Do Arlo Cameras Record with No Internet Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras can record without an internet connection by storing footage locally on a microSD card or the Arlo SmartHub. This ensures continuous surveillance even during Wi-Fi outages, though live streaming and cloud features remain unavailable until connectivity is restored.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo cameras record without internet using local storage like SD cards or base stations.
• Motion detection works offline but cloud alerts require reconnection to Wi-Fi.
• Live streaming needs internet as it relies on cloud connectivity for real-time viewing.
• Check camera model specs to confirm local storage options and recording limits.
• Download footage locally via microSD or USB if internet is unavailable for review.
• Reconnect promptly after outages to ensure cloud backups and remote access resume.

Do Arlo Cameras Record with No Internet? Find Out Here

Imagine this: You’re on vacation, sipping a cold drink under a palm tree, when you get a notification from your home security system. A motion alert. Your heart skips. But wait—your internet went out last night. The Wi-Fi is down, and your router is blinking red. You panic: Did my Arlo camera record anything? Or is your home vulnerable, unrecorded, and unprotected?

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a storm knocking out your connection, a router glitch, or just a spotty ISP, losing internet can feel like losing your home’s digital eyes. But here’s the good news: Arlo cameras can still record without internet—but not all of them, and not always in the way you might expect. It depends on your model, your setup, and your expectations. In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how Arlo handles offline recording, what you can do to stay covered, and how to set things up so you never miss a beat—even when your Wi-Fi takes a coffee break.

How Arlo Cameras Work When the Internet Is Down

Let’s start with the basics. Arlo cameras are smart security devices that connect to your home network via Wi-Fi. Most models—like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential—rely on cloud storage to save and stream video. But here’s the twist: many Arlo cameras have local storage options or built-in memory that allows them to keep recording even when the internet is out.

Cloud vs. Local: The Key Difference

Think of cloud storage like a digital vault hosted on Arlo’s servers. Your camera uploads clips to this vault so you can access them from anywhere, anytime. But if the internet drops, the upload stops. However, the camera itself can still capture video locally—if it has the right features.

Local recording, on the other hand, saves footage directly to a physical device, like a microSD card or an Arlo SmartHub/Base Station. This is your safety net when the internet fails. The footage stays on your property, and you can access it later once the connection is restored.

What Happens During an Internet Outage?

When your internet goes down, here’s what typically happens:

• Live streaming stops: You can’t view your camera feed in real time through the Arlo app.
• Cloud uploads pause: Any video captured after the outage won’t be sent to Arlo’s servers.
• Motion detection continues: The camera still senses motion and triggers recording.
• Local recording kicks in (if enabled): The camera saves clips to its onboard storage or base station.

For example, let’s say you have an Arlo Pro 4 connected to an Arlo SmartHub. The Wi-Fi drops at 3 PM. From 3 PM to 5 PM, your camera detects a delivery person, a raccoon, and a neighbor walking by. None of these events are sent to the cloud. But if you have a microSD card in the SmartHub, all three clips are saved locally. Once your internet comes back, you can review them—no data lost.

Real-World Example: The Storm That Knocked Out the Wi-Fi

Last winter, my friend Sarah had a tree fall on her power line during a storm. The Wi-Fi went out, but her Arlo cameras (Pro 4s with a SmartHub) kept working. She didn’t realize it at first—she just saw a “No Internet” message in the app. But when she checked the microSD card later, she found 12 hours of footage, including the moment the tree hit the house. That footage helped her with insurance claims. “I never thought local storage would save me,” she told me. “But it did.”

Which Arlo Cameras Can Record Without Internet?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to offline recording. Let’s break down which models can keep recording when the internet is down—and how.

Arlo Cameras with Built-in Local Storage

Some Arlo models have microSD card slots, allowing you to insert a memory card directly into the camera. These include:

• Arlo Essential (Indoor & Outdoor): Supports up to 256GB microSD cards. Records 15-second clips when motion is detected. No cloud required.
• Arlo Pro 4 & Pro 5S: While they don’t have built-in slots, they work with the Arlo SmartHub, which does. The SmartHub connects to your Wi-Fi but also has a microSD slot. Cameras send clips to the hub, which saves them locally.
• Arlo Ultra & Ultra 2: Same as Pro 4—requires SmartHub for local storage.
• Arlo Go 2 (LTE model): This one’s special. It uses a cellular connection (LTE) instead of Wi-Fi. So even if your home internet is out, it can still upload to the cloud—and it also supports local microSD storage.

