Many Arlo cameras, including the new Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (Gen 2), come equipped with a built-in Privacy Shield, designed to physically block the camera lens for enhanced privacy. In this guide, we will explore how to use the Privacy Shield on Arlo cameras and address the common question of whether it can be controlled remotely through the Arlo smartphone app.
How to use the Privacy Shield on Arlo cameras
The Arlo Privacy Shield, a key feature for safeguarding your home, can only be activated through the Arlo smartphone app. While there is no physical button on the camera for this purpose, this design choice is a deliberate safety precaution to prevent unauthorized individuals from tampering with the camera.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Go to the Dashboard Open your Arlo app and navigate to the Dashboard, the central hub for managing your Arlo devices.
Step 2: Enable the Privacy Shield Select “Standby” to enable the Privacy Shield. In most Arlo products, the Standby mode is designed to activate the Privacy Shield. Additionally, for some devices, choosing “Arm Home” will also trigger the Privacy Shield.
Step 3: Disable the Privacy Shield To deactivate the Privacy Shield, select “Arm Away.”
Step 4: Base Station Connection If your camera is connected to a base station, arming or disarming your entire system will perform the same actions as mentioned above. If you wish to control only the camera, connect your device directly to your Wi-Fi router, bypassing the base station.
Step 5: Live Feed Access Navigate to the Devices tab and enter a live feed of your property to automatically deactivate the Privacy Shield.
It’s important to note that the steps might slightly vary based on the Arlo app version you are using. However, the fundamental principle remains: disarming your system will activate the Privacy Shield, and arming your system will deactivate it.
Additionally, be aware that the camera produces an audible clicking sound during the activation or deactivation process, which may be a consideration, especially if you have sleeping dogs or children.
