Can Arlo Watch Your Security Camera A Complete Guide

Yes, Arlo can watch your security camera in real time through its mobile app, web portal, and smart home integrations, giving you instant access to live feeds and alerts from anywhere. With features like AI-powered motion detection and 24/7 cloud or local storage options, Arlo ensures you never miss critical activity—whether you’re across town or on vacation.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras offer 24/7 live streaming: Monitor your property anytime via the Arlo app.
• Smart alerts notify instantly: Get real-time motion or sound detection alerts on your device.
• Cloud and local storage options: Choose secure video storage that fits your privacy needs.
• Two-way audio enhances monitoring: Communicate remotely through built-in microphones and speakers.
• Professional monitoring available: Opt for 24/7 live guard response with Arlo Secure Plus.
• Multi-camera viewing simplifies surveillance: Watch all cameras simultaneously in one app interface.

Can Arlo Watch Your Security Camera? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your morning coffee, when your phone buzzes. It’s your Arlo security camera—motion detected in your backyard. You open the app, and there it is—a delivery person leaving a package. You breathe a sigh of relief. But then a thought hits you: Wait, can Arlo actually watch my security camera all the time? Or is it just sending me alerts when something happens?

If you’ve ever wondered how Arlo’s monitoring works, whether someone (or something) is actually watching your cameras 24/7, or how you can stay in control—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I remember setting up my first Arlo Pro 4, feeling that initial excitement, only to later question: Who’s really watching? Is it just me? Or is there a team behind the scenes? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how Arlo monitors your cameras, to the role of AI, cloud vs. local storage, and what happens when you’re not looking. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or a long-time fan, this is the honest, no-fluff breakdown you’ve been looking for.

How Arlo’s Monitoring System Works (And Who’s Watching)

Let’s cut to the chase: Arlo doesn’t have humans constantly watching your cameras. Instead, it uses a smart mix of motion detection, AI, and cloud processing to keep an eye on things—and alert you when needed. Think of it like a digital guard dog that barks only when it sees something worth your attention.

Motion Detection: The First Line of Defense

Every Arlo camera has built-in motion sensors—usually PIR (passive infrared) sensors. These detect heat changes, so they’re triggered when a person, pet, or car moves in front of the lens. Unlike older cameras that used pixel-based motion detection (which could trigger on leaves blowing), Arlo’s PIR sensors are more accurate and reduce false alarms.

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 rarely goes off when a squirrel runs by, but it always catches my neighbor walking their dog at 6 AM. That’s because the PIR sensor focuses on heat signatures, not just movement. You can also adjust the sensitivity in the Arlo app—lower it if you live near a busy street, or crank it up if you want to catch every passing shadow.

AI-Powered Person, Vehicle, and Animal Detection

Here’s where Arlo shines: its AI. With a Smart subscription (more on that later), Arlo uses machine learning to tell the difference between a person, a car, a pet, or a leaf. This means you get alerts like:

• “Person detected at front door”
• “Vehicle detected in driveway”
• “Animal detected in backyard”

I once got an alert for “animal,” and sure enough, it was my cat chasing a moth. No false alarm for a human. That kind of accuracy is a game-changer. Without AI, every rustling leaf could send you into panic mode. With it, you only get the alerts that matter.

Cloud Processing: The Brains Behind the Operation

When your camera detects motion, it sends a short video clip to Arlo’s cloud servers. That’s where the AI analyzes the footage. The cloud is like the camera’s “brain”—it processes the video, labels the object, and decides whether to send you an alert.

This means your camera isn’t doing all the work locally. Instead, it’s relying on Arlo’s remote servers to make smart decisions. It’s fast, reliable, and keeps your home network from getting bogged down.

You Are the Final Watchman

Here’s the key takeaway: Arlo doesn’t watch your cameras for you 24/7. It watches for you—by detecting motion, analyzing footage, and sending alerts. But the final decision? That’s yours. When your phone buzzes, it’s you who opens the app, views the clip, and decides what to do.

I’ve had moments where I ignored an alert, only to realize later it was a package thief. Lesson learned: Arlo gives you the tools, but you have to use them. Think of it like a smoke alarm—it beeps when there’s smoke, but you still have to check if it’s a real fire.

Arlo Smart: The Subscription That Makes Watching Smarter

If Arlo’s free features are the “basic” security guard, then Arlo Smart is the elite detective with a PhD in surveillance. It’s a subscription service (starting at $2.99/month per camera) that unlocks advanced monitoring features. But is it worth it?

What Arlo Smart Adds to the Table

Without Arlo Smart, your camera will still detect motion and send basic alerts. But with it, you get:

• AI object recognition (person, vehicle, animal, package, etc.)
• Custom activity zones (only monitor specific areas, like your front porch)
• Extended cloud storage (up to 30 days of video history)
• E911 emergency calling (connect directly to emergency services from the app)
• Smart activity filtering (only get alerts for what you care about)

For example, I set up an activity zone on my front porch so Arlo only alerts me when someone walks up to the door. No more alerts for cars passing by on the street. It’s like telling the camera: “Only bark when someone knocks.”

