How to Rename Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

How to Rename Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

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Renaming your Arlo camera is quick and easy—just open the Arlo app, select your device, and tap the settings icon to edit the name. Personalize labels like “Front Door” or “Backyard” to organize your security system and streamline monitoring across multiple cameras.

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How to Rename Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

Key Takeaways

  • Access settings: Open the Arlo app and select your camera to begin renaming.
  • Edit name: Tap the pencil icon next to the camera name to edit it.
  • Use clear names: Choose descriptive names like “Front Door” for easy identification.
  • Save changes: Confirm the new name to apply it across all devices.
  • Update multiple cameras: Repeat the process for each camera needing a new name.
  • Sync devices: Ensure all connected devices reflect the updated name automatically.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than trying to figure out which camera caught your neighbor’s cat sneaking into your yard. If you’ve got multiple Arlo cameras, you’ve probably stared at a list of “Camera 1,” “Camera 2,” and “Front Door? Maybe?” and felt a pang of confusion. That’s exactly why knowing how to rename Arlo camera in simple steps is a game-changer.

I’ve been there. My first Arlo setup had three cameras all labeled generically. I’d check alerts and think, “Wait—was that the backyard or the side gate?” It wasn’t just inconvenient; it made me less likely to check footage quickly. Once I learned how easy it is to rename them, I felt like I’d finally unlocked the system’s full potential.

Renaming your Arlo cameras helps you organize, respond faster, and even troubleshoot issues. Whether you’re managing a home security system or a small business, giving your cameras clear, descriptive names is a small step with big rewards. And the best part? You don’t need to be tech-savvy. With just a few taps, you can turn “Camera 3” into “Driveway North” or “Back Porch – Motion Sensitive.”

This guide walks you through how to rename Arlo camera in simple steps—no confusing menus, no jargon, just clear, real-world instructions. Whether you’re using the Arlo app on your phone or the web dashboard, we’ve got you covered.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’re set up for success. The good news? You probably already have everything you need. Here’s what you’ll use:

How to Rename Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

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Image source: downloads.arlo.com

  • Your smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android, as long as it has the Arlo app installed (download it from the App Store or Google Play).
  • Your Arlo account – You’ll need to be logged in. If you don’t have one, create it during setup (it’s free).
  • Your Arlo cameras – They should be powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and showing a live feed in the app.
  • Stable internet connection – A weak signal can cause delays, especially if you’re using the web version.
  • Optional: Computer or laptop – For the web dashboard method (great if you prefer typing on a keyboard).

That’s it! No special tools, no extra cables. Just you, your device, and a few minutes of time. And if you’ve already set up your Arlo system, you’re already halfway there.

One thing I learned the hard way: make sure your app is updated. I once tried renaming a camera, but the option wasn’t there—only to realize I was running an outdated version. A quick update fixed it. So, if something feels off, check for updates first.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Rename Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

Alright, let’s get into it. Whether you’re using your phone or computer, the process is straightforward. I’ll walk you through both methods so you can pick what works best for you. And don’t worry—there are no “hidden menus” or “advanced settings” here. Just clear, simple steps.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. If you’re already logged in, great! If not, enter your email and password. (Pro tip: save your password in your phone’s keychain so you don’t have to type it every time.)

Once you’re in, you’ll see your camera grid—usually a 2×2 or 3×3 layout depending on how many cameras you have. This is your home base. From here, you can access everything, including settings to rename your cameras.

I like to open the app when I’m near the camera I want to rename. That way, I can double-check the name matches the location. For example, I renamed “Camera 1” to “Front Porch” while standing right in front of it—no more guessing later.

Tip: If you have multiple Arlo systems (like a home and vacation house), make sure you’re in the right one. Tap the house icon in the top-left to switch between locations.

Step 2: Tap on the Camera You Want to Rename

Now, tap directly on the camera you want to rename. This opens the live feed screen. At the top, you’ll see the current name (like “Camera 2”) and a small “Settings” icon—usually a gear or three dots.

