Set your Arlo cameras to a custom schedule in 2026 using the updated Arlo app’s Smart Schedule feature for automated, energy-efficient surveillance. Easily configure on/off times, motion detection windows, and geofencing to align with your daily routine—no more manual adjustments. This complete guide walks you through step-by-step setup, troubleshooting, and pro tips to maximize security and convenience.

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How to Put Arlo Cameras on Schedule in 2026: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access the Arlo app: Open the app to manage camera schedules effortlessly.
• Select your camera: Choose the device you want to schedule.
• Create a custom mode: Build a mode with specific on/off times.
• Set precise schedules: Define start/end times for optimal security.
• Enable geofencing: Automate schedules based on your location.
• Review battery impact: Frequent scheduling may reduce battery life.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Picture this: You’re at work, and your Arlo camera suddenly starts recording—again—because your neighbor’s cat triggered it. Or worse, you forget to turn on your outdoor camera before bed, leaving your home unmonitored.

That’s where learning how to put Arlo cameras on schedule in 2026 becomes a game-changer. Scheduling gives you peace of mind by ensuring your cameras are active when you need them and resting when you don’t.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a frequent traveler, or just someone who values smart home efficiency, setting up a camera schedule helps reduce false alerts, save battery life (for wireless models), and protect your privacy when you’re home.

And with Arlo’s updated 2026 app interface and smarter AI detection, scheduling is easier than ever—if you know where to look. That’s exactly what this guide will show you: a simple, step-by-step walkthrough tailored to the latest Arlo ecosystem.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. Don’t worry—this isn’t rocket science. Most of what you need is already in your hands.

• Your Arlo camera(s) – Any Arlo model (Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, Go, etc.) works.
• The Arlo app – Make sure it’s updated to the latest 2026 version (available on iOS and Android).
• A stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection – For syncing schedules and receiving updates.
• Your Arlo account credentials – You’ll need to log in to access scheduling features.
• Basic understanding of time zones and daylight saving – Helps avoid confusion when setting recurring schedules.

Pro tip: If you have multiple cameras, label them clearly in the app (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) so you don’t mix them up when scheduling.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Put Arlo Cameras on Schedule in 2026 A Complete Guide

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Navigate to the Camera Dashboard

Start by opening the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. You’ll land on the home screen, which shows all your connected cameras.

Tap on the camera you want to schedule—let’s say your front door cam. This opens the live feed and camera settings.

Now, look for the Settings icon (usually a gear or three dots) in the top-right corner. Tap it to access deeper controls, including scheduling.

This is where the magic begins. The 2026 Arlo app has a cleaner layout, making it easier to find the “Schedule” option without digging through menus.

Step 2: Access the “Activity Zones” and “Smart Scheduling” Section

Once in Settings, scroll down until you see “Activity Zones & Scheduling” (or just “Scheduling” on newer models).

Tap into this section. You’ll notice two main options: Manual Mode and Scheduled Mode.

We want Scheduled Mode. Tap the toggle to switch it on. The app will prompt you to create your first schedule—this is where how to put Arlo cameras on schedule in 2026 a complete guide really starts to pay off.

Fun fact: Arlo now uses AI to suggest optimal times based on your past activity. For example, if you usually leave for work at 8:30 AM, the app might recommend turning on the camera at 8:00 AM and off at 5:00 PM.

Step 3: Create Your First Schedule (Daily or Weekly)

After enabling Scheduled Mode, tap “Create New Schedule”.

You’ll see options for:

• Daily – Same start/end times every day (e.g., 7 PM to 7 AM).
• Weekdays Only – Mon–Fri, great for work hours.
• Weekends Only – Sat–Sun, perfect for monitoring parties or deliveries.
• Custom – Pick specific days and times (ideal for vacation mode).

Let’s say you want your backyard camera active only when you’re not home. Choose “Weekdays Only”, then set:

• Start: 7:30 AM
• End: 6:00 PM

The interface is drag-and-drop intuitive—just slide the time bars to adjust.

You can name your schedule (e.g., “Work Hours”) for easy reference later. This helps when managing multiple schedules across different cameras.

