Cant Delete Footage from Arlo Camera Try These Fixes Now

Can’t delete footage from your Arlo camera? Start by checking your subscription plan—some tiers restrict manual deletions. Ensure you’re using the latest app version and have proper permissions, as outdated software or account limitations often cause this issue. Quick fixes like restarting the camera, clearing the app cache, or re-syncing can resolve glitches—try these before contacting support.

Key Takeaways

• Check permissions: Ensure you have admin rights to delete footage.
• Use the app: Delete clips directly via Arlo app for best results.
• Clear cache: Fix glitches by clearing app cache or reinstalling.
• Verify subscription: Some deletions require an active Arlo plan.
• Restart devices: Reboot camera and base station to resolve sync issues.
• Contact support: Reach Arlo support if all else fails.

Why Can’t I Delete Footage from My Arlo Camera? Let’s Figure It Out

Imagine this: you’re trying to clean up your Arlo camera’s cloud storage. You’ve got clips from last month’s birthday party, a squirrel that keeps triggering motion alerts, and a neighbor’s cat that’s become a recurring star in your “wildlife” folder. You go to delete the footage, but nothing happens. The trash icon is grayed out. The delete option doesn’t respond. You refresh the app, restart your phone, even unplug the base station—still nothing. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Arlo app, muttering, “Why can’t delete footage from Arlo camera?” you’re not alone. This issue is one of the most common (and frustrating) problems Arlo users face. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Arlo Essential, or Arlo Ultra, the inability to delete clips—whether from the cloud, local storage, or the app—can leave you feeling helpless. But don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most likely causes, practical fixes, and preventative steps so you can finally clear out that digital junk drawer. No tech jargon, no sales pitches—just real, tested solutions from someone who’s been there.

Understanding How Arlo Stores Your Footage (And Why That Matters)

Before we dive into fixes, let’s take a quick look at how Arlo manages your recordings. Knowing this helps you understand why deletion might be blocked in certain situations.

Cloud vs. Local Storage: What’s the Difference?

Arlo offers two main storage options: cloud storage and local storage (via a microSD card or USB drive).

• Cloud Storage: Footage is uploaded to Arlo’s servers. You access it via the Arlo app or web portal. Deletion here removes the clip from the cloud, but not necessarily from your device’s local cache.
• Local Storage: Footage is saved directly to a microSD card (in compatible cameras) or a USB drive (via a SmartHub or base station). Deletion here removes it from the physical drive.

Example: If you have a 32GB microSD card in your Arlo Pro 4, and it’s full, the camera might stop recording new clips. But you still can’t delete old ones if the app isn’t syncing properly with the card.

Why Deletion Might Be Blocked

Several factors can prevent you from deleting footage:

• Active Subscription or Trial: Some Arlo plans restrict manual deletion during free trials or if you’re using a premium feature like AI detection.
• Camera Firmware Out of Date: Bugs in older firmware can cause the app to freeze when trying to delete clips.
• Network or Connectivity Issues: If your camera or base station isn’t fully synced with the cloud, the delete command may not register.
• Corrupted Clip or File: A single corrupted video file can sometimes lock the entire deletion process.
• App Cache or Glitch: Your phone or tablet’s app cache might be holding onto outdated data, making it think the clip can’t be deleted.

Understanding these layers helps us target the right fix. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and start troubleshooting.

Fix 1: Check Your Arlo Subscription and Plan Limits

This is one of the most overlooked causes. If you’re on a free trial, a limited plan, or your subscription has expired, Arlo may restrict certain actions—like manual deletion.

How Subscription Tiers Affect Deletion

Arlo offers several plans, and not all allow full control over your footage. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Plan	Manual Deletion Allowed?	Notes
Arlo Secure (Free Trial)	Yes, but limited	During trials, you can delete clips, but the system may auto-archive or restrict bulk deletion.
Arlo Secure (Paid)	Yes	Full control over cloud footage. Can delete individual or multiple clips.
Arlo Secure Plus	Yes	Same as Secure, plus 24/7 professional monitoring. No deletion restrictions.
No Subscription (Local Only)	Yes, but only via app	You can delete local clips through the app, but not directly from the SD card.

