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Kokosmom · ‎2024-08-15

I liked how my cameras were set up on my feed. My saved videos were all in thumbnails in neat little rows and columns on my devices.
one day I log in and it says it has new features for me. I click on that button and now I have BS about arming while I’m away and widgets on my home page. My devices tab have the live feed options only and My feed has each camera notification stacked and using an entire line all by itself listing whether it’s armed or not. Once I click on an event I can no longer just hit the back button and go back but have to exit the entire app and come back before I can another. I really HATE this new interface. It’s clumsy, not user-friendly, and I just want to go back to the way it was. Can anyone help me/

StephenB · ‎2024-08-15

@Kokosmom wrote:

Once I click on an event I can no longer just hit the back button and go back but have to exit the entire app and come back before I can another.

Actually if you press on the < in the upper left of the screen, it will go back.

halfmoon83 · ‎2024-08-16

Hi,

Can anyone help with how to use this App. It is so confusing.

For instance,

1. How do you set up to disarm a specific amera that is active? For instance, when there is a lot of motion and you want to stop the camera sending notifications but you still want the camera on. From what I see, it is either no cameras active or all cameras active!

2. When setting up a mode, what is "always enabled" . You can select this and then later in the menu you can elect to put the cameras into standby mode. If so, what is the "always enabled" selection for?

3. Is there a way of keeping one set of cameras active 24/ 7 and the other cameras only active at certain times.

Finally is there any other software app that is not provided by ARLO that we can use. The arlo one is really bad and not very intuitive

StephenB · ‎2024-08-17

@halfmoon83 wrote:

1. How do you set up to disarm a specific amera that is active? For instance, when there is a lot of motion and you want to stop the camera sending notifications but you still want the camera on. From what I see, it is either no cameras active or all cameras active!

When you say you "still want the camera on", are you meaning that you still want it to record? Or do you want something else?

Pausing the notifications for a single camera temporarily (while keeping it recording) is not as easy as it should be, but it can be done. One way is to temporarily edit the rule for that camera in the mode you are using, and turn off the notification there. Then remember to add the notification back later.

@halfmoon83 wrote:

2. When setting up a mode, what is "always enabled" . You can select this and then later in the menu you can elect to put the cameras into standby mode. If so, what is the "always enabled" selection for?

The three modes don't have this option. You must be talking about an automation (which is not a mode).

The idea here is that the automation would only be turned on when the system is in that mode. Some users have reported that this particular option doesn't work reliably, so there might be bugs here that Arlo still needs to address.

Note that there are certainly bugs in the combination of geofencing+scheduling, so if you are trying to set that up, I suggest waiting until they are fixed. Today, you can automate either scheduling or geofencing, but not both.

@halfmoon83 wrote:

3. Is there a way of keeping one set of cameras active 24/ 7 and the other cameras only active at certain times.

Yes, but it isn't as flexible as it should be.

You have three modes to work with, and you can modify all of them. You can (for example)

set up Armed Away, Armed Home, and Standby to have rules for the cameras you want active 24/7. Then no matter what mode the system is in, those cameras will be active.
set up Armed Away to arm all cameras
set up Armed Home to arm the 24/7 cameras plus some others (not necessarily all)

Or

Leave Standby as it is, so you can manually disarm everything if you want to
set up Armed Home and Armed Away to arm the 24/7 cameras
set up Armed Away to arm all cameras

Then use scheduling (or geofencing) automations to automatically change the system to a different mode then the automation triggers.

halfmoon83 · ‎2024-08-17

Hi Stephen, thanks for taking the time to answer.

Perhaps to explain. With the old software, I was able to leave the road side camera active, or armed, all the time and only the house cameras armed at night. If there is a lot of motion / activity on the road side camera. For instance, if someone is working there I was able to "disarm" the camera so that it no longer recorded activity every few seconds, but I was still able to view the area. Once the activity stops, I could re-arm the camera.

With the new App software, I set "standby" to leave the roadside camera on all the time, and "home-armed" to activate the other cameras at night.

