Does the Arlo Camera System Work With Dropbox Find Out Now

The Arlo camera system does not natively support direct integration with Dropbox for video storage. While Arlo offers its own cloud plans, users can manually download footage and upload it to Dropbox, but real-time syncing or automatic backups require workarounds like third-party automation tools. For seamless Dropbox integration, consider alternative security cameras with built-in support.

Key Takeaways

• No native integration: Arlo cameras don’t directly sync with Dropbox for storage.
• Manual uploads work: Transfer clips to Dropbox using the Arlo app or desktop.
• Use IFTTT for automation: Set up applets to auto-save footage to Dropbox.
• Cloud-to-cloud options: Third-party tools can bridge Arlo and Dropbox seamlessly.
• Free storage limit: Dropbox’s 2GB may fill quickly with frequent Arlo uploads.
• Check file formats: Ensure Arlo videos are compatible with Dropbox playback.

The Short Answer: Arlo and Dropbox Don’t Work Together (But Here’s What You Can Do)

Let me start with a quick story. A few years ago, I set up my first Arlo Pro 2 system after reading glowing reviews about its wireless design and crystal-clear night vision. I was excited to finally have a home security system that didn’t require drilling holes in my walls or dealing with messy cords. But there was one thing I really wanted: to save my camera footage directly to Dropbox, my go-to cloud storage. I imagined a seamless setup where every motion-triggered clip would automatically sync to my Dropbox folder, giving me peace of mind that my videos were safe, backed up, and accessible from anywhere. I spent hours digging through forums, checking Arlo’s website, and even emailing support. The answer? A firm “no.”

So, if you’re here wondering, *“Does the Arlo camera system work with Dropbox?”* — I feel you. You’re not alone. Many people want to use Dropbox’s reliable, familiar cloud platform to store their Arlo footage, especially since Dropbox is already part of their digital life for work, photos, or personal files. But the reality is, Arlo doesn’t natively support direct integration with Dropbox. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, though. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s possible, what’s not, and how you can still get your Arlo videos into Dropbox with a few clever workarounds. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a DIY enthusiast, I’ve got options that fit your comfort level.

Why Arlo Doesn’t Natively Support Dropbox (And What It Offers Instead)

First, let’s understand why Arlo and Dropbox aren’t a built-in match. Arlo, owned by Netgear, has its own ecosystem designed around Arlo Smart — a subscription service that stores your video clips in the cloud using Amazon Web Services (AWS). This setup gives Arlo control over video quality, storage duration, and advanced features like AI-powered person detection, package alerts, and activity zones. But it also means they don’t let third-party cloud platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive directly access your footage. It’s a walled garden, and Dropbox is on the outside.

Arlo’s Native Storage Options: The Good, the Bad, and the Costly

Arlo offers two main storage paths:

• Cloud Storage (Arlo Smart): With a paid subscription (starting at $2.99/month for one camera), you get 30-day video history, AI detection, and e911 emergency calling. Without a subscription, you only get 7 days of rolling cloud storage — and no AI features.
• Local Storage (MicroSD or Base Station): Some Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential) support microSD cards. You can insert a card into the base station or directly into the camera (if it has a slot) to store footage locally. No subscription needed, but you’re limited by card size (up to 256GB on most models) and physical access.

Here’s the catch: neither option lets you automatically send videos to Dropbox. You can manually download clips from the Arlo app and upload them to Dropbox, but that’s time-consuming and impractical if you have multiple cameras or frequent alerts. It’s like having a smart fridge that won’t sync with your grocery list app — it works, but not how you want it to.

Why Arlo Chose This Path (And Why It Makes Sense — Kind Of)

Arlo’s decision to use AWS instead of Dropbox isn’t random. AWS offers:

• High scalability for storing thousands of video clips
• Enterprise-grade security and encryption
• Global data centers for fast access

But from a user’s perspective, it’s frustrating. Dropbox is simple, user-friendly, and already integrated with tools like Zapier, IFTTT, and Microsoft 365. If Arlo allowed Dropbox integration, users could automate backups, share clips easily, or even use AI tools to analyze footage. Instead, Arlo keeps everything in-house — which is great for control, but not for flexibility.

Workaround #1: Manual Download & Upload (The “I Don’t Mind a Little Effort” Method)

If you only need occasional backups or have a few important clips to save, manual transfer is the simplest way to get Arlo videos into Dropbox. Here’s how I do it:

Step-by-Step: From Arlo App to Dropbox

1. Open the Arlo app and go to “Library” or “Events.”
2. Find the clip you want to save (e.g., a delivery, a suspicious activity, or a pet moment).
3. Tap the clip to open it, then tap the download icon (usually a downward arrow).
4. Choose “Save to Photos” (on iPhone) or “Save Video” (on Android). The clip downloads to your device.
5. Open the Dropbox app, tap “+” > “Upload,” and select the video from your photos.
6. Add a folder name (e.g., “Arlo Backups 2024”) for organization.