What to Do If Your Plan Is the Problem

• Check your subscription status: Open the Arlo app > Profile > Subscription. Look for expiration dates or “trial ending” warnings.
• Wait out the trial: If you’re on a 30-day free trial, deletion might be restricted until you subscribe or the trial ends.
• Upgrade or renew: If your plan expired, renew it through the app. Once active, try deleting footage again.
• Switch to local-only mode: If you don’t need cloud features, cancel your subscription and rely on microSD storage. Just remember: no remote access to clips.

Pro tip: If you canceled a subscription but still can’t delete, wait 24 hours. Arlo’s system sometimes takes a day to fully process plan changes.

Fix 2: Restart, Reboot, and Reconnect – The Classic Trio

Sometimes, the simplest fixes work best. When you can’t delete footage from Arlo camera, the issue might be a temporary glitch in the app, camera, or network connection.

Step 1: Restart the Arlo App

• Close the Arlo app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps).
• Wait 10 seconds.
• Reopen the app and log in.
• Try deleting a clip again.

Why it works: Apps like Arlo can get stuck in a “loading” state. Restarting clears temporary data and forces a fresh connection.

Step 2: Restart Your Camera or Base Station

• For battery-powered cameras: Press and hold the sync button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. Wait 2 minutes for it to reboot.
• For wired/base station setups: Unplug the base station or SmartHub for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Example: One user reported that after restarting their Arlo Pro 3, the app suddenly allowed them to delete 147 clips they’d been stuck with for weeks.

Step 3: Reconnect to Wi-Fi

• Ensure your camera has a strong Wi-Fi signal (check the signal strength in the app).
• If signal is weak, move the camera closer to the router or add a Wi-Fi extender.
• Reboot your router if you suspect network issues.

Bonus tip: Try using the Arlo web portal (my.arlo.com) instead of the app. Sometimes the desktop version handles deletions more reliably.

Fix 3: Update Firmware and App to the Latest Version

Arlo regularly releases firmware and app updates to fix bugs—including deletion issues. If you’re running outdated software, you might be missing a crucial patch.

How to Check for App Updates

• iOS: Open the App Store > tap your profile > scroll to Arlo > tap “Update” if available.
• Android: Open Google Play Store > tap your profile > “Manage apps & device” > update Arlo.

How to Update Camera Firmware

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera].
3. Tap Firmware Update.
4. If an update is available, follow the prompts. The camera will reboot automatically.

Note: Firmware updates require a stable internet connection. Do not unplug the camera during the update.

What If No Update Is Available?

• Wait 24 hours. Arlo sometimes rolls out updates in waves.
• Check Arlo’s official support page for known issues.
• Manually force a sync: Tap the camera in the app, then tap “Sync” to refresh the connection.

Real-life fix: A user with an Arlo Essential couldn’t delete clips for three days. After updating both the app and firmware, the issue vanished.

Fix 4: Clear App Cache and Data (For Persistent Glitches)

If restarting doesn’t work, the app’s cache might be the culprit. Over time, the Arlo app stores temporary files that can become corrupted—especially if you use it daily.

How to Clear Cache on Android

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Arlo.
2. Tap Storage & cache.
3. Tap Clear Cache.
4. (Optional) Tap Clear Storage (this logs you out but removes all cached data).
5. Reopen the app and log in.

How to Clear Cache on iOS

iOS doesn’t have a “clear cache” button, but you can:

• Delete and reinstall the Arlo app.
• Offload the app (Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Arlo > Offload App)—this keeps your data but removes the app.
• Reinstall from the App Store.

What to Expect After Clearing Cache

• The app may take longer to load the first time.
• Your camera thumbnails might take a few minutes to reappear.
• But—hopefully—the delete function will work again.

Caution: Clearing storage (not just cache) will log you out. Make sure you know your login details before doing this.

Fix 5: Delete Footage from Local Storage (MicroSD/USB)

If you’re using local storage, the process is different from cloud deletion. And if your SD card is full or corrupted, you might not be able to delete anything.