To answer your questions

1. "still want the camera on", I mean I want to be able to view activity. I just want it disarmed so it does not record or send notifications. So when someone was working roadside, I could not find a method to disarm the roadside camera and keep on viewing. The only solution I could find was to switch the camera off, not able to view.

I looked at the options and studied the programming and it is very unclear how to solve this problem. The new app software is very poor and unclear.

2. "always enabled" . Thanks for explaining that. This is the explanation written in the APP.. not clear

Always Enabled

By default Automations will be Always be enabled when you any Mode. All other automations will be disabled when entering this mode.

3. keeping one set of cameras active 24/ 7. Thanks for the explanation. So it seems that the only way to overcome this problem is to use "Armed Away" when at Home. Does not seem logical!

So the question is, when "Away" how do you overcome the schedule so that ALL cameras remain armed all the time. Using geolocation does not seem to be the solution as this links to one person being away. So If I go shopping and someone is at home the cameras all arm!

Very dissatisfied with the quality of the new App and it's lack of flexibility.

StephenB · ‎2024-08-17

@halfmoon83 wrote:

1. "still want the camera on", I mean I want to be able to view activity. I just want it disarmed so it does not record or send notifications. So when someone was working roadside, I could not find a method to disarm the roadside camera and keep on viewing. The only solution I could find was to switch the camera off, not able to view.

There is no good way to do this right now. FWIW, if you were using a base station, there was no good way to do it with "Library" either.

But there is a need for better controls.

@halfmoon83 wrote:

So it seems that the only way to overcome this problem is to use "Armed Away" when at Home. Does not seem logical!

Well, you can repurpose any of the modes you like by changing the rules in it.

@halfmoon83 wrote:

So the question is, when "Away" how do you overcome the schedule so that ALL cameras remain armed all the time. Using geolocation does not seem to be the solution as this links to one person being away. So If I go shopping and someone is at home the cameras all arm!

As I said above, the combination of geofencing+scheduling doesn't work right now.

You can schedule mode changes at various times, and you can switch modes when people arrive and leave. But right now you cannot get both to work.

But "leave" can be set to trigger when everyone leaves, and "Arrive" can be set to trigger when anyone arrives.

Khone · ‎2024-08-17

I "upgraded" my ARLO system and I'm not happy with it.

Before the upgrade, I was able to set-up a schedule. With the upgrade, I see no way to do that and, as a result, my cameras are on 24/7.

Please tell me how I get my system back to the schedule I set-up. If I can't get it back like it was, then all is going in the recycle bin.

Thank you

StephenB · ‎2024-08-17

@Khone wrote:

Please tell me how I get my system back to the schedule I set-up.

What schedule did you have before? Were all cameras enabled/disabled together?

Khone · ‎2024-08-17

Prior to the upgrade, my cameras were on a schedule to turn on and off at specific times and record motion when on. I found the following info by accident.

Now, however, my cameras are on constantly and do not record.

How do I get them back like I had them set-up - on and off at specified times with recording when active?

DannyBearAgain · ‎2024-08-17

I currently have 11 custom modes that satisfy my operational needs using the original app UI.

It is desirable if the original app UI had custom schedules in addition to the custom modes.

I would also like to see the option to go back to the original app UI maintained going forward before I commit to this UI upgrade.

I would not like to commit to purchasing a subscription plan and then threaten to remove the subscription just to revert the app experience.

Canceling a credit card is not my preferred option to prevent arlo from continuously overcharging it.

desertrat1981 · ‎2024-08-17

What do you think of the new mobile app update?

I'm just not a fan of the new layout. More difficult to use and navigate. I'm just going to swith back to the previous app through an APK. The new app is enough for me to switch companies.

Edinburgh_lad1 · ‎2024-08-18

You won't be able to switch back to the previous app - presumably you're now using the experience with Feed, as opposed to with Library - because the new layout is linked to your account, not the app.

There has been a lot of feedback about the new app on here indeed.

