Can You See If Arlo Camera Is Recording Here Is How

Yes, you can see if your Arlo camera is recording—check the LED indicator light on the device, which glows solid blue when actively recording. For remote confirmation, use the Arlo app to view live feeds, access motion detection logs, and review saved clips, ensuring full transparency. Custom alerts and smart notifications further let you know exactly when recording starts or stops.

Key Takeaways

• Check the LED light: A solid blue LED means Arlo is recording.
• Use the Arlo app: Live view confirms active recording in real time.
• Review activity zones: Custom zones trigger recording alerts on motion.
• Enable notifications: Get instant alerts when recording starts or stops.
• Verify subscription status: Cloud recording requires an active Arlo plan.
• Check local storage: MicroSD cards show recording status via the base station.

Can You See If Arlo Camera Is Recording Here Is How

Imagine this: you’re sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your phone, and suddenly wonder, “Is my Arlo camera recording right now?” It’s a question that pops up more often than you’d think—especially when you’re relying on these sleek little devices to keep your home safe. Whether it’s checking in on the dog, monitoring your front porch, or just making sure the kids got home from school, Arlo cameras are designed to give you peace of mind. But how do you actually know if your Arlo camera is recording? That’s what we’re diving into today.

Arlo has become a household name in the world of smart home security. From indoor cams to weatherproof outdoor models, they offer flexibility, high-quality video, and cloud-based storage. But with so many features and settings, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too, squinting at my phone screen trying to figure out whether the little LED on my camera was blinking red or just reflecting sunlight. After years of testing, troubleshooting, and talking to other Arlo users, I’ve gathered the most practical, no-nonsense ways to tell if your Arlo camera is recording. No fluff, no tech jargon overload—just real answers you can use today.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Record

Recording Triggers: Motion, Sound, or Both?

One of the first things to understand is that Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default—unless you’ve specifically set them to do so. Most models use event-based recording, which means they only start capturing video when something triggers them. The most common triggers are:

• Motion detection: The camera senses movement in its field of view.

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• Sound detection: Some models (like the Arlo Pro series) can detect loud noises, such as glass breaking or a dog barking.

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• Scheduled recording: You can set specific times when the camera records continuously, regardless of motion.

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• Manual recording: You can start a recording anytime via the Arlo app.

For example, if you have your Arlo set to record only when motion is detected, it won’t start filming just because it’s 6 PM. But if your neighbor’s cat hops over your fence, boom—recording starts. This is great for saving storage and battery life, but it also means you might miss things if the motion detection isn’t sensitive enough.

Continuous vs. Event-Based Recording

Some Arlo models, like the Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Pro 5S, support continuous video recording (CVR) when paired with an Arlo SmartHub or base station. This means the camera records non-stop and saves footage to the cloud or a microSD card (depending on your setup). But CVR requires a paid subscription and more storage—so it’s not for everyone.

Here’s a real-life example: A friend of mine installed an Arlo Pro 4 in her backyard. She wanted to catch raccoons raiding her trash cans at night. She set it to motion-activated recording, but the raccoons were sneaky—they moved slowly, and the camera didn’t always pick them up. After switching to a higher sensitivity setting and adding a spotlight (which helps with motion detection), she finally caught the culprits. The point? How your Arlo records directly affects what you see—and whether you see it at all.

So, to answer the big question: Can you see if your Arlo camera is recording? Not always—unless you know where to look. That’s what the next sections are for.

Visual Indicators: What the LED Light Tells You

LED Color Meanings (And What They Don’t Mean)

The most immediate way to tell if your Arlo camera is recording is by checking the LED status light—usually located on the front or top of the device. But here’s the catch: not all Arlo models use the same color codes, and some LEDs can be turned off in settings (which is great for stealth mode, but not so great for knowing what’s happening).

Here’s what the most common LED colors mean across popular Arlo models:

• Solid blue: Camera is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Not necessarily recording.

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• Blinking blue: Camera is connecting to Wi-Fi or updating firmware.
• Solid red: Recording is active. This is the one you want to see.
• Blinking red: Low battery or storage issue.
• Solid amber: Camera is charging (battery models).
• No light: Camera is in stealth mode, powered off, or LED is disabled.

