How to Rearm Arlo Camera in 2026 A Quick Guide

How to Rearm Arlo Camera in 2026 A Quick Guide

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Rearming your Arlo camera in 2026 is faster than ever with the updated one-tap reset feature in the Arlo Secure app. Simply open the app, select your camera, and toggle “Rearm” to instantly restore motion detection and recording—no reboot or physical access needed. This streamlined process ensures your home stays protected with minimal effort.

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How to Rearm Arlo Camera in 2026: A Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Arlo app to access your camera’s settings and rearm options quickly.
  • Tap the shield icon to instantly rearm your camera after disarming.
  • Check motion detection zones to ensure they’re properly set before rearming.
  • Enable push notifications to get alerts when your camera reactivates successfully.
  • Verify camera connectivity to avoid delays or failures in rearming remotely.
  • Use schedules or modes to automate rearming for consistent security coverage.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than checking your Arlo camera feed, only to see the dreaded “Disarmed” status. Maybe you accidentally disarmed it while adjusting settings, or perhaps your kid or pet triggered a false alarm and you silenced the system. Now, your home’s security feels like it’s on pause.

If you’re wondering how to rearm Arlo camera in 2026, you’re not alone. With smart homes getting more complex, even simple tasks like rearming your security system can feel confusing—especially when firmware updates, app changes, and new models (like the Arlo Pro 6, Ultra 2, and Essential) roll out every year.

But here’s the good news: rearming your Arlo camera is easier than you think. Whether you use the app, a keypad, or even voice commands, this guide walks you through every method—step by step. No tech degree required. Just practical, real-world advice from someone who’s been there (and accidentally disarmed their own system more than once).

💡 Pro Insight: The how to rearm Arlo camera in 2026 process hasn’t changed much in core functionality, but newer models now support faster syncing and AI-powered motion detection—so rearming actually makes your system *smarter*, not just safer.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. No need to run around—most of this is already on your phone or in your home.

  • Your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android) with the Arlo Secure app installed (v4.0 or higher recommended)
  • Your Arlo camera(s) powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or Arlo SmartHub
  • Your Arlo account login (email and password)
  • Arlo SmartHub or base station (if using older models like Pro 3 or Ultra)
  • Arlo Keypad (optional) – great for quick rearming without pulling out your phone
  • Stable internet connection – even if your camera is on local storage, the app needs internet to send commands

⚠️ Warning: If your camera shows “Offline,” it can’t be rearmed remotely. Check power, Wi-Fi, and hub connections first. The how to rearm Arlo camera in 2026 process only works when the device is online.

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

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Log In

Grab your phone and tap the Arlo Secure app. If you’re already logged in, great—skip ahead. If not, enter your email and password.

I’ve had mornings where I’ve forgotten my password mid-alarm (yes, really). If that happens, use the “Forgot Password” link—it sends a reset code to your email. Takes less than a minute.

Once inside, make sure you’re viewing the Home tab. This is where you’ll see all your cameras and their current status—armed, disarmed, or offline.

💡 Pro Tip: Enable biometric login (Face ID or fingerprint) so you can get into the app faster during emergencies. Saves precious seconds when you need to rearm quickly.

Step 2: Check Camera Status and Select the Device

Look for the camera you want to rearm. You’ll see a small icon—either a green checkmark (armed) or a red slash (disarmed).

Tap on the camera’s thumbnail. This opens the live feed and control panel. On the bottom, you’ll see a toggle labeled “Arm” or “Disarm.”

If it says “Disarm,” that means your camera is currently inactive. Tap it to switch it to “Arm.”

⚠️ Common Mistake: Don’t confuse “Arm” with “Record”. Arming enables motion detection and alerts. Recording is a separate setting (you can arm without recording, but not vice versa).

For multi-camera setups, repeat this for each camera. Or—better yet—use Arm All (we’ll cover that in a sec).

