Cant Delete Footage from Arlo Camera 2018 Try These Fixes Now

Can’t delete footage from your Arlo Camera 2018? Start by checking your subscription status—outdated plans often restrict deletion access. Ensure you’re using the latest app version and try force-closing it, as glitches commonly cause sync issues. If problems persist, reboot the camera and base station to restore functionality fast.

Key Takeaways

• Restart your Arlo camera: Power cycle to resolve temporary glitches blocking deletion.
• Check subscription status: Active plan required for cloud footage deletion.
• Clear app cache: Fix app-related deletion issues by clearing stored data.
• Verify permissions: Ensure admin access to delete footage from shared cameras.
• Use web portal: Try deleting via Arlo website if the app fails.
• Update firmware: Install latest updates to fix known bugs affecting deletion.

Why You Can’t Delete Footage from Arlo Camera 2018 (And What to Do About It)

Imagine this: You’re cleaning up your Arlo camera’s storage to make room for new recordings, only to find that the “Delete” button is either grayed out, unresponsive, or just… doesn’t work. It’s frustrating—like trying to close a door that’s stuck halfway. You’re not alone. Many Arlo 2018 model users face this exact issue, and it can feel like your camera is holding your footage hostage.

Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Q, or Arlo Baby (all released around 2018), the problem of being unable to delete footage is more common than you might think. The reasons vary—from subscription locks to sync errors—but the good news is, most of them are fixable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common causes, step-by-step solutions, and even a few workarounds that have saved me countless headaches. Let’s get your Arlo back in control.

Common Reasons Why Footage Won’t Delete

Subscription or Cloud Storage Lock

One of the biggest culprits behind the “can’t delete footage from Arlo camera 2018” issue is tied to your Arlo subscription plan. If you’re on a free plan or your paid plan has expired, Arlo may restrict your ability to manually delete cloud-stored clips. This is a sneaky limitation that many users don’t realize until they try to clear old footage.

For example, I once had a user tell me, “I canceled my Arlo Smart trial, and now I can’t delete anything.” That’s because Arlo Smart (the premium service) includes features like manual clip deletion. Without it, you’re stuck in read-only mode for cloud clips. Even if you’re using local storage via a USB drive, the app may still sync with the cloud, creating a hybrid lock.

• Tip: Check your Arlo app > Account > Subscription. If it says “Free Plan” or “Expired,” that’s likely the issue.
• Workaround: Temporarily reactivate your subscription (even for a month) to unlock deletion rights.

Sync Errors Between Camera and Base Station

Arlo cameras (especially 2018 models) use a base station to manage recordings. If the sync between your camera and base station is off, you might see footage in the app but can’t delete it. This often happens after a power outage, Wi-Fi drop, or firmware update.

I’ve seen this happen after a storm knocked out power. The camera recorded locally, but the base station didn’t sync properly. The clips showed up as “pending” in the app—visible but untouchable. The system thinks the footage is still transferring, so it won’t let you delete it.

• Check for: A yellow or red light on your base station. A blinking blue light means it’s trying to reconnect.
• Fix: Reboot the base station (unplug for 30 seconds), then restart the camera.

Corrupted App Cache or Glitches

Let’s be honest: The Arlo app isn’t perfect. Sometimes, it just glitches. The cache—temporary data stored by the app—can become corrupted, leading to unresponsive buttons or false “read-only” states. I’ve had days where the app showed “Delete” as active, but nothing happened when I tapped it. A simple cache clear fixed it.

This is especially common on older smartphones. For instance, my friend’s iPhone 8 started acting up with the Arlo app after a system update. The app itself was fine, but the cache was holding onto outdated data.

• Quick fix: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Arlo > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS, uninstall and reinstall the app (your account stays intact).
• Pro tip: Always update the Arlo app. Older versions have more bugs.

Camera Firmware Out of Date

Outdated firmware is a silent killer. Arlo pushes updates to fix bugs, improve security, and add features—but if your camera hasn’t updated, it might be running on code that conflicts with the app. In 2018 models, this often causes sync issues, playback errors, and yes, deletion problems.

