Setting a timer on your Arlo camera is a simple yet powerful way to automate home security and conserve battery life. By scheduling recording times through the Arlo app, you can ensure cameras activate only when needed—like during work hours or overnight—reducing false alerts and extending device longevity. Follow the app’s intuitive interface to customize schedules and enjoy smarter, more efficient surveillance.

How to Set Timer on Arlo Cameras for Perfect Home Security

Key Takeaways

• Access the Arlo app: Open the app to manage camera timers effortlessly.
• Set schedules: Customize recording times for specific days and hours.
• Use geofencing: Automate timers based on your smartphone’s location.
• Enable motion alerts: Pair timers with motion detection for smarter security.
• Adjust sensitivity: Fine-tune motion zones to avoid false alarms.
• Test settings: Verify timer accuracy with a quick recording check.
• Update firmware: Ensure latest features and timer reliability via updates.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—home security shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. You’ve invested in Arlo cameras, probably because they’re sleek, wireless, and promise peace of mind. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably left your cameras running 24/7, only to realize your batteries are drained, your cloud storage is maxed out, or you’re getting way too many alerts for squirrels and shadows.

That’s where knowing how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security comes in. It’s not just about turning things off and on—it’s about smart timing. Think of it like setting your coffee maker to brew at 7 AM. You want your cameras active when it matters: during work hours, late at night, or when you’re on vacation. But not when your kids are playing in the backyard.

I learned this the hard way. A few years ago, I set up my Arlo Pro 4 in the backyard. I left it on all day, every day. By Day 3, the battery was toast. I missed a delivery, and worse—I got a notification every time my dog barked at the mail carrier. It was chaos.

Then I discovered the timer feature. It changed everything. Now, my cameras only record during high-risk hours. I save battery, reduce false alerts, and actually use the footage when it counts. That’s the real magic of how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security—it’s about control, not constant monitoring.

This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, with real-world tips, common pitfalls, and answers to the questions I wish I had when I started. No tech jargon, no fluff—just what works.

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need a degree in engineering or a stack of cables. Most of what you need is already in your Arlo setup. Here’s the shortlist:

• Arlo camera(s) (any model: Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, Go, etc.)
• Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet—iOS or Android)
• Arlo account (you’ll need to be logged in)
• Wi-Fi or cellular connection (for syncing and remote access)
• Charged batteries or power source (so your camera doesn’t die mid-setup)
• Your schedule (a rough idea of when you want cameras active—e.g., 9 AM–5 PM, 10 PM–6 AM)

Pro Insight: If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub or base station, make sure it’s connected. Some timer settings sync through the hub, not just the app. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting a timer that wouldn’t apply—turned out my hub was offline. Rookie mistake!

You don’t need a subscription for basic timers (though some advanced features like custom schedules or geofencing may require Arlo Secure). The core how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security works on all plans.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Timer on Arlo Cameras for Perfect Home Security

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. Make sure you’re logged into your account. If you’re not, tap “Sign In” and enter your email and password.

Once you’re in, you’ll see your dashboard—a grid of your cameras with live previews (if they’re on). This is your command center.

Take a moment to check that all your cameras are online. You’ll see a green dot or “Online” status. If a camera shows “Offline,” tap it and troubleshoot the connection first. You can’t set a timer on a camera that’s not talking to the app.

Tip: I keep my phone’s Arlo app open in split-screen when I’m setting up timers. That way, I can watch live feeds while adjusting settings. It helps me visualize when motion is likely (like kids running through the yard).

Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings

Now, tap on the camera icon for the one you want to schedule. This opens the camera’s live view and control panel.

At the bottom, you’ll see several icons. Look for the gear icon (settings). Tap it. You’re now in the camera’s settings menu.

Here’s where things get interesting. You’ll see options like “Video Settings,” “Audio,” “Notifications,” and—yes—“Schedule.” That’s your target.

But before you rush to “Schedule,” take a second to review the other settings. If your motion detection is too sensitive, your camera will record constantly—even with a timer. I once had a camera set to record only at night, but it kept waking up because the motion zone included a tree branch. A quick adjustment to the motion zone saved me hours of useless footage.

Step 3: Tap “Schedule” to Create Your Timer

Tap “Schedule” in the settings menu. This opens the scheduling interface.

You’ll see a weekly calendar grid—seven rows (days), 24 columns (hours). Each cell is a time block. This is where you define when your camera is active.

To set a timer, tap and drag over the time blocks you want the camera to record. For example:

• Tap and drag from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday–Friday for a “workday” schedule.
• Drag from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM for a “nighttime” schedule.
• You can set different schedules for weekends if needed.

