In today’s fast world, a good Arlo security system is key for home safety. Knowing about ‘Arm Home’ and ‘Arm Away’ modes helps a lot. These settings change how I watch over and protect my home.
Choosing between these modes impacts my home’s security level. It also lets me fine-tune my home automation. I can adjust video recording times, set up activity zones, and use triggers. This makes my smart home security fit my needs perfectly, giving me peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- Arlo offers four modes: Armed, Disarmed, Schedule, and Geofencing.
- Users can change video recording lengths from ten seconds to five minutes.
- Three activity zones can be set for better monitoring.
- Custom modes are possible for Wi-Fi cameras, but only one for SmartHub-linked ones.
- Arm Away mode offers top security when I’m out.
- Arm Home mode provides moderate security, focusing on outdoor motion.
- Settings can be changed instantly, making surveillance easier.
Understanding Arlo Modes
The Arlo system makes my home safer with its special arlo modes. These modes let me adjust my surveillance to fit my needs. There are three main modes: Arm Away, Arm Home, and Standby. Each mode has its own features and monitoring levels, keeping my home safe all the time.
In Arm Away mode, my arlo cameras are super secure. They detect motion and record video when I’m not home. This way, I know if anything strange happens.
Arm Home mode changes things a bit. It balances security with comfort. Outdoor cameras stay alert for motion, but some cameras can pause for privacy. This lets me feel safe without feeling watched all the time.
Standby mode is more relaxed. No camera records or detects motion by default. It gives me flexibility based on my daily plans.
A table shows the main differences between the arlo modes:
| Mode | Security Level | Motion Detection | Video Recording |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm Away | High | On | On |
| Arm Home | Medium | Outdoor cameras On; Others configurable | Configurable |
| Standby | Low | Off | Off |
I can set rules for each camera with these arlo modes. Rules can be based on motion or sound. Actions like recording or sending alerts can change depending on the device. This shows Arlo’s dedication to smart home security.
What is Arlo Arm Away?
Arlo Arm Away is a feature for when you leave your home. It offers the highest level of security. All cameras stay active, watching for motion and recording video as needed.
This keeps your property under watch, giving you peace of mind while away. It’s perfect for when you’re on vacation or out for a long time.
Customization is a big part of Arlo Arm Away. You can tweak settings to fit your security needs. This makes it great for keeping your home safe while you’re away.
You can also set up rules for how the system reacts to motion. Options include recording video, sending alerts, or triggering sirens. This makes your home security even better.

The Arlo system is very flexible, making it a top choice for home protection. Using Arlo Arm Away mode means your home is secure and you’ll know about any incidents, no matter where you are.
What is Arlo Arm Home?
The arlo arm home mode is perfect for when I’m at home. It offers a good balance of security and comfort. My outdoor cameras keep an eye on the outside, ready to catch any motion.
But, my indoor cameras stay off to respect my privacy. This way, I feel safe without feeling watched. It’s great for everyday life, knowing the outside is being watched.
Choosing this mode gives me peace of mind. I can set up alerts for any outside activity. This way, I can quickly handle any issues that might arise.

Differences Between Arm Home and Arm Away
It’s important to know the difference between Arm Home and Arm Away modes. They help you keep your home safe while keeping your privacy. Each mode has its own security levels for different situations. Knowing how cameras work in each mode helps you choose the best for your home.
Security Levels
Arlo has three modes: Arm Away, Arm Home, and Standby. Arm Away is the most secure, with all cameras ready to catch any unusual activity. Arm Home is less strict, letting you move around while keeping some cameras off to protect your privacy.
Camera Activation
How cameras work changes a lot between the two modes. In Arm Away, cameras record video when they see motion, from 10 to 120 seconds. This keeps you safe when you’re not home. But in Arm Home, indoor cameras are off by default, so you can move around without being recorded. This makes the system fit your lifestyle better.

| Feature | Arm Home | Arm Away |
|---|---|---|
| Security Level | Medium | High |
| Indoor Camera Activation | Inactive by Default | Active |
| Outdoor Camera Activation | Customizable | Always Active |
| Motion Detection | Limited | Full Detection |
How to Customize Arlo Modes
Customizing Arlo modes is key to a better security experience. The Arlo Secure App lets me adjust settings easily. This way, my cameras respond well to different situations.