I've read this morning that tp-link have released a competitively priced doorbell (2k and colour night vision, as well as local storage and no fees). Certainly the market is getting crowded and so more competitive, which is good, because it means a better standard.

StephenB · ‎2024-08-18

@Khone wrote:

Prior to the upgrade, my cameras were on a schedule to turn on and off at specific times and record motion when on. I found the following info by accident.

Now, however, my cameras are on constantly and do not record.

How do I get them back like I had them set-up - on and off at specified times with recording when active?

If the intent is to arm all cameras between 8:30 pm and 5:30 am and disarm them between 5:30 am and 8:30 pm, then:

Schedule 1 and Schedule 4 can be deleted. Note the schedule automations just tell the system to switch to Mode X at Time Y. They do not lay out a timetable like they did before. That is why you can delete 1 and 4, as there is nothing special about crossing midnight.
Schedule 2 should tell the system to switch to Standby, and Schedule 3 should tell the system to switch to Arm Home.

One mistake you made is that the schedule automations are only activated when you are already in Arm Home mode. My guess is that right now the system is in Arm Away. So none of your schedule automations will ever trigger.

One option here is to change the setup so the automations are always enabled. Then the schedule will kick in no matter what.

I think a better option is to change the setup so the automations are enabled in Arm Home and Standby, but NOT in Arm Away. The system should then stay armed 24/7 when you manually set it to Arm Away, but revert to the schedule when you manually set it back to Arm Home or Standby. Then you should be able to set the system to Arm Away manually when you go on a trip, and set it back to Arm Home or Standby when you return.

Note if you return during the day, you'd need to set it to Standby, and if you return after 8:30pm you'd need to set it to Arm Home. That is because the new setup just triggers the mode changes at the times you set, it doesn't figure out what mode you want the system to be in at any time of the day.

Either way since there are bugs, you should test the schedule, to make sure it is working the way you want.

First set the system to Arm Home during the day and making sure it stays in Arm Home that evening. Then confirm that it goes into Standby the next morning, and then goes into Arm Home that evening. This will take two days.

Then set the system to Arm Away during the day.

If the automations are always enabled, then make sure it switches to Arm Home at night. Switch it back to Arm Away after 8:30 pm, and make sure it switches to Standby in the morning.
If automations are only activated in Arm Away and Standby, then make sure it doesn't switch to Arm Home at night, and doesn't switch to Standby in the morning.

Jeff__h · ‎2024-08-18

Just started upgrading my devices from Pro 2 to 5S. Bought one 5S so I could ensure the quality before upgrading 5 other cams. Was forced to upgrade the app. The app is childish and not designed for users. Very confined UI with severe limitations. Extremely unprofessional and of low quality. The architect who designed the UI definitely has little to no experience with what end users need.

i will now stop my upgrades and wait and see if Arlo really cares about it’s user community and redesigns the UI to the needs of the end users! This situation is a game changer for my support of Arlo products! Not spending another dime till they react!

Khone · ‎2024-08-18

Same thing here. The big problem for me is the cameras never turn off and constantly alert me to movement.

I guess I'll just remove everything and recycle it all.

No help on how to set-it up for turning on/off at specific times like before. And, no library.

Tired of "updates" that are convenient for the developers and not the end users.

StephenB · ‎2024-08-18

@Khone wrote:

The big problem for me is the cameras never turn off and constantly alert me to movement.

Does that happen even if you put the system into standby?

@Khone wrote:

And, no library.

"Feed" replaces "Library"

Are you saying that no recordings are saved there?

What camera models do you have?

Khone · ‎2024-08-18

Yup. No matter where the system is, Away, Home, or Standby. All motion is recorded.

As for the library, don't particularly like it. I prefer the old way.

My cameras are old, first gen I think. I've disabled all of them. Don't anticipate bringing them back online as I'm definitely not happy with the upgrade. Don't see any reason to when I cannot set-up a schedule like I had before.

