Setting schedules for your Arlo camera is simple and gives you complete control over when it records and detects motion. Using the Arlo app, navigate to Mode settings to create custom schedules for different times, days, or activity zones—perfect for securing your home while you’re away or reducing false alerts. Automate protection with precision and never miss a moment.

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How to Set Schedules for Arlo Camera: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access Rules Tab: Navigate to “Rules” in the Arlo app to create camera schedules.
• Customize Days/Times: Set specific days and hours for cameras to activate or sleep.
• Use Geofencing: Enable location-based schedules for automatic on/off via smartphone GPS.
• Sync with Modes: Assign schedules to Arlo Modes like “Home” or “Away” for seamless control.
• Adjust Sensitivity: Fine-tune motion detection schedules to avoid false alerts during active hours.
• Review Weekly: Regularly check schedules to align with changing routines or daylight hours.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—life gets busy. You might forget to turn on your Arlo camera when leaving for work, or maybe you don’t want it recording while you’re hosting a backyard BBQ. That’s where scheduling comes in. Instead of manually toggling your cameras on and off, you can automate them to match your routine.

Imagine this: You’re on vacation, and your neighbor texts you, “Hey, your front porch light has been on all night!” You panic—only to realize your Arlo camera was still recording 24/7, eating up storage and battery. With a proper schedule, you could’ve avoided that. This is why learning how to set schedules for Arlo camera is a game-changer for security, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Scheduling helps you:

• Save battery life (especially on wireless models)
• Reduce false alerts when you’re home
• Focus recording only when it matters
• Protect your privacy during personal time

Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, or the older Ultra, this guide walks you through setting up smart, reliable schedules. And no, it’s not just for techies—anyone can do it.

What You Need

Good news: You don’t need fancy tools or a computer science degree. Here’s what you’ll need to follow along with how to set schedules for Arlo camera:

• Arlo camera(s) – Any model (Pro, Essential, Ultra, etc.)
• Arlo app – Downloaded on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – For syncing and updates
• Arlo account – Free or paid (some advanced features require a subscription)
• Your routine – Think about when you leave, return, sleep, or host guests

Optional but helpful:

• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station – Improves connectivity and local storage options
• Arlo Secure subscription – For cloud recording, AI detection, and longer retention (but schedules work even without it!)

Pro Tip: If you’re using battery-powered cameras, schedule “off” times during the day when you’re home. That can extend battery life by 30–50%!

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Schedules for Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ll walk you through each step like we’re sitting together, phone in hand, setting up your first schedule. This guide works for most Arlo models, whether you’re on the free plan or have a full Arlo Secure subscription.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Start by opening the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the correct account. If you’ve got multiple homes or cameras, double-check you’re in the right “location” (top-left corner of the app).

Once inside, tap the “Settings” icon (usually looks like a gear) in the bottom navigation bar. From there, select “Schedules” under the “Device Settings” section.

Note: If you don’t see “Schedules,” make sure your app is updated. Arlo occasionally moves features around, but as of 2024, Schedules is a core function.

Step 2: Create a New Schedule

Tap the “+” button (usually in the top-right) to create a new schedule. You’ll see a screen asking for:

• Schedule name – Be descriptive! Try “Weekday Work Hours” or “Weekend Off”
• Start and end times – Use the clock picker to set when the schedule activates
• Days of the week – Select which days this applies to (e.g., Mon–Fri only)

For example, if you leave for work at 8:30 AM and return at 6:00 PM, set the schedule to start at 8:30 and end at 6:00, Monday through Friday.

This is where how to set schedules for Arlo camera becomes personal. Your routine is unique—don’t just copy someone else’s. Think: Do you work from home on Wednesdays? Do you take the dog out late? Adjust accordingly.

Step 3: Choose What the Schedule Does

Now comes the fun part: deciding what your camera does during this time. Tap “Actions” (or “What happens”) and choose from:

• Turn camera on – Camera records and sends alerts
• Turn camera off – Camera sleeps, no recording or alerts
• Change mode – Switch to a different security mode (e.g., “Away,” “Home,” “Night”)
• Change sensitivity – Adjust motion detection (great for reducing false alarms)

Most people use “Turn camera on” when they leave and “Turn camera off” when they’re home. But here’s a cool trick: Use “Change mode” to switch to “Away” when you leave and “Home” when you return. That way, your system behaves differently based on your presence.

