Do Arlo Cameras Require Internet Explore Offline Options

Arlo cameras do not require internet to record locally, as they can store footage on microSD or USB drives for true offline use. However, cloud features like remote access and motion alerts need an internet connection—so choose your setup based on security needs and connectivity preferences.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras need internet for live streaming and cloud storage.
• Use local storage to record footage without Wi-Fi via microSD or base station.
• Offline mode limits features like alerts and remote access but still records locally.
• Wi-Fi is essential for firmware updates and Arlo app functionality.
• Set up Wi-Fi first before configuring local storage options.
• Check camera models as local storage support varies by Arlo device.

Do Arlo Cameras Really Need the Internet?

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your brand-new Arlo camera to keep an eye on your front porch, backyard, or even your baby’s room. You feel a sense of security—until your internet goes down. Suddenly, you’re wondering: Do Arlo cameras require internet to work? Can they still record, alert you, or even turn on without a Wi-Fi signal?

If you’re like most homeowners, renters, or small business owners, your answer to that question matters a lot. Internet outages happen—sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for hours. And in those moments, you don’t want to be left in the dark. The good news? Arlo cameras are more flexible than you might think. While many models are designed to work best with internet, they can function offline in several useful ways. In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how Arlo cameras behave with and without internet, what features stay active, and how you can set up reliable offline options so your security never skips a beat.

How Arlo Cameras Work: Online vs. Offline Capabilities

Let’s start with the basics. Arlo cameras are smart security devices that use Wi-Fi to connect to the Arlo app, cloud storage, and your home network. But that doesn’t mean they’re useless when the internet drops. The key is understanding the difference between online functionality (what happens when you’re connected) and offline functionality (what happens when you’re not).

Core Features That Require Internet

When your Arlo camera is connected to the internet, you unlock the full suite of smart features:

• Live video streaming to your phone, tablet, or smart display
• Instant push notifications when motion or sound is detected
• Cloud video storage and playback (via Arlo Secure or Smart subscriptions)
• Two-way audio (talk and listen through the app)
• Smart home integrations (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit)
• AI-powered alerts (person, package, animal, vehicle detection)

Without internet, these features go dark. For example, if a delivery person drops off a package and your internet is down, you won’t get a notification or be able to watch the footage live. But here’s the important part: the camera may still record—just not to the cloud.

What Happens When the Internet Goes Out?

Let’s say your Wi-Fi drops at 6 PM. Your Arlo camera might blink or show a “no connection” status in the app. But if it’s equipped with local storage (like a microSD card or base station with a USB drive), it can continue recording locally. This is a game-changer for those who want backup during outages.

For example, my own Arlo Pro 4 setup once lost internet for nearly two hours during a storm. I assumed I’d lost the footage, but when I checked the microSD card later, all motion events from that time were saved. That saved me from missing a suspicious visitor who came to the back gate.

So while do Arlo cameras require internet for full functionality? Yes—but not for all functions. Think of internet as the “smart” layer. Without it, the camera still acts as a basic recorder, especially if you’ve planned ahead.

Arlo Cameras with Local Storage: Your Offline Lifeline

If you’re serious about offline reliability, local storage is your best friend. Not all Arlo cameras support it, but many newer models do—and it makes a huge difference when the internet goes down.

Which Arlo Models Support Local Storage?

Here’s a quick rundown of Arlo cameras that can record directly to a microSD card or base station:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S: Support microSD cards (up to 2TB) when used with the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.
• Arlo Ultra, Ultra 2: Also support microSD with the SmartHub. Offers 4K local recording.
• Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell: Can record to microSD if connected to a compatible base station.
• Arlo Go 2 (LTE version): Uses a SIM card for data, but can also record to microSD for offline backup.

Note: Battery-powered Arlo models (like the Arlo Essential Spotlight) can support microSD, but only when connected to a SmartHub. Without the hub, they rely solely on cloud or cellular (for Go 2).