One user told me, “I hadn’t updated my camera in two years. After the update, the delete button worked again.” That’s because Arlo fixed a known bug in firmware version 1.13.2 that affected clip management.

• How to check: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera Name] > Device Info > Firmware Version.
• Update: Tap “Update” if an update is available. Make sure the camera is charged and near the base station.

Local Storage (USB Drive) Issues

If you’re using a USB drive for local storage (common with Arlo Pro 2), the drive itself might be the problem. A full drive, corrupted file system, or even a slow drive can prevent deletions. I once had a USB drive that was 99% full. Arlo wouldn’t delete clips because it was too busy trying to manage space.

Another issue: File system incompatibility. Arlo requires USB drives formatted in FAT32 or exFAT. If yours is NTFS (common on Windows), the camera can read it but might not delete files properly.

• Test: Plug the USB drive into a computer. Can you manually delete files? If not, the drive needs reformatting.
• Reformat: Back up data, then format as exFAT (works on both Mac and Windows). In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Storage > USB Drive > Format Drive.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Delete Footage

Fix 1: Reactivate Your Subscription (Temporarily)

If your subscription is expired or on the free plan, reactivating it—even for a month—can restore your deletion rights. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the Account icon (top-left).
2. Go to Subscription and select “Upgrade.”
3. Choose any paid plan (e.g., Arlo Smart Premier) and complete the payment.
4. Once active, go to Library, select clips, and tap Delete.
5. After deletion, you can downgrade back to free if needed.

Note: This costs $2.99–$9.99/month, but it’s a small price for freedom. I’ve used this trick more than once when cleaning up old clips before selling a camera.

Fix 2: Reboot and Resync the Base Station

This is the classic “turn it off and on again” solution—and it works. Here’s the full process:

1. Unplug the base station and wait 30 seconds.
2. Plug it back in and wait for the LED to turn solid green (1–2 minutes).
3. Restart each camera by pressing and holding the Sync button for 5 seconds.
4. Open the Arlo app and check if the “Delete” button is now active.

Example: A user in a Facebook group had a camera that wouldn’t delete clips after a firmware update. Rebooting the base station fixed it instantly. The system just needed to re-establish its connection.

Fix 3: Clear the Arlo App Cache (Android/iOS)

For Android users:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Arlo.
2. Tap Storage > Clear Cache (not Clear Data—this won’t delete your account).
3. Restart the app and try deleting footage.

For iOS users:

1. Uninstall the Arlo app (press and hold the icon > Remove App).
2. Reinstall from the App Store.
3. Log back into your account. The cache will rebuild cleanly.

Pro tip: After clearing cache, force-close the app and reopen it. This ensures the new cache loads properly.

Fix 4: Update Camera Firmware

Outdated firmware is a silent problem. Here’s how to fix it:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices.
2. Select your camera and tap Device Info.
3. If “Update Available” appears, tap it.
4. Ensure the camera is charged above 50% and within 30 feet of the base station.
5. Wait 5–10 minutes for the update to install.

Note: Never unplug the base station during an update. I learned this the hard way—my camera needed a factory reset afterward.

Fix 5: Reformat or Replace Your USB Drive

If you’re using local storage:

1. Back up any important clips to your phone or computer.
2. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Storage > USB Drive.
3. Tap Format Drive (this erases all data).
4. Wait for the LED to turn solid green (5–10 minutes).
5. Try deleting clips again.

Alternative: If the drive is slow or old, replace it with a high-speed USB 3.0 drive (e.g., SanDisk Extreme). I use a 128GB drive, and it’s never failed.

When All Else Fails: Advanced Troubleshooting

Factory Reset the Camera

If nothing works, a factory reset might be your last resort. This erases all settings and restarts the camera from scratch. Warning: You’ll need to re-pair it with the base station.

1. Press and hold the Sync button on the camera for 15 seconds (until the LED flashes amber).
2. Wait for the LED to turn solid blue (1–2 minutes).
3. Re-add the camera in the Arlo app (Settings > Add Device).

When to use this: Only if the camera is unresponsive, stuck in a loop, or has severe sync issues. I used this once when a camera kept rebooting after a failed update.