Warning: Don’t set a schedule to “Turn camera off” during high-risk times (e.g., overnight when you’re asleep). You’ll miss important alerts!

Step 4: Assign the Schedule to Specific Cameras

By default, a schedule applies to all cameras in your system. But maybe you only want the front door camera active when you’re away, while the backyard stays on 24/7.

After setting the actions, tap “Cameras” and select only the ones you want included. For example:

• Front door: On when I’m away
• Backyard: Always on (or on during night hours)
• Garage: Off when I’m home

This level of control is why how to set schedules for Arlo camera is so powerful. You’re not just turning things on and off—you’re tailoring security to your lifestyle.

Step 5: Save and Test the Schedule

Tap “Save” in the top-right. The schedule will now appear in your list with a toggle switch. Make sure it’s turned on (green).

Now, test it! Wait for the schedule’s start time (or manually trigger it by changing the system mode). Check if:

• The camera turns on/off as expected
• You receive alerts (if “on”)
• The correct cameras are active

If something’s off, go back to the schedule and tweak the times or actions. Arlo updates almost instantly—no waiting for syncs.

Real-life tip: I once set a schedule for “Weekday Work Hours” but forgot I had a remote work day. My camera turned on at 8:30 AM, and my cat triggered 17 alerts before I noticed. Test your schedules on a low-stakes day first!

Step 6: Set Up Multiple Schedules for Different Scenarios

One schedule isn’t enough. Most users benefit from 3–5 schedules to cover:

• Weekdays – When you leave for work
• Weekends – Different routines, maybe longer “off” times
• Night – Higher sensitivity, maybe different recording zones
• Vacation – Full activation, 24/7 monitoring
• Party Mode – Temporarily off during gatherings

For example, my “Weekend” schedule turns the front camera off from 8 PM to 10 PM (when we grill outside). The “Vacation” schedule turns all cameras on, sets sensitivity to high, and sends alerts to both my phone and my neighbor’s.

You can even nest schedules. Set a base “Away” schedule, then override it with a “Party” schedule on specific dates.

Step 7: Use Geofencing for Smarter Automation (Optional)

Arlo has a feature called Geofencing that uses your phone’s location to automatically switch modes. It’s like a schedule, but smarter.

To enable it:

• Go to Settings > Modes & Rules > Geofencing
• Turn it on and select your “Home” radius (e.g., 500 feet)
• Choose what happens when you leave (e.g., switch to “Away”) and when you arrive (e.g., switch to “Home”)

Geofencing works best if:

• You carry your phone everywhere
• Your Wi-Fi is strong at home
• You’re okay with slight delays (it can take 2–5 minutes to detect arrival)

You can combine geofencing with schedules. For example, use geofencing during the week, but rely on a fixed “Night” schedule from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Pro Tip: If you live in a dense area (apartment, townhome), increase the geofencing radius to avoid false “away” triggers when your neighbor walks by.

Step 8: Monitor and Adjust Over Time

Your first schedule won’t be perfect. That’s okay. Check your Arlo activity log weekly to see:

• When cameras turned on/off
• How many alerts were sent
• Whether any events were missed

Adjust as needed. Maybe your “Weekday” schedule should start at 9:00 AM instead of 8:30. Or maybe your backyard camera gets too many raccoon alerts at night—lower the sensitivity in your “Night” schedule.

Remember: how to set schedules for Arlo camera isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s an evolving system that grows with your habits.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up schedules for dozens of Arlo users (and making plenty of mistakes myself), here are the insights that make all the difference.

1. Don’t Overlap Schedules
If you have a “Weekday” schedule (8:30 AM–6:00 PM) and a “Night” schedule (10:00 PM–6:00 AM), make sure they don’t conflict. Arlo processes schedules in order, but overlaps can cause confusion. Leave a 15-minute buffer if needed.