How to Set Up Local Recording

Setting up local storage is surprisingly simple. Here’s how:

1. Insert a microSD card (Class 10, U3 recommended) into the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.
2. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device > Storage Settings.
3. Enable “Local Recording” and choose between:
   • Continuous Recording: Records 24/7 (great for critical areas, but uses more storage)
   • Event-Based Recording: Only saves clips when motion or sound is detected (saves space)
4. Set your retention period (e.g., keep footage for 30 days before auto-deletion).

Pro tip: Label your microSD cards and store them in a safe place. If you ever need to review footage, just pop the card into your computer or a card reader. No app, no subscription, no internet needed.

Real-World Example: Offline Recording in Action

A friend of mine, Sarah, lives in a rural area with spotty internet. She set up an Arlo Pro 4 with a 128GB microSD card and continuous recording. During a week-long outage, her camera recorded over 40 hours of footage—including footage of a raccoon that kept knocking over her trash cans. She reviewed the clips offline and adjusted her camera angle to catch the little bandit red-handed. Without local storage, she would’ve lost all that data.

Arlo SmartHub and Base Stations: The Key to Offline Power

If you want true offline resilience, you need more than just a camera—you need a SmartHub or Base Station. These little boxes are the unsung heroes of Arlo’s offline capabilities.

What Does a SmartHub Do?

The Arlo SmartHub (or Base Station) acts as a local command center. It connects to your Wi-Fi, but it also:

• Stores video locally on a microSD card or USB drive
• Manages communication between your cameras (using a private, encrypted network)
• Keeps cameras running even if your home Wi-Fi fails
• Offers better battery life for cameras (reduces Wi-Fi strain)

Think of it like a mini-server in your home. When the internet goes down, the SmartHub keeps the cameras talking to each other and recording locally. When the internet comes back, it syncs the stored footage to the cloud (if you have a subscription).

SmartHub vs. Base Station: What’s the Difference?

Most newer Arlo systems use the SmartHub, which is faster, supports more cameras (up to 20), and has better local processing. Older models use the Base Station, which is still functional but lacks some features like USB drive support.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Arlo SmartHub	Arlo Base Station (Older)
Max Cameras Supported	20	15
Local Storage	microSD + USB Drive	microSD only
Wi-Fi 6 Support	Yes	No
Offline Recording	Yes (with microSD/USB)	Yes (microSD only)
Cloud Sync After Outage	Yes	Yes
Setup Difficulty	Easy (app-guided)	Moderate

For most users, the SmartHub is the better choice. It’s plug-and-play, and the Arlo app walks you through setup. Plus, it future-proofs your system for newer cameras.

Tip: Use the SmartHub as a Wi-Fi Backup

Here’s a clever trick: connect your SmartHub to a mobile hotspot or a secondary Wi-Fi network (like a guest network or a neighbor’s with permission). That way, if your main internet fails, the SmartHub can still reach the cloud using the backup connection. It’s not foolproof, but it adds a layer of redundancy.

Arlo Go 2: The LTE Camera That Works Without Wi-Fi

What if you have a camera in a place with no Wi-Fi at all? Like a shed, a construction site, or a remote cabin? That’s where the Arlo Go 2 comes in.

How Arlo Go 2 Works Off the Grid

The Arlo Go 2 is a cellular-powered camera that uses a SIM card and LTE data plan (from Arlo or a third-party carrier). It doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi at all. Instead, it connects directly to the cellular network to:

• Stream live video
• Send alerts
• Upload clips to the cloud

But here’s the best part: it also supports microSD local recording. So even if the cellular signal drops (which happens in remote areas), it still saves footage to the card.

When to Use Arlo Go 2

Think of the Go 2 as a “set it and forget it” solution for:

• Vacation homes or rental properties
• Construction sites or storage units
• Boats, RVs, or cabins off the grid
• Backyard sheds or detached garages

I once used a Go 2 at my parents’ lake house. No Wi-Fi, no Ethernet—just a SIM card and a 64GB microSD. For two weeks, it recorded everything: deer, delivery people, even a curious fox that stole a sandwich from the porch. When I returned, I had all the footage, both on the card and in the cloud.

