Can You Share and Save Videos from Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Yes, you can easily share and save videos from your Arlo camera using the Arlo app or web portal, allowing secure access across devices. Save clips locally or to the cloud, and share them via email, social media, or direct links—ideal for evidence, memories, or real-time monitoring with family or authorities.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can share Arlo videos via email, social media, or direct links.
• Save videos locally by downloading clips to your device or cloud storage.
• Use Arlo SmartHub for secure, long-term video storage and backup options.
• Adjust sharing settings to control access and protect privacy effectively.
• Enable auto-delete to manage storage and keep only essential footage.
• Third-party integrations like Google Drive expand saving and sharing options.

Why Sharing and Saving Arlo Camera Videos Matters

Imagine this: You’re at work when your Arlo camera detects motion near your front porch. You pull up the app and see a delivery person leaving a package. A few hours later, you get a notification about another motion event—this time, it’s a raccoon knocking over your trash can. You chuckle, but then you wonder, “Can I save this video? Can I share it with my family or the neighborhood group?” That’s the heart of the question: Can you share and save videos from Arlo camera? The answer is a resounding yes—but it’s not always as simple as clicking a button.

As someone who’s used Arlo cameras for over three years (and shared more than a few hilarious raccoon videos with my family), I’ve learned the ins and outs of saving and sharing footage. Whether you’re documenting a package delivery, capturing a memorable family moment, or sharing suspicious activity with your HOA, Arlo offers several ways to save and share videos. But each method comes with its own quirks, limitations, and best practices. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the basics to advanced tips—so you can make the most of your Arlo camera’s video capabilities.

Understanding Arlo Video Storage: Cloud vs. Local Options

Before you can share or save videos, you need to know where they’re stored. Arlo offers two main storage options: cloud storage and local storage. Each has its own pros, cons, and implications for sharing and saving.

Cloud Storage: The Default (and Most Popular) Choice

Most Arlo users rely on cloud storage, which is tied to an Arlo Secure subscription plan. Here’s how it works:

• Video Retention: With a subscription, Arlo stores your videos in the cloud for 30 days (or 60 days for higher-tier plans). After that, they’re automatically deleted.
• Access: You can view and download videos from the Arlo app or web portal anytime during the retention period.
• Sharing: Cloud-stored videos can be shared directly from the app via email, text, or social media.

Example: Last winter, I caught a neighbor’s dog digging up my garden on camera. I downloaded the video from the cloud and shared it with them via text—problem solved without confrontation.

Tip: If you’re not sure which plan to choose, Arlo’s free tier offers limited cloud storage (7 days of rolling history for one camera). It’s great for testing, but for long-term saving, consider upgrading.

Local Storage: No Subscription, But More Control

If you prefer to avoid monthly fees, Arlo supports local storage via:

• microSD Card: Insert a compatible card (up to 256GB) into your Arlo base station or Pro 4/Ultra cameras.
• USB Drive: Some base stations (like the Arlo SmartHub) support external USB drives.

Here’s the catch: Local storage doesn’t support real-time sharing from the app. You’ll need to manually transfer the footage to your computer or phone first. But it’s perfect for long-term archival or privacy-conscious users.

Example: My dad uses a 128GB microSD card in his Arlo Pro 3. He keeps all footage for 6 months and only uploads to the cloud if something important happens.

Tip: Format your microSD card using the Arlo app to avoid errors. And always eject it safely—sudden removal can corrupt data.

Cloud vs. Local: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at the two options:

Feature	Cloud Storage	Local Storage
Cost	Subscription required (starts at $2.99/month)	One-time cost for storage device
Video Retention	30-60 days (subscription-dependent)	Unlimited (limited by storage size)
Sharing Ease	Direct sharing from app	Manual transfer required
Remote Access	Yes (from anywhere with internet)	Only if you set up a home network share
Privacy	Data stored on Arlo’s servers	Data stays on your property

How to Save Videos from Your Arlo Camera

Now that you know your storage options, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of saving videos. The method depends on whether you’re using cloud or local storage.