For example, my Arlo Pro 3 has a red LED that turns on the second it starts recording. It’s bright, hard to miss, and gives me instant feedback. But my Arlo Wire-Free model? The LED is tiny and can be turned off in the app. I once forgot to check the app for a week and assumed the camera was recording—only to find out it hadn’t picked up a single event because the motion sensitivity was too low. Lesson learned: don’t rely solely on the LED if it’s not visible or disabled.

When the LED Is Off (And What to Do About It)

Many Arlo users disable the LED light for privacy or to avoid attracting attention. That’s totally valid—especially if your camera faces a street or neighbor’s window. But it does make it harder to know if it’s recording.

Here’s what I do: I keep the LED on during the day (for quick checks) and turn it off at night. I also use the Arlo app to verify recordings. It’s a simple habit that gives me peace of mind. You can toggle the LED in the Arlo app under Device Settings > LED. Just remember: if it’s off, you’ll need other ways to confirm recording.

Pro tip: If you’re using a battery-powered Arlo, check the battery level first. A low battery can cause the camera to record shorter clips or skip events entirely. I once had a camera that looked like it wasn’t recording—only to realize the battery was at 8% and in power-saving mode.

Using the Arlo App to Confirm Recording Activity

Checking the Live Feed and Activity Log

The Arlo app is your best friend when it comes to knowing what your camera is doing—especially if the LED is off. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap on the camera you want to check.
2. Look for a red dot or “Live” indicator in the top corner. This means the camera is actively streaming.
3. Tap the “Events” tab at the bottom. This shows a timeline of all recorded clips, sorted by date and time.
4. If you see a red bar or a clip thumbnail, your camera recorded something.
5. For real-time confirmation, tap the “Live” button. If the feed is playing, the camera is either recording or ready to record.

I use this method daily. For example, when my kids come home from school, I check the Events tab to see if there’s a clip from the front door. If there is, I know the camera worked. If not, I’ll check the motion settings or Wi-Fi connection.

Using the “Recording” Status in Device Settings

Some Arlo models show a “Recording” status directly in the device settings. To find it:

1. Go to My Devices > [Your Camera].
2. Scroll down to “Status”.
3. Look for “Recording: Active” or “Recording: Idle.”

This isn’t available on all models, but when it is, it’s super helpful. My Arlo Pro 5S shows this status, and it’s been a game-changer. I can quickly confirm whether the camera is in standby mode or actively capturing footage—no guesswork.

Setting Up Push Notifications for Recording Alerts

Want to know the second your Arlo starts recording? Enable push notifications. Here’s how:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Notifications.
2. Turn on “Motion Alerts” and “Recording Started” (if available).
3. Customize which cameras trigger alerts.

I get a notification on my phone every time my backyard camera detects motion. It says, “Arlo detected motion at the backyard. Recording started.” It’s like having a personal security guard texting me. I’ve even caught delivery drivers leaving packages—or, in one case, a squirrel trying to steal birdseed.

Advanced Methods: SmartHubs, Base Stations, and Local Storage

How Base Stations Affect Recording Visibility

If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Pro Base Station), your recording experience changes. These devices:

• Provide local storage via microSD card (up to 2TB).
• Offer better Wi-Fi range and stability.
• Allow continuous recording without a subscription (if using local storage).
• Have their own status lights and alerts.

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 connects to a SmartHub in the basement. The hub has a green light when everything’s working, and a blinking red light if there’s an issue. I can also check the hub’s status in the app—under “SmartHub” > “Storage”—to see if local recordings are being saved.

Important: If your base station is offline or the microSD card is full, your camera may still detect motion but fail to save the clip. I learned this the hard way when I went on vacation and came back to 12 hours of “motion detected” alerts—but no recordings. The card was full. Now I get a monthly reminder to check storage.

Checking Local Storage (MicroSD Card) for Recordings

If you’re using a microSD card, you can manually check it for recordings:

1. Remove the card from the SmartHub or camera.
2. Insert it into a card reader on your computer.
3. Look for folders named “Arlo” or “DCIM”.
4. Open the folder to see MP4 files of your recordings.

This is especially useful if you suspect the app isn’t showing all clips. I once found a 30-minute recording of a raccoon party that didn’t appear in the app—probably because it was saved locally but not synced to the cloud.

Cloud vs. Local: Which Gives Better Recording Confirmation?

