Can I Use Arlo Cameras Without Internet Here Is How

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras without internet by leveraging local storage options like microSD cards or the Arlo SmartHub, ensuring continuous recording and surveillance even when offline. This setup supports live viewing and motion alerts via local network or direct camera access, making it ideal for areas with unreliable connectivity or privacy-focused users.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo cameras work offline: Use local storage for recording without internet.
• Enable local recording: Insert a microSD card or use Arlo SmartHub for storage.
• No cloud access offline: Remote viewing and alerts require internet connection.
• Motion detection works offline: Cameras still detect and record locally without Wi-Fi.
• Sync later when online: Recorded footage uploads to cloud once internet resumes.
• Check battery life: Offline use may drain batteries faster without smart alerts.

Can I Use Arlo Cameras Without Internet? Here’s How

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo security camera system, excited to keep an eye on your home, kids, or pets. But then, disaster strikes—your internet goes down. Panic sets in. Are my cameras useless now? If you’ve ever asked, “Can I use Arlo cameras without internet?”, you’re not alone. It’s a question that crosses the minds of many homeowners, renters, and even small business owners who rely on Arlo for peace of mind.

The good news? You can use Arlo cameras without internet—but with some caveats. It’s not as simple as just plugging in and walking away. The way your system operates offline depends on the model of your Arlo camera, whether you have a base station or hub, and how you’ve set it up. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of your Arlo system—even when the Wi-Fi is down. Think of this as your friendly guide, written from real-world experience, to help you stay secure, connected, and in control—no matter what.

How Arlo Cameras Work: Online vs. Offline Modes

To understand whether Arlo cameras work without internet, we first need to break down how they function—both online and offline. Arlo is known for its smart, cloud-connected security systems, but not all models behave the same way when the internet disappears.

Cloud vs. Local Recording: The Core Difference

Most Arlo cameras are designed to record to the cloud by default. That means when motion is detected, the footage is uploaded to Arlo’s secure servers via your Wi-Fi network. This allows you to view, share, and store videos from your phone or tablet using the Arlo app—anywhere, anytime.

But here’s the catch: cloud recording requires internet. If your Wi-Fi goes out, your camera can’t upload footage. However, that doesn’t mean the camera stops working entirely. Some models can still record locally—meaning the video is stored on a physical device (like a microSD card or base station) instead of the cloud.

• Cloud recording: Requires internet. Best for remote access and automatic backups.
• Local recording: Works without internet. Great for offline use but limited storage and no remote viewing.

For example, I once lost internet during a storm. My Arlo Pro 3 cameras couldn’t upload to the cloud, but because I had a base station with a 64GB microSD card, they kept recording locally. When the power came back, I could review the footage—even though I couldn’t access it remotely during the outage.

Which Arlo Cameras Support Local Storage?

Not all Arlo models support local recording. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Ultra 2: Support local storage via base station + microSD card.
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): No local storage. Requires internet for all recording.
• Arlo Go (LTE): Uses cellular data, not Wi-Fi. Works without internet, but needs a SIM card and data plan.
• Arlo Wire-Free (older models): Some support local recording if connected to a base station.

So, if you’re asking, “Can I use Arlo cameras without internet?” the answer depends on which model you have. If you’re shopping for a new system, consider this a key feature to check before buying.

Setting Up Arlo Cameras for Offline Use (Step-by-Step)

If you want your Arlo system to keep working during an internet outage, you’ll need to set it up properly for offline use. It’s not automatic—but it’s not hard either. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Use a Base Station or Hub with Local Storage

The first requirement is a base station (also called a hub). Most Arlo Pro and Ultra series cameras require a base station to connect wirelessly. The base station connects to your router via Ethernet, but it also has a microSD card slot for local recording.

Pro tip: Buy a base station that supports microSD cards (up to 2TB). I use a 128GB card, which gives me about 10–14 days of continuous recording, depending on motion activity.

Step 2: Insert and Format a microSD Card

Insert a high-quality, high-speed microSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I recommended) into the base station. Then, open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Base Station] > Storage > Format SD Card.

