Arlo|Smart Home Security|Wireless HD Security Cameras

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Confused23
Guide
Guide

Why is the new app completely different to previous.  I have spent 3 hours on my phone trying to work out how to schedule on and off times.  It took me 10 seconds with previous app. Which was intuitive    This one uses completely different language and terminology. Not happy. 

23 REPLIES 23
jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

The app is the same but it supports 2 different user interfaces (UI). The old UI uses Library to view recordings while the new one uses Feed. Adding the new camera caused the migration from the old UI to the new one (if you were watching, the first step is to migrate and then to add the new camera).

 

The schedule is set up in Routines. Click on the "+" at the top and choose schedule. You need to do this at least twice - once to cause the system to use one mode and another to then change to another. Custom modes don't transfer to the new UI so you have to edit the 3 default ones to do what you need. The reason for only 3 modes is due to the security system only being able to choose between those 3.

 

Read this FAQ for all details:

 

https://kb.arlo.com/000062942/How-do-I-add-a-Schedule-Automation-to-my-Arlo-system

Confused23
Guide
Guide

i have 2 base stations and multiple cameras at each requiring different schedules.  when i think i am adding a  schedule to a particular camera - all schedules that i have entered appear so i dont know if these are relevant to all cameras or just the ones i selected them for.  remain confused. 

jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

You don't add a schedule to a camera - you add a MODE to the schedule. Each mode has rules for various cameras so those cameras will detect and (usually) record.

 

Maybe some details as to what cameras and bases you have as well as what you're attempting to do would be useful. Also, do you see Library to view recordings or Feed? The current apps support 2 different user interfaces (UI) so answers to questions may rely on which UI you're using. Screenshots can also be useful.

Edinburgh_lad
Apprentice
Apprentice

I too have a problem with setting up schedules. Honestly, Netgear knew what they were doing; this lot, on the other hand, have no idea. They're trying to reinvent the wheel. By doing this, they're making the whole system less flexible. And the worst one can do is not to listen to your customers, and Arlo seems to be very good at that.

So, I'm so busy at work, but instead, I'll be fiddling with the whole system trying to make sense of someone's crazy ideas that aren't logical (i.e. not to have a custom mode anymore.) Really not happy at all.

Confused23
Guide
Guide

so i have ditched all of my old cameras.  i have managed to get 2 new essential 2k indoors working on the same mode/schedule.  i also have a Essential2k battery camera that is also on the same mode/schedule but is on 24/7 never on standby as it is supposed to be.

i want to establish different modes for different cameras but that doesn't seem possible.

 

confused and annoyed

Edinburgh_lad1
Mentor
Mentor

Look at my post in New GUI in the Ultra section. Once the mods approve the screenshots, you can set up the new schedule using my guide.

jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

@Confused23 wrote:

i want to establish different modes for different cameras but that doesn't seem possible.


Assuming you're using the new user interface (UI) that uses Feed to view recordings, you can't add modes. You have to use the 3 default modes to accomplish what you need. If you're using the old UI that uses Library to view recordings, you can create custom modes but at some point you'll be migrated to the new UI and lose those modes.

swiftd
Aspirant
Aspirant

Is there any info available on whether Arlo intends to add the custom mode functionality back into the Arlo Secure app?

 

Confused23
Guide
Guide

sorry what do you mean by the Ultra section?

StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@Confused23 wrote:

sorry what do you mean by the Ultra section?


It's an area of the forum dedicated to Ultra cameras.

 

I think @Edinburgh_lad1 is pointing you to this post:

arlocuss32
Initiate
Initiate

I agree with you as I have been on the phone several times this week and no one has been able to help me although some good technical support personnel tried but this app is CRAP. 

TexasRed89
Initiate
Initiate

Totally agree with @Confused23  I updated the App last night and have spent a couple of hours now trying to figure out how to reschedule all of my cameras.  It is NOT intuitive, so here I am on the board looking for help guidance.  Whoever the marketing person was who thought the previous feature was inadequate and this update either fixes scheduling or makes it better was totally off the mark.

