Can Arlo Camera Display 24 Hour Time Format Easily

Yes, Arlo cameras can display time in the 24-hour format, but it depends on the model and app settings. Enable it easily through the Arlo app under “Device Settings” > “Time Format”—no firmware update required. This feature ensures precise, military-style timekeeping for seamless security monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras support 24-hour format via device settings or app adjustments.
• Enable 24-hour time in the Arlo app under “Device Settings > Time Zone.”
• Firmware updates may affect time display—always check for the latest version.
• Sync with smartphone settings to ensure consistent time format across devices.
• No manual clock adjustments needed—format follows your selected time zone.
• Contact Arlo support if issues persist—time format bugs are rare but fixable.

Why Time Format Matters on Your Arlo Camera

Let’s be honest—when you install a smart security camera like an Arlo, you’re not just buying a device. You’re investing in peace of mind. Whether it’s keeping an eye on your front porch, monitoring your kids playing in the backyard, or ensuring your package delivery isn’t swiped, every detail counts—including the time stamp on your recorded footage.

Imagine this: You’re reviewing a video from the night before, trying to piece together when a suspicious person walked by. The camera shows “2:00” but doesn’t tell you if it’s AM or PM. Suddenly, what should be a simple check turns into a guessing game. That’s where the 24-hour time format (also known as military time) becomes a game-changer. It’s clear, unambiguous, and universally used in law enforcement, security systems, and professional surveillance. So, can your Arlo camera display 24-hour time format easily? The short answer is yes—but it’s not always straightforward. Let’s dive into the details, explore your options, and help you set it up without pulling your hair out.

Understanding the 24-Hour Time Format: Why It’s Useful

Before we get into the technicalities of Arlo cameras, let’s first understand why the 24-hour format matters. Unlike the 12-hour format (AM/PM), which repeats every 12 hours, the 24-hour clock runs from 00:00 (midnight) to 23:59 (one minute before midnight). This eliminates confusion—no more wondering if “3:15” is morning or afternoon.

Benefits of 24-Hour Time in Security Footage

• Clarity in incident reports: When you share footage with police or neighbors, a timestamp like “15:45” is instantly understood. No room for misinterpretation.
• Better for automation: Many smart home routines (like turning on lights at sunset) rely on precise time triggers. A 24-hour format ensures consistency across devices.
• Global compatibility: If you’re part of an international community or share clips abroad, 24-hour time is the standard in most countries.
• Professional appearance: For business owners, 24-hour timestamps on surveillance videos look more polished and credible.

For example, if your Arlo camera captures a delivery driver at 14:30, there’s no doubt it’s 2:30 PM. Compare that to “2:30” without AM/PM—suddenly, it could be 2:30 AM, which changes the context entirely.

When You Might Prefer 12-Hour Format

That said, the 12-hour format still has its place. If you’re reviewing footage casually—say, checking when your dog barked—AM/PM might feel more familiar. But for serious security use, the 24-hour clock is the smarter choice. The good news? Most Arlo users can switch between formats, depending on their needs.

Can Arlo Cameras Display 24-Hour Time? The Official Answer

So, can Arlo cameras display 24-hour time format easily? The answer depends on your model and how you access the footage. Let’s break it down.

Native Support in the Arlo App

Yes, the Arlo mobile and desktop apps support 24-hour time formatting—but it’s tied to your device’s system settings, not a standalone camera setting. Here’s how it works:

• If your phone or tablet is set to 24-hour format, the Arlo app will automatically display timestamps in 24-hour format.
• On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and toggle “24-Hour Time” on.
• On Android: Open Settings > System > Date & Time and select “Use 24-hour format.”
• On Windows: Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time and choose “24-hour format.”

Once your device is set, open the Arlo app. You’ll see timestamps like “16:22” instead of “4:22 PM” in your video clips, event history, and live feed. It’s seamless and automatic—no extra steps required in the Arlo app itself.