Formatting ensures the card is compatible and optimized for Arlo’s file system. Once done, the base station will automatically start saving recordings locally—even without internet.

Step 3: Enable Local Recording in the App

Even with a microSD card, local recording isn’t always on by default. In the Arlo app:

• Go to Settings > My Devices > [Base Station] > Storage
• Toggle “Record to SD Card” to ON
• Choose recording mode: Continuous, Motion-Only, or Smart Alerts

I recommend Motion-Only to save space and battery life. But if you want 24/7 surveillance (e.g., for a construction site), go with Continuous.

Step 4: Test Your Setup Offline

Unplug your router or turn off Wi-Fi on your phone. Then, trigger motion in front of the camera (wave your hand or walk by). Check the base station’s LED—it should flash to indicate recording.

Later, reconnect to Wi-Fi and use the Arlo app to view the locally recorded clips. They’ll appear under the “Library” tab with a small SD card icon.

Real-life example: During a recent internet outage, my neighbor’s dog got loose. I checked my Arlo app and found a 2-minute clip from my backyard camera—recorded locally during the blackout. It showed the dog escaping, which helped us return it safely.

Step 5: Power and Backup Considerations

Remember: your base station needs power to record. If you lose electricity, local recording stops unless you have a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or a battery-powered base station (like the Arlo SmartHub).

For extra reliability, consider:

• Using a UPS for your base station
• Choosing Arlo cameras with rechargeable batteries (so they keep working during short outages)
• Storing the microSD card in a fireproof safe (in case of emergencies)

What Works and What Doesn’t When Internet Is Down

Let’s get real: even with local recording, some features stop working when the internet is out. It’s important to know what you can and can’t do offline.

Features That Still Work (Offline)

• Motion detection and recording (if using microSD card)
• Local siren activation (on supported models like Arlo Pro 3)
• Night vision and spotlight (powered cameras or fully charged batteries)
• Two-way audio (speaker only) – you can hear what’s happening, but can’t speak back without app
• Base station LED status – shows recording, motion, and system health

For instance, during a blackout, my Arlo Pro 3’s spotlight turned on automatically when it detected motion. The siren also blared, scaring off a raccoon trying to raid the trash. All without internet.

Features That Stop Working (Without Internet)

• Remote access via Arlo app – you can’t view live video or clips from your phone
• Push notifications and alerts – no “motion detected” texts or emails
• Cloud storage and backups – new clips won’t upload
• AI features (e.g., person/package detection) – these require cloud processing
• Smart home integrations (Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT) – need internet

I learned this the hard way when my internet dropped while I was on vacation. I got no alerts, and couldn’t check my cameras. But when I returned, the microSD card had recorded everything—just not in real time.

Hybrid Workaround: Use a Mobile Hotspot

If you need remote access during an outage, consider using a mobile hotspot (from your phone or a dedicated device). Connect your base station to the hotspot via Wi-Fi, and you’ll regain cloud access—though data usage may be high.

Tip: Set your Arlo to “Low” video quality in the app to reduce data consumption. A 10-second clip at 720p uses ~15MB vs. ~60MB at 4K.

Best Arlo Models for Internet-Free Use

If you live in an area with spotty internet, or just want a reliable backup, some Arlo models are better suited for offline use than others. Here’s a breakdown of the best options.

1. Arlo Ultra 2 (Best Overall for Offline)

• 4K HDR video with color night vision
• Supports local recording via base station + microSD
• Built-in spotlight and siren
• Works with SmartHub for battery backup

This is my top pick for offline use. The 4K footage is crystal clear, and the local storage feature is rock solid. I’ve used it during a week-long internet outage—zero issues.

2. Arlo Pro 4 (Great Balance of Price and Performance)

• 2K video with HDR
• No hub required (connects directly to Wi-Fi), but still supports local recording via base station
• Rechargeable battery (lasts 6+ months)

Ideal if you want flexibility. You can use it as a Wi-Fi camera or add a base station for offline recording.