Cameras That Need a SmartHub or Base Station

Many newer Arlo models—like the Pro 4, Pro 5S, and Ultra—don’t record locally on their own. But they can if paired with an Arlo SmartHub (or older Base Station). The SmartHub acts as a local brain:

• Connects to your Wi-Fi (for cloud uploads).
• Has a microSD card slot (for local backups).
• Stores footage even when internet is down.
• Supports up to 20 cameras (depending on model).

Without the SmartHub, these cameras will still detect motion, but they won’t save anything unless they can reach the cloud. So if your internet is out and you don’t have local storage, you’re out of luck.

Cameras That Can’t Record Without Internet

Some Arlo models require internet to function fully. These include:

• Arlo Essential (Wi-Fi only, no microSD): If you didn’t insert a memory card, it can’t save locally. Internet outage = no recording.
• Arlo Video Doorbell (Wi-Fi only): Same issue. No local storage unless paired with a SmartHub and microSD card.
• Arlo Floodlight Camera (Wi-Fi only): Relies on cloud. No offline recording without local storage setup.

Tip: Always check the product specs before buying. Look for “microSD card support” or “SmartHub compatibility.” If it’s not listed, assume it can’t record offline.

Setting Up Local Storage for Offline Recording

Want to make sure your Arlo cameras keep recording when the internet drops? Here’s how to set up local storage—step by step.

Step 1: Choose the Right Hardware

You’ll need one of these:

• Arlo SmartHub (recommended for Pro 4, Pro 5S, Ultra, etc.).
• Arlo Base Station (older models, like Pro 2).
• microSD card (Class 10, UHS-I, 32GB–256GB). Arlo recommends high-endurance cards (like Samsung Pro Endurance) for 24/7 recording.

Pro Tip: Buy a 128GB card. It holds about 7 days of continuous 1080p video. More than enough for most outages.

Step 2: Insert the microSD Card

1. Power off the SmartHub/Base Station.
2. Find the microSD slot (usually on the side or back).
3. Insert the card gently. Don’t force it.
4. Power the hub back on.

The Arlo app will detect the card automatically. You’ll see a “Local Storage” option in your camera settings.

Step 3: Enable Local Recording in the App

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Select your camera.
3. Tap “Settings” > “Local Storage”.
4. Toggle “Enable Local Recording” to ON.
5. Choose recording mode: “Event Only” (saves only when motion is detected) or “Continuous” (records 24/7).

Note: “Event Only” saves space. “Continuous” uses more storage but captures everything—great for high-risk areas.

Step 4: Test It (Before You Need It)

Don’t wait for an outage to test your setup. Try this:

1. Unplug your router.
2. Wait 5 minutes.
3. Trigger motion (walk in front of the camera).
4. Plug the router back in.
5. Open the app and check the “Local Storage” section.

If you see the clip, you’re golden. If not, double-check the microSD card and app settings.

Step 5: Access Local Footage

Once your internet is back, you can:

• View clips in the Arlo app under “Local Storage”.
• Download videos to your phone or computer.
• Remove the microSD card and plug it into a reader for direct access.

Bonus Tip: Set up email or push notifications for “Local Storage Full” alerts. You don’t want to miss an event because the card filled up!

Limitations and Trade-Offs of Offline Recording

Local recording is great, but it’s not perfect. Let’s talk about the downsides—so you can decide what works best for your home.

Storage Space: The Big Limitation

microSD cards fill up fast. A 64GB card holds about 3–4 days of 1080p continuous video. After that, the oldest clips get overwritten. That means if your internet is out for a week, you’ll only see the last few days of footage.

Example: Your Wi-Fi goes down on Monday. By Sunday, clips from Monday–Wednesday are gone. Only Thursday–Sunday remain.

No Cloud Features When Offline

Even if you have local storage, you lose access to cloud-only features when offline:

• AI detection (like person, vehicle, animal).
• Activity zones (custom motion areas).
• Smart alerts (push notifications with thumbnails).
• Cloud backups (if you have an Arlo Secure plan).

Your camera will still detect motion and record, but it won’t “know” what it’s seeing until the internet comes back.

Physical Risk: The Card Can Be Stolen

Unlike cloud storage, your microSD card is physical. If someone breaks in, they could steal the camera—and the card. That means no evidence.

Solution: Use a hidden SmartHub (like in a closet or attic) or a tamper-proof outdoor enclosure. Some people even use dummy cards and keep the real one in a safe.

No Remote Access During Outages

You can’t live-stream or check your cameras remotely when the internet is down. The app will show “No Internet” until you’re back online.

Workaround: Use a mobile hotspot. If your phone has data, you can create a hotspot and connect the SmartHub to it. This restores cloud access—and lets you check your cameras remotely.