Step-by-Step: Delete Clips from microSD Card

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap the camera with the microSD card.
3. Go to Library > Local Storage.
4. Select the clip(s) you want to delete.
5. Tap the trash icon.
6. Confirm deletion.

What If the App Won’t Let You Delete?

• Check SD card health: Remove the card and insert it into a computer. Look for errors or corruption. Use tools like SD Card Formatter to reformat if needed.
• Manually delete via computer: If the card is readable, open it on your PC/Mac and delete the “Arlo” folder. Warning: This removes all footage. Back up first if needed.
• Format the SD card in the camera: In the app, go to Settings > Device > [Camera] > Format SD Card. This erases everything but fixes many glitches.

Preventing Future SD Card Issues

• Use a high-quality, Class 10 or UHS-I microSD card (64GB max for most Arlo models).
• Format the card in the camera before first use.
• Check storage weekly—don’t let it reach 100%.

Example: One user had a 128GB card (not supported) in their Arlo Pro 2. After switching to a 64GB card and formatting it, deletion worked instantly.

When All Else Fails: Contact Arlo Support (And How to Do It Right)

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t delete footage from Arlo camera, it’s time to call in the pros. But don’t just open a chat and say, “It’s broken.” Be prepared.

What to Tell Arlo Support

• Your camera model and firmware version.
• Whether you’re using cloud, local, or both storage.
• What steps you’ve already tried (restart, update, clear cache, etc.).
• Screenshots of the issue (e.g., grayed-out delete button).
• The error message (if any).

How to Reach Support

• Phone: 1-800-856-9408 (U.S.) or check Arlo’s support page for international numbers.
• Live Chat: Available in the app under Help > Contact Us.
• Email: Use the contact form on Arlo’s website.

Pro tip: Call early in the day. Support wait times are shorter, and agents are more likely to escalate your case if needed.

What Support Might Do

• Remotely reset your camera or account settings.
• Force-delete clips from their end.
• Send a replacement SD card or base station if hardware is faulty.

Deleting footage from your Arlo camera shouldn’t feel like a battle. But when it does, remember: you’re not stuck forever. Whether it’s a simple app restart, a firmware update, or a quick chat with support, there’s almost always a fix. The key is to start with the basics—check your subscription, reboot your devices, and update your software. If that doesn’t work, dig deeper into local storage or app cache.

And here’s the real takeaway: don’t ignore the problem. A full storage can stop your camera from recording new clips, and corrupted files can mess with motion detection. So the next time you find yourself saying, “I just can’t delete footage from Arlo camera,” take a deep breath. Try one fix at a time. Document what you’ve done. And if all else fails, reach out. Because your peace of mind—and your camera’s performance—is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I delete footage from my Arlo camera?

This issue often occurs due to syncing errors, insufficient permissions, or a glitch in the Arlo app/website. Ensure your app is updated and try force-closing/reopening it to refresh the connection.

How do I delete Arlo camera footage if the trash icon is missing?

The trash icon may disappear if the footage is part of a subscription-locked event or if your device has a weak connection. Check your subscription status and ensure stable Wi-Fi before attempting deletion again.

Can’t delete Arlo footage? Try these quick fixes first.

Restart your Arlo camera and base station, then log out and back into the Arlo app. Clearing the app cache (for mobile) or browser cookies (for desktop) can also resolve temporary glitches.

Is there a way to bulk delete footage from my Arlo camera?

Yes! On the Arlo app, tap the “Library” tab, select “Edit,” then choose multiple clips to delete. For desktops, hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) while selecting clips for batch deletion.

Why does Arlo say “deletion failed” when I try to remove footage?

This error typically stems from server-side issues or corrupted video files. Wait 10 minutes and retry; if the problem persists, contact Arlo Support for advanced troubleshooting.

How do I fix permission issues preventing me from deleting Arlo footage?

If you’re a secondary user, the admin account must grant you “Delete” permissions via the “Settings” > “Users” menu. Primary account holders should verify their subscription hasn’t expired.