Arlo Secure App Update: Missing 'Device On/Off' Toggle Creates Usability Issues

[Am1212]

It appears that in the Arlo Secure iOS app (version 5.3.2), the “Device On” toggle switch for the Video Doorbell (Essential 2 2K Video Doorbell, with the latest firmware installed, Hardware version 1.3) has once again been removed.

This is extremely unsatisfactory, as there is now no practical way to disarm the device given how I have it configured with the newer, limited “Arm Away,” “Arm Home,” and “Standby” options. Being a doorbell, I have configured it in “Standby” mode to record video when motion is detected. The reason for this setup is to ensure that, even if the rest of the household is in Standby mode, the front door remains monitored. “Arm Home” is then used to selectively monitor other cameras during specific hours without being triggered by, for example, activity in the backyard during the playday. However, with only three modes, there are insufficient configurations to keep the video doorbell continuously monitoring while managing these nuances.

Additionally, there is no way to “disarm” the video doorbell for specific tasks—such as 1) charging the doorbell (since the battery is now integrated) or 2) doing yardwork in front of the doorbell—without repeatedly modifying the device rules. This lack of flexibility is frustrating and inefficient.

In previous versions of the app (and the web dashboard), it was possible to toggle the device on or off. This feature was perfect for my usage pattern, allowing me to temporarily disable the device for charging or when I expected repeated motion in front of it.

Am I missing some other setup that would address my intended usage scenario—where the doorbell is always armed unless I intentionally disarm it for charging or yardwork? Why isn’t there a fourth “Disarmed” mode option that achieves precisely this by disabling all features instead of merely putting the device into Standby mode?

The logic behind removing the “Device On/Off” toggle has been explained in past discussions as a safeguard to prevent users from unintentionally disabling their doorbell. However, this reasoning seems flawed. If I deliberately turn off the device, it is because I do not want it to function disabled for a myriad of reasons—why would I expect it to work when turned off?

This issue is incredibly frustrating, especially as a paying subscriber spending nearly $30 per month for Arlo’s services. Usability and control of features should never be downgraded. What am I missing here?

[jguerdat]

I have a similar situation and have the cameras similarly configured. If I want to temporarily disarm a camera, I just go to the camera rule and toggle motion detection off. When you toggle it back on, all the previous settings are still there so you don't have to reconfigure anything.

[jguerdat]

I have a similar situation and have the cameras similarly configured. If I want to temporarily disarm a camera, I just go to the camera rule and toggle motion detection off. When you toggle it back on, all the previous settings are still there so you don't have to reconfigure anything.