Setting your Arlo camera to Standby mode is quick and simple—just open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap the power icon to instantly disable recording while keeping it powered on. This preserves battery life and ensures privacy when you’re at home or don’t need surveillance, with easy reactivation in seconds.

How to Set Arlo Camera to Standby Mode Quickly and Easily

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings quickly.
• Select your camera from the device list to customize modes.
• Tap “Mode” to disable motion detection and recording instantly.
• Use geofencing to auto-enable standby when you leave home.
• Schedule standby times for hands-free automation daily.
• Check LED indicators to confirm standby activation visually.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. You’re hosting a dinner party, and your Arlo camera keeps sending motion alerts every time someone walks into the kitchen. Or maybe you’re on vacation and want to pause notifications without turning off the camera completely. That’s where knowing how to set Arlo camera to standby mode quickly and easily becomes a game-changer.

Standby mode isn’t about disabling your security—it’s about smart control. It lets you silence notifications and pause recording temporarily, so you’re not bombarded with alerts while still keeping your camera powered and ready to reactivate in seconds. Whether you’re dealing with false alarms, privacy concerns, or just need a break from constant pings, this feature is your best friend.

But here’s the catch: many users don’t know how to access it, or worse—they accidentally disable the camera entirely. I learned this the hard way when my dog triggered 17 alerts during a family BBQ. After that, I dug deep into the Arlo app and found a simple, reliable way to use standby mode without losing peace of mind. And now? I’m sharing it with you.

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need any special tools or tech skills to master how to set Arlo camera to standby mode quickly and easily. Everything you need is already on your phone or tablet. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Arlo app (installed and logged in on iOS or Android)
• Arlo account (with at least one active camera synced)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (so the app can communicate with your camera)
• Your Arlo device(s) (obviously!)
• Optional: Smart home integration (like Alexa or Google Assistant) if you want voice control later

No extra hardware. No coding. Just your phone, the app, and a few taps. That’s the beauty of Arlo’s design—when you know the right steps, it’s incredibly intuitive.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Arlo Camera to Standby Mode Quickly and Easily

Ready to take control? Let’s walk through the process together. I’ll keep it simple, just like I would if I were explaining it to my neighbor over coffee. These steps work for most Arlo models, including the Pro, Ultra, Essential, and Q series.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. If you’re already logged in, you’ll land on your dashboard—the main screen showing all your cameras. If not, enter your email and password. Pro tip: use Face ID or fingerprint login if available; it saves time when you need to act fast.

Once you’re in, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi (not cellular data). The app needs a strong connection to send commands to your cameras. You’ll know it’s working if the camera thumbnails are loading smoothly and showing live previews.

Step 2: Select the Camera You Want to Set to Standby

Tap the camera you want to pause. For example, if you have a front porch cam and a backyard cam, pick the one causing the alerts. The camera card will expand, showing a live feed and quick controls.

At the top, you’ll see the camera name and status (like “Active” or “Recording”). Below that, there’s a row of icons: microphone, speaker, snapshot, and more. But what we’re looking for is the “More” button (usually three dots or a “⋮” icon).

Tap that. A small menu pops up with options like “Settings,” “Rename,” and—here it is—“Standby”. This is your golden ticket.

Step 3: Tap “Standby” to Activate the Mode

When you tap “Standby,” a confirmation window will appear. It usually says something like: “Put [Camera Name] in standby? This camera will stop recording and sending notifications.”

Tap “Confirm” or “OK.” That’s it! Your camera is now in standby mode. You’ll notice the live feed dims slightly, and the status changes from “Active” to “Standby.” No more alerts. No more recordings. But—and this is important—the camera is still powered and connected to your network.

Think of it like putting your phone on silent during a movie. The phone’s on, but it’s not disturbing anyone. Same idea here.

Step 4: Verify Standby Mode Is Active

Double-check that standby mode is working. Look at the camera card again. The status should clearly say “Standby.” If you try to access the live feed, it might show a message like “Camera is in standby” instead of real-time video.

You can also test it: wave your hand in front of the camera. If it’s truly in standby, you won’t get a motion alert. (But remember—some models still detect motion for analytics, just not notify you. More on that later.)

Step 5: Set a Duration (Optional but Smart)

Here’s a feature many people miss: you can schedule standby mode. Instead of leaving it on manually, set a timer so it turns back on automatically.

After confirming standby, look for a “Set Duration” option. You can choose:

• 30 minutes
• 1 hour
• 2 hours
• Custom (enter your own time)

I love using this when I’m hosting guests. I set it for 3 hours, enjoy my event, and the camera turns back on without me lifting a finger. No risk of forgetting and leaving your home unmonitored.

Step 6: Exit Standby Mode (When You’re Ready)

When you want your camera back on duty, go back to the same camera card. Tap the “More” menu again. Now you’ll see “Resume” instead of “Standby.”

Tap it. Confirm. The camera status switches back to “Active,” and within a few seconds, you’ll see the live feed return. Notifications and recordings resume immediately.

If you used a duration timer, this happens automatically. But if you’re doing it manually, do it before bedtime or when you leave the house—just to be safe.

Step 7: Use Quick Access for Faster Control (Bonus Step)

Want to make this even faster? Use the Arlo Quick Actions feature. It’s like a shortcut on your home screen.

