Can I Record My Own Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, you can record your own Arlo cameras locally or via cloud storage, giving you full control over your footage. With options like microSD cards, USB drives, or Arlo SmartHub, bypass subscription fees and securely store recordings on your own devices for easy access and long-term use.

Key Takeaways

• Local recording is possible: Use a microSD card or base station to record without a subscription.
• Check camera compatibility: Not all Arlo models support local storage—verify before purchasing.
• Cloud storage offers convenience: Paid plans provide remote access and extended video history.
• Customize recording modes: Set schedules or motion-triggered recordings to save storage space.
• Secure your footage: Enable encryption and strong passwords to protect stored videos.
• Review retention policies: Know how long recordings stay on cloud or local storage by default.

Can I Record My Own Arlo Cameras? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping coffee, when your phone buzzes. It’s a notification from your Arlo camera—someone’s at the front door. You pull up the live feed, and there’s a delivery guy holding a package. Relieved, you watch as he drops it off. But then you wonder, “Can I record my own Arlo cameras to save this moment?” Maybe you want to keep a record for security, share a funny clip with family, or just have peace of mind knowing your footage is safe.

The good news? Yes, you absolutely can record your Arlo cameras—and in more ways than you might think. But it’s not always as simple as hitting “record” on your phone. There are options, trade-offs, and even some clever workarounds depending on your setup, budget, and how much control you want over your recordings. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or someone just trying to keep an eye on the backyard, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover cloud vs. local storage, Arlo’s built-in features, third-party solutions, and even some real-world tips to help you get the most out of your system.

Understanding Arlo’s Built-in Recording Options

Arlo, owned by Netgear, offers a range of smart home security cameras—from indoor cams to weatherproof outdoor models. But one thing they all have in common is that they’re designed to record, but *how* they record depends on the features you enable and the subscriptions you choose. Let’s break it down.

Cloud Recording with Arlo Secure Plans

The most straightforward way to record your Arlo cameras is through Arlo’s cloud storage, available via their Arlo Secure subscription plans. These plans let your cameras automatically upload motion-triggered or continuous video clips to the cloud, where you can access them anytime via the Arlo app or web portal.

• Basic (Free): Limited to 7 days of rolling video history, but only for one camera. You get motion detection and live streaming, but no recording for additional cameras unless you upgrade.
• Arlo Secure (Paid): Starts at around $2.99/month per camera and includes 30 days of video history, AI-powered person/vehicle/package detection, and the ability to record multiple cameras.
• Arlo Secure Plus: Around $9.99/month for unlimited cameras, 60 days of history, and advanced features like cloud backup and emergency response.

For example, if you have three outdoor cameras, the basic plan won’t help much. But with Arlo Secure, you can record all three, get smarter alerts, and even download clips to your phone or computer. The downside? You’re relying on the internet and Arlo’s servers. If your Wi-Fi drops, recordings may be delayed or missed.

Motion-Activated vs. Continuous Recording

Most Arlo users rely on motion-activated recording—cameras only start recording when they detect movement. This saves storage and battery life, especially for wireless models like the Arlo Pro or Arlo Ultra. But what if you want to record 24/7, like a traditional security system?

Here’s the catch: Arlo doesn’t offer continuous recording on all cameras by default. The Arlo Pro 4, for instance, only supports continuous recording if you’re using an Arlo SmartHub with an Arlo SmartDrive (more on that below). Without it, you’re limited to motion clips.

But let’s say you’re okay with motion-based recording. That’s actually a smart choice for most people. It reduces false alerts (like leaves blowing in the wind) and keeps your cloud storage from filling up with empty footage. Just make sure to adjust your motion sensitivity in the app—too high, and you’ll get false triggers; too low, and you might miss something important.

Downloading and Saving Clips Manually

Even without a subscription, you can record your own Arlo cameras manually by downloading clips from the app. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app and go to the “Library” tab.
2. Find the motion event you want to save.
3. Tap the clip, then tap the download icon (downward arrow).
4. The video saves to your phone’s gallery or cloud storage (like Google Photos or iCloud).

This is great for saving specific moments—like a package delivery or a neighbor’s cat sneaking into your yard. But it’s not automated. You have to remember to do it, and if you don’t, the clip may disappear after 7 days (on the free plan).

Recording Locally: The SmartHub and SmartDrive Solution

What if you’re tired of monthly fees? Or worried about privacy with cloud storage? That’s where local recording comes in. Arlo’s answer to this is the Arlo SmartHub (also called the Arlo Base Station) paired with an Arlo SmartDrive—a USB drive you plug into the hub to store video locally.