Contact Arlo Support

Sometimes, the issue is on Arlo’s end. For example, a server-side bug or a corrupted account. Here’s how to reach support:

• Phone: 1-844-427-5688 (U.S.) or check the Arlo website for international numbers.
• Live Chat: Available in the Arlo app (tap Account > Help > Contact Us).
• Email: support@arlo.com (include your account email and camera model).

Pro tip: Have your camera’s serial number ready (found on the back or in Device Info). Support can check for known issues.

Use Third-Party Tools (For Local Storage)

If your USB drive is readable on a computer but Arlo won’t delete files, try manual deletion:

1. Unplug the USB drive and plug it into a computer.
2. Open the drive and navigate to the Arlo folder.
3. Delete clips manually (they’re stored as .mp4 files).
4. Reinsert the drive into the base station.

Caution: This only works if the drive isn’t encrypted. If Arlo can’t read it afterward, reformat the drive.

Preventing the Issue in the Future

Keep Firmware and App Updated

Set a monthly reminder to check for updates. Outdated software is the #1 cause of Arlo glitches. Enable auto-updates on your phone to avoid missing app patches.

Monitor Storage Space

Don’t let your USB drive or cloud storage fill up. Arlo recommends keeping at least 10–20% free space. Use the app’s Storage tab to check levels regularly.

Use a Stable Wi-Fi Network

Weak Wi-Fi causes sync issues. Place the base station near your router or use a Wi-Fi extender. I use a TP-Link RE450, and it’s eliminated most connection drops.

Schedule Regular Cleanups

Delete old clips every 1–2 weeks. This prevents the “can’t delete” issue from building up. Use the Library tab to filter by date and bulk-delete.

Data Table: Quick Reference for Fixes

Issue	Fix	Time Required
Expired Subscription	Reactivate for 1 month	5 minutes
Base Station Sync Error	Reboot base station & cameras	10 minutes
App Glitch	Clear cache or reinstall app	3 minutes
Outdated Firmware	Update via app	15 minutes
USB Drive Full/Corrupt	Format or replace drive	10 minutes
Severe Malfunction	Factory reset camera	20 minutes

Final Thoughts: Take Back Control of Your Footage

Being unable to delete footage from your Arlo camera 2018 model isn’t just annoying—it can feel like a violation of trust. But as we’ve seen, most causes are fixable with patience and the right steps. Whether it’s a subscription lock, a sync error, or a simple app glitch, the solutions above have helped countless users regain control.

Remember: Prevention is key. Keep your firmware updated, monitor storage, and don’t let subscriptions expire. And if you’re ever stuck? Don’t panic. Start with the simplest fixes (reboot, clear cache) and work your way up. You’ve got this.

Lastly, if Arlo ever improves this experience (e.g., letting free users delete clips), I’ll be the first to celebrate. Until then, use these tips to keep your camera running smoothly. Your peace of mind is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I delete footage from my Arlo Camera 2018?

If you can’t delete footage from your Arlo Camera 2018, it could be due to sync issues, subscription restrictions, or app glitches. Try force-closing the app or checking your subscription plan to ensure local storage permissions.

How do I fix the “can’t delete Arlo footage” error on my 2018 model?

First, ensure your camera is synced properly and has a stable Wi-Fi connection. Then, restart the Arlo app or your device, as temporary bugs often cause this issue with 2018 models.

Is there a way to delete Arlo 2018 footage without the app?

No, the Arlo app or web portal is required to manage footage for 2018 models. However, you can use the web portal as an alternative if the app is unresponsive or lagging.

Why does my Arlo Camera 2018 keep saving footage I tried to delete?

This usually happens when cloud storage sync is delayed or if your subscription auto-saves clips. Check your storage settings and toggle off “Auto-delete” temporarily to troubleshoot.

Can’t delete Arlo 2018 footage even after a factory reset?

A factory reset may not clear cloud-stored footage. You must manually delete clips from the Arlo app or web portal after resetting the camera to avoid sync conflicts.

Does Arlo 2018 have a bulk delete option for footage?

Yes, the Arlo app allows bulk deletion for 2018 models—select multiple clips in the “Library” tab and tap “Delete.” If this fails, update the app or try the web version.