Schedule your Arlo camera to record at specific times effortlessly using the “Custom Mode” in the Arlo app—simply navigate to Settings > Modes, create a new rule, and set your desired start and end times for automatic recording. This ensures 24/7 surveillance only when you need it, saving storage and reducing unnecessary alerts.

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How to Set Arlo Camera to Record at Certain Time Effortlessly

Key Takeaways

• Access Arlo App: Open the Arlo app to manage camera recording schedules.
• Select Camera: Choose the specific camera to customize its recording times.
• Create Schedule: Tap “Schedule” to set exact start and end times.
• Enable Motion Detection: Ensure motion detection is on for scheduled recordings.
• Save Settings: Confirm and save to activate your custom recording plan.
• Review Activity Zones: Adjust zones to avoid unnecessary recordings during set times.
• Sync Devices: Check all cameras sync properly with the new schedule.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—life gets busy. You don’t want your Arlo camera recording every time a squirrel crosses your yard at 3 AM. Or worse, missing a package delivery because the motion sensor didn’t trigger. That’s where learning how to set Arlo camera to record at certain time effortlessly comes in.

I’ve been there. I once missed a delivery because my camera only recorded during motion events, and the driver didn’t walk into the frame. After that, I dug into Arlo’s scheduling features and discovered how to make my cameras work *smarter*, not harder. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control, privacy, and saving storage space.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a remote worker, or just someone who wants to keep an eye on things during specific hours (like when the kids come home from school), scheduling your Arlo camera to record only when it matters most is a game-changer.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. This setup doesn’t require any special tools—just a few digital essentials.

• An Arlo camera system (Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or Go—most models work)
• The Arlo app (available for iOS and Android)
• A smartphone or tablet with the app installed and logged in
• A stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection (for Arlo Go)
• Your Arlo account (with admin access)
• A few minutes of quiet time (no interruptions—trust me, this is worth it)

Pro tip: If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub or base station, make sure it’s powered on and connected. The scheduling features sync through the hub, so a loose power cable can cause hiccups.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Arlo Camera to Record at Certain Time Effortlessly

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

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. Tap on the camera you want to schedule. If you have multiple cameras (like front door, backyard, garage), do this one at a time—it’s easier that way.

Once you’re viewing the live feed, tap the gear icon (settings) in the top-right corner. This takes you into the camera’s configuration menu. You’re now in the control center for your camera’s behavior.

Why this matters: Each camera can have its own schedule. For example, your front door cam might record all day, while the backyard one only runs from 6 PM to 6 AM. Customization is key.

Step 2: Access the “Modes” or “Schedules” Section

Here’s where things get interesting. Depending on your Arlo model and app version, you’ll see either a “Modes” tab or a “Schedules” option.

• For newer Arlo models (Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential): Tap “Modes & Rules” → then select “Schedules”.
• For older models (Pro 3, Pro 2, Go): Look for “Schedules” directly under settings.

You’ll see a list of existing schedules (if any). If it’s your first time, it might be blank. That’s okay—we’re building from scratch.

Common mistake: Don’t confuse “Modes” with “Schedules.” Modes are like profiles (e.g., “Away,” “Home”) that control multiple devices at once. Schedules are time-based rules for recording. We’re focusing on schedules here.

Step 3: Create a New Schedule

Tap the “+” or “Add Schedule” button. You’ll be prompted to name your schedule. I recommend something descriptive:

• “Night Recording – Backyard”
• “School Pickup – Front Door”
• “Garage – 9 PM to 6 AM”

Pick a name that makes sense to *you*. Later, when you have 10 cameras, you’ll thank past-you for being specific.

Now, set the days and times. Tap on the days you want the schedule active (e.g., Monday–Friday for school drop-off). Then, choose the start and end times.

Pro tip: Use the 24-hour format if you’re precise. For example, 17:00 for 5 PM. It avoids AM/PM mix-ups, especially if you’re scheduling across time zones or daylight saving changes.

Step 4: Choose What the Camera Does During This Time

This is the heart of how to set Arlo camera to record at certain time effortlessly. You’ll see options like:

• Record on Motion: Camera records only when motion is detected (default).
• Record Continuously: Camera records non-stop during the scheduled window.
• Do Not Record: Camera stays off during this time.

Most people choose “Record on Motion”—it’s a balance between coverage and storage. But if you’re monitoring a high-risk area (like a side gate), go for “Record Continuously”.

Warning: Continuous recording uses more storage. If you’re on Arlo’s free plan (7 days of video history), you might hit the limit faster. Consider upgrading to Arlo Secure if you need more.

Step 5: Set the Sensitivity and Detection Zones (Optional but Smart)

Want your camera to ignore the neighbor’s cat but catch a delivery driver? Tap on “Motion Detection” or “Activity Zones” within the same schedule.

• Adjust the sensitivity slider (low, medium, high). I keep mine at “medium” to avoid false alarms.
• Draw activity zones on the screen to focus on areas like the porch or driveway. Ignore the grass or sidewalk.