Data Plans and Costs

The Go 2 requires a data plan. Arlo offers its own plans starting at $4.99/month for 1GB. Third-party carriers (like Verizon or AT&T) can be cheaper if you already have a shared data plan. Just remember: more activity = more data usage. If you have frequent motion events, you’ll burn through data faster.

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app to adjust sensitivity and reduce false alerts. That way, you save data and battery.

Tips to Maximize Offline Performance (Even With Internet)

Even if you have great internet, planning for outages is smart. Here are practical tips to make your Arlo system more resilient:

1. Always Use Local Storage as a Backup

Don’t rely solely on the cloud. A 128GB microSD card costs under $20 and can hold weeks of event-based footage. Use it. Even if your internet never fails, it’s a safety net for hardware issues, app glitches, or subscription lapses.

2. Set Up Redundant Internet

Use a cellular hotspot or Starlink (for rural areas) as a backup internet source. Plug it into your router or SmartHub so your Arlo system stays online during outages.

3. Optimize Camera Settings for Offline Use

• Lower resolution for local recording: Use 1080p instead of 4K to save storage space.
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Reduce false alerts (e.g., from trees or pets) to avoid filling up your card with junk.
• Use activity zones: Tell the camera to only record in specific areas (e.g., your driveway, not the street).

4. Regularly Check and Rotate Storage

Set a monthly reminder to:

• Check if your microSD card is full
• Back up important clips to a computer or external drive
• Replace old or failing cards

I once ignored a full card for weeks—then a break-in happened, and the camera overwrote the footage. Lesson learned.

5. Use Battery-Powered Cameras Wisely

Cameras like the Arlo Pro 4 can last 3–6 months on a charge, but continuous local recording drains the battery faster. If you’re using local storage, consider:

• Using event-based recording instead of 24/7
• Installing solar panels (Arlo Solar Panel is great)
• Placing cameras where motion is less frequent

Final Thoughts: Do Arlo Cameras Require Internet?

So, do Arlo cameras require internet? The short answer: not always. While internet unlocks the best features—live streaming, alerts, cloud storage, smart integrations—it’s not the only way your camera can work.

With local storage (microSD or USB), a SmartHub, or a cellular model like the Arlo Go 2, your cameras can still record, monitor, and protect your home—even when the internet is down. Think of it like having a backup generator for your security system.

The key is preparation. Don’t wait for an outage to realize your footage isn’t saved. Set up local recording, invest in a SmartHub, and consider a cellular option if you need true off-grid coverage. And remember: the best security system is one that works when you need it most—whether the Wi-Fi is on or off.

At the end of the day, Arlo gives you flexibility. You don’t have to choose between smart features and reliability. You can have both. Just plan ahead, and your cameras will be ready—online or offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras require internet to function?

Arlo cameras can work without internet for local recording, but features like live streaming, cloud storage, and remote alerts require an internet connection. Offline use allows motion-triggered recordings saved to a microSD card or base station.

Can I use Arlo cameras offline for home security?

Yes, you can use Arlo cameras offline by pairing them with an Arlo SmartHub or base station. This stores footage locally, though real-time notifications and cloud backup will be unavailable.

How do Arlo cameras record without internet?

Arlo cameras without internet can record motion-triggered clips to a local storage device, such as a microSD card in the SmartHub or a connected USB drive. This ensures surveillance continues during outages.

What features require internet for Arlo cameras?

Internet is needed for Arlo cameras to enable live viewing, AI-powered alerts (e.g., person detection), and cloud storage. Without it, only basic recording and manual playback are available.

Are there Arlo camera models designed for offline use?

Some Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra, support offline recording via local storage. However, models like the Arlo Go (LTE) rely on cellular data or Wi-Fi for full functionality.

Do Arlo cameras need internet for two-way audio?

Two-way audio requires internet for remote communication via the Arlo app. In offline mode, you can only use pre-recorded quick responses if supported by the camera model.