Secure 4 app problems and various modes

[VictoriaPe]

I have the most updated app and cameras. The new app has the Arm Away, Arm Home and Standby "Modes".

Is there are way to create a 4th mode? I'd like to be able to customize my modes a little more.

[StephenB]

---

@scmbowman wrote:

I am experiencing a frustrating issue with my Arlo system’s automations and mode switching. Here’s the problem:

1. I want my driveway cameras to activate the siren only when motion is detected between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
2. However, when I create an automation for this time frame, the siren immediately activates at 1:00 AM instead of waiting for motion detection.
3. The only way I can make the siren work only when motion is detected is by setting up a mode where motion triggers the siren.
4. However, I only have three mode options (Arm Away, Arm Home, and Standby), and I need more flexibility.

---

One of several scenerios where three modes isn't enough.

Arlo has said that they will add back custom modes or equivalent, but they haven't said when.   Hopefully that will be soon.

[JamesC]

We’ve heard your feedback, and the development team is working hard to deliver a similar custom modes experience that legacy users have come to enjoy while maintaining all the new improvements and features included in the latest version of the Arlo Secure App. We will keep the community up to date as we approach the release of this highly anticipated feature.

Thank you all for your continued feedback in helping make the Arlo experience the best it can be!

For more information about the latest Arlo Secure App, see here: https://www.arlo.com/en-us/new-arlo-secure-app

[DVoorhees]

We'll be at that house for a week or two before I can see if the rules actually work as intended - I won't know for sure until just after New Years Day...

[DVoorhees]

Actually, now that I think of it, being at that house lets me test whether the motion sensitivity automation works or not. I'll try to test things on Friday 12/19, and will post what happens...

[DVoorhees]

If the motion sensitivity trick doesn't work, it sure would be nice if they added a "Turn off device" and a "Turn on device" option to the "Customize Device" section of things - the equivalent of going to Devices and toggling the little switch in the upper right corner of the device in question. I can't believe it would be that hard to do...

[DannyBearAgain]

If you're needing some understanding, you just have to read the forum historical posts.

Arlo introduced their home security product some years back that only supported three physical mode buttons.

This was meet with a overwhelming success within the eyes of the Arlo project management team that followed through to making their new app experience the same, hence the disaster and the promised reimplantation of custom modes that have been touted for the last 12 months.

I have no doubts that the new custom modes operation will not be as expected.

[ralfyguy1]

What I want to know is WHY was the old system so bad that it had to be replaced with this ABYSMAL piece of JUNK CODING that those INFANTILE losers came up with. The way it is laid out proves without a doubt that something went sideways on the way and got clobbered meaningless together, just like Windows 11. This is not anywhere NEAR innovation anymore, but instead some INEPT trying to justify their chair.

[Lpowell526]

I have the same issue and am

very upset that Arlo updated my app without permission. I am also upset that I can no longer schedule my custom modes. I even tried to create  new mode and schedule it but this did not work either. You are only able to chose the standard modes to schedule. Currently shopping for a new system …Arlo has been the most difficult company to get any support.

[CumbersomeGUI]

Hello, I’m hoping the Community can guide me on successfully transitioning to the new app. I’ve noticed that it lacks the nuance I used to appreciate.

In the past, I created different subsets containing 3-5 of my Pro2s and effortlessly combined them into a schedule. These subsets varied based on the time of day or week, sensitivity levels per camera, and whether I needed immediate notifications (push), delayed notifications (email), or none. Arlo also allowed for target notifications to specific individuals, which was a smart feature since guests (or my wife) might not want as many alerts as I did.

By setting the start and stop times for each subset, I could within a minute substitute a custom setting for all the cameras, adjusting the sensitivity of motion and/or audio triggers. This flexibility was all lost in the drive to create an interface that prioritizes preserving ads in my feed over customization. As I’ve seen others using the app for months by searching the community posts, I’m hoping someone can provide practical tips on how to use this app effectively.

There was rarely a time when I switched to a Standby state when I went to work and then back to Arm Home for dinner. So, the example video is too limited a concept. The Automation video demos show adding an action but then reverting back to a Standby state to exit, which means all actions are permanently on. Is this statement correct?

For instance, I’d like to add another rule an hour later after switching to Arm Home, which would change a specific camera from a motion detection-capture video state to an audio detection-capture video state. Would adding this rule an hour later override the first ‘permanent’ motion rule or simply conflict and ignore, forcing me to exit to Standby mode to kill the first state and then rearm and present the new sound preference? This is very cumbersome to perform in either case.  

I attempted to automate the launch of a specific camera to trigger for motion, followed by a five-minute delay for sound-only detection. The camera was set to operate in Standby and Arm Home modes. I had removed the camera from both Standby and Arm modes, expecting it to permanently turn on for motion outside the default cameras. I further hoped it would accept the overwriting rule to surveil for sound, albeit “permanently,” and then another rule would move it back to Standby to exit.

However, I discovered that the camera did not trigger at all. I’m wondering if the rules only work if the camera is included as a default of the mode. I’m using a base station, so all cameras are online, but I excluded it from the Home mode to clearly identify that the rule wasn’t a result of default settings. The lack of response was unexpected.

