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Yes, you can easily share and save videos from your Arlo camera using the Arlo app or web portal, with options to download clips directly to your device or share them via email, social media, or cloud storage. Features like Smart Alerts and subscription plans (e.g., Arlo Secure) enhance video retention and sharing flexibility, ensuring seamless access to your footage anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can share videos directly via the Arlo app with family or emergency contacts.
- Save clips locally or in the cloud by selecting them in the app and downloading.
- Use Smart Alerts to filter and save only relevant motion-triggered videos automatically.
- Share public video links for non-account holders to view without logging in.
- Enable Auto-Delete to manage storage by removing old clips from cloud after set days.
- Download videos to your device for permanent access without subscription dependency.
📑 Table of Contents
- Understanding Arlo Camera’s Video Sharing and Saving Features
- How to Save Videos from Your Arlo Camera
- How to Share Videos from Arlo Camera
- Arlo Subscription Plans and Their Impact on Sharing and Saving
- Tips and Tricks for Managing Arlo Videos Efficiently
- Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo Videos
Understanding Arlo Camera’s Video Sharing and Saving Features
Imagine you’re at work, and your Arlo camera sends a motion alert. You open the app and see your dog doing something hilarious—or worse, a suspicious figure near your front door. The first thing you want to do is share that video with your family or save it for later. But can you share and save videos from Arlo camera? The short answer is: yes. The long answer? Well, that’s what this guide is for.
Arlo, a leader in smart home security, offers a range of cameras with features that go beyond simple surveillance. From real-time alerts to cloud storage and AI-powered detection, Arlo cameras are designed to keep you in control. But when it comes to sharing clips or saving them for evidence, personal use, or even just to show your friends, things can get a bit tricky. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Ultra, or the budget-friendly Essential line, knowing how to manage your videos is key to getting the most out of your system.
How to Save Videos from Your Arlo Camera
Saving videos from your Arlo camera is one of the most common needs—especially if you’ve caught something important or just want to keep a sweet moment. The good news? Arlo gives you multiple ways to save videos, but the method you choose depends on your subscription plan, camera model, and how long you want to keep the footage.
Using Cloud Storage (With a Subscription)
Arlo’s cloud storage is the most seamless way to save videos. If you have an active subscription to Arlo Secure (formerly known as Arlo Smart), your videos are automatically saved to the cloud for up to 30 days. This includes:
- Motion-triggered clips (up to 30 seconds)
- Continuous video recording (CVR) if enabled
- AI-detected events (person, vehicle, animal, package)
For example, let’s say your camera detects a package delivery. With an Arlo Secure plan, that clip is stored in your cloud library. You can access it anytime through the Arlo app by going to the Library tab, filtering by date, and tapping the clip. From there, you can download it to your phone or tablet with one tap.
Pro tip: Download clips soon after recording. While they’re stored for 30 days, they’re automatically deleted after that unless you manually save them to your device.
Saving Videos Locally (No Subscription Needed)
Don’t have a subscription? No problem. You can still save videos—just not through the cloud. Arlo cameras with a microSD card slot (like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra 2) let you store footage directly on a microSD card.
- Insert a high-endurance microSD card (32GB to 256GB recommended)
- Enable local storage in the Arlo app under Camera Settings > Storage
- Set recording mode: motion-only, continuous, or scheduled
Once enabled, videos are saved on the card and can be viewed through the app or removed and plugged into a computer. This is great for users who want to avoid monthly fees or have privacy concerns about cloud storage.
Note: Local storage doesn’t support AI detection unless paired with an Arlo SmartHub. Also, if the card gets full, older videos are overwritten unless you manually back them up.
Downloading Videos to Your Phone or Computer
Whether you’re using cloud or local storage, you can download videos to your device for permanent saving.
- In the Arlo app, go to Library, tap the video, and select Download
- On a computer, log into my.arlo.com, go to Library, and click the download icon
- For microSD videos, remove the card and use a card reader to transfer files
I once downloaded a video of my cat knocking over a lamp (classic) and sent it to my family group chat. It’s now a running joke. The point? Once it’s on your device, you can do whatever you want with it—save it, edit it, or even post it online.