Saving from Cloud Storage (With a Subscription)

This is the easiest method—and the one most users rely on. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap the video you want to save.
2. Tap the download icon (a downward arrow) in the top-right corner.
3. Choose a resolution: HD (1080p) or SD (720p). HD is better for clarity, but SD saves storage space.
4. Select a save location: The video will download to your phone’s gallery or a specified folder on your computer (if using the web portal).

Example: When my daughter’s first steps were caught on camera, I downloaded the HD version to my phone. Now it’s in her baby book—and I’ve backed it up to Google Photos.

Tip: Use the web portal (my.arlo.com) for bulk downloads. It’s faster and lets you save multiple videos at once.

Saving from Local Storage (microSD or USB)

No app shortcuts here—you’ll need to manually transfer the footage. Here’s how:

1. Eject the microSD card from your base station or camera (use the “Safely Remove” option in the app).
2. Insert the card into your computer (or connect the USB drive).
3. Navigate to the “Arlo” folder and find the video files (organized by date/time).
4. Copy the files to your preferred storage (external drive, cloud backup, etc.).

Example: My neighbor uses this method to archive all footage for 6 months. He copies the files to a password-protected external drive.

Tip: Use a file manager app (like WinSCP or Cyberduck) if you’re tech-savvy. It lets you access the card remotely over your home network.

Automated Saving: Arlo’s “Download All” Feature

For power users, Arlo offers a “Download All” option in the web portal. It’s perfect for backing up an entire month of footage at once. To use it:

1. Log in to my.arlo.com.
2. Go to Library > Download All.
3. Choose a date range and resolution.
4. The videos will zip into a single file for easy storage.

Warning: This can take hours if you have a lot of footage. Do it overnight or when you’re not using the camera.

Sharing Videos: From Quick Shares to Advanced Options

Saving videos is one thing—but sharing them is where things get fun (and sometimes frustrating). Arlo makes sharing easy, but there are nuances to consider.

Sharing from the App (Cloud-Stored Videos)

The Arlo app lets you share videos in seconds. Here’s how:

1. Open the video in the app.
2. Tap the share icon (an upward arrow with a dot).
3. Choose a method:
   • Email: Sends a link to the video (expires in 7 days).
   • Text/WhatsApp: Shares a direct link (also expires).
   • Social Media: Uploads the video directly to Facebook, X, or YouTube.

Example: When a package was stolen from my porch, I shared the video with my HOA via email. They used it to identify the thief.

Tip: If you want to share a video with someone who doesn’t have the Arlo app, use the “Share Clip” feature. It creates a public link (with a password if needed).

Sharing Locally Stored Videos

No app magic here—you’ll need to:

1. Transfer the video to your phone or computer (as described above).
2. Use your device’s sharing features:
   • Phone: Use AirDrop (iOS) or Share Sheet (Android) to send via email, text, or social media.
   • Computer: Upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, or a private YouTube link.

Example: My sister shares raccoon videos with our family group chat using Google Drive. She uploads them weekly as “Raccoon Watch 2024.”

Advanced Sharing: Creating a Private Arlo Account for Others

Want to give family members or neighbors full access to your camera feed? Arlo lets you add users to your account:

1. Go to Settings > Add User.
2. Enter their email and choose their permissions (e.g., “Viewer” to let them see videos but not change settings).
3. They’ll get an invite to download the app and log in.

Warning: Only do this with people you trust. They’ll have access to all your camera feeds and recordings.

Common Challenges (and How to Solve Them)

Even with the best setup, you might run into issues. Here are the most common problems—and how to fix them.

“My Downloads Are Corrupted”

This usually happens when:

• The microSD card wasn’t ejected safely. Fix: Always use the “Safely Remove” option.
• The video was interrupted during recording. Fix: Check your Wi-Fi signal and battery level.
• The file is too large for your device. Fix: Download in SD resolution or use a computer.