As you drag, the blocks turn blue. That means your camera will be active (recording and detecting motion) during those hours.

Warning: Don’t forget to set the end time. I once dragged from 8 PM to 8 AM but didn’t notice it was only set for one day. The camera stayed off all week. Double-check your drag covers the right days!

Step 4: Customize for Multiple Cameras (Optional)

If you have multiple cameras, you can set individual timers for each. For example:

• Front door camera: Active 24/7 (high-traffic area).
• Backyard camera: Only active 6 PM–8 PM (when kids play).
• Garage camera: Active 10 PM–6 AM (overnight security).

Go back to your dashboard, tap each camera, and repeat Steps 2–3. This is the heart of how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security—tailoring each camera to its environment.

But here’s a pro move: name your cameras (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Porch”) in the settings. It makes it easier to remember which schedule belongs to which camera, especially if you have five or more.

Step 5: Enable “Away Mode” or “Home Mode” (Smart Scheduling)

Arlo has a built-in “Modes” feature that works like a smart timer. It lets you set different behaviors based on whether you’re home or away.

To access it, go back to the main dashboard and tap the “Modes” tab at the bottom.

You’ll see options like:

• Home: Cameras only active in certain zones (e.g., backyard, not front porch).
• Away: All cameras active, full motion detection.
• Disarm: All cameras off (great for parties or maintenance).

You can create custom modes. For example, I made a “Workday” mode that activates my driveway and backyard cameras from 8 AM–6 PM, but keeps the front door camera on 24/7.

To link your timer to a mode:

1. Tap “+” to create a new mode.
2. Name it (e.g., “Night Patrol”).
3. Select which cameras to arm and their sensitivity.
4. Set a schedule (e.g., 10 PM–6 AM).

Now, your camera will automatically switch to “Night Patrol” mode at 10 PM—no manual input needed. It’s like having a security guard with a watch.

Pro Insight: Use geofencing (available on some plans) to trigger modes when you leave or arrive. My Arlo app knows when I’m 0.5 miles from home and switches to “Away” mode. No more forgetting to turn on security!

Step 6: Adjust Motion Detection Zones (Critical for Accuracy)

Here’s where most people mess up. You’ve set the timer, but your camera still records a bird flying past at 3 AM. Why? Because the motion zone is too broad.

Go back to your camera settings and tap “Motion Detection”. You’ll see a live preview with draggable zones.

Drag the zones to cover only the areas you care about—like the front door, driveway, or back gate. Exclude trees, bushes, and busy streets. I once had a camera set to record only at night, but it kept alerting me every time a raccoon walked through the yard. A 30-second zone adjustment fixed that.

You can also adjust the motion sensitivity slider. Lower it if you’re getting too many false alarms. Raise it if you’re missing real activity.

This step is essential for how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security—because a timer is only as good as the motion detection behind it.

Step 7: Test Your Timer (Don’t Skip This!)

Now, the moment of truth: test your setup.

Set your timer for a short window—say, 5 minutes from now. Then, walk in front of the camera to trigger motion.

Check the app:

• Did you get a notification?
• Is the event recorded in the “Library” tab?
• Does the camera turn off at the scheduled end time?

I once set a timer for 8 PM–10 PM but forgot to save it. The camera stayed on all night. Testing saved me from a dead battery and a sleepless night.

If something’s off, go back to the schedule and adjust. Maybe the time zone is wrong (Arlo uses your phone’s time zone), or the camera didn’t sync.

Step 8: Save and Sync Across Devices

Once everything works, save your settings. Arlo saves automatically, but I always tap “Back” to confirm it’s stored.

If you use multiple devices (phone, tablet, web app), make sure they’re all synced. Open the Arlo app on your tablet and check that the timer is active. Sometimes, changes take a few minutes to propagate.

You can also log into my.arlo.com from a computer to view and edit schedules. Great for making bulk changes or checking logs when you’re at work.

Tip: Set a monthly calendar reminder to review your timers. Life changes—kids grow, schedules shift, holidays happen. Your security should too.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of tinkering with Arlo timers, I’ve picked up a few tricks—and made a few blunders. Here’s what you need to know.

Pro Tip #1: Use “Sleep” Mode to Conserve Battery

Arlo’s “Sleep” mode (in camera settings) puts the camera into low-power mode when not in use. It wakes up instantly when motion is detected.

Pair this with your timer. For example, set the camera to sleep from 10 PM–6 AM except during your active timer window. This can extend battery life by 2–3 weeks on a single charge.