How the SmartHub + SmartDrive Works

The SmartHub acts as a central brain for your Arlo system. It connects to your router via Ethernet and communicates with your cameras (usually over a secure 2.4GHz or 900MHz radio link, depending on the model). When you add a SmartDrive—a USB 2.0 or 3.0 drive with at least 32GB of storage—you enable local recording.

• No monthly fees: Once you buy the SmartDrive, you’re done. No recurring costs.
• Continuous recording: Unlike cloud-only setups, the SmartHub supports 24/7 recording (if your camera model allows it).
• Offline access: Even if your internet goes down, recordings continue to the SmartDrive.

For example, the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra 2 support continuous recording *only* when connected to a SmartHub with a SmartDrive. Without it, they fall back to motion-only clips, even with a cloud subscription.

Setting Up Local Recording: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Buy a SmartHub and SmartDrive: The SmartHub costs around $100–$130, and the SmartDrive (sold separately) starts at $50 for 32GB.
2. Connect the SmartHub: Plug it into your router with an Ethernet cable, then power it on.
3. Add the SmartDrive: Insert the USB drive into the hub’s USB port. The Arlo app will prompt you to format it.
4. Pair your cameras: Follow the app’s instructions to sync your cameras to the SmartHub.
5. Enable continuous recording (optional): In the app, go to each camera’s settings and toggle “Continuous Recording” if available.

Once set up, your cameras will record to the SmartDrive. You can access clips through the Arlo app, even without internet—just open the app while on your home Wi-Fi. The downside? The SmartDrive has limited storage. A 32GB drive might hold 2–3 days of continuous video, depending on resolution and camera count. You’ll need to manage space by deleting old clips or upgrading to a larger drive.

Limitations and Trade-offs

Local recording isn’t perfect. Here’s what to consider:

• Physical access risk: If someone steals the SmartHub and SmartDrive, you lose all your recordings.
• No remote access during outages: If your internet is down, you can’t view recordings from outside your home network.
• Setup complexity: Requires an extra device and a bit more technical know-how than cloud-only setups.

Still, for privacy-focused users or those with unreliable internet, local recording is a solid choice. Think of it like a DVR for your security system—simple, reliable, and yours alone.

Third-Party Recording: Can You Use NVRs or Other Software?

Arlo’s ecosystem is closed, meaning it doesn’t natively support third-party Network Video Recorders (NVRs) or software like Blue Iris or Milestone. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are workarounds—some clever, some a bit hacky.

Using RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol)

Some Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4, support RTSP, a standard streaming protocol used by most IP cameras. If your model supports it, you can:

1. Enable RTSP in the camera’s settings (usually under “Advanced”).
2. Use an NVR or software like Blue Iris, SecuritySpy, or Zoneminder to pull the live stream.
3. Record the video to your own hard drive or server.

For example, I once set up an old laptop running Blue Iris to record my Arlo Pro 3’s backyard feed 24/7. It worked great—I had full control over motion detection, storage, and even facial recognition (using Blue Iris’s AI tools). The catch? RTSP is disabled by default and requires a firmware update. Also, Arlo occasionally disables RTSP via updates, so you might lose access unexpectedly.

Screen Recording or Capture Cards

Don’t have RTSP support? You can still record your own Arlo cameras by screen recording the live feed. Here’s how:

• On a computer: Open the Arlo web app, start the live stream, and use screen recording software (like OBS Studio or QuickTime) to capture the video.
• On a phone: Use built-in screen recording (iOS) or third-party apps (Android) to record the live feed.
• Capture cards: For higher quality, connect a capture card to your phone or tablet and record to a PC.

This method is great for short clips—like saving a funny moment or documenting an incident. But it’s not ideal for long-term security. Screen recording eats up battery, and you can’t automate it easily.

Limitations and Risks

Third-party recording has downsides:

• No motion detection: You’re recording the whole stream, so you’ll have hours of empty footage.
• Quality loss: Screen recording can reduce video quality, especially if your device struggles with encoding.
• Arlo’s terms of service: Using RTSP or unofficial methods may void support or violate Arlo’s policies (though they rarely enforce this).

Still, for tech enthusiasts or those with specific needs, these workarounds offer flexibility. Just don’t rely on them for critical security—stick with Arlo’s official options if you need reliability.

Tips for Managing and Organizing Your Recordings

Once you start recording, you’ll quickly realize that managing all that footage is a job in itself. Here are some practical tips to keep things organized and useful.

Labeling and Tagging Clips

Use the Arlo app to name your cameras clearly (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”). This makes it easier to find clips later. You can also add notes to specific recordings—like “Delivery person, 10:30 AM” or “Neighbor’s dog digging in yard.”

