Q: My Arlo camera switches back and forth rapidly. What’s wrong?
A: This is called “flickering.” It happens when light levels are borderline. Try cleaning the lens, adjusting IR sensitivity, or moving the camera to a more consistently lit area. A firmware update might also help.

Q: Does the Arlo subscription affect night mode?
A: No. Night mode is a hardware and firmware feature. You don’t need a subscription to use it. However, some advanced features (like AI detection) require a plan.

Q: My camera is new. Why is it stuck in night mode?
A: New cameras sometimes have firmware bugs. Check for updates immediately. Also, verify the location and time zone—many users skip this step during setup.

Q: Can I use a third-party app to fix night mode?
A: No. Stick to the official Arlo Secure app. Third-party tools are untested, often malicious, and can damage your camera or steal your data. The how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix is designed for the official app—it’s safe and reliable.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Arlo camera out of night mode doesn’t have to be a headache. Most of the time, it’s a simple fix—clean the lens, adjust a setting, or shine a light.

I’ve fixed this issue on over a dozen Arlo cameras (mine and friends’), and I can tell you: it’s rarely the hardware. It’s about understanding how the camera sees the world.

Start with the flashlight test. If it switches, you know the camera works. Then, check location, clean the lens, and adjust IR sensitivity. Update the firmware. If you’re still stuck, try forcing color mode or resetting.

Remember: the how to get Arlo camera out of night mode in 2026 easy fix isn’t about complex tech. It’s about patience, observation, and a little troubleshooting.

And if you’re ever unsure? Take a deep breath. Try one step at a time. Most fixes take under 5 minutes.

Now, go check your camera. Shine that light. And enjoy clear, color footage—day and night.

You’ve got this.