How Can I Record Video With My Arlo Cameras A Complete Guide

Recording video with your Arlo cameras is simple and flexible, offering both cloud and local storage options to suit your needs. Whether you use motion-activated recording, schedule continuous capture, or trigger clips manually through the Arlo app, you can securely store and access footage anytime, anywhere with smart alerts and real-time playback.

Key Takeaways

• Enable recording: Activate motion detection to trigger automatic video capture.
• Use cloud storage: Subscribe for secure, remote access to recorded footage.
• Set up local backup: Insert a USB drive for offline video storage.
• Customize schedules: Record only during specific times to save storage space.
• Check camera settings: Ensure resolution and audio are enabled for quality recordings.
• Review footage easily: Use the Arlo app to quickly locate and download clips.

How to Set Up Your Arlo Camera for Recording

Setting up your Arlo camera for recording is simpler than you might think, and it all starts with the basics. Whether you’re installing your first Arlo device or expanding your current system, the initial setup is crucial to ensure smooth recording and reliable performance. I remember when I unboxed my first Arlo Pro 3—I was excited but a bit overwhelmed. After a few tries, I realized that following a few key steps made the process almost effortless.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

The first thing you’ll want to do is unbox your Arlo camera and check that all components are present. This typically includes the camera, rechargeable battery, charging cable, mounting hardware, and a quick start guide. If you’re using a base station (like with older Arlo models), make sure it’s included too.

• Charge the battery fully before first use—this takes about 3–4 hours.
• Download the Arlo app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Create an Arlo account if you don’t already have one.

Once your battery is charged, insert it into the camera and power it on. You’ll see a blinking LED light, which signals it’s ready to pair. Open the Arlo app and follow the on-screen prompts to add your camera. The app uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (depending on model) to connect the camera to your home network. I found this step to be surprisingly fast—my camera paired in under a minute.

Connecting to Wi-Fi or Base Station

Newer Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential) connect directly to your Wi-Fi router. This eliminates the need for a base station and simplifies setup. However, older models (such as Arlo Pro 2 and Arlo Q) require a base station connected to your router via Ethernet.

Here’s a quick tip: If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure your router is on the 2.4 GHz band. Arlo cameras don’t support 5 GHz, and trying to connect to the wrong band is a common mistake. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting why my camera wouldn’t connect—only to realize I was using a 5 GHz network!

For base station models, plug the base station into a power outlet and connect it to your router with an Ethernet cable. The app will guide you through syncing the camera to the base station. Once synced, you’ll see a solid LED light, indicating a successful connection.

Mounting Your Camera for Optimal Coverage

Now that your camera is online, it’s time to mount it. Arlo cameras are designed for easy installation, and most come with a magnetic mount or screw-in bracket. I recommend placing your camera:

• At least 7–10 feet above the ground.
• Away from direct sunlight or bright lights (to avoid glare).
• Where it has a clear view of entry points (doors, driveways, backyards).

For outdoor models, make sure the camera is within 300 feet of your router or base station for a strong signal. I once mounted a camera too far from the house and had constant connectivity issues. After moving it closer, the video quality and responsiveness improved dramatically.

Use the Arlo app’s live view to test the camera’s field of view before finalizing the mount. Adjust the angle until you’re satisfied with the coverage. The magnetic mount makes this easy—just twist and reposition.

Understanding Arlo Recording Modes

One of the most common questions I get is: “How does Arlo decide when to record?” The answer lies in its intelligent recording modes. Arlo doesn’t record 24/7 by default—instead, it uses motion detection and customizable rules to save storage and reduce false alerts. Let me walk you through the different modes so you can choose what works best for your needs.

Instant Recording (Live View)

This is the simplest mode: you open the Arlo app and tap the camera to see a live feed. While this isn’t “recording” in the traditional sense, it’s useful for checking in on your home in real time. For example, I use this when I hear a noise outside at night—I can quickly pull up the feed without waiting for a recording to save.

Note: Live view doesn’t save video to your storage unless you manually start recording. To do this, tap the record button in the app. The video will save to your local or cloud storage, depending on your plan.

Motion-Activated Recording

This is Arlo’s default mode. When motion is detected, the camera records a clip—usually 10–30 seconds, depending on your settings. The app sends a push notification, and the clip is stored for later viewing.

