As a homeowner, you value your privacy and security, which is why you invested in an Arlo camera. These innovative devices provide you with peace of mind, allowing you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world. However, there may be situations where you need to temporarily disable your Arlo camera. Perhaps you’re having a private gathering, or you’re concerned about the camera’s impact on your Wi-Fi network. Whatever the reason, disabling your Arlo camera is a relatively straightforward process.
Understanding Your Arlo Camera’s Modes
Before we dive into the steps to disable your Arlo camera, it’s essential to understand the different modes your device can operate in. Arlo cameras come with various modes that allow you to customize their behavior to suit your needs. Here are a few modes you should be familiar with:
Armed Mode
In Armed mode, your Arlo camera is fully functional, recording video and sending notifications to your smartphone or tablet when motion is detected. This is the default mode for most Arlo cameras.
Disarmed Mode
In Disarmed mode, your Arlo camera is turned off, and it will not record video or send notifications. This mode is useful when you’re at home and don’t want to receive unnecessary notifications.
Scheduled Mode
In Scheduled mode, you can set specific times for your Arlo camera to be armed or disarmed. For example, you can set your camera to be armed at night and disarmed during the day.
Temporarily Disabling Your Arlo Camera
Now that you understand the different modes your Arlo camera can operate in, let’s move on to the steps to temporarily disable your device.
Method 1: Using the Arlo App
The easiest way to disable your Arlo camera is by using the Arlo app. Here’s how:
- Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the camera you want to disable.
- Tap on the “Mode” button.
- Select “Disarmed” from the list of available modes.
Your Arlo camera will now be disabled, and it will not record video or send notifications.
Method 2: Using the Arlo Website
If you don’t have access to the Arlo app, you can also disable your camera using the Arlo website. Here’s how:
- Log in to your Arlo account on the Arlo website.
- Click on the camera you want to disable.
- Click on the “Mode” button.
- Select “Disarmed” from the list of available modes.
Your Arlo camera will now be disabled, and it will not record video or send notifications.
Method 3: Using the Camera’s Power Button
If you need to disable your Arlo camera quickly, you can use the power button on the device itself. Here’s how:
- Locate the power button on your Arlo camera.
- Press and hold the power button until the camera’s LED light turns off.
Your Arlo camera will now be disabled, and it will not record video or send notifications.
Re-Enabling Your Arlo Camera
When you’re ready to re-enable your Arlo camera, simply follow the same steps you used to disable it. If you used the Arlo app or website, select the “Armed” mode to re-enable your camera. If you used the power button, press and hold the button until the camera’s LED light turns back on.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble disabling or re-enabling your Arlo camera, here are a few common issues you may encounter:
Camera Won’t Turn Off
If your Arlo camera won’t turn off, try restarting the device. To restart your camera, press and hold the power button until the camera’s LED light turns off. Then, wait for 10 seconds and press the power button again to turn the camera back on.
Camera Won’t Turn On
If your Arlo camera won’t turn on, try charging the device. Make sure the camera is properly plugged in and the battery is fully charged.
Conclusion
Temporarily disabling your Arlo camera is a relatively straightforward process that can be done using the Arlo app, website, or the camera’s power button. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable your camera when you need to. Remember to re-enable your camera when you’re ready to resume monitoring your property.
What is the purpose of disabling an Arlo camera?
Disabling an Arlo camera may be necessary for various reasons, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, or simply to stop recording temporarily. By disabling the camera, you can prevent it from capturing and transmitting video footage, which can be useful in certain situations. Additionally, disabling the camera can also help conserve battery life, especially if you have a wireless Arlo camera.
It’s essential to note that disabling an Arlo camera does not delete any previously recorded footage. If you want to delete recorded footage, you’ll need to do so separately through the Arlo app or website. Disabling the camera only stops it from capturing new footage.
Will disabling my Arlo camera affect my subscription?
Disabling an Arlo camera does not directly affect your subscription. Your subscription will remain active, and you’ll still be able to access previously recorded footage and other features. However, if you’re not using your camera, you might consider pausing or canceling your subscription to avoid unnecessary charges.
Keep in mind that if you’re using a free trial or a promotional subscription, disabling your camera might not be the best option. You might want to consider continuing to use your camera to take full advantage of the trial or promotion.
Can I disable my Arlo camera remotely?
Yes, you can disable your Arlo camera remotely using the Arlo app or website. This is convenient if you’re not physically near the camera. Simply log in to your account, go to the camera settings, and toggle the switch to disable the camera. This will immediately stop the camera from capturing and transmitting video footage.
Remote disabling is especially useful if you have multiple cameras or if you’re away from home. You can quickly and easily disable your cameras from anywhere, using your smartphone or computer.
Will disabling my Arlo camera affect other smart devices?
Disabling an Arlo camera should not affect other smart devices in your home. Arlo cameras are designed to work independently, and disabling one camera will not impact the functionality of other devices. However, if you have integrated your Arlo camera with other smart devices, such as doorbells or thermostats, you might need to adjust those settings separately.
It’s always a good idea to check your smart home system to ensure that disabling your Arlo camera doesn’t have any unintended consequences. You can do this by reviewing your smart home settings and adjusting them as needed.
How do I disable my Arlo camera using the app?
To disable your Arlo camera using the app, follow these steps: Open the Arlo app, log in to your account, and select the camera you want to disable. Tap on the camera settings icon (usually represented by a gear or cog), and then toggle the switch to disable the camera. You might need to confirm that you want to disable the camera.
Once you’ve disabled the camera, you’ll see a notification indicating that the camera is offline. You can re-enable the camera at any time by following the same steps and toggling the switch back on.
Can I schedule my Arlo camera to disable automatically?
Yes, you can schedule your Arlo camera to disable automatically using the Arlo app or website. This feature is useful if you want to disable your camera at specific times of the day or week. For example, you might want to disable your camera during certain hours when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping.
To schedule your camera to disable automatically, go to the camera settings and look for the “Schedule” or “Mode” option. From there, you can set specific times or modes for your camera to disable. You can also set up custom modes to control your camera’s behavior.
What happens to my recorded footage when I disable my Arlo camera?
When you disable your Arlo camera, any previously recorded footage will remain stored in your account. You can still access and view this footage through the Arlo app or website. However, keep in mind that if you have a cloud storage subscription, your footage will only be stored for a certain period, depending on your subscription plan.
If you want to keep your recorded footage for an extended period, you might consider downloading it to your computer or external hard drive. This will ensure that you have a local copy of your footage, even if you disable your camera or cancel your subscription.