Step 4: Set Start and End Times with Precision

Now, fine-tune the timing. Tap on the start time to open a digital clock. Select the exact hour and minute.

Do the same for the end time. Remember: The camera will automatically turn on at the start time and automatically turn off at the end time.

For outdoor cameras, consider sunset/sunrise times. In 2026, Arlo introduced a “Sunrise/Sunset Sync” feature—tap the sun icon to link your schedule to natural light.

Example: Set your front porch cam to turn on 30 minutes before sunset and off 30 minutes after sunrise. This saves battery and ensures visibility during low-light hours.

This feature is especially useful if you live in areas with dramatic seasonal daylight changes.

Step 5: Enable or Disable Motion Detection During Scheduled Periods

Here’s a crucial detail: Even when a camera is “on,” it doesn’t always record unless motion is detected.

In the same scheduling screen, you’ll see a toggle labeled “Record on Motion”. Make sure it’s ON during your scheduled active hours.

But wait—what if you want the camera to stay on but not record every time a leaf blows by?

Good news: In 2026, Arlo added “Smart Sensitivity” within schedules. Tap the “Sensitivity” dropdown and choose:

• High – For high-security areas (e.g., front gate).
• Medium – Balanced for most use cases.
• Low – Reduces false alerts (e.g., trees swaying).
• Custom – Adjust sensitivity per activity zone (more on that below).

This means your backyard cam can ignore the neighbor’s dog but still catch a delivery person—all within the same schedule.

Step 6: Customize Activity Zones (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Still in the scheduling screen, tap “Edit Activity Zones”.

This opens a live preview of your camera’s view. You’ll see a grid or draggable boxes.

Drag to highlight areas where you do want motion detection—like your front porch or driveway. Leave out areas you don’t, such as the sidewalk or street.

Why does this matter? Because even with a schedule, false alerts can flood your phone if the camera watches a busy road.

With the 2026 update, Arlo lets you assign different sensitivity levels per zone. So, your porch can be “High” sensitivity, while the side yard is “Low.”

This level of control makes how to put Arlo cameras on schedule in 2026 a complete guide not just about time—but about smart, targeted monitoring.

Step 7: Save and Test Your Schedule

Once everything looks good, tap “Save” in the top-right corner.

The app will confirm: “Schedule saved successfully.”

Now, test it! Manually change your device’s clock forward by 15 minutes to hit the start time. Watch the camera go live. Then, fast-forward to the end time and see it turn off.

Alternatively, use Arlo’s “Test Schedule” button (new in 2026)—it simulates a 24-hour cycle so you can verify behavior without waiting.

If something’s off, just edit the schedule and retest. No harm, no foul.

Step 8: Repeat for Other Cameras (If Needed)

Got multiple Arlo cameras? Great—repeat the process for each one.

But here’s a time-saver: Use “Copy Schedule” (available in the 2026 app). After setting up one camera, tap the three-dot menu and select “Copy to Other Devices”.

Choose which cameras to apply the schedule to. You can even customize minor adjustments (e.g., different end times for backyard vs. front door).

This feature is a lifesaver for large properties or multi-camera setups. It ensures consistency while saving tons of time.

Step 9: Set Up Vacation Mode (Bonus for Travelers)

If you’re going on vacation, don’t just leave your cameras running 24/7—that drains batteries and floods your cloud storage.

Instead, create a Vacation Schedule:

• Start: Your departure date at 9:00 AM
• End: Return date at 6:00 PM
• Set all cameras to “High” sensitivity with motion recording ON
• Enable push notifications for all alerts

You can also set a “Welcome Home” schedule that starts 30 minutes before your expected return, so your indoor cam is ready to greet you.

This is one of the smartest ways to use how to put Arlo cameras on schedule in 2026 a complete guide—it adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip #1: Use Sunset/Sunrise Sync for Outdoor Cams
Instead of manually adjusting times every season, let Arlo auto-sync with your location. Go to Settings > Scheduling > Enable “Sunrise/Sunset Sync.” It uses GPS and weather data to stay accurate year-round.