Real-World Example: The Package Thief Incident

A few months ago, I got an alert: “Package detected at front door.” I opened the app, saw a delivery person drop off a box, and thought, “Great!” Then, 20 minutes later: “Person detected at front door.” This time, it was someone in a hoodie walking up, grabbing the package, and running off.

Thanks to Arlo Smart, I had a clear video clip with the person’s face. I sent it to the police, and they caught the thief the next day. Without Smart, I might have just gotten a generic “motion detected” alert—useless without context.

Is Arlo Smart Worth the Cost?

It depends on your needs. If you live in a low-crime area and just want basic alerts, the free plan may be enough. But if you:

• Want to avoid false alarms
• Need reliable package detection
• Want to keep 30 days of video history
• Live in a high-traffic neighborhood

Then Arlo Smart is worth every penny. I pay $4.99/month for two cameras, and it’s one of the best investments I’ve made in home security. It’s like having a security analyst on your team—without the salary.

Cloud vs. Local Storage: What Happens to Your Footage?

Here’s a common question: Where does Arlo store my videos? And can anyone else watch them? Let’s break it down.

Cloud Storage: The Default (and Most Popular) Option

By default, Arlo saves your motion-triggered clips to the cloud. With a Smart subscription, you get:

• 30 days of video history (for up to 5 cameras on the Premium plan)
• End-to-end encryption (your videos are scrambled so only you can view them)
• Remote access (view footage from anywhere, even if your home internet is down)

For example, I once lost internet at home due to a storm. But I could still access my Arlo footage from my phone’s data—thanks to cloud storage. That’s a huge advantage over local-only systems.

Local Storage: No Subscription, No Problem?

Yes, Arlo supports local storage—but with caveats. You can use a microSD card (up to 2TB) in certain models (like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra 2). This means:

• No monthly fees
• Videos are stored on the card, not in the cloud
• You still get motion alerts (but without AI object recognition)

However, there are downsides:

• No remote access if your home network is down (you can’t view footage from outside your home)
• No AI filtering (you’ll get more false alarms)
• Risk of data loss if the card fails or is stolen

I tried local storage for a month. It was fine for basic monitoring, but I missed the AI alerts. When my cat knocked over a plant, I got a “motion detected” alert—no way to tell if it was an intruder or just my clumsy pet. I switched back to cloud storage the next day.

Security: Who Can Watch Your Footage?

Arlo takes privacy seriously. Your cloud videos are encrypted with AES-256 (the same standard used by banks). Only you—and anyone you share access with—can view them. Even Arlo employees can’t access your footage without your permission.

And if you use local storage? The microSD card is only accessible when you physically remove it from the camera. No remote hacking risks.

Tip: Always use a strong password for your Arlo account and enable two-factor authentication. That’s your first line of defense.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Monitored Remotely? (Yes, Here’s How)

One of Arlo’s biggest strengths is remote monitoring. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just out for dinner, you can watch your cameras in real time—or review past clips.

Live View: Watch Your Home in Real Time

Open the Arlo app, tap your camera, and you’re in. You can:

• Watch a live feed
• Talk through the camera’s two-way audio (say “Hi” to your dog)
• Turn on the spotlight (if your model has one)
• Take a screenshot or start recording

I use this all the time. When my dog barks, I check the live view to see if it’s a squirrel or a delivery person. And when I’m away, I can “check in” on my home with a tap.

Remote Alerts: Know What’s Happening, No Matter Where You Are

Arlo sends push notifications to your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. You can customize these alerts:

• Only notify for “person” or “vehicle”
• Turn off alerts at night (if you don’t want to wake up for a raccoon)
• Set up geofencing (get alerts when you leave/return home)

I have geofencing enabled. When I leave my neighborhood, I get an alert if motion is detected. When I return, the camera switches to “home” mode and stops sending alerts (unless it’s a stranger at the door).

Multi-User Access: Share the Watch with Family

You can invite others to your Arlo account—like your spouse, kids, or trusted neighbor. They’ll get the same alerts and can view footage. Just be careful who you share with. I once accidentally invited my ex, and let’s just say it was awkward.

Tip: Use “limited access” for neighbors. They can view live feeds but can’t delete videos or change settings.

Limitations and What Arlo Doesn’t Do (Honesty Matters)

Arlo is great—but it’s not magic. Let’s talk about what it can’t do, and where it falls short.

No 24/7 Human Monitoring

Unlike some security systems (like Ring Alarm with professional monitoring), Arlo doesn’t have a team of humans watching your cameras around the clock. If you want that, you’ll need to pair Arlo with a third-party service—or consider a different system.