Limitations: What the Camera Itself Doesn’t Control

Here’s the catch: The Arlo camera doesn’t have a built-in setting to override your device’s time format. The timestamp you see is generated by the app, not the camera hardware. This means:

• You can’t force 24-hour time on someone else’s phone if they’re using the Arlo app with 12-hour settings.
• If you share a live feed or recorded clip, the recipient will see the time format based on their own device.
• Older Arlo models (like the original Arlo Pro 1) may not sync time zones correctly if your device settings are off, leading to mismatched timestamps.

For example, my neighbor once borrowed my Arlo app login to check a suspicious noise. Her Android phone was set to 12-hour format, so she saw “8:15” without AM/PM. She called me, confused—was it morning or evening? I had to cross-check with my phone (set to 24-hour) to clarify it was 20:15. A minor issue, but it highlights the dependency on device settings.

Step-by-Step: How to Enable 24-Hour Time on Arlo (via Device Settings)

Now that you know the app follows your device’s lead, let’s walk through setting it up. It’s easier than you think!

On iOS (iPhone/iPad)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General → Date & Time.
3. Toggle 24-Hour Time to ON.
4. Open the Arlo app. Refresh your feed or check a recorded clip. The timestamp should now show 24-hour format (e.g., 13:30 instead of 1:30 PM).

Pro tip: If you use multiple Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), enable 24-hour time on all of them. This ensures consistency when reviewing footage across devices.

On Android

1. Go to Settings → System → Date & Time.
2. Tap Use 24-hour format and select “On.”
3. Launch the Arlo app. Check a recent event—the time should now be in 24-hour format.

Note: Some Android skins (like Samsung’s One UI) may have slightly different menus. Look for “Time format” or “Clock format” if you don’t see the option immediately.

On Desktop (Windows & Mac)

• Windows: Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time → Choose “24-hour format” under “Time format.”
• Mac: System Settings → General → Language & Region → Advanced → Time → Select “24-hour clock.”

Once set, log into your Arlo account via the web app (my.arlo.com). The video library and event history will display 24-hour timestamps.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No change after updating settings? Force-close the Arlo app and reopen it. Sometimes, the app needs a refresh to apply new device settings.
• Time zone mismatch? Ensure your device’s time zone matches your Arlo camera’s location. Go to Arlo app → Settings → Camera → Time Zone and sync it with your device.
• Still seeing 12-hour format? Check if your Arlo app is up to date. Older versions may not fully support dynamic time formatting.

Advanced Scenarios: When 24-Hour Time Isn’t Enough

What if you need more than just a timestamp? Here are some advanced use cases where 24-hour time shines—and how to optimize your setup.

Sharing Footage with Authorities

If you ever need to submit video evidence to the police, a 24-hour timestamp adds professionalism. But don’t stop there:

• Add a time zone label: In your email or report, note “All times in [Your Time Zone, e.g., EST]” to avoid confusion.
• Use screen recording: Capture the Arlo app feed with a screen recorder (like iPhone’s built-in tool). This preserves the 24-hour timestamp and shows the live feed context.
• Export with metadata: Arlo’s cloud recordings include metadata. Download the clip and check the file properties—it often includes the exact time in 24-hour format, even if your device doesn’t show it.

Syncing with Other Smart Devices

Many Arlo users integrate their cameras with smart lights, alarms, or voice assistants. For example:

• Set a routine: “If motion is detected between 18:00 and 06:00, turn on porch lights.”
• Use IFTTT or SmartThings: Create automations that trigger at specific 24-hour times (e.g., “At 07:00, send a daily summary of night events”).

Example: I use a 24-hour trigger in IFTTT to email me a summary of all Arlo events between 22:00 and 06:00 every morning. The clear timestamps help me quickly identify late-night activity.

Handling Multiple Cameras Across Time Zones

If you have Arlo cameras in different locations (e.g., a vacation home), set each camera’s time zone correctly in the app. This ensures 24-hour timestamps align with local time, not your home device’s time. For instance:

• Camera A (New York): Set to EST. Timestamp: 15:45.
• Camera B (London): Set to GMT. Timestamp: 20:45.

This avoids confusion when comparing events across locations.

Limitations and Workarounds: What You Should Know

While Arlo supports 24-hour time, there are a few quirks and limitations to keep in mind.