3. Arlo Go (LTE) – No Wi-Fi Needed

• Uses AT&T or Verizon LTE network
• No internet required—just a data plan
• Weather-resistant, great for remote locations (farms, cabins, construction sites)

Perfect for off-grid use. I installed one at a friend’s lakeside cabin. It sends alerts and records via LTE, even though there’s no Wi-Fi for miles.

4. Arlo SmartHub (For Battery Backup and Local Control)

• Not a camera, but a smart base station
• Supports local recording and works during power outages (with battery)
• Can connect to Wi-Fi or use cellular backup (with Arlo Go cameras)

If you want a truly resilient system, pair the SmartHub with Arlo Go or Pro cameras. It’s like a mini data center for your security system.

Data Table: Arlo Models and Offline Capabilities

Model	Local Recording	Base Station Required	Internet-Free Features	Best For
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes (microSD)	Yes	Recording, siren, spotlight	High-end security, remote areas
Arlo Pro 4	Yes (with base station)	Optional	Recording, motion detection	Flexible setups, budget-conscious
Arlo Go (LTE)	Yes (cloud or local via SmartHub)	No (uses LTE)	Recording, alerts via LTE	Off-grid, no Wi-Fi zones
Arlo Essential	No	No	None (requires internet)	Basic indoor use with stable Wi-Fi
Arlo SmartHub	Yes (with compatible cameras)	N/A (it is the hub)	Battery backup, local recording	Power outage resilience

This table makes it easy to compare models. If offline use is a priority, focus on models with “Yes” in the Local Recording column.

Final Thoughts: Can You Really Use Arlo Cameras Without Internet?

So, can you use Arlo cameras without internet? Yes—but with conditions. The key is preparation:

• Choose a model that supports local recording (Pro, Ultra, Go, etc.)
• Use a base station with a microSD card
• Enable local recording in the Arlo app
• Have a backup power plan (UPS or battery-powered hub)

Without these, your Arlo cameras will stop recording—or at least stop sending alerts—when the internet goes down. But with them, you get a robust, offline-capable security system that keeps working, no matter what.

I’ve used Arlo in apartments, rural homes, and even during natural disasters. The peace of mind it provides—especially when I don’t have internet—is priceless. It’s not just about catching thieves or package thieves. It’s about knowing your home is still being watched, even when the world goes dark.

Think of it like this: your internet is a highway. When it’s open, your data flows fast and freely. But when traffic stops (or the road closes), you need a side road—a local path that keeps things moving. That’s what local recording gives you.

So if you’re building or upgrading your Arlo system, don’t just focus on the cloud. Plan for the offline moments, too. Because when the power flickers and the Wi-Fi drops, you’ll be glad you did. And hey, if you ever lose internet, now you know: your Arlo cameras might still be on the job—just quietly, locally, and without a single ping to the cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Arlo cameras without internet for live viewing?

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras without internet for live viewing if they support local storage (like microSD or a base station with onboard storage). However, features like cloud recording, remote access, and motion alerts require an internet connection.

Do Arlo cameras work without Wi-Fi if I have a cellular backup?

Some Arlo models (e.g., Arlo Go) support LTE and can function without Wi-Fi using a cellular connection. This lets you view footage remotely, but local storage options are still needed for full offline use.

How do Arlo cameras work without internet when recording?

Arlo cameras can record locally without internet using a microSD card (on supported models) or an Arlo base station with storage. These files can be accessed later via the base station or card reader.

Can I use Arlo cameras without internet for motion detection?

Yes, motion detection works offline, but you won’t receive real-time notifications without internet. Alerts will only appear when you review locally stored footage.

What’s the best way to use Arlo cameras without internet for home security?

Pair an Arlo base station with local storage or use cameras with microSD slots for 24/7 recording. This keeps your system functional offline while preserving footage for later review.

Are there Arlo cameras without internet that support two-way audio?

Two-way audio requires an internet connection for remote use, but local interactions (like talking via the base station) may work offline on select models. Check your camera’s specs for compatibility.