Tap that Settings icon. It’s usually in the top-right corner of the screen. This opens the camera’s individual settings menu. You’ll see options like “Device Info,” “Video Settings,” and yes—“Rename.”

I remember the first time I did this, I thought I’d need to dig through layers of menus. Nope. It’s right there, just one tap away. The app designers made this super intuitive, which is a relief for someone like me who hates tech headaches.

Step 3: Select “Rename” and Enter the New Name

Tap “Rename”—it’s usually one of the first options. A pop-up or text field will appear, showing the current name. Just tap inside it, delete the old name, and type your new one.

Here’s where you get creative. I like to use names that describe both the location and purpose. For example:

  • “Front Door – Motion”
  • “Backyard – Night Vision”
  • “Garage – 24/7 Recording”
  • “Side Gate – Pet Zone”

Be descriptive but not too long. The name should fit on the screen without scrolling. I once named a camera “Camera That Watches the Side Yard Where the Dog Sometimes Gets Out”—it was accurate, but the app cut it off. Keep it under 25 characters if possible.

Warning: Avoid special characters like #, @, or &. The app sometimes has trouble with them, and you might end up with “Camera_1” instead of “Camera 1.” Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens.

Step 4: Save the New Name

After typing the new name, tap “Save” or “OK” (depending on your phone). The app will process the change for a few seconds—usually less than 10. You might see a spinning icon or a quick confirmation message.

Once it’s done, go back to the main camera grid. Your camera should now show the new name. If it doesn’t update right away, try pulling down to refresh the screen. I’ve had that happen once, and a quick refresh fixed it.

This is also a good time to double-check. Tap the camera again and make sure the name stuck. If it reverted, try again—sometimes a weak signal can interrupt the save.

Step 5: Repeat for Other Cameras (Optional)

Got more than one camera? No problem. Just repeat Steps 2–4 for each one. I recommend renaming them one at a time so you don’t mix up locations.

Here’s a trick I use: after renaming each camera, take a quick screenshot of the grid. That way, if I ever need to reset or troubleshoot, I have a visual reference. It’s saved me more than once during firmware updates.

Alternative: Renaming via the Arlo Web Dashboard (For Desktop Users)

Prefer using a computer? You can also rename Arlo cameras using the web dashboard. It’s great if you’re already working on your laptop and want to avoid switching to your phone.

Here’s how:

  • Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
  • Click on the camera you want to rename in the dashboard.
  • Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right.
  • Select “Device Info” from the left menu.
  • Click “Rename” next to the current name.
  • Type the new name and click “Save.”

The web version feels a bit more structured, and typing longer names is easier with a full keyboard. But honestly, I still prefer the app—it’s faster, and I can do it from the couch.

Pro Insight: The web dashboard updates in real time with the app. So if you rename a camera on your phone, it’ll show up on the web instantly—and vice versa. No sync delays.

Step 6: Verify and Test (The “Did I Really Do That?” Check)

After renaming, do a quick test. Go to your camera grid and scroll through. Make sure each name makes sense. Then, try triggering a motion alert (wave at a camera) and check the notification.

The push alert should now show the new name. For example: “Motion detected at Front Porch – Motion.” That’s the real payoff—knowing exactly where something happened without guessing.

I once renamed a camera to “Back Deck” but kept getting alerts for “Camera 2.” Turns out, I had a second device (a floodlight) still named generically. I missed it because they were grouped together. So double-check all devices—not just cameras.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about the stuff that only comes from real-world use. These tips and warnings come from months of using Arlo systems in different homes—rain, shine, and Wi-Fi outages.

Tip 1: Use consistent naming – Pick a format and stick with it. I use “Location – Feature” (e.g., “Garage – 24/7”). It makes filtering and searching easier. Avoid random names like “The One by the Bush”—it works until the bush grows.

Tip 2: Name before setup (if possible) – If you’re installing new cameras, rename them during setup. It’s easier than hunting them down later. I learned this after setting up five cameras and realizing I’d have to climb a ladder to see which was which.