How to Share Videos from Arlo Camera
Sharing videos is just as important as saving them. Whether you’re sending evidence to the police, showing a delivery confirmation to a family member, or sharing a funny moment, Arlo makes it easy—with some limitations.
Sharing via the Arlo App (Direct Sharing)
The easiest way to share a video is through the Arlo app. Here’s how:
- Open the Library tab
- Tap the video you want to share
- Tap the Share icon (usually a paper airplane or arrow)
- Choose how to share: text, email, social media, or messaging apps
The app generates a link or lets you send the video file directly. If you have an Arlo Secure plan, the recipient can view the video without needing the app. If not, they may only get a notification or a short preview.
Real-life example: Last winter, my neighbor’s car was hit in the driveway. I shared the video with them via WhatsApp, and they used it to file an insurance claim. The video was clear, timestamped, and saved them from paying out of pocket.
Sharing with Family and Trusted Users
Want to give someone full access to your Arlo system? You can invite them as a Family Member or Trusted User through the app.
- Go to Settings > Account > Users
- Tap Add User and enter their email
- Set permissions: view-only, arm/disarm, or full control
This is perfect for couples, roommates, or parents who want to keep an eye on the kids. Once added, they can view, save, and share videos just like you can. I’ve added my parents so they can check in on my dog when I’m out of town—peace of mind for everyone.
Sharing Publicly (Social Media, Email, etc.)
Want to post a video online? You can download it first (as explained above) and then upload it to YouTube, Facebook, or even TikTok. Just be mindful of privacy:
- Blur faces or license plates if needed
- Check local laws—some places require consent to record or share footage
- Use discretion when sharing sensitive events
I once posted a video of a raccoon stealing my trash can lid (with the raccoon’s face blurred). It got 50K views on Reddit. Funny? Yes. But I made sure no neighbors or private property was clearly visible.
Arlo Subscription Plans and Their Impact on Sharing and Saving
Here’s the catch: many of Arlo’s best sharing and saving features require a paid subscription. While the cameras work without one, the full experience—especially for saving and sharing—is limited. Let’s break it down.
Free vs. Paid Plans: What You Get
Without a subscription, you get:
- Live streaming
- Motion alerts (no AI detection)
- 7-second pre-motion recording (on newer models)
- No cloud video storage
- No AI-powered event filtering
With an Arlo Secure plan, you get:
- 30-day cloud storage for all clips
- AI detection (person, vehicle, animal, package)
- Extended video history (up to 60 days with higher tiers)
- Activity zones
- 24/7 emergency response (on select plans)
The difference is huge. For example, without AI detection, your camera might record every passing car or swaying tree. With it, you only get alerts and clips for actual people or packages. This makes sharing much more efficient—you’re not sending 20 clips of squirrels to your spouse.
Arlo Secure Plans Comparison
| Plan | Cameras Supported | Storage Duration | AI Detection | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo Secure (Single Camera) | 1 | 30 days | Yes | $2.99 |
| Arlo Secure (Up to 5 Cameras) | 5 | 30 days | Yes | $9.99 |
| Arlo Secure Plus (Up to 10 Cameras) | 10 | 60 days | Yes + Emergency Response | $14.99 |
| Arlo Secure Ultimate (Up to 15 Cameras) | 15 | 60 days + 24/7 CVR | Yes + Emergency + CVR | $19.99 |
Note: Prices may vary by region and promotions. Always check Arlo’s official site for current offers.
Tip: If you only have one camera, the $2.99 plan is worth it for the AI detection alone. I once caught a package thief because my camera flagged “person” and “package” at the same time—no subscription, I would’ve missed it.
Tips and Tricks for Managing Arlo Videos Efficiently
Now that you know how to save and share, let’s talk about making the process smoother. Managing video clips can get overwhelming—especially if you have multiple cameras and frequent alerts. Here are some pro tips to stay organized.
Use Activity Zones to Reduce Clutter
Not every motion is important. Your camera might record your neighbor’s dog or a passing car. Use Activity Zones to tell your camera what areas to ignore.