Pro Tip #2: Layer Timers with Activity Zones

Use activity zones inside your timer window. For example:

• Timer: 6 PM–8 PM (when kids play).
• Activity Zone: Only the play area (not the street).

This reduces false alerts and focuses on what matters. I use this for my backyard camera—my kids can play, but I still get alerts if someone walks through the side gate.

Pro Tip #3: Sync with Smart Home Routines

If you use Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home, you can trigger Arlo modes with voice commands or routines.

• “Hey Alexa, I’m leaving” → Activates “Away” mode.
• “Good night” routine → Arms cameras and sets a 10 PM timer.

This turns how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security into a hands-free system. I set mine to arm when I say “I’m in bed.” No more fumbling with the app at midnight.

Common Mistake #1: Ignoring Time Zones

Arlo uses your phone’s time zone. If you travel or change settings from a different location, double-check that the timer reflects your local time. I once set a timer while visiting family in another state. My camera was off by three hours!

Common Mistake #2: Overlapping Schedules

Don’t set multiple timers that overlap unless you mean to. For example, if you have a “Workday” mode (9 AM–5 PM) and a “Night” mode (10 PM–6 AM), there’s a gap from 5 PM–10 PM. That’s fine—but if you accidentally set both to 8 PM–9 PM, you’ll get double alerts. Use the calendar view to spot conflicts.

Common Mistake #3: Forgetting to Update for Daylight Saving

Twice a year, your timers shift by one hour. Set a reminder to review your schedules when clocks change. Or, use geofencing—it adjusts automatically.

Common Mistake #4: Not Checking Storage

If you’re recording to the cloud, make sure you have enough storage. A timer set for 12 hours a day can fill a 7-day plan in less than a week. I use a 30-day plan for my driveway camera but only 7 days for the backyard—where motion is rare.

Final Warning: Never rely on timers alone. Combine them with physical security (locks, lighting) and neighbor check-ins. Technology fails. A timer won’t stop a thief who cuts the Wi-Fi.

FAQs About How to Set Timer on Arlo Cameras for Perfect Home Security

Can I set different timers for each camera?

Yes! Each camera has its own schedule. Tap the camera, go to Settings > Schedule, and set it individually. I have five cameras with three different timers. It’s the best way to customize for each location.

Do I need a subscription to use timers?

No. Basic timers (on/off schedules) work on all Arlo plans, including the free tier. However, advanced features like geofencing, custom modes, and activity zones require an Arlo Secure subscription. For most users, the free tier is enough for how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security.

What if my camera doesn’t follow the timer?

First, check that the camera is online and the schedule is saved. Then, restart the app and camera. If it still doesn’t work, try resetting the camera (hold the sync button for 10 seconds) and re-pairing it. I’ve had this happen after a Wi-Fi outage—resetting fixed it.

Can I schedule cameras to turn off during specific events (like parties)?

Yes. Use the “Disarm” mode or manually turn off the camera during the event. You can also create a one-time schedule (e.g., 7 PM–11 PM) and delete it afterward. I use this for birthday parties so my camera doesn’t record my guests.

How do I set a timer for vacation mode?

Create a “Vacation” mode in the Modes tab. Arm all cameras, set high sensitivity, and schedule it for your travel dates. You can also use geofencing—your cameras will automatically arm when you leave town. I used this last summer. Came home to zero false alerts and a full log of activity.

Does the timer work if my Wi-Fi is down?

If you’re using a base station or SmartHub, yes—it stores the schedule locally. If it’s a standalone camera (like Arlo Go), it relies on Wi-Fi or cellular. Always have a backup plan (like a neighbor check-in) for outages.

Can I set a timer for audio recording?

Yes, but only if your camera supports audio (most do). In the schedule, you’ll see an option to enable/disable audio. Note: Some states require two-party consent for audio recording. Check your local laws before enabling.

Final Thoughts

Setting a timer on your Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about smart security. You’re not just turning cameras on and off. You’re designing a system that works with your life, not against it.

From conserving battery to reducing false alerts, knowing how to set timer on Arlo cameras for perfect home security gives you control. And control is what real peace of mind is made of.

Start small. Pick one camera. Set a simple timer for when you’re at work. Test it. Then expand. Add modes, zones, and routines. Before you know it, your Arlo system will feel like a natural part of your home—not a tech headache.

And remember: security isn’t about being on all the time. It’s about being on when it counts. With the right timer, your cameras will be there when you need them—and off when you don’t.

Now go set that timer. Your future self (and your battery) will thank you.