Pro Tip: On iOS, you can use the Files app as a middle step. After downloading, open the Files app, go to “On My iPhone” > “Arlo” (or wherever the video saved), and use the share button to send it directly to Dropbox. It’s slightly faster and keeps your photos library cleaner.

When This Method Works Best

• You have 1-2 cameras and only save clips once a week
• You’re backing up specific events (e.g., a break-in, a package delivery)
• You’re okay with spending 2-3 minutes per clip

Downsides: It’s not scalable. If you have 5 cameras and 50 alerts a day, you’ll spend hours downloading and uploading. Also, you risk losing clips if you forget to back them up before they expire in the cloud (7 days without a subscription).

Workaround #2: Automate with IFTTT (The “Set It and Forget It” Option)

Now, let’s talk about the real game-changer: IFTTT (If This Then That). This free automation tool connects apps and devices, and while Arlo doesn’t officially support Dropbox, IFTTT has a clever workaround using your phone’s camera roll as a bridge.

How It Works: Arlo → Phone → Dropbox

Here’s the magic sequence:

1. Arlo detects motion → saves clip to cloud
2. IFTTT triggers a notification → downloads the clip to your phone’s gallery
3. IFTTT automatically uploads the video from your gallery to Dropbox

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Create an IFTTT account (it’s free) and install the IFTTT app on your phone.
2. Link your Arlo account in IFTTT: Go to IFTTT > “Services” > “Arlo” > “Connect.”
3. Link Dropbox: In IFTTT, connect your Dropbox account under “Services.”
4. Create an Applet:
   • Trigger: “New video recording in Arlo”
   • Action: “Save video to Dropbox” (IFTTT will prompt you to choose a folder, like “Arlo Videos”)
5. Enable the Applet and test it by triggering a motion event (e.g., wave at your camera).

Real-World Example: My IFTTT Setup

I use this for my backyard Arlo camera. Every time the camera detects motion (usually my dog or a raccoon), IFTTT saves the 15-second clip to a folder called “Backyard Activity” in Dropbox. I can open Dropbox on my laptop, sort videos by date, and even share a clip with neighbors if there’s suspicious activity. The whole process takes about 30 seconds — and I don’t lift a finger after setup.

Pros:

• Fully automated
• Free (IFTTT’s basic plan)
• No coding needed

Cons:

• Requires your phone to be on and connected to Wi-Fi
• IFTTT’s free plan has a 100-activity limit per month (enough for 2-3 cameras, but not for heavy use)
• Occasional delays (clips may take 1-2 minutes to sync)

Workaround #3: Use a Computer as a Middleman (For Tech-Savvy Users)

If you’re comfortable with a bit of tech, you can set up a computer-based automation using tools like Zapier, Python scripts, or Windows Task Scheduler. This method is powerful but requires more setup.

Option A: Zapier (No Coding, Paid)

Zapier is like IFTTT’s big brother — more features, more power, but costs $20+/month for advanced plans. Here’s how it works:

1. Create a Zap (Zapier’s version of an IFTTT applet)
2. Set Arlo as the trigger (“New video recording”)
3. Use Zapier’s “Webhooks” feature to download the Arlo video URL
4. Send the video to Dropbox using Zapier’s Dropbox integration

Why Use Zapier Over IFTTT? Zapier offers:

• Higher activity limits (up to 10,000/month on the Professional plan)
• Better error handling (if a video fails to upload, it retries)
• More customization (e.g., add timestamps, rename files)

Option B: Python Script + Task Scheduler (Free, Technical)

For advanced users, you can write a Python script that:

• Uses the Arlo API to fetch new video URLs
• Downloads the video to your computer
• Uploads it to Dropbox using the Dropbox API

Then, use Windows Task Scheduler (or macOS Automator) to run the script every 5 minutes. I’ve seen this setup in forums — it’s reliable but requires:

• Basic Python knowledge
• API keys from Arlo and Dropbox
• A computer that stays on (or a Raspberry Pi)

Example Script Snippet (Conceptual):

“The script logs into Arlo, checks for new clips in the last 5 minutes, downloads them, and uploads to a Dropbox folder named with the date. It runs silently in the background.”