Using rules for each mode is a smart move. For example, Arm Away mode records video for up to 120 seconds when motion is detected. Disarmed mode, on the other hand, stops all recordings and notifications. I can set rules to decide which cameras stay active and what actions they take, like taking snapshots or sounding sirens.
The app also has geofencing. It switches modes based on my GPS location. This makes it easy to adjust as I leave or come home. Schedule mode lets me choose when cameras turn on during the week.
Setting activity zones in cameras like the Arlo Ultra or Q Plus is also useful. It lets me focus on important areas. The app’s new interface has a Mode Change Widget. It makes it easy to quickly change security settings.

| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera Modes | Arm Away, Arm Home, Disarmed |
| Recording Length | 10 seconds to 120 seconds |
| Geofencing | Automatic mode switching based on location |
| Activity Zones | Specify up to three zones for monitoring |
| Rules | Control actions like Record, Snapshot, Siren |
| Schedule Mode | Activate cameras based on specific timings |
| Mode Change Widget | Interactive feature for quick adjustments |
Spending time on customizing Arlo modes really boosts my security. It makes sure I have the right tools for my lifestyle and home.
Using the Arlo App for Control
The Arlo app is key to managing my security system. I can change settings easily to fit my needs. This makes my cameras work better for me.
Setting Up Rules
Creating rules in the Arlo app is crucial. It lets me decide how my system acts in different situations. For example, I can turn on cameras when I leave, keeping me safe while away.
This control makes me feel more secure. I can choose which cameras respond to certain events.
Adjusting Notifications
Changing notifications in the Arlo app is important. I can pick which alerts I get, avoiding too many distractions. This way, I only get alerts for important things, like motion in key areas.
This makes me feel more at ease. I stay connected to my security without interruptions.
Automation Features in Arlo System
Exploring arlo automation features has made managing my smart home security easier and more efficient. The Arlo system offers many built-in options for automating security tasks. I can schedule automations to change modes based on my daily routines.
I can set the system to automatically switch to Arm Away mode when I leave for work. This keeps my home monitored while I’m away. Here are some key features of the Arlo automation:
- Change Mode: Easily switch between Arm Away, Arm Home, or Standby based on my schedule.
- Record a Video: Capture important moments when triggered by motion or sound detection.
- Turn On/Off Lights: Control lighting to give the appearance of occupancy, enhancing security.
- Activate Siren: Initiate alarms in case of suspicious activity detected by the cameras.
- Send Notifications: Receive immediate alerts when an event occurs, keeping me informed.
Managing these features involves creating separate Schedule Automations that operate weekly, aligned with sunrise or sunset times. The flexibility of multiple Schedule Automations allows for different actions at various times. With a range of triggers, such as Motion Detection, Audio Detection, or Temperature changes, I can fine-tune my smart home security.
Advanced options are available for Arlo Secure subscribers, offering enhanced motion detection capabilities. These features help automate home security effectively, improving the system’s functionality and responsiveness. With customizable rules and actions, my smart home security stays proactive and adaptable to my needs.
| Feature | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Change Mode | Switch between security modes based on schedules | Enhances convenience and security management |
| Record a Video | Capture footage triggered by motion or sound | Provides visual evidence of events |
| Turn On/Off Lights | Automate home lighting during set times | Deters potential intruders and simulates occupancy |
| Activate Siren | Sound alarms in response to suspicious activities | Alerts neighbors and deters intruders |
| Send Notifications | Receive alerts for detected events | Keeps me updated on home security status |
When to Use Arm Home vs Arm Away
Knowing when to use Arlo modes is key to home security. Arm Home and Arm Away modes have different uses. They depend on my daily life and security needs. This knowledge helps me choose the best surveillance option.
Scenarios for Arm Away
Arm Away mode is best when I’m away from home. This could be for vacations or work trips. It turns on all cameras for full surveillance. Here are some times to use Arm Away:
- Going on vacation or a weekend getaway.
- Leaving home for an extended period during the day.
- Traveling for business, providing peace of mind that security remains intact.
Scenarios for Arm Home
Arm Home mode is great for when I’m home but want security. It lets outdoor cameras record motion without turning on indoor ones. This balances safety with privacy. Here are some scenarios for Arm Home:
- Evenings when relaxing at home.
- During the night while I am sleeping.
- Entertaining guests where indoor monitoring is unnecessary.