Tip 3: Use names for automation – If you use Arlo with smart home systems (like Alexa or Google Home), descriptive names help. You can say, “Show me the Front Door camera” instead of “Show me Camera 3.” Much more natural.

Warning: Don’t rename during a firmware update – I once tried renaming a camera while it was updating. The name didn’t save, and the camera went offline for 10 minutes. Wait until the update finishes and the camera is fully online.

Warning: Avoid duplicate names – The app won’t stop you from naming two cameras “Front Door.” But it’s confusing. Use “Front Door – Left” and “Front Door – Right” if you have multiple views.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to check all devices – Arlo systems include cameras, doorbells, floodlights, and sensors. All can be renamed. I once renamed my cameras but not my doorbell—so I kept getting “Motion at Front Door” with no idea if it was the camera or the doorbell.

Pro Hack: Use emojis (sparingly) – Some users add small emojis like 🏠 or 🌙 to make names stand out. I’ve seen “Front Door 🏠” or “Backyard 🌙.” It works, but keep it subtle. Overdoing it can look cluttered.

FAQs About How to Rename Arlo Camera in Simple Steps

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often—because I’ve asked them myself.

Q: Can I rename an Arlo camera remotely?
Yes! As long as your phone has internet and the camera is online, you can rename it from anywhere. I once renamed a camera while on vacation after realizing “Camera 3” was my mom’s house, not mine. The change synced instantly.

Q: Why isn’t the “Rename” option showing up?
This usually happens for three reasons: (1) Your app is outdated—update it. (2) You’re not the account owner—only the primary user can rename. (3) The camera is offline. Check its status first. I once spent 10 minutes troubleshooting only to realize the camera had a dead battery.

Q: Will renaming affect my recordings or alerts?
Nope. Renaming only changes the display name. Your recordings, motion zones, and alert settings stay the same. It’s like changing a label on a file—the content doesn’t change.

Q: Can I rename an Arlo camera using Alexa or Google Home?
Not directly. You can’t rename in voice assistants, but you can use your renamed Arlo cameras in routines. For example: “Alexa, show the Front Porch camera.” The name you set in the Arlo app carries over.

Q: What if I have an older Arlo model (like Arlo Pro 2)?
The process is the same! All Arlo cameras—Pro, Ultra, Q, Essential—support renaming through the app or web. The interface might look slightly different, but the steps are identical.

Q: Can I batch-rename multiple cameras at once?
Unfortunately, no. Arlo doesn’t have a bulk rename feature. You have to do it one at a time. It’s a bit tedious, but I use it as a chance to review each camera’s settings and placement.

Q: What’s the best naming convention?
It depends on your setup. For most homes, I recommend: Location + Purpose (e.g., “Backyard – Motion”). For businesses, use “Area – Function” (e.g., “Lobby – Entry”). Keep it clear, consistent, and future-proof.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to rename Arlo camera in simple steps might seem like a small thing—but it makes a huge difference in how you use your system. No more confusion. No more guessing. Just clear, instant awareness of what’s happening where.

It took me about 15 minutes to rename all my cameras, and I’ve never regretted it. Now, when I get an alert, I know exactly where to look. And when guests ask, “Which camera is that?” I can point them right to it—no tech jargon needed.

So here’s my advice: do it today. Open the Arlo app, pick one camera, and rename it. Use a name that makes sense to you. Then do the next one. And the next. Before you know it, your entire system will feel more personal, more useful, and way more organized.

And remember—this isn’t a one-time task. As your home or routine changes, update the names. Added a new patio? Rename the camera to “New Patio – Evening.” Got a new pet? Maybe “Backyard – Dog Zone.” Your system should evolve with you.

Security isn’t just about cameras and alerts. It’s about clarity, control, and peace of mind. And sometimes, that starts with something as simple as a better name.

Now go rename that camera. You’ve got this.

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