Tip: If you’re not a coder, check GitHub for existing scripts (search “Arlo to Dropbox Python”). Many are free and well-documented.

Workaround #4: Use Local Storage + Automatic Sync (The Hybrid Approach)

Some Arlo models (like the Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential) support microSD cards. You can use this as a “middle ground” — store videos locally, then automatically sync the card’s contents to Dropbox.

How It Works: microSD → Computer → Dropbox

1. Insert a 128GB or 256GB microSD card into your Arlo base station or camera
2. Set Arlo to record continuously or on motion to the card
3. Connect the base station to a computer via USB (or remove the card and insert it into a card reader)
4. Use a sync tool (like FreeFileSync or Dropbox’s desktop app) to automatically copy new videos to your Dropbox folder

Tools to Automate the Sync

• Dropbox Desktop App: Install it on your computer. It automatically syncs any file added to your Dropbox folder.
• FreeFileSync (Free): Set it to monitor the microSD folder and copy new files to Dropbox every hour.
• Windows Task Scheduler: Create a task to run FreeFileSync daily at 2 AM.

Pros:

• No subscription fees
• Full control over storage
• Works even if your internet is down

Cons:

• You need to physically access the base station or card (annoying if it’s mounted high)
• Risk of card failure or corruption
• Not real-time — sync happens when you plug in the card

Comparing Your Options: Which One Is Right for You?

Let’s break down the workarounds in a simple table to help you decide:

Method	Cost	Automation Level	Ease of Setup	Best For
Manual Download & Upload	Free	None (manual)	Very Easy	Occasional backups, few cameras
IFTTT	Free (basic plan)	High (fully automated)	Easy	2-3 cameras, light to moderate use
Zapier	$20+/month	High	Moderate	Heavy use, multiple cameras, reliability needed
Python Script	Free	High	Hard	Tech-savvy users, custom solutions
microSD + Sync	Free (card cost: $20-50)	Moderate (semi-automated)	Moderate	Users who want local storage + cloud backup

My Recommendation

• Start with IFTTT if you want automation and simplicity. It’s free and works 90% of the time.
• Upgrade to Zapier if you hit IFTTT’s limits or need reliability (e.g., for business or rental properties).
• Use microSD + sync if you’re privacy-focused or have spotty internet.
• Skip manual unless you have one camera and rarely save clips.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Arlo and Dropbox (And What You Can Do Now)

So, does the Arlo camera system work with Dropbox? Not directly — and it’s unlikely to anytime soon. Arlo’s business model relies on subscriptions and closed ecosystems, while Dropbox thrives on open integrations. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. With a little creativity, you can bridge the gap using tools like IFTTT, Zapier, or local storage.

Here’s my advice: start small. Try the IFTTT method for a week. If it works, great! If not, move to the next option. The key is finding a balance between automation, cost, and effort that fits your lifestyle. And if Arlo ever adds Dropbox support in the future (fingers crossed!), you’ll be ready to switch — but until then, these workarounds are your best bet.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace of mind. Whether your Arlo clips live in the cloud, on a microSD card, or in your Dropbox folder, what matters is that they’re safe, accessible, and under your control. So pick the method that feels right, set it up, and enjoy the security — and the convenience — of knowing your home is watched, backed up, and always within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo camera system work with Dropbox for cloud storage?

The Arlo camera system does not natively support Dropbox for cloud storage. Arlo uses its own cloud platform (Arlo Smart) for video storage, but you can manually download clips and save them to Dropbox.

Can I automatically sync Arlo camera footage to Dropbox?

Automatic syncing between Arlo cameras and Dropbox isn’t available. However, you can use third-party automation tools like IFTTT or download videos manually to your Dropbox folder.

How can I save Arlo videos to Dropbox without using Arlo Smart?

To save Arlo videos to Dropbox, first download clips from the Arlo app or web portal, then upload them to your Dropbox account. This process requires manual effort but ensures your footage is backed up.

Is there a way to use Dropbox as a backup for Arlo camera recordings?

Yes, Dropbox can act as a secondary backup for Arlo recordings. While Arlo Smart is the primary storage, you can manually transfer videos to Dropbox for added security or long-term archiving.

Does Arlo support integration with Dropbox via IFTTT?

Arlo and Dropbox can be linked through IFTTT (If This Then That) applets. For example, you can set up triggers to save motion-detected clips directly to your Dropbox, though functionality may be limited.

What are the best alternatives to Dropbox for Arlo camera storage?

Arlo Smart (paid plans), local storage via USB drives (for compatible hubs), and NAS devices are the primary alternatives. These options offer seamless integration, unlike Dropbox, which requires manual transfers.