Choosing between Arm Home and Arm Away boosts my home security. By knowing what each mode does, I can adjust my system to fit my life and safety needs.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
The Arlo system makes my home safer, but I sometimes face problems. It’s important to fix these issues to keep the system working right.
Connectivity issues can happen for many reasons, like network problems or weak Wi-Fi. To solve these, I check my internet and reboot my router if needed. Sometimes, resetting the Arlo cameras fixes the connection.
Arlo app problems can be fixed by keeping the app updated. Old software can cause bugs and display issues. If I see glitches, I try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Location sharing settings affect Geofencing. I need to adjust these settings based on my device:
- For iOS devices: Share my location should be set to Always.
- For Android devices: Select Allow all the time or Allow.
Not setting these options right can stop my device from sending location info. This disables important functions. Arlo says to use only one device per user for Geofencing to work well.
If friends can access my Arlo account, they need my permission to change modes. So, I make sure their permissions are set up right.
| Device Type | Location Settings Required | Impact of Settings |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | Always | Device sends location info to Arlo |
| Android | Allow all the time | Device sends location info to Arlo |
If problems keep happening, I can get help from Arlo experts. They offer live chat and support to help with all my security needs.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Arm Home and Arm Away modes in Arlo is key for better smart home security. These modes let me adjust my security settings to match my daily life. This way, my home stays safe whether I’m there or not.
Customizing my Arlo settings helps me use all the system’s features. I can set up motion detection, watch live feeds, and add sensors. Upgrading with battery backups and more sensors makes my security even stronger.
As I learn more about Arlo, I see how it protects my home. Knowing how to use Arm Home vs Arm Away modes is crucial. It makes my home automation and security top-notch.
FAQ
What is the difference between Arlo Arm Home and Arlo Arm Away modes?
Arm Away mode turns on all cameras to detect and record motion when I’m not home. Arm Home mode is for when I’m at home. It keeps outdoor cameras on but turns off indoor ones to keep my privacy.
How do I customize the Arlo modes based on my security needs?
I can change Arlo modes through the Arlo Secure App. It lets me decide which cameras are on or off. I can also set up notifications based on what I need and when.
Can I automate the switching between Arm Home and Arm Away modes?
Yes, Arlo lets me automate mode changes. I can set it to switch to Arm Away mode when I leave for work. It fits my daily routine.
What are the benefits of using the Arlo app for control over my security system?
The Arlo app lets me set rules for each mode and adjust notifications. It also helps me quickly handle security issues. This makes managing my smart home security better.
When should I use Arm Home mode and when should I use Arm Away mode?
Use Arm Away mode when you’re away for a long time or on vacation. It offers full surveillance. Use Arm Home mode in the evenings when you’re home. It protects the outside but keeps indoor cameras off.
What common issues might I encounter with my Arlo security system?
Issues like connectivity problems or app glitches can happen. Knowing how to reset cameras or adjust app settings is key. It keeps your system working well.
Source Links
- https://kb.arlo.com/42/About-Arlo-Modes-and-Rules
- https://kb.arlo.com/000062777/About-Arlo-Routines-Modes-Rules-and-Automations
- https://www.arlo.com/en_fi/support/faq/000062777/about-arlo-routines-modes-rules-and-automations
- https://kb.arlo.com/000062819/How-do-I-add-edit-or-remove-rules-in-my-Arm-Away-Arm-Home-and-Standby-Modes-for-my-Arlo-system
- https://community.smartthings.com/t/arlo-and-st-integration-2023/268979
- https://homekitnews.com/2018/10/10/alarm-automation/
- https://www.teammidwest.com/security-cameras/arlo-resources/arlo-faq/
- https://www.arlo.com/en_fi/support/faq/42/What-are-modes-and-rules-and-how-does-Arlo-use-them
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arlo.app
- https://kb.arlo.com/000062942/How-do-I-add-a-Schedule-Automation-to-my-Arlo-system
- https://kb.arlo.com/000063093/How-do-I-set-up-Automations-for-my-Arlo-Wire-Free-Outdoor-Siren
- https://kb.arlo.com/000062271/Why-isn-t-the-Geofencing-mode-working
- https://kb.arlo.com/000062825/Why-isn-t-my-Arrive-Leave-Automation-working
- https://www.cnet.com/home/security/arlo-home-security-system-review-a-flexible-system-for-an-affordable-price/
- https://www.lifewire.com/hands-on-with-arlo-home-security-system-8672048