Pro Tip: Use a file recovery tool (like Recuva or Disk Drill) if the card is corrupted.

“I Can’t Share a Video—It’s Too Long”

Arlo limits shared video clips to 10 minutes for cloud-stored videos. If your event was longer:

• Trim the video: Use the Arlo app’s built-in editor to cut it to 10 minutes.
• Share multiple clips: Break the event into smaller segments.
• Upload to YouTube: Share a private link for longer videos.

“I Lost My Subscription—Now What?”

If your Arlo Secure subscription lapses, you’ll lose access to cloud-stored videos after 7 days. To recover them:

1. Renew your subscription immediately. The videos are still there for 7 days after cancellation.
2. Download everything before it’s gone. Use the web portal’s “Download All” feature.

Tips for Organizing and Archiving Your Arlo Videos

Let’s be real: It’s easy to end up with hundreds of videos and no way to find the important ones. Here’s how to stay organized.

Create a Naming Convention

Instead of relying on Arlo’s default “Motion Event 123,” rename your videos with a clear system:

• Date + Event: “2024-05-15_Package Delivery”
• Location + Action: “Front Door_Raccoon Digging”
• Person + Moment: “Sarah_Bike Riding”

Example: I use “YYYY-MM-DD_Location_Action” for all my videos. It’s easy to search later.

Use Cloud Backup Services

Don’t rely on your phone or microSD card alone. Upload important videos to:

• Google Photos (free for 15GB)
• iCloud (Apple users)
• Dropbox (great for sharing)

Tip: Set up automatic uploads so you never forget to back up.

Delete Unnecessary Footage

Arlo cameras can fill up storage fast. To avoid clutter:

• Review weekly: Delete false alarms (like leaves blowing in the wind).
• Use AI filters: Enable “Person Detection” to reduce irrelevant alerts.
• Schedule auto-delete: In the app, set videos to delete after 30 days (if you don’t need them longer).

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo Camera’s Video Capabilities

So, can you share and save videos from Arlo camera? Absolutely. Whether you’re using cloud storage for quick sharing or local storage for long-term archiving, Arlo gives you the tools you need. The key is to choose the right method for your lifestyle—and to stay organized so you can find the videos that matter when you need them.

From saving a precious family moment to sharing evidence of suspicious activity, your Arlo camera is more than a security tool—it’s a memory keeper. And with a little practice, you’ll be a pro at saving, sharing, and organizing your footage in no time. Just remember: The best system is the one that works for you. Whether that’s a microSD card in your base station or a 60-day cloud subscription, you’ve got options. Now go capture those moments—and share them with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you share and save videos from Arlo camera directly to your phone?

Yes, you can share and save videos from Arlo camera using the Arlo app. Simply select the video clip, tap the share icon, and choose to save it to your device or share via email or social media.

How do I download Arlo camera videos to my computer?

To download Arlo camera videos, log into your Arlo account on a web browser, go to the Library, select the clip, and click the download icon. This saves the video in MP4 format to your computer for long-term storage.

Can you share and save videos from Arlo camera with family members?

Absolutely. You can invite family members as users in your Arlo app and grant them access to specific cameras or video clips. Shared users can then view, download, or share the videos directly from their devices.

Is there a way to share Arlo videos without giving full account access?

Yes, use the “Share Clip” feature in the Arlo app to generate a secure link for specific videos. Recipients can view or download the clip without accessing your full Arlo camera library or settings.

How long are Arlo camera videos saved for sharing?

Video retention depends on your subscription plan: 7–30 days for cloud-stored clips. To share or save videos from Arlo camera long-term, manually download them or use local storage options like a USB drive or SD card.

Can I save Arlo videos to Google Photos or iCloud?

Yes, after downloading an Arlo video to your phone, you can upload it to Google Photos, iCloud, or other cloud services. This provides extra backup and easy sharing across multiple devices.