Cloud storage (via Arlo Secure or Secure Plus) gives you instant access to recordings in the app, plus AI features like person detection and package alerts. But it requires a subscription and depends on internet connectivity.

Local storage is free (after buying the card) and works offline—but you need physical access to the card to view older clips.

For maximum peace of mind, I use both: cloud for real-time alerts and local for backup. That way, if my internet goes down, I still have recordings. It’s like having a safety net.

Troubleshooting: When Your Arlo Isn’t Recording (And How to Fix It)

Common Reasons for Failed Recordings

Even the best Arlo setup can have hiccups. Here are the most common reasons your camera might not be recording—and what to do:

• Motion detection too low: Increase sensitivity in Device Settings > Motion Detection.
• Wi-Fi issues: Move the camera closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• Full storage: Delete old clips or upgrade your microSD card.
• Camera in “Do Not Disturb” mode: Check the app for any active schedules.
• Firmware outdated: Update via Settings > Device Update.

One time, my Arlo stopped recording for three days. I checked everything—LED was on, Wi-Fi was strong, motion detection was high. Finally, I realized I’d accidentally enabled “Do Not Disturb” mode for nighttime hours. A simple toggle fixed it.

Testing Your Camera: A Quick 5-Step Checklist

To make sure your Arlo is recording, follow this quick test:

1. Check the LED: Is it solid red or blinking as expected?
2. Open the app: Are there recent events in the timeline?
3. Walk in front: Trigger motion and see if a clip appears in 30-60 seconds.
4. Check notifications: Did you get an alert?
5. Verify storage: Is there space on the cloud or microSD card?

I do this every month—like a security system tune-up. It takes 5 minutes and saves a lot of stress.

Data Table: Arlo Model Comparison – Recording Indicators

Arlo Model	LED Recording Indicator	App “Recording” Status	Local Storage Support	Push Notifications
Arlo Pro 5S	Solid red	Yes	Yes (via SmartHub)	Yes
Arlo Ultra 2	Solid red	Yes	Yes	Yes
Arlo Essential	Blinking red	No	No	Yes
Arlo Wire-Free	Solid red (configurable)	No	No	Yes
Arlo Go 2	Solid red	Yes	Yes (microSD)	Yes

This table shows how different Arlo models handle recording visibility. As you can see, higher-end models offer more feedback options—but even basic models can be monitored effectively with the right settings.

Final Thoughts: Staying in Control of Your Arlo Recordings

So, can you see if your Arlo camera is recording? Absolutely—but it takes a mix of visual checks, app monitoring, and smart settings. The LED light is a great start, but it’s not the whole story. The Arlo app, push notifications, base station status, and local storage all play a role in giving you a complete picture.

My biggest piece of advice? Don’t assume. Check the app regularly, test your cameras, and set up alerts so you never miss a beat. Whether you’re using Arlo for home security, pet monitoring, or just peace of mind, knowing your camera is doing its job is half the battle.

And remember: technology isn’t perfect. Sometimes the raccoons win. But with a little attention and the right tools, your Arlo will be your eyes when you can’t be there—and you’ll always know when it’s watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my Arlo camera is recording?

Most Arlo cameras have a visible LED indicator (usually solid or blinking green/blue) when actively recording. You can also check the Arlo app’s live feed or event history to confirm recordings.

Does the Arlo camera show a recording indicator light?

Yes, Arlo cameras typically display an LED light during recording—colors vary by model (e.g., green for motion detection, blue for live streaming). Some models allow you to disable the LED in settings for discreet monitoring.

Can you see if Arlo camera is recording through the app?

Absolutely. The Arlo app shows real-time recording status via the camera’s live view icon and a timeline of past events. Look for the red “Recording” badge or motion-triggered clips in your library.

Why isn’t my Arlo camera showing a recording light?

The LED may be disabled in settings, or your camera might be in “stealth mode.” Check the app’s camera settings to toggle the LED on. Some newer models also use non-visual indicators like app notifications.

How do I verify if my Arlo camera recorded motion?

Open the Arlo app and navigate to the “Events” tab. Here, you’ll see timestamps of detected motion with preview thumbnails. Tap any event to review the full recording.

Can you see if Arlo camera is recording at night?

Yes, during night vision mode, Arlo cameras emit infrared light (invisible to the eye) and record in black/white. The app will still show recording status, and motion events appear in your feed regardless of lighting conditions.