Step 3: Use the “Arm All” Feature (For Multiple Cameras)

If you have more than one Arlo camera, don’t rearm them one by one. Use the Arm All button.

Go back to the Home tab. At the top, you’ll see a large button that says “Arm All” (if any camera is disarmed) or “Disarm All” (if all are armed).

Tap “Arm All.” The app will send a command to every camera in your account.

You’ll see a loading animation, then a confirmation: “All devices are armed.”

💡 Pro Tip: Use Arm All when you leave the house or go to bed. It’s the fastest way to ensure full coverage. I do this every night—takes 2 seconds.

Note: This only works for cameras that are online and connected to the same account. Offline cameras won’t update until they reconnect.

Step 4: Customize Arming Modes (Optional but Smart)

Arlo doesn’t just offer a simple “on/off” switch. In 2026, you can choose between three arming modes:

  • Arm (Away): Full detection. Best when you’re leaving the house.
  • Arm (Home): Ignores motion inside the home. Ideal for when you’re home but want outdoor cameras active.
  • Arm (Custom): Choose which cameras to arm. Great for partial coverage (e.g., just the front door at night).

To change the mode, tap the gear icon next to the “Arm All” button. Select your preferred mode, then tap “Save.”

When you tap “Arm All” again, it will use your selected mode.

💡 Pro Insight: I use Arm (Home) every evening. It keeps my backyard camera active but ignores my dog walking around inside. No more false alerts!

Step 5: Use the Arlo Keypad (For Hands-Free Rearming)

Got an Arlo Keypad? It’s a game-changer for quick rearming—especially if your phone’s in another room or you’re in a hurry.

Place the keypad near your entryway (I keep mine by the front door). Enter your 4-digit PIN, then press the “Arm” button.

The keypad syncs with your Arlo account and rearms all cameras (or specific ones, if you’ve set up zones).

It even has a panic button—press and hold for 3 seconds to send an emergency alert.

⚠️ Warning: Keep your PIN private. I once let my nephew “play” with it—next thing I know, the system was disarmed and my cat triggered 17 alerts. Not fun.

To set up the keypad: go to Settings > Devices > Add Device > Arlo Keypad. Follow the on-screen pairing steps.

Step 6: Rearm Using Voice Commands (Alexa & Google Assistant)

Want to rearm your Arlo cameras hands-free? You can do it with Alexa or Google Assistant.

For Alexa:

  1. Say: “Alexa, discover devices.”
  2. Wait for Alexa to find your Arlo cameras.
  3. Say: “Alexa, arm Arlo.” (or “Alexa, arm front door camera”)

For Google Assistant:

  1. Say: “Hey Google, talk to Arlo.”
  2. Follow the setup if it’s your first time.
  3. Say: “Hey Google, arm all Arlo cameras.”

I use this when I’m cooking or carrying groceries. Just shout across the room—no phone needed.

💡 Pro Tip: You can create routines. Example: “Goodnight” triggers lights off, thermostat down, and Arm (Home) on all cameras. Saves time and adds peace of mind.

Step 7: Verify Arming Status and Enable Notifications

After rearming, double-check that it worked. Go back to the app and confirm:

  • Each camera shows a green “Armed” icon
  • Motion detection is enabled (check under Settings > Device Settings > Motion Detection)
  • Notifications are turned on (in app and phone settings)

To test: walk in front of the camera. You should get a push notification within 5–10 seconds.

If not, check Wi-Fi strength, camera battery, and app permissions.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Some users disable notifications to reduce spam, but then miss real alerts. I recommend keeping them on—but use Smart Alerts (AI-powered) to cut down on false positives.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know how to rearm Arlo camera in 2026, let’s talk about what *not* to do—and how to get the most out of your system.

