Customize individual camera schedules in the Arlo Pro app to maximize security and efficiency. Easily set unique recording times, motion alerts, and modes for each camera by navigating to the “Schedule” tab and selecting per-camera rules. This granular control ensures optimal coverage while conserving battery life and reducing false alerts.

How to Set Different Schedules for Different Cameras Arlo Pro

Key Takeaways

• Access Rules tab: Navigate to the Rules tab to create unique schedules per camera.
• Name each schedule: Assign clear names to identify camera-specific schedules quickly.
• Set time blocks: Define active/inactive periods for motion detection and recording.
• Enable geofencing: Use location-based triggers to automate schedules when you leave or arrive.
• Test schedules: Verify settings with test runs to ensure correct camera behavior.
• Edit anytime: Adjust schedules instantly via the Arlo app when needs change.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—security cameras are only as good as their setup. You’ve got your Arlo Pro cameras scattered around your home: one watching the front door, another in the backyard, maybe a third in the garage. Each area has different risks and needs. The front porch might need 24/7 monitoring, but the backyard? Maybe just at night. That’s where learning how to set different schedules for different cameras Arlo Pro becomes a game-changer.

I learned this the hard way. A few years back, I had all my cameras set to record constantly. I thought, “More footage = more security.” But then I got a 50GB video file of my neighbor’s cat sleeping on my porch for 12 hours. Useless. Plus, I kept getting false alerts every time a squirrel ran by. Annoying doesn’t even begin to cover it.

That’s when I discovered the magic of camera-specific scheduling. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, I could tailor each camera’s activity based on its location, lighting, and traffic patterns. Suddenly, my system got smarter, quieter, and way more efficient. No more wasted storage. No more midnight notifications from a raccoon in the trash.

And here’s the best part: it’s not just about saving space. It’s about peace of mind. When you know your backyard camera only records after dark and your garage camera stays alert during work hours, you’re not just saving energy—you’re reducing noise. That means fewer false alarms and faster access to real incidents.

Whether you’re protecting a busy front yard, a quiet side alley, or a rarely-used shed, how to set different schedules for different cameras Arlo Pro lets you customize your security like a pro. And the good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it. Just a few taps in the app, and you’re golden.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything in place. This isn’t a hardware-heavy task, but you do need the basics to get started. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Arlo Pro cameras (any generation—Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, or Pro 4)
• Arlo SmartHub or base station (if using one; some models connect directly to Wi-Fi)
• Arlo mobile app (available on iOS and Android)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz band preferred for most Arlo models)
• Arlo account (free or Arlo Secure subscription for advanced features)
• Your camera locations mapped out (know which camera is where—this matters!)

Pro tip: If you’re using Arlo Secure (paid plan), you’ll get more flexibility with scheduling, like activity zones and AI detection. But even the free tier lets you set basic schedules per camera. So don’t sweat it if you’re not subscribed yet.

One thing I always do before making changes? Name your cameras clearly. Instead of “Camera 1,” call it “Front Porch” or “Backyard Gate.” It sounds small, but it saves you from accidentally scheduling the wrong camera when you’re in a hurry. Trust me—I’ve been there.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Different Schedules for Different Cameras Arlo Pro

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. Make sure you’re on the latest version of the app—updates often fix bugs and improve scheduling features.

Once inside, you’ll land on the Cameras tab. This is your dashboard. You’ll see thumbnails of all your cameras, their status (online, offline, recording), and quick access buttons. Take a second to confirm all cameras are online. If one’s grayed out, troubleshoot the connection before proceeding.

Why this matters: You can’t schedule a camera that’s offline. And if the app is glitchy, you might apply settings to the wrong device. A quick check now saves headaches later.

Step 2: Navigate to “Modes & Rules”

From the Cameras tab, tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner. Scroll down and select “Modes & Rules”. This is where the magic happens.

Here, you’ll see your current Mode—usually “Armed” or “Disarmed.” Below that, you’ll find a list of Rules. Rules tell your cameras what to do under certain conditions. But we’re not creating a new rule from scratch. Instead, we’re going to edit the default “Armed” mode to add camera-specific schedules.

Note: If you’ve already customized modes (like “Away,” “Home,” or “Night”), you can edit those instead. But for most users, starting with the default “Armed” mode is the easiest path.

Step 3: Edit the “Armed” Mode (or Your Preferred Mode)

Tap on the “Armed” mode. You’ll see a screen titled “When Armed.” This is where you define what happens when your system is active.

By default, all cameras are set to “Record on Motion.” But we want different behaviors for different cameras. So, tap the “+ Add Camera Rule” button at the bottom.