This step is *optional*, but it dramatically improves accuracy. I once had a camera recording every time the wind blew the trash can—after setting zones, false alerts dropped by 80%.

Step 6: Save and Test the Schedule

Tap “Save” or “Done”. The schedule will now appear in your list. But don’t assume it’s working—test it!

Wait for the scheduled time to roll around. Or, if you’re impatient (like me), temporarily set the schedule to start in 2 minutes. Trigger motion in the camera’s view and check:

• Did the camera record?
• Is the video in your library?
• Did the app send a notification (if enabled)?

If yes—great! If not, go back and double-check the time zone, Wi-Fi signal, and motion settings.

Real-life example: I once set a schedule for “6 PM to 8 PM” but forgot the app was in UTC. My camera recorded at midnight. Always check your device’s time zone in Settings > General > Date & Time.

Step 7: Set Up Multiple Schedules (For Advanced Control)

Here’s where it gets powerful. You can have *multiple schedules* for the same camera. For example:

• Schedule 1: “Front Door – 7 AM to 3 PM” (record on motion)
• Schedule 2: “Front Door – 3 PM to 5 PM” (continuous recording—kids come home)
• Schedule 3: “Front Door – 5 PM to 7 AM” (record on motion, higher sensitivity)

To add more, just repeat Steps 3–6. The app will automatically prioritize the schedule that matches the current time.

Pro tip: Name schedules clearly. Use “–” or “/” to separate the camera name from the time (e.g., “Backyard – Night”). This helps when you’re managing 5+ cameras.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up schedules for 15+ Arlo cameras (for my home and my parents’), here are the real-world insights I wish I knew earlier.

• Don’t rely on “Away Mode” for scheduling: Modes are great for arming/disarming, but schedules give you *time-specific* control. Use both together.
• Check daylight saving time: If your schedule is set to “7 PM,” it might shift by an hour. Arlo usually handles this, but verify after the change.
• Low battery? Schedule won’t run: If your wireless Arlo camera is under 20%, it might not record. Keep it charged or plugged in.
• Wi-Fi signal matters: A weak signal can delay or cancel scheduled recordings. Use an Arlo SmartHub for better range.
• Review recordings weekly: Set a calendar reminder to check if your schedules are working. Cameras can glitch after app updates.
• Use “Do Not Record” for privacy: Schedule your camera to turn off during family movie nights or when guests are over. No need to record everything.

Common mistake: Setting a schedule but forgetting to arm the camera. Even with a perfect schedule, the camera won’t record if it’s in “Disarmed” mode. Go to the home screen and tap the camera icon to arm it.

I once spent a week wondering why my backyard camera wasn’t recording—only to realize I’d accidentally disarmed it while cleaning the lens. Oops.

FAQs About How to Set Arlo Camera to Record at Certain Time Effortlessly

Q: Can I set different schedules for different cameras?
A: Absolutely! Each camera has its own settings. Just repeat the steps for each one. I have 4 cameras, each with 2–3 schedules. It’s totally doable.

Q: Will my camera record if the app is closed?
A: Yes. Once you save a schedule, it runs on the camera or SmartHub—no app needed. The app just sends notifications.

Q: What if I want continuous recording all day?
A: Create a schedule that runs 24/7 and set the action to “Record Continuously.” But remember—this uses a lot of storage. I only do this for my garage, where break-ins are more likely.

Q: Can I schedule recordings to start at sunrise/sunset?
A: Not directly in the app. But you can use Arlo’s Geofencing (with your phone’s location) or third-party tools like IFTTT for sunrise/sunset triggers. It’s a bit more advanced, but possible.

Q: Why isn’t my schedule working?
A: Check these first: Is the camera armed? Is the time zone correct? Is the battery charged? Is the schedule saved (not just created)? I’ve fixed 90% of issues with these four checks.

Q: Does scheduling affect motion detection?
A: No. Motion detection still works—the camera just decides whether to record based on the schedule. You’ll still get alerts (if enabled).

Q: Can I edit or delete a schedule later?
A: Yes! Tap the schedule in the app, make changes, and save. Or swipe left to delete. I’ve tweaked schedules after noticing delivery times changed.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to set Arlo camera to record at certain time effortlessly isn’t just about tech—it’s about peace of mind. You’re not just recording; you’re *strategizing*. You’re saying, “I care about this moment,” whether it’s a package delivery, a child coming home, or a quiet night when no one should be in your yard.

Start simple: pick one camera, one schedule, and test it. Once you see it work, you’ll want to set up the rest. And that’s okay—Arlo makes it easy to scale.

Remember, the goal isn’t to record everything. It’s to record what matters—without draining your battery, filling your storage, or waking you up with false alarms.

So go ahead. Open your Arlo app. Create that first schedule. And the next time someone asks, “How do I make my Arlo camera only record when I need it?”—you’ll know exactly what to do.

You’ve got this. And your cameras? They’ve got your back—*on your schedule*.

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