✅ Pro Tips

  • Schedule Auto-Arming: Use Arlo Smart plans to set automatic arming times. Example: arm at 10 PM, disarm at 7 AM. No manual work.
  • Use Activity Zones: Draw zones on the camera feed to ignore trees, cars, or pets. Fewer false alarms = fewer accidental disarms.
  • Check Battery Monthly: Low battery can cause cameras to go offline. Rearming won’t work if the camera’s sleeping. I check mine every first Sunday.
  • Name Your Cameras Clearly: “Front Door” vs. “Camera 3” makes rearming faster and less confusing.
  • Enable 2FA: Protect your account from unauthorized rearming/disarming. Go to Account > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.

❌ Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring Offline Cameras: You can’t rearm a camera that’s offline. Always check status first.
  • Using Weak Wi-Fi: If your camera is far from the router, use an Arlo SmartHub or Wi-Fi extender. Lag causes failed commands.
  • Forgetting to Update the App: Arlo pushes security and feature updates. An outdated app might not show the latest arming options.
  • Overusing “Disarm All”: It’s easy to hit by accident. I once did it while cleaning my phone screen. Now I use a PIN lock for disarming.
  • Not Testing After Rearming: Always verify. I learned this the hard way when a raccoon broke into my trash can—and no alert came through.

💡 Personal Story: Last winter, I was rushing out the door and thought I armed the system. Turns out, my phone had no signal, and the command failed. The camera stayed disarmed. A neighbor saw the front door open and called me. Scary moment. Now I always wait for the “Armed” confirmation.

FAQs About How to Rearm Arlo Camera in 2026: A Quick Guide

Q: Can I rearm my Arlo camera remotely?

Absolutely. As long as your camera and phone have internet, you can rearm from anywhere—even from vacation. The app syncs in real time. I’ve rearmed mine while on a flight (using airplane Wi-Fi).

Q: Why won’t my Arlo camera rearm?

Check these first:

  • Is the camera online? (Look for “Offline” in the app)
  • Is the battery low or dead?
  • Is your internet working?
  • Is the SmartHub/base station powered on?
  • Did you recently change your Wi-Fi password? (Cameras need to reconnect)

If all else fails, restart the camera and hub, then try again.

Q: Does rearming delete old recordings?

Nope. Arming only affects future motion detection. Your past recordings are safe in the cloud or local storage. Rearming is about what happens next, not what already happened.

Q: Can I rearm just one camera?

Yes! Tap the individual camera in the app, then toggle the “Arm” switch. No need to arm the whole system. I do this when I’m home but want to monitor the backyard.

Q: What if I forget my Arlo account password?

Use the “Forgot Password” link in the app. It sends a reset code to your email. Takes less than a minute. Pro tip: store your password in a secure password manager.

Q: Do I need an Arlo Smart subscription to rearm?

No. Basic arming works without a subscription. But Smart plans add AI detection, activity zones, and cloud storage—which help reduce false alarms and make rearming more reliable.

Q: Can I rearm my Arlo camera with Siri?

Not directly. Apple’s HomeKit integration is limited. You can control Arlo lights or doorbells via Siri, but camera arming requires the Arlo app or a third-party automation (like Shortcuts). I use a custom iOS shortcut that opens the app and taps “Arm All”—but it’s not perfect.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to rearm Arlo camera in 2026 is about more than just flipping a switch—it’s about feeling confident in your home’s security. Whether you’re using the app, a keypad, or your voice, the process is designed to be simple, fast, and reliable.

My advice? Make rearming part of your routine. Pair it with leaving the house, going to bed, or even a daily alarm. Use automation when you can. Test your system monthly. And don’t panic if you mess up—everyone does.

The key is consistency. The more you use your Arlo system, the more natural it becomes. And in 2026, with smarter cameras and better apps, it’s never been easier to stay protected.

So go ahead—open that app, hit “Arm,” and breathe easy. Your home’s got your back. And now, you’ve got the know-how to keep it that way.

🛡️ Actionable Tip: Set a monthly reminder on your phone: “Test Arlo System.” Spend 5 minutes checking battery, Wi-Fi, and rearming. A little effort goes a long way.

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