Thank you StephenB

StephenB · ‎2024-08-19

@Khone wrote:

Don't see any reason to when I cannot set-up a schedule like I had before.

Scheduling still works, but you are limited to the 3 modes - which does put some restrictions on it.

If you provide more info on the details of how many cameras you have, and how you want to scheduling them, we might be able to help.

Khone · ‎2024-08-19

Thanks StephenB

Here's what has been happening.

I have 3 ARLO Pro (VMC4030) cameras.

I reset my base station and then added all three cameras. Took a while, but finally got that done.

Then I opened ARLO and on the Home page there is one camera showing. It is constantly recording motion and sending notifications. Had to turn it off to stop that.

Then I wanted to set-up a schedule so I went to Routines, Modes, then Device Rules when in Home Mode. All 3 cameras are set to detect motion, record and notify.

Then, under Automations, 1. Custom Schedule 8:00 PM Arm Home and 2. Custom Schedule 6:00 AM Arm Away (tried Standby but couldn't get that to work)

So, right now, all three cameras are sitting in front of me, all quiet. Remember, I had to turn one off because it was live continuously. What I need to do is wait until tomorrow morning to see whether or not I figured out this puzzle. Just have to remember to turn the one camera back on. Supposedly all three should turn on at 8 PM and then off at 6 AM next morning.

At least that's what I'm hoping for. If not, probably recycle time. Tired of screwing with it. Total frustration and aggravation.

Let me know what you think.

Regards

StephenB · ‎2024-08-19

@Khone wrote:

Then I opened ARLO and on the Home page there is one camera showing. It is constantly recording motion and sending notifications. Had to turn it off to stop that.

I've seen a couple of other posts from people experiencing this. You might need to try another hardware reset on that particular camera.

@Khone wrote:

Then, under Automations, 1. Custom Schedule 8:00 PM Arm Home and 2. Custom Schedule 6:00 AM Arm Away (tried Standby but couldn't get that to work)

So, right now, all three cameras are sitting in front of me, all quiet. Remember, I had to turn one off because it was live continuously. What I need to do is wait until tomorrow morning to see whether or not I figured out this puzzle. Just have to remember to turn the one camera back on. Supposedly all three should turn on at 8 PM and then off at 6 AM next morning.

What happened when you tried standby?

One common mistake I am seeing is that people are only enabling the automation for one mode.

If this still doesn't work, then maybe post the screen shots of the automation you are using.

Khone · ‎2024-08-19

When I tried Standby, I couldn't save it. That's why I went to Arm Away. No error messages or anything, just no Save button.

I figured if I set-up automation for them to open, it would make sense to make one for them to shut down.

If they don't come on at 8 and shut down at 6, I'll do the screen shots.

Appreciate your interest.

My day is done. More tomorrow

Khone · ‎2024-08-20

Well, here’s the results of my efforts to try and get my ARLO system to work. Wasted effort. I violated the golden rule I established when I was in the military - “If it works, don’t fix it”.

The 5 screenshots are what come up when I log in to my account and click on the appropriate section. Notice the “feed” shot - no videos. Here’s what’s weird. If I click on any camera, I get videos from as much as 5 days ago but they are not in the feeds or my phone, only on the camera. And, same problem as with the old system - videos only about 8-16 seconds long despite constant motion.

I’m burned out on this. It’s obvious ARLO designers came up with the “upgrade” ignoring the end users. What a waste.

Gonna shop around for something that is user friendly.

I appreciate all the interest and help on this “upgrade debacle”.

Thank you all and have a good week.

Quiksilva · ‎2024-12-25

I agree with everything you have said, the worst thing is that they have designed so that you can’t remove it and go back to the version before.
I’m still trying to work out how to delete multiple clips like I could do on the old version.

Khone · ‎2024-12-25

I finally got mine to work like it's supposed to. It works on both my desktop and phone.

What are you using? I might have an answer to your question on deleting multiple clips.

Khone · ‎2024-12-26

I guess you figured it out, eh?

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