2. Use Descriptive Names
“Schedule 1” won’t help you in six months. Name it “Front Door – Work Hours” or “Backyard – Night Only.” Future you will thank you.

3. Test During Real Life
Don’t just test when the house is empty. Try it on a Saturday morning when your kids are playing outside. See if the camera stays off during your “Weekend” schedule.

4. Watch for Daylight Saving Time
Arlo syncs with your phone’s time, but if you travel across time zones, double-check your schedules. I once had a camera turn on at 3:00 AM during a trip because the schedule didn’t update.

5. Avoid “Always On” Unless Necessary
24/7 recording drains batteries and fills storage. Use schedules to turn cameras off when you’re home. You’ll save money on cloud storage and extend hardware life.

6. Sync with Other Smart Devices
Use IFTTT or Alexa routines to link your Arlo schedules with other devices. For example:

• When Arlo switches to “Away,” turn on smart lights
• When “Home” mode activates, turn off outdoor lights

Warning: Never rely solely on schedules for critical security. If your Wi-Fi goes down or the app crashes, schedules might not trigger. Always have a backup plan (e.g., neighbor checks, secondary camera).

7. Use “Do Not Disturb” for Privacy
Arlo has a “Do Not Disturb” mode (in Settings > Notifications). Use it during sensitive times (e.g., family events) instead of turning cameras off completely. You’ll still record, but won’t get alerts.

FAQs About How to Set Schedules for Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Here are the questions I get most often—answered honestly, like I’m talking to a friend.

Q: Can I set different schedules for each camera?
Yes! When creating a schedule, tap “Cameras” and select only the ones you want. One schedule can control the front door, while another handles the backyard. Perfect for mixed-use setups.

Q: What if I forget to update my schedule when I’m on vacation?
Set a “Vacation” schedule ahead of time and turn it on manually. Or use geofencing—when you leave the area, it automatically switches to “Away” mode. Pro tip: Add a reminder in your calendar to activate it.

Q: Do schedules work with battery-powered Arlo cameras?
Absolutely. Scheduling is one of the best ways to extend battery life. Turn cameras off during the day, and they’ll last weeks longer. Just make sure your Wi-Fi is strong enough to wake them up when the schedule starts.

Q: Can I schedule a camera to record only when motion is detected?
Yes, but indirectly. Use the schedule to turn the camera on, and set motion detection to “On” in the camera settings. Arlo will only record when motion occurs—even during scheduled “on” times.

Q: Why did my schedule not activate?
Common causes:

• Schedule is turned off (toggle is gray)
• Wrong time zone in the app
• Phone is in airplane mode or has poor signal
• Overlapping schedules canceling each other out

Check your activity log and re-save the schedule to force a sync.

Q: Can I set a schedule for a specific date (e.g., New Year’s Eve party)?
Not directly in the app, but you can use Modes & Rules or third-party apps like IFTTT. Create a one-time rule that turns cameras off on December 31st from 8 PM to 2 AM. Or just manually toggle it that night.

Q: Do I need an Arlo Secure subscription to use schedules?
Nope! Schedules work on the free plan. However, without a subscription, you’ll miss features like AI detection (person vs. animal), longer cloud storage, and activity zones. But for basic on/off control, the free tier is enough.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to set schedules for Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about smarter, more thoughtful home security. You’re not just reacting to alerts; you’re designing a system that fits your life.

Start small: Create one schedule for your workweek. Test it. Tweak it. Then add a weekend schedule. Then a night schedule. Before you know it, your Arlo system will feel like a silent guardian, active when it needs to be and quiet when it doesn’t.

Remember: The best schedule is the one you’ll actually use. Don’t overcomplicate it. Use descriptive names, test often, and adjust as your routine changes.

And if you ever get stuck? Open the Arlo app, tap the question mark icon, and chat with support. They’re surprisingly helpful—and they’ve heard every scheduling horror story imaginable.

Now go set that first schedule. Your future self—and your camera battery—will thank you.

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