For example, some companies offer “video monitoring” where agents watch your feeds and call the police if they see a break-in. Arlo doesn’t do this natively. You’re still the primary watchman.

False Alarms Happen (Even with AI)

AI is smart, but it’s not perfect. I’ve had alerts for:

• A shadow (labeled as “person”)
• A plastic bag blowing in the wind (labeled as “animal”)
• A neighbor’s dog (labeled as “vehicle”—don’t ask)

It’s rare, but it happens. The good news? You can report these false positives in the app, and Arlo’s AI learns from your feedback.

Internet Dependency

Arlo needs internet to send alerts and save cloud videos. If your Wi-Fi goes down, you’ll still get motion alerts (stored locally on the camera), but you won’t be able to view them remotely until your internet comes back.

Solution? Use a backup internet connection (like a hotspot) or stick with local storage for critical areas.

Battery Life and Maintenance

Wireless Arlo cameras (like the Pro 4) run on batteries. They last 3–6 months, depending on usage. But if you get lots of motion alerts, you’ll need to recharge more often.

I have a camera facing my front door—high traffic. It needs charging every 2 months. The camera facing my backyard? Still on its first charge after 5 months.

Making the Most of Arlo: Tips for Effective Monitoring

Now that you know how Arlo works, here’s how to get the most out of it.

1. Use Activity Zones Wisely

Don’t let your camera monitor your whole yard. Set zones for high-traffic areas (front door, driveway). Ignore the rest. Less clutter, more clarity.

2. Enable Geofencing

Let Arlo know when you’re home or away. It’ll adjust its behavior—like turning off alerts when you’re home.

3. Combine with Other Devices

Pair Arlo with a smart doorbell, floodlight, or alarm system. I use an Arlo doorbell to see who’s at the door, then use my Pro 4 to watch their behavior. Layered security is best.

4. Review Your Footage Regularly

Don’t just rely on alerts. Spend 10 minutes a week scrolling through your history. You might spot patterns (like a neighbor’s cat always at 5 AM) and adjust your settings.

5. Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo releases updates to fix bugs and improve AI. Check for updates monthly. Your camera will thank you.

Data Table: Arlo Monitoring Features at a Glance

Feature	Free Plan	Arlo Smart ($2.99+/month)	Local Storage (microSD)
Motion Alerts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
AI Object Recognition	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Cloud Storage	❌ No	✅ 30 days	❌ No
Remote Access	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ Only when home
Custom Activity Zones	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Two-Way Audio	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

So, can Arlo watch your security camera? Yes—but not in the way you might think. It doesn’t have humans staring at your feeds all day. Instead, it uses smart technology to watch for you, alerting you to what matters. You’re the final decision-maker.

Arlo gives you the tools: motion detection, AI, cloud storage, remote access, and more. But the real security comes from you—checking alerts, reviewing footage, and taking action when needed. Think of it like a partnership. Arlo does the heavy lifting. You stay in control.

If you want a system that watches your home like a hawk, Arlo delivers. But remember: no camera is perfect. False alarms happen. Internet can fail. Batteries run out. The key is understanding these limits—and using Arlo’s features to work around them.

At the end of the day, Arlo isn’t just a camera. It’s peace of mind. Whether you’re at home or halfway across the world, you can check in, see what’s happening, and know your home is being watched—by technology, and by you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo watch your security camera remotely?

Yes, Arlo allows you to watch your security cameras remotely using the Arlo app on your smartphone, tablet, or web browser. Simply log in to your account to view live feeds, playback recordings, and adjust settings from anywhere with an internet connection.

Does Arlo support real-time monitoring for security cameras?

Absolutely. Arlo’s real-time monitoring feature enables instant viewing of live camera feeds with motion-activated alerts. This ensures you can watch your security camera footage the moment activity is detected, enhancing home safety.

Can Arlo watch multiple security cameras at once?

Yes, the Arlo app supports multi-camera viewing, letting you monitor all connected cameras simultaneously in a split-screen layout. This feature is especially useful for large properties or users with extensive camera setups.

Is it possible to watch Arlo security cameras without a subscription?

Yes, you can watch live feeds and receive basic motion alerts without a subscription. However, to watch recorded footage or use advanced features like cloud storage, you’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription plan.

Can I watch my Arlo security camera on a smart TV?

Yes, you can watch your Arlo cameras on a smart TV using screen mirroring or the Arlo app (available on select smart TVs and streaming devices like Fire TV and Apple TV). This lets you view live feeds on a larger screen for better visibility.

Are Arlo security cameras compatible with third-party monitoring services?

Arlo doesn’t natively support third-party professional monitoring, but you can watch your security camera feeds using integrations like Google Assistant or Alexa. For 24/7 professional monitoring, Arlo offers its own paid service in select regions.