Based on my understanding, the Secure app has created three mode buckets: Away, Home, and Standby. Each mode has cameras with default sensitivity and notifications. If I create a rule in automation that Camera A has maximum motion sensitivity and sends notifications at 23:00, while the default Home Arm mode settings are medium sensitivity and no push notifications, will the app adopt this change for Camera A, while all other cameras for this mode remain default? Additionally, will Camera A retain this state until an automated or manual change to a new mode erases the rule?

I noticed that there were projections that many missing functionalities and features would be introduced in Q4, but here we are. Any assistance (or tutorials on how to use “Customize a Device” with depth and purpose, rather than switching to standby) would be greatly appreciated from those with experience using this new app. Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

[yokibagam]

My app updated and totally broke my system so I‘m working on getting it working again.

I rely on a custom mode and I can’t select it in the automation. All I need is my custom mode for 6am to 6pm and then arm everything (whatever that’s called now) for 6pm to 6am.

Super basic and it’s been working for years. How do I recreate this in the new app?

[jguerdat]

Custom modes aren't readily available yet - sometime in Q1 2026 is what I understand for full implementation.

You don't provide details as to why you needed a custom mode previously but it sounds like you may be able to achieve the same thing using both Arm Away (all cameras armed) and Arm Home (set up as you would have used the custom mode for). Then click on the "+" at the top and add 2 schedules - one to change mode to Arm Away starting at 6 PM and the second to change mode to Arm Home at 6 AM. 

Check out this FAQ and embedded links:

https://kb.arlo.com/000062777/About-Arlo-Routines-Modes-Rules-and-Automations

[jguerdat]

It sounds like you need custom modes which I understand are projected to fully roll out in Q1. 

[jguerdat]

Actually, the new UI was rolled out when the security system (security hub and sensors) was introduced. That hub only supports 3 modes so custom modes were dropped (a short-sighted decision, it turns out since Arlo is now working to add them back). The rework of the whole UI is certainly startling to existing customers. There are still problems after a couple of years of experience and bug-fixing but on the whole it can work well if you change the mindset that was ingrained by using the old UI and trying to embrace the new one. Many of us here can help you work through issues, although not with the lack of custom modes yet, just by posting questions. This FAQ and embedded links may be useful:

https://kb.arlo.com/000062777/About-Arlo-Routines-Modes-Rules-and-Automations

[Slolearner]

"sometime in Q1 2026 for full implementation"

Does arlo development post a product roadmap or targeted version release schedule for Bug Fixes or Enhancement?

I now see in these threads that these issues have been around for over a year and a half. I was just afflicted with a forced app update (middle of the night) last week. 

I wonder how many original posters of issues are still waiting on fixes to the broken app?

[Slolearner]

Does arlo development post a product roadmap? Or targeted version release schedule for Bug Fixes or Enhancement?

[NewUISucks8484]

I gave up. Bought new system from a better brand

[RobertPol]

I too gave up and switched to another brand that gave me the flexibility that I needed.  It was clear a year ago that no one at Arlo was listening to our pleas for THE RETURN of custom modes.  Talk about ruining a good product.  Good luck

[DVoorhees]

Darn, I just ran a test of setting the motion sensitivity to 0 on all outside cameras while the gardener was there, and I still had notifications and video recordings getting triggered... so I'm out of ideas about how to disable specific cameras based on a schedule, without having to change mode...

[alex_loo]

---

@RobertPol wrote:

I too gave up and switched to another brand that gave me the flexibility that I needed.  It was clear a year ago that no one at Arlo was listening to our pleas for THE RETURN of custom modes.  Talk about ruining a good product.  Good luck

---

hi @RobertPol  and @NewUISucks8484 , what brand did you switch to?

I am going to try a few BLINK for indoor cameras.  It claims to support local recording without subscription, and is pretty cheap.  Basic and reasonably priced, and most importantly, non-Chinese brand, now owned by Amazon.

I am expecting delivery today.  Will see how they are go.

Alex

[Slolearner]

A neighbor has blink cameras and they use regular batteries. They have great picture resolution and he doesn't have to change batteries very often.

[RobertPol]

I have been using the TP-Link Tapo cameras.  They work pretty well and can be programmed for custom modes but are not as sensitive as the Arlo cameras.  They are cheaper and don't require a subscription.  I feel they are a step in the right direction but I still think there is something better that I have yet to find out there.

[alex_loo]

---

@RobertPol wrote:

I have been using the TP-Link Tapo cameras.  They work pretty well and can be programmed for custom modes but are not as sensitive as the Arlo cameras.  They are cheaper and don't require a subscription.  I feel they are a step in the right direction but I still think there is something better that I have yet to find out there.

---

It's true Chinese brand cameras (vs non-chinese brand cameras that are likely still made in china) are really nice in terms of features and price.  However, as a Chinese, I simply won't buy any Chinese brand camera that (A) is about home security (B) touches my home local network.

I know many times this has been tempting to me.  Back 3 years ago?  My sister bought a few XiaoMi cameras for her indoor use.  And they:

• are SO cheap
• require no subscription
• can just do 7x24 recording on SD card inserted in
• can already do things like marking "motion" etc, along the 7x24 recordings (say finding footage when somebody was walking out of bedroom during midnight)

And I don't think even now, any non-chinese brand camera can offer such.

Super value for money, eh?  But I'll just won't touch them at all.

Just my personal view, and hope you don't find this offending.

Alex