Arlo cameras are popular for their wireless, weather-resistant, and motion-detecting features, making them a top choice for home security. However, there may be situations where you need to turn off your Arlo camera, whether it’s for maintenance, troubleshooting, or simply to take a break from monitoring. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to disable your Arlo camera, as well as provide some additional tips and considerations.
Why Turn Off Your Arlo Camera?
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to turn off your Arlo camera:
- Maintenance and updates: You may need to turn off your camera to perform software updates, clean the lens, or replace the battery.
- Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing issues with your camera, such as connectivity problems or poor video quality, turning it off and on again may resolve the issue.
- Power conservation: If you’re not using your camera for an extended period, turning it off can help conserve battery life.
- Privacy concerns: You may want to turn off your camera if you’re having guests over or if you’re concerned about privacy in certain areas of your home.
Turning Off Your Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step Instructions
The process for turning off your Arlo camera varies depending on the model and whether it’s connected to a base station or not. Here are the steps for different scenarios:
Arlo Wire-Free Cameras (Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Ultra)
- Open the Arlo app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the camera you want to turn off.
- Tap the three dots (⋯) on the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap “Device Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Power” section.
- Toggle the switch to turn off the camera.
Arlo Wired Cameras (Pro, Pro 2, and Pro 3)
- Unplug the camera from the power outlet.
- If you want to turn off the camera remotely, open the Arlo app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the camera you want to turn off.
- Tap the three dots (⋯) on the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap “Device Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Power” section.
- Toggle the switch to turn off the camera.
Arlo Cameras Connected to a Base Station
- Open the Arlo app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the base station.
- Tap the three dots (⋯) on the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap “Base Station Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Camera Settings” section.
- Select the camera you want to turn off.
- Toggle the switch to turn off the camera.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Turning off the camera vs. putting it in sleep mode: Some Arlo cameras have a sleep mode that allows them to conserve power while still being able to detect motion. If you’re looking to conserve power, consider putting your camera in sleep mode instead of turning it off completely.
- Impact on motion detection and alerts: Turning off your Arlo camera will disable motion detection and alerts. If you’re relying on these features for security, consider alternative solutions, such as a different camera or a security system.
- Rebooting your camera: If you’re experiencing issues with your camera, try rebooting it by turning it off and on again. This can often resolve connectivity and video quality issues.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble turning off your Arlo camera or if you’re experiencing issues after turning it off, here are some common problems and solutions:
Camera Won’t Turn Off
- Check that you’re using the correct app and account credentials.
- Ensure that your camera is connected to the internet and the Arlo servers.
- Try restarting your camera or base station.
Camera Won’t Turn Back On
- Check that your camera is properly plugged in (if it’s a wired camera).
- Ensure that your camera is connected to the internet and the Arlo servers.
- Try restarting your camera or base station.
Conclusion
Turning off your Arlo camera is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to consider the implications of doing so. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can disable your camera for maintenance, troubleshooting, or power conservation. Remember to also consider alternative solutions, such as sleep mode, and be aware of the impact on motion detection and alerts. If you’re experiencing issues with your camera, try troubleshooting or contacting Arlo support for assistance.
What is the purpose of disabling my Arlo camera?
Disabling your Arlo camera may be necessary for various reasons, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, or simply taking a break from monitoring. By disabling your camera, you can prevent it from recording and sending notifications, giving you a temporary reprieve from constant alerts. This can be especially useful if you’re experiencing technical issues or if you’re going to be away from your home for an extended period.
When you disable your Arlo camera, it will stop recording video and motion detection will be paused. However, keep in mind that disabling your camera may also affect any smart home integrations or automation rules you have set up. If you’re unsure about how disabling your camera will impact your smart home setup, it’s a good idea to consult the user manual or contact Arlo support for guidance.
How do I disable my Arlo camera using the Arlo app?
To disable your Arlo camera using the Arlo app, start by opening the app and navigating to the Devices tab. From there, select the camera you want to disable and tap on the three dots next to it. This will open a menu with various options, including the ability to disable the camera. Tap on “Disable Device” and confirm that you want to disable the camera.
Once you’ve disabled your camera, you’ll see a notification indicating that the camera is offline. You can also verify that the camera is disabled by checking the Devices tab, where you should see a grayed-out icon indicating that the camera is not active. If you need to re-enable your camera, simply follow the same steps and select “Enable Device” instead.
Can I disable my Arlo camera remotely?
Yes, you can disable your Arlo camera remotely using the Arlo app. As long as you have a stable internet connection and the Arlo app installed on your device, you can disable your camera from anywhere. This is especially useful if you’re away from home and need to disable your camera for maintenance or troubleshooting purposes.
To disable your camera remotely, simply follow the same steps as you would if you were disabling it locally. Open the Arlo app, navigate to the Devices tab, select the camera you want to disable, and tap on the three dots next to it. From there, select “Disable Device” and confirm that you want to disable the camera.
Will disabling my Arlo camera affect my cloud storage?
Disabling your Arlo camera will not affect your cloud storage, as recorded footage is stored separately from the camera’s live feed. However, keep in mind that if you’re not recording any new footage, your cloud storage usage will decrease accordingly. If you’re concerned about running out of cloud storage space, you can always upgrade your plan or delete old recordings to free up space.
It’s also worth noting that disabling your camera will not delete any existing recordings. If you want to delete recordings, you’ll need to do so manually through the Arlo app or website. This ensures that you can still access your recorded footage even if your camera is disabled.
How do I disable my Arlo camera using the Arlo website?
To disable your Arlo camera using the Arlo website, start by logging in to your account and navigating to the Devices tab. From there, select the camera you want to disable and click on the three dots next to it. This will open a menu with various options, including the ability to disable the camera. Click on “Disable Device” and confirm that you want to disable the camera.
Once you’ve disabled your camera, you’ll see a notification indicating that the camera is offline. You can also verify that the camera is disabled by checking the Devices tab, where you should see a grayed-out icon indicating that the camera is not active. If you need to re-enable your camera, simply follow the same steps and select “Enable Device” instead.
Will disabling my Arlo camera affect my smart home integrations?
Disabling your Arlo camera may affect your smart home integrations, depending on how they’re set up. If you have automation rules or scenes that rely on your Arlo camera, disabling the camera may cause those rules to fail or behave unexpectedly. However, this will depend on the specific integrations you have set up and how they’re configured.
If you’re unsure about how disabling your camera will impact your smart home setup, it’s a good idea to consult the user manual or contact Arlo support for guidance. You can also test your integrations after disabling your camera to see if they’re still working as expected.
How do I re-enable my Arlo camera?
To re-enable your Arlo camera, simply follow the same steps as you did to disable it. If you disabled your camera using the Arlo app, open the app and navigate to the Devices tab. Select the camera you want to re-enable and tap on the three dots next to it. From there, select “Enable Device” and confirm that you want to re-enable the camera.
If you disabled your camera using the Arlo website, log in to your account and navigate to the Devices tab. Select the camera you want to re-enable and click on the three dots next to it. From there, select “Enable Device” and confirm that you want to re-enable the camera. Once you’ve re-enabled your camera, it should start recording and sending notifications again.