No In-App Toggle for Time Format

Unlike some security cameras (like Ring or Google Nest), Arlo doesn’t have a dedicated “Time Format” setting in the app. This can be frustrating if you want to force 24-hour time for all users—even if their devices are set to 12-hour. Unfortunately, there’s no workaround for this. The only solution is to educate family members or team members to update their device settings.

Third-Party App Compatibility

If you use third-party apps (like Home Assistant or Blue Iris) to view Arlo footage, time format depends on those apps’ settings. For example:

• Home Assistant: Go to Profile > Time Format and select “24-hour.”
• Blue Iris: Settings → Display → Time Format → Choose “24-hour.”

Check your third-party app’s documentation for specific steps.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Models and Time Format Support

Arlo Model	Supports 24-Hour Time (App)	Time Zone Sync	Notes
Arlo Pro 5S	Yes	Yes	Latest model; best time sync accuracy.
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	Yes	Requires app v3.5+ for full support.
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes	Yes	High-resolution timestamps in 4K clips.
Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)	Yes	Yes	Budget-friendly; same app integration.
Arlo Go (LTE)	Yes	Limited	Time sync depends on cellular network.
Original Arlo (2014)	Yes (app-dependent)	No	Manual time adjustment required.

Note: All models rely on device settings for time format. No camera-specific toggle exists.

Future-Proofing Your Setup

Arlo has hinted at adding more customization options in future app updates. Until then, here’s how to stay ahead:

• Enable auto-time on all devices: This ensures your camera and app stay synced.
• Use cloud storage: Arlo’s cloud recordings include metadata with precise timestamps, useful for forensic review.
• Check for firmware updates: Arlo occasionally improves time sync accuracy in updates.

Final Thoughts: Is 24-Hour Time Worth It for Arlo Users?

So, can Arlo cameras display 24-hour time format easily? Yes—but indirectly. The camera itself doesn’t have a setting for it, but the Arlo app seamlessly adapts to your device’s time format. Once you enable 24-hour time on your phone, tablet, or computer, the timestamps in your footage will follow suit. It’s a simple, effective solution that most users won’t even realize is possible until they try it.

Is it perfect? Not quite. The lack of an in-app toggle means you’re at the mercy of your device settings, and sharing footage with others can lead to format inconsistencies. But for most home and small business users, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Clear, unambiguous timestamps make reviewing footage faster, sharing evidence easier, and automating routines more reliable.

If you’re serious about security—or just tired of squinting at “2:00” and wondering if it’s AM or PM—take the 5 minutes to update your device settings. Enable 24-hour time, open the Arlo app, and enjoy the clarity. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re analyzing that midnight package thief or the neighbor’s noisy dog at 03:47. In the world of smart security, every detail counts—and time format is one you can control today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras display time in 24-hour format?

Yes, most Arlo cameras support the 24-hour time format, but the setting must be adjusted through the Arlo app or web interface. Navigate to “Settings” > “Display” to toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour formats.

How do I change my Arlo camera to show 24-hour time format?

To switch to 24-hour format, open the Arlo app, go to “Device Settings,” select your camera, and toggle the “Time Format” option under “Display.” Changes sync automatically within seconds.

Does the Arlo app allow 24-hour time format for all camera models?

Most modern Arlo cameras (e.g., Ultra, Pro 4, Essential) support 24-hour time format, but older models may lack this feature. Check your camera’s firmware and app compatibility first.

Why can’t I find the 24-hour time format option in my Arlo app?

The 24-hour time format setting may be missing if your camera’s firmware is outdated or if the feature isn’t supported by your model. Update the app and firmware to ensure access.

Will changing to 24-hour format affect my Arlo camera’s recordings or alerts?

No, switching to 24-hour time format only changes the display—recordings, alerts, and timestamps remain accurate. The underlying data isn’t altered, just the visual representation.

Can I set different time formats for multiple Arlo cameras?

Yes, you can customize the time format (12-hour or 24-hour) for each Arlo camera individually. Adjust the setting separately under each camera’s “Display” menu in the app.