Now, you’ll see a list of all your cameras. Tap the one you want to customize—say, your “Backyard” camera. A menu pops up with options like:

• Record on Motion
• Record on Person
• Record on Package
• Record on Vehicle
• Record on Sound
• Always Record
• Do Not Record

Choose the behavior you want. For example, if your backyard has low foot traffic and you only want alerts at night, you might pick “Record on Motion” but add a schedule (we’ll do that next).

Step 4: Add a Custom Schedule to the Camera Rule

After selecting a recording option, tap “Schedule” at the top of the screen. This is where you define when this rule applies.

You’ll see a weekly calendar. Tap any day to edit it. For example, let’s say you want your backyard camera to record only from 6 PM to 6 AM.

1. Tap “Mon” (or the day you want to edit).
2. Tap “Add Time Range”.
3. Set the start time to 6:00 PM and end time to 6:00 AM.
4. Tap “Save”.
5. Repeat for other days (e.g., Tue, Wed, etc.) or tap “Copy to All Days” for a 7-day schedule.

Now, this camera will only record during those hours, even if the system is armed. The rest of the time, it stays quiet.

Warning: Don’t forget to set the end time! I once scheduled a camera from 6 PM to 6 PM the next day… and it ran nonstop. Oops. Double-check your AM/PM settings.

Step 5: Repeat for Other Cameras

Now, go back and repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each camera. This is where how to set different schedules for different cameras Arlo Pro really shines.

For example:

• Front Door: Record on Motion + Person, 24/7 (high-traffic area).
• Garage: Record on Motion, only from 8 AM to 6 PM (when deliveries happen).
• Side Yard: Record on Motion, 6 PM to 6 AM (low light, fewer people).
• Back Porch: Record on Person, 5 PM to 9 PM (kids play after school).

Each camera gets its own logic. No more blanket rules. You’re in control.

Step 6: Use Activity Zones (Optional but Powerful)

If you’re on an Arlo Secure plan, you can take this further with Activity Zones. These let you tell the camera to ignore motion in certain areas (like a tree branch or a busy street).

To set this up:

1. Go back to the Cameras tab.
2. Tap the camera you want to customize.
3. Tap the “Activity Zones” icon (looks like a grid or target).
4. Draw zones where you do want alerts (e.g., the driveway, not the sidewalk).
5. Save and test.

I use this for my front yard camera. I set a zone just for the porch and steps. That way, the camera ignores cars passing by and focuses on people approaching the door. Less noise, more relevance.

Step 7: Test Your Schedules

Don’t just assume it works. Test it. Here’s how:

1. Manually arm your system (tap “Armed” in the app).
2. Wait for a camera’s scheduled time window to start.
3. Trigger motion (walk in front of the camera).
4. Check the app: Did it record? Did you get a notification?
5. Wait for the schedule to end. Trigger motion again. This time, it should not record.

I like to test at night. Grab a flashlight and walk around. Watch the app in real time. If a camera records outside its schedule, double-check the time ranges.

Pro tip: Use the “History” tab to review clips. Look for timestamps. If a recording appears at 2 PM but your schedule says “6 PM to 6 AM,” you’ve got a mismatch.

Step 8: Save and Name Your Custom Mode (Optional)

If you’ve made major changes, consider saving this as a custom mode. For example, “Home Night Mode” or “Weekend Schedule.”

To do this:

1. Go back to “Modes & Rules.”
2. Tap the “+” icon.
3. Name your mode (e.g., “Custom Night Schedule”).
4. Set the rules and schedules as needed.
5. Save.

Now you can switch between modes easily. For instance, use “Full Security” when you’re away and “Custom Night Schedule” when you’re home but want reduced alerts.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of tinkering with Arlo systems, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here are my top insights—straight from real-life experience.

Pro Tip #1: Sync Schedules with Sunset/Sunrise (Use Smart Schedules)

Instead of hardcoding “6 PM to 6 AM,” use Smart Schedules. In the schedule editor, tap “Sunset” or “Sunrise” instead of a fixed time.

Why? Because sunset changes every day. In winter, it’s dark by 5 PM. In summer, it’s light until 8:30 PM. Smart Schedules adjust automatically. No manual updates needed.

I used to forget to change my schedules seasonally. Now, my backyard camera activates at sunset—no matter the time of year. It’s like having a built-in light sensor.

Pro Tip #2: Use “Do Not Record” for Low-Priority Areas

Not every camera needs to record all the time. For example, your side alley might only need alerts when someone lingers.

Set it to “Do Not Record” but enable “Send Notification” instead. That way, you’ll get an alert if motion is detected, but no clip is saved. Saves storage and reduces clutter.

I use this for my trash bin area. If a raccoon shows up, I get a ping. But no 3-minute video of a possum eating pizza crusts. (Yes, that happened. Twice.)