Confused23
Guide
Guide

Ive given up - im throwing my ARLO's in the bin and going with a different camera supplier who has an app that works and suites my needs.

have been disgusted at the lack of response and care from ARLO about their absolutely crap APP.

jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru
sacradash
Initiate
Initiate

I agree that they threw the baby out with the bath water. Terrible UI, definitely not user friendly. Less customization options.

rhiggsbear
Initiate
Initiate

They tell you how to schedule the start time but NOTHING regarding the end time.

jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

The end time is when a different schedule is created, perhaps to use the Standby (or other) mode.

Confused23
Guide
Guide

that would be the obvious answer - but it doesnt work that way.  i cant believe how bad this ARLO app is and the fact that ARLO wont support it at all - requiring customers (former) to ask other to answer their questions.  im changing brands.

StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@Confused23 wrote:

that would be the obvious answer - but it doesnt work that way.  


It actually does "work that way".   Each start time needs to have its own automation.  (The end time of each time segment has a corresponding start time of the next segment).

 

If you give us details of what cameras you have, and when you want them armed and disarmed, we can give you more specific advice.

Confused23
Guide
Guide

i have 2 indoor ones - essential 2k i think and a battery one - an ultra 2 i believe 

StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@Confused23 wrote:

i have 2 indoor ones - essential 2k i think and a battery one - an ultra 2 i believe 


Don't guess.  

 

Go into the support center in the app, and select the camera.  Scroll down to "Details", and you'll see the camera model in the product field.  The model will start with VMC. 

 

Also, you need to tell us specifically how you want these cameras to be scheduled.  Also, if you want them to be armed 24x7 when you are away.

Confused23
Guide
Guide

i have 2 Essential 2, 2k indoor powered cameras VMC 3060 and one Essential 2, 2k outdoor battery camera VMC3050

i would like all 3 to come on at 11pm and off at 5.30am everyday.

i would also like to change that to arm the 24/7 when away

(in case it is relevant) i also have a Go V2 VML2030 in a separate location which i dont want scheduled but i just turn it on and off on the app as needed. 

 

thanks 

StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@Confused23 wrote:

i would like all 3 to come on at 11pm and off at 5.30am everyday.

i would also like to change that to arm the 24/7 when away


First set up "Arm Home" and "Arm Away" identically - both need to arm all the cameras (including the Go 2).  Also modify "Standby" to arm the Go 2, so it will not be disarmed with the other cameras.  This should be useful as a guide when making those changes:

 

Then you set up a schedule automation that switches to "Standby" every morning at 5:30, and set up a second automation that switches to "Arm Home" at 11pm.  These automations need to be enabled whenever the system is in Arm Home or Standby (and NOT enabled when the system is in Arm Away).  They should look like this (substituting your times for sunrise and sunset).

Sunrise.jpeg

 

Sunset.PNG

 

Finally you need to set up two geofencing automations ("Arrive" and "Leave").  "Arrive" is only enabled when the system is in "Arm Away" mode - that ensures it only runs when the first person arrives home.  It is safe to enable "Leave" in all modes.  These will work w/o modification:

Leave.png

 

Standby Arrive.png

 

Note that "Arrive" will always switch the mode to "Standby" - even if you arrive home after 11 pm.  In that situation you need to manually set the system to "Arm Home".   If you forget, the system will remain in "Standby" until 11 pm the following evening.

 

As far as the Go 2 goes, I suggest using the on/off control in the camera settings to arm/disarm the camera.  The only other way is to modify the three modes to remove the rule, and then put the rule back when you want to re-arm it.  Which is tedious.

 

The other option would be to create a separate location for the Go 2 in the app.  Then you'd have independent "Arm Away", "Arm Home", and "Standby" modes for that camera, and you would also be able to geofence it (using its location as the anchor).  The downside is that you'd need a separate Arlo Secure subscription for the camera (because you need separate subscriptions for each location).