Easily customize how your Arlo security devices operate by changing their modes through the Arlo Secure App or the Arlo web portal.
Arlo security systems utilize various modes to define how your cameras and other devices behave under different circumstances, such as when you're home, away, or during specific times. Effectively understanding and managing these modes is crucial for optimizing your security coverage, minimizing unnecessary alerts, and ensuring your system always acts according to your preferences. You can arm or disarm your system, set schedules, or enable specific recording rules by adjusting these operational modes.
How to Change Operating Modes for Your Arlo Devices
Changing your Arlo device modes is a straightforward process, whether you prefer using your mobile device or a web browser. Follow these simple steps to modify the operational mode for any of your Arlo devices:
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Arlo Modes
- Access Your Arlo Account:
- Launch the Arlo Secure App on your smartphone or tablet.
- Alternatively, log in to your Arlo account through a web browser at my.arlo.com.
- Navigate to Modes:
- Once logged in, locate and tap or click the "Mode" icon or tab. This section is where all your system's operational modes are managed.
- Select Your Device:
- From the list of connected devices, click or tap on the specific Arlo device whose mode you wish to modify.
- Edit the Mode or Rule:
- Next to the mode or rule that you want to adjust, tap or click the pencil icon (often signifying an edit function). This will open the settings for that particular mode or rule, allowing you to make detailed changes such as:
- Enabling or disabling motion detection.
- Adjusting video recording length.
- Setting specific activity zones.
- Configuring alerts and notification preferences.
- Next to the mode or rule that you want to adjust, tap or click the pencil icon (often signifying an edit function). This will open the settings for that particular mode or rule, allowing you to make detailed changes such as:
Understanding Arlo Modes
Arlo systems typically come with several pre-set modes to cover common scenarios. You also have the flexibility to create custom modes tailored to your unique needs. Here's a quick overview:
- Armed: In this mode, all cameras and sensors are active, recording events and sending notifications based on your settings. This is ideal for when you are away from home.
- Disarmed: This mode deactivates all cameras and sensors, providing privacy and preventing unnecessary recordings or alerts. It's suitable for when you are home and do not require active monitoring.
- Schedule: The Schedule mode allows you to set specific times for your system to automatically arm or disarm, providing consistent security without manual intervention.
- Custom Modes: You can create personalized modes with unique rules for specific situations, such as "Night Mode" (where only outdoor cameras are active) or "Vacation Mode" (with heightened sensitivity and alerts).
Practical Tips for Managing Modes
- Utilize Schedules: For consistent and effortless security, set up daily or weekly schedules for your "Armed" and "Disarmed" modes to automate your system's behavior.
- Geo-Fencing: Consider enabling geo-fencing (if available for your specific Arlo device and plan). This feature can automatically arm or disarm your system based on your smartphone's location as you leave or arrive home, offering ultimate convenience.
- Test New Modes: Whenever you create a new custom mode or significantly alter an existing one, test it thoroughly to ensure it functions exactly as intended before relying on it for your security.
- Review Notification Settings: Ensure your notification settings are aligned with each mode. This ensures you receive alerts only when necessary and for events relevant to the active mode, avoiding notification fatigue.
Example: Setting a Custom "Night Mode"
Imagine you want your indoor cameras to be off at night for privacy, but your outdoor cameras to be fully active and record any motion.
- Navigate to the "Mode" section in your Arlo App or web portal.
- Tap or click "Add Mode" or select an existing mode you wish to modify as a base.
- Choose your Arlo base station or individual cameras you want to configure.
- For your outdoor cameras, select options like "Record video," "Send alert," and define motion sensitivity levels.
- For your indoor cameras, select "Do nothing" or "No motion detection" for your chosen "Night Mode" to ensure they remain off.
- Save your new "Night Mode" with a descriptive name. You can then activate it manually when needed or incorporate it into your system's schedule.
| Mode Name | Typical Use Case | Camera Behavior Example (Outdoor) | Notification Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armed | Away from home | Record video, push notifications | Instant motion alert |
| Disarmed | At home / Privacy | Off / No recording | None |
| Schedule | Routine operations | Varies by programmed time/day | Varies by schedule |
| Custom | Specific scenarios | Defined by user (e.g., Night Mode) | Defined by user |
By mastering your Arlo device modes, you gain complete control over your home security, adapting it seamlessly to your lifestyle and specific needs.