Pro Tip #3: Group Cameras by Location (For Faster Setup)

If you have multiple cameras in the same area (e.g., two backyard cameras), set them up together. Apply the same schedule and rules to both at once.

Just tap multiple cameras when creating a rule. Saves time and ensures consistency.

Common Mistake #1: Forgetting to Update All Days

You set a Monday schedule… but forget Tuesday. Or you copy to all days but later edit one day and break the pattern.

Always review the full week before saving. I use a checklist: “Mon ✔️ Tue ✔️ Wed ✔️…” It’s simple, but it works.

Common Mistake #2: Overlapping Rules

If you have multiple rules for the same camera, they might conflict. For example:

• Rule 1: Record on Motion, 6 PM to 12 AM
• Rule 2: Record on Person, 10 PM to 6 AM

What happens at 10 PM? Both rules apply. The camera might record twice or behave unpredictably.

Solution: Keep it simple. One rule per camera per mode, unless you really need layered logic. Test thoroughly.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring Camera Placement

A schedule is only as good as the camera’s field of view. If your backyard camera faces the street, it’ll record cars all night—even with a “night-only” schedule.

Adjust the camera angle first. Point it toward the yard, not the sidewalk. Then set the schedule. Better placement = better results.

FAQs About How to Set Different Schedules for Different Cameras Arlo Pro

Let’s tackle the questions I get asked most often. These are real concerns from real users—just like you.

Can I set different schedules for the same camera at different times of day?

Yes! But not directly in one rule. Here’s the workaround:

1. Create two separate rules for the same camera in the same mode.
2. Rule 1: “Record on Motion” from 6 PM to 12 AM.
3. Rule 2: “Record on Person” from 12 AM to 6 AM.

The camera will follow the active rule based on time. Just make sure the time ranges don’t overlap unless intended.

Will schedules work if I’m using the free Arlo plan?

Yes. The free plan includes basic scheduling per camera. You can set time ranges, choose recording triggers, and arm/disarm modes.

But if you want Activity Zones, Person Detection, or Smart Schedules, you’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription. It’s $2.99/month per camera, but worth it if you want advanced filtering.

What happens if my Wi-Fi goes down?

Schedules are stored in the Arlo app and synced to the cloud. If your Wi-Fi drops, the cameras will keep using the last known schedule for up to 24 hours (if on battery) or indefinitely (if plugged in).

But you won’t get notifications or live view until the connection returns. So, if your internet is unstable, consider a cellular backup (available on some Arlo base stations).

Can I schedule cameras to record at different resolutions?

Not directly. Resolution is a global setting for each camera. You can’t say, “Record in 1080p at night, 720p during the day.”

But you can manually change resolution in the camera settings. Lower resolution saves storage. I use 1080p for critical areas and 720p for low-traffic zones.

How do I disable a schedule temporarily?

Easy. Go to “Modes & Rules,” tap the mode, and turn off the camera rule (toggle switch). Or, disarm the entire system.

For example, if you’re having a party and don’t want backyard alerts, just disable that rule for the night. Re-enable it later.

Will schedules affect my Arlo Secure recordings?

Yes. If a camera is scheduled to “Do Not Record,” it won’t save clips to the cloud—even if motion is detected. But if it’s set to “Record on Motion,” those clips will appear in your Secure timeline.

So, if you want to save important clips, make sure the schedule allows recording during key times.

Can I automate schedules with smart home routines?

Yes! Use IFTTT or Google Home to link Arlo modes to other devices. For example:

• When I leave home → Arm system → Activate “Away” mode with custom schedules.
• When I arrive home → Disarm system → Activate “Home” mode with reduced alerts.

I use this with my smart lock. As soon as I unlock the door, the garage camera switches to “Do Not Record” for 5 minutes. No false alerts when I carry in groceries.

Final Thoughts

Setting up how to set different schedules for different cameras Arlo Pro isn’t just about convenience—it’s about smarter security. You’re not just turning cameras on and off. You’re telling them when to pay attention, what to watch for, and how to respond.

It took me a few tries to get it right. I messed up time zones, forgot to save changes, and once scheduled a camera to record only on Tuesdays. (Don’t ask.) But once you nail it? Game over. Your system becomes intuitive, efficient, and actually helpful.

Start small. Pick one camera—maybe your front door—and set a simple schedule. Test it. Then add another. Before you know it, you’ll have a tailored security setup that matches your life, not the other way around.

And remember: this isn’t a one-time task. Seasons change. Routines shift. Revisit your schedules every few months. Adjust for daylight saving time, new pets, or changes in neighborhood activity.

Your Arlo Pro is more than a camera. With the right schedules, it’s a silent guardian—watching when it matters, staying quiet when it doesn’t.

Now go make your home smarter, one camera at a time.