If you’re using local storage, consider creating folders on your SmartDrive (if supported) or naming files with dates and locations. For example: 2024-05-15_Front_Door_Package_Delivery.mp4.

Automating Deletion and Backups

Storage fills up fast. To avoid clutter:

• Set retention periods: In the Arlo app, go to “Settings” > “Storage” and set how long clips are kept (e.g., 30 days for cloud, 7 days for local).
• Backup important clips: Download and save critical recordings to an external drive, cloud storage (like Dropbox), or a NAS.
• Use automation tools: If you’re tech-savvy, tools like IFTTT or Home Assistant can automatically back up clips to Google Drive or send you alerts when storage is low.

For example, I use a simple script to download all “Person Detected” clips from my backyard camera every week and save them to an encrypted folder on my PC. It’s not fancy, but it gives me peace of mind.

Sharing Recordings Securely

Want to share a clip with a neighbor or the police? Use Arlo’s built-in share feature in the app—it generates a secure link that expires after a set time. Avoid sending raw video files via email or messaging apps, which can be intercepted or misused.

If you’re recording locally, encrypt the files before sharing. Tools like VeraCrypt or 7-Zip can password-protect your videos.

Comparing Your Options: Which Recording Method Is Right for You?

Choosing the best way to record your Arlo cameras depends on your priorities—cost, privacy, convenience, and control. Let’s compare the options side by side.

Method	Cost	Storage	Remote Access	Best For
Arlo Cloud (Subscription)	Monthly fees ($2.99–$9.99/cam)	30–60 days (rolling)	Yes (anytime, anywhere)	People who want easy, automated recording with smart alerts
SmartHub + SmartDrive (Local)	One-time ($100–$200 setup)	32GB–2TB (your choice)	Only on home Wi-Fi	Privacy-focused users or those with unreliable internet
RTSP + NVR (Third-party)	Free (if you have NVR) or $50–$200 for software	Unlimited (depends on your hard drive)	Depends on NVR setup	Tech enthusiasts who want full control and customization
Screen Recording	Free (uses existing devices)	Limited (device storage)	Only when recording	Short clips, one-off recordings, or testing

For most people, a hybrid approach works best. Use Arlo’s cloud for everyday motion alerts and remote access, and add a SmartHub + SmartDrive for continuous recording and backup. This way, you get the best of both worlds—convenience and control.

Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Arlo Recordings

So, can you record your own Arlo cameras? Absolutely—and you’ve got more options than you might think. Whether you choose Arlo’s cloud plans, local storage with a SmartDrive, or clever third-party workarounds, the key is understanding what you need and what you’re willing to trade off.

For me, the peace of mind that comes from knowing my home is being recorded—and that I control where those recordings go—is worth the setup effort. I’ve used Arlo for years, and while no system is perfect, the flexibility to mix and match recording methods has been a game-changer. Whether it’s catching a package thief, saving a funny pet moment, or just checking in on my house while traveling, I know my footage is safe and accessible.

Start small. Pick one method that fits your needs—maybe it’s upgrading to Arlo Secure for smarter alerts, or adding a SmartDrive for offline backups. Test it, tweak it, and see how it feels. Before long, you’ll have a recording system that’s not just functional, but truly yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record my own Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Yes, you can record your own Arlo cameras without a subscription by using local storage options like a microSD card or a USB drive connected to an Arlo SmartHub. However, some advanced features like cloud storage and AI detection may require a plan.

What are the best ways to record Arlo camera footage?

The best ways to record Arlo camera footage include using local storage (microSD/USB), cloud plans, or third-party software like Arlo Secure. For continuous recording, a local storage setup is often the most cost-effective choice.

Can I record my own Arlo cameras on a computer?

Yes, you can record Arlo camera footage on a computer by using the Arlo app or web interface to save clips manually. For automated recording, consider third-party NVR software compatible with Arlo’s RTSP or ONVIF protocols.

Does Arlo allow continuous recording?

Arlo supports continuous recording only with specific models (like Arlo Pro 4 XL) and local storage via a SmartHub or base station. Most other models require a subscription for 24/7 cloud recording.

Can I record Arlo cameras to a microSD card?

Yes, many Arlo cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 3, Ultra) support microSD cards for local recording when paired with an Arlo SmartHub. Check your camera’s manual for compatibility and setup steps.

Is it legal to record audio with Arlo cameras?

Recording audio with Arlo cameras is legal in most areas, but some regions require two-party consent. Always check local laws and disable audio recording if necessary to comply with privacy regulations.