- Go to Camera Settings > Activity Zones
- Draw zones over driveways, sidewalks, or front porches
- Set sensitivity to low, medium, or high
This way, you only get alerts and clips for events in the zones you care about. I disabled motion detection on the street side of my camera—saved me from 50+ unnecessary alerts per week.
Schedule Recordings and Alerts
Don’t need 24/7 monitoring? Schedule your camera to record only during certain times.
- Set Modes for Home, Away, or Custom
- Arm/disarm based on time or geofencing
- Use Do Not Disturb during sleeping hours
For example, I set my backyard camera to record only from 5 PM to 8 AM. That way, I don’t get alerts when my kids are playing outside during the day.
Back Up Important Videos Regularly
Whether you’re using cloud or local storage, don’t rely on one method. Back up important clips:
- Download to phone and move to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Use a NAS (network-attached storage) with Arlo SmartHub for automated backups
- Label files with dates and events (e.g., “2024-05-12_Package_Delivery”)
I keep a folder called “Arlo Evidence” on my computer. It’s got everything from break-in attempts to lost pet sightings. It’s saved me more than once.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even the best systems have hiccups. Here are some common problems with saving and sharing Arlo videos—and how to fix them.
“I Can’t Download the Video”
- Cause: Poor internet connection, expired subscription, or app glitch
- Fix: Restart the app, check Wi-Fi, ensure your subscription is active, or try downloading on another device
“The Video Won’t Share”
- Cause: File too large, app permissions, or recipient’s app not updated
- Fix: Trim the video (if possible), check app permissions (photos, storage), or send via email instead of messaging
“My MicroSD Card Isn’t Recording”
- Cause: Card not formatted, not high-endurance, or full
- Fix: Format the card in the Arlo app, use a card rated for surveillance (like SanDisk High Endurance), and check storage space
“Shared Link Isn’t Working”
- Cause: Link expired, recipient not logged in, or plan limitations
- Fix: Regenerate the link, ensure the recipient has an Arlo account, or download and send the file directly
I once spent an hour trying to share a video with my landlord—only to realize my subscription had lapsed. A quick renewal fixed it. Always check your plan status!
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Arlo Videos
So, can you share and save videos from Arlo camera? Absolutely. And with the right tools—cloud storage, local backup, smart sharing options—you can do it efficiently and securely. Whether you’re protecting your home, keeping an eye on loved ones, or just capturing funny moments, Arlo gives you the power to keep and share what matters.
Remember: subscriptions unlock the best features, but even without one, you can still save videos locally and share them manually. Use activity zones, schedule recordings, and back up important clips. And always think before you share—privacy matters.
At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is more than a security device. It’s a storyteller. It captures the good, the bad, and the downright weird. And now, you’ve got the tools to keep those stories—and share them—exactly how you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you share and save videos from Arlo camera?
Yes, Arlo cameras allow you to both share and save videos through the Arlo app or web portal. You can save clips to your local device or share them via email, social media, or direct links.
How do I save a video from my Arlo camera to my phone?
To save a video, open the Arlo app, select the desired clip from your library, and tap the download icon. The video will be saved directly to your phone’s gallery for offline access.
Can I share Arlo camera videos with family or friends?
Yes, you can share Arlo videos by generating a shareable link in the app or sending clips via email. For ongoing access, you can also grant specific users limited access to your Arlo account.
Does Arlo let you save videos without a subscription?
Without a subscription, you can save live video snapshots manually, but full-length recorded videos require an Arlo Secure subscription. Free users are limited to 7-day rolling cloud storage with reduced features.
How long are Arlo camera videos saved in the cloud?
With an Arlo Secure subscription, videos are saved in the cloud for up to 30 days, depending on your plan. Without a subscription, only motion-triggered snapshots (not full videos) are retained for 7 days.
Can you export and save Arlo videos for legal or evidence purposes?
Yes, you can export high-resolution videos from Arlo for legal use by downloading clips or using the “Save to Device” option. For extended storage, consider backing up files to a computer or external drive.