On your dashboard, long-press the camera card. A pop-up appears with options: “View,” “Standby,” “Snapshot,” etc. Now you can tap “Standby” directly—no need to open the menu. This is perfect for when you’re in a rush.

You can also add Arlo widgets to your phone’s home screen. One tap, and you’re in standby. I use this all the time when I’m mowing the lawn or doing yard work—no more “lawnmower detected” alerts!

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the real-world stuff—what actually happens when you use standby mode, and how to avoid the traps I fell into early on.

Pro Tip 1: Use Standby, Not Off

Never turn the camera off completely unless you’re doing maintenance. “Off” means no power, no connection, no security. “Standby” keeps it powered and ready to go. It’s the smart middle ground.

Pro Tip 2: Combine with Schedules for Maximum Efficiency

Go to Settings > Camera Schedules. You can set your camera to go into standby every evening from 7 PM to 7 AM, for example. Great for indoor cams when you’re home. Saves battery and reduces false alerts.

Pro Tip 3: Check Your Notifications Aren’t Still On

Standby mode stops recording, but some users report still getting alerts from smart home integrations (like Alexa). Make sure your smart speaker isn’t set to announce motion events separately. Go to Alexa/Google app and disable those alerts too.

Warning: Don’t Rely on Standby for Privacy

If you’re worried someone might access your camera feed, standby isn’t enough. The camera is still connected and could potentially be accessed by someone with your login. For true privacy, unplug it or use the “Privacy Mode” if your model supports it (Arlo Pro 4 and newer).

Common Mistake: Forgetting to Turn It Back On

I’ve done this. I put the camera in standby before a party, got distracted, and left it off for a week. Not good. Always set a duration or set a reminder on your phone. Or use the schedule feature—it’s foolproof.

Common Mistake: Assuming All Cameras Behave the Same

Arlo Essential cameras (wired or wireless) have slightly different menu layouts. The standby option might be under “Device Settings” instead of the quick menu. Always check the app version and camera model. When in doubt, search “Arlo [your model] standby mode” in the app’s help section.

Pro Insight: Use Standby During Maintenance

Cleaning your lens? Replacing batteries? Put the camera in standby first. That way, you won’t trigger motion alerts when you’re working on it. It’s a small step that saves big on frustration.

FAQs About How to Set Arlo Camera to Standby Mode Quickly and Easily

You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers—straight, honest, and based on real use.

Q1: Does standby mode save battery?

Yes, but only a little. Standby mode stops recording and motion processing, which uses some power. But the camera still draws power to stay connected to Wi-Fi and the cloud. For real battery savings, turn off the camera or use a schedule. If you’re using a solar panel, standby helps extend battery life between charges.

Q2: Can I still view the live feed in standby mode?

Most models block live feed access when in standby. You’ll see a message like “Camera is in standby” instead of video. This is by design—Arlo wants to ensure you’re not using standby as a sneaky way to monitor without recording. But if you resume the camera, the feed returns instantly.

Q3: Will my Arlo camera record in standby mode?

No. In standby, the camera stops recording entirely. No video is saved to the cloud or local storage. If you need to pause recording but keep the camera ready, standby is perfect. But if you want partial recording (like only at night), use a custom schedule instead.

Q4: Can I put multiple cameras in standby at once?

Not directly. You have to do each one manually. But there’s a workaround: use Groups. In the Arlo app, create a group (e.g., “Indoor Cams”) and add your cameras. Then, you can tap the group and put all cameras in standby with one action. It’s not instant, but it’s much faster than doing them one by one.

Q5: Does standby mode affect my subscription or cloud storage?

Nope. Your Arlo subscription (like Arlo Secure) is unaffected. You’re still paying for the same features—you’re just not using them temporarily. When you resume, recordings and notifications return exactly as before. No data loss, no extra charges.

Q6: What if the “Standby” option isn’t showing up?

This happens sometimes. Try these fixes:

• Check if your app is updated (go to App Store or Google Play)
• Restart the app and log out/in
• Ensure your camera is online (green status light)
• Some older Arlo models (like VMC3030) don’t support standby—check your model’s specs

If all else fails, contact Arlo Support. They’re usually quick to help.

Q7: Can I use voice commands to set Arlo to standby?

Not directly. Alexa and Google Assistant can’t put your camera in standby mode. But you can create a routine. For example: “Alexa, I’m having guests” triggers a routine that sends a notification to your phone reminding you to set the camera to standby. Or, you can use IFTTT to automate it—though that requires some setup.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to set Arlo camera to standby mode quickly and easily isn’t just about silencing alerts—it’s about taking control of your smart home. It’s about knowing when to watch and when to relax. It’s about privacy, convenience, and peace of mind.

I use it every week: during parties, while working in the garage, or when I’m just tired of my cat triggering the motion sensor. And the best part? It takes less than 10 seconds once you know the steps.

So here’s my advice: try it tonight. Pick one camera, open the app, and set it to standby for 30 minutes. See how it feels. Then, set a schedule for your indoor cam. Use the quick actions. Experiment. Make it work for your life.

And remember: standby mode isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature. Used wisely, it makes your Arlo system smarter, quieter, and way more user-friendly.

Now go enjoy your home—without the constant ping of alerts. You’ve earned it.