Best Practices for Reliable Offline Recording

Want to maximize your Arlo camera’s offline performance? Here are my top tips—learned from years of testing and real-world use.

1. Use a High-Endurance microSD Card

Regular cards aren’t built for 24/7 recording. They wear out fast. High-endurance cards (like Samsung Pro Endurance, SanDisk Max Endurance) are designed for security cameras. They handle constant writing and last 2–5 years.

2. Pair Cameras with a SmartHub (If Possible)

The SmartHub is your best friend for offline recording. It supports local storage, acts as a Wi-Fi extender, and keeps your cameras connected even with weak signals. It’s worth the extra $100–$150.

3. Set Recording to “Event Only” (Unless You Need 24/7)

“Continuous” recording uses 5x more storage. For most homes, “Event Only” is enough. You’ll capture every motion trigger without filling the card too fast.

4. Monitor Storage and Rotate Cards

Check your microSD card every few months. If it’s near full, back up the footage and format it. Some people use multiple cards and rotate them weekly.

5. Use a UPS for Power Backup

Internet outages often happen with power outages. A Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) keeps your router and SmartHub running for 1–2 hours. That means your cameras stay online—and keep recording.

6. Combine Local + Cloud for Maximum Security

Don’t choose one or the other. Use both:

• Local: For outages and physical security.
• Cloud: For remote access, AI features, and off-site backups.

This dual approach gives you the best of both worlds.

7. Test Regularly

Set a reminder to test your setup every 3 months. Simulate an outage. Make sure everything works. A security system that fails when you need it most isn’t a security system at all.

Data Summary: Arlo Cameras & Offline Recording

Camera Model	Built-in microSD?	Requires SmartHub?	Can Record Offline?	Max Local Storage
Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)	Yes	No	Yes	256GB
Arlo Pro 4 / Pro 5S	No	Yes	Yes (with SmartHub + card)	256GB
Arlo Ultra / Ultra 2	No	Yes	Yes (with SmartHub + card)	256GB
Arlo Go 2 (LTE)	Yes	No	Yes (LTE + local)	256GB
Arlo Video Doorbell (Wi-Fi)	No	Yes (for local)	Only with SmartHub + card	256GB
Arlo Floodlight Camera	No	Yes (for local)	Only with SmartHub + card	256GB

Note: All models require a microSD card for offline recording, except the Arlo Go 2, which can use LTE to upload to the cloud during outages.

Final Thoughts: Yes, Arlo Cameras Can Record Without Internet—But It’s Not Automatic

So, do Arlo cameras record with no internet? Yes, but only if you’ve set them up to do so. It’s not a default feature. You need the right hardware (like a microSD card or SmartHub) and the right settings. Think of it like a seatbelt: It’s there, but you have to buckle up.

For most people, the peace of mind is worth the effort. A few hours of setup can protect your home during storms, outages, or cyberattacks. And with local storage, you’re not just relying on a distant server—you’re keeping the evidence right where it belongs: on your property.

My advice? If you own Arlo cameras, add local storage today. Buy a SmartHub if you need one. Insert a high-endurance microSD card. Test it once. Then relax. Whether the internet stays up or goes down, your cameras will keep watching—and recording—just like they should.

Because when it comes to home security, you don’t want to gamble. You want to know your home is protected—no matter what.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras record with no internet connection?

Yes, most Arlo cameras can record locally without internet if they support onboard storage (like microSD or a base station). However, cloud recording and real-time alerts require an active internet connection.

How do Arlo cameras store footage without internet?

Arlo cameras with local storage options, such as the Arlo Pro series or Ultra, save footage directly to a microSD card or the Arlo SmartHub/Base Station. This allows continuous recording even when offline.

Can I access my Arlo camera remotely if it’s not connected to the internet?

No, remote access via the Arlo app or web portal requires internet. Without it, you can only view live footage or recordings when connected to the same local network as the camera.

Do all Arlo cameras record with no internet using local storage?

Not all models support local-only recording. Check your camera’s specs—models like Arlo Go, Pro 3, and Ultra work offline with microSD or a base station, but Wi-Fi-only models (like Arlo Essential) rely on internet for full functionality.

What happens to Arlo recordings during an internet outage?

If your Arlo camera has local storage, recordings continue uninterrupted during an outage. Without local storage, cloud-based features like motion alerts and remote access will pause until internet is restored.

Is a subscription needed to record Arlo cameras with no internet?

No subscription is required for local recordings saved to microSD or a base station. However, cloud recording and advanced features like AI detection need an Arlo Secure subscription, which requires internet.