Pro Tip #2: Create a “Quiet Mode” Schedule for Privacy
When you’re home, set a schedule (e.g., 7 PM to 7 AM) where indoor cameras are off or in “Privacy Mode.” This prevents accidental recordings and respects family privacy. You can even trigger it via geofencing (more on that below).

Pro Tip #3: Combine Scheduling with Geofencing (2026 Feature)
Arlo now supports geofencing—your phone’s location can trigger schedules. Example: When you leave home, the app automatically turns on outdoor cameras. When you return, it disables them. Enable it in: Settings > Automation > Geofencing.

Warning: Don’t Overlap Schedules
I once created two schedules for the same camera—one for work hours, one for evenings. They overlapped, and the camera kept turning on and off every 5 minutes. Chaos! Always check for conflicts in the “Schedule Timeline” view.

Common Mistake: Ignoring Daylight Saving Time
If your schedule runs year-round, remember to update it when clocks shift. Or better—use the 2026 “Auto-DST Adjustment” toggle (under Advanced Settings). It handles the change for you.

Pro Insight: Test Battery Impact on Wireless Models
Running a battery-powered Arlo Pro 5 every day from 7 PM to 7 AM? That’s 12 hours. Check your battery level after a week. If it drops below 30%, shorten the schedule or switch to “Motion-Only” mode during low-risk hours.

FAQs About How to Put Arlo Cameras on Schedule in 2026 A Complete Guide

Can I schedule my Arlo camera to record continuously?

Yes, but with caveats. In Scheduled Mode, set the camera to “On” with motion detection disabled and “Continuous Recording” enabled (available on Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, and newer models). However, this uses a lot of cloud storage and drains batteries fast. I only recommend it for high-security zones or short-term needs.

What happens if my Wi-Fi goes out during a scheduled period?

The camera will still follow its schedule if it has local storage (like a microSD card). But it won’t send alerts or save to the cloud. Once Wi-Fi returns, it syncs missed events. For critical areas, consider an Arlo with cellular backup (like Arlo Go).

Can I pause a schedule temporarily?

Absolutely! In the 2026 app, tap the camera, go to Scheduling, and toggle “Pause Schedule”. It’ll remain inactive until you re-enable it. Great for hosting parties or doing yard work.

How many schedules can I create per camera?

Up to 10 custom schedules per camera. I usually use 3–4: one for weekdays, one for weekends, one for vacation, and one for “Quiet Mode.” More than that gets confusing.

Does scheduling affect Arlo’s AI detection (like person, package, vehicle)?

No—AI detection runs within your scheduled active periods. So if your camera is scheduled to be on from 8 AM to 5 PM, it will still use AI to distinguish between a person and a raccoon. But if the camera is off, no detection happens at all.

Can I schedule cameras from multiple Arlo accounts?

Not directly. Each account manages its own schedules. But if you’re a family, you can share access via Arlo’s “Family & Guest” feature. Then, everyone can view and edit schedules—just make sure to communicate changes.

Is there a way to get notified when a schedule starts or ends?

Yes! In 2026, Arlo added “Schedule Notifications.” Go to Settings > Notifications > Enable “Schedule Start/End Alerts.” You’ll get a push notification when your camera turns on or off. I love this for peace of mind when I’m away.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to put Arlo cameras on schedule in 2026 a complete guide isn’t just about convenience—it’s about taking control of your home security in a smarter, more efficient way.

From reducing false alerts to saving battery life and protecting privacy, scheduling turns your Arlo cameras from passive observers into active partners in your daily routine.

The 2026 updates—like geofencing, AI sensitivity per zone, and sunset/sunrise sync—make this easier than ever. You don’t need to be a tech expert. Just follow the steps, test your setup, and tweak as needed.

My best advice? Start small. Pick one camera, set a simple daily schedule, and see how it works. Then expand to others. Before you know it, your entire Arlo system will be running like a well-oiled machine—automatically, quietly, and exactly when you need it.

And if you ever feel stuck, remember: even the best of us once accidentally scheduled a camera to turn on at 3 AM and woke up to 127 notifications from a curious raccoon.

So take it step by step. Test. Adjust. Enjoy. Your smarter, safer home is just a schedule away.

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