What I love about this mode is that it’s customizable. You can:

• Adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor (low, medium, high).
• Set activity zones to ignore areas with frequent movement (like a busy street or tree branches).
• Filter for specific types of motion (people, vehicles, animals).

For instance, I set my front door camera to only record when it detects people. This cuts down on alerts from passing cars or squirrels. You can do this in the app under “Activity Zones” and “Smart Alerts.”

Continuous Recording (24/7)

Unlike motion-triggered clips, continuous recording saves video non-stop. This is ideal for high-traffic areas or if you want a full record of events. However, it comes with trade-offs:

• It uses a lot of storage—especially with high-resolution cameras like the Arlo Ultra.
• It requires a continuous recording plan or a local storage device (like a microSD card or Arlo SmartHub).

I used this mode when I was away on vacation. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything, so I enabled 24/7 recording for my driveway camera. It worked well, but I did go through 128GB of microSD storage in just five days! If you plan to use this mode, consider a larger storage card or a cloud plan with extended retention.

Schedule-Based Recording

Arlo lets you set custom schedules for when your camera should record. For example, you can set it to record only between 9 PM and 6 AM, or during the day when you’re at work.

This is perfect if you only need coverage during certain hours. I use this for my backyard camera—it records only when the kids are outside, reducing unnecessary clips. You can set schedules in the app under “Modes & Rules.”

Geofencing (Away/Home Mode)

Arlo’s geofencing feature uses your phone’s location to switch between recording modes. When your phone leaves a set radius (like your neighborhood), the camera switches to “Away” mode—recording more frequently. When you return, it switches to “Home” mode—recording less or turning off.

I love this feature because it’s automatic. No need to remember to arm the system. Just make sure your phone’s location services are enabled for the Arlo app.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: Which One Should You Choose?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make with Arlo is where to store your videos: locally on a microSD card or in the cloud. Both have pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your needs, budget, and privacy preferences.

Cloud Storage: Pros and Cons

Cloud storage is the most popular option for Arlo users. It’s convenient, secure, and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Here’s what you need to know:

• Pros:
  • No physical storage to manage.
  • Encrypted and stored on secure servers.
  • Accessible from any device with the Arlo app.
  • Automatic backups—if your camera is stolen or damaged, your videos are safe.
• Cons:
  • Requires a monthly or annual subscription (starts at $2.99/month per camera).
  • Clips are stored for 30 days (longer plans available).
  • You need a stable internet connection for uploads.

I started with cloud storage because I wanted peace of mind. But when I added three more cameras, the cost added up. I now use a mix of cloud and local storage to balance cost and convenience.

Local Storage: microSD and SmartHub

Local storage uses a microSD card inserted into your Arlo camera or an Arlo SmartHub. This is a one-time purchase—no subscriptions needed. Here’s the breakdown:

• Pros:
  • No monthly fees.
  • Full control over your data—no third-party servers.
  • Works without internet (great for power outages or rural areas).
• Cons:
  • If the camera is stolen or damaged, the footage may be lost.
  • You must manually manage storage (delete old clips or replace cards).
  • Not all models support microSD (check your camera’s specs).

For local storage, I recommend a high-endurance microSD card (like SanDisk High Endurance or Samsung PRO Endurance). These are designed for constant write cycles and last longer. I use a 256GB card in my driveway camera, which holds about two weeks of 24/7 1080p footage.

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

The smartest option for many users is a hybrid approach: use local storage for continuous or frequent recording, and cloud storage for important clips or backup. For example:

• Record 24/7 to a microSD card.
• Enable motion alerts and save those clips to the cloud.

This way, you get continuous coverage without the high cost of cloud storage, and critical events are backed up securely. I use this setup for my front door camera—local storage for everyday footage, cloud for alerts.

Storage Capacity and Retention

Here’s a handy table to help you estimate how much storage you’ll need:

Recording Mode	Resolution	Storage Used (per day)	32GB Card Retention	128GB Card Retention
Motion Clips (10 sec)	1080p	500 MB	60 days	240 days
24/7 Recording	1080p	10 GB	3 days	12 days
24/7 Recording	2K	15 GB	2 days	8 days
24/7 Recording	4K (Ultra)	25 GB	1 day	5 days

As you can see, higher resolution and continuous recording eat up storage fast. Plan accordingly!

Using the Arlo App to Access and Manage Recordings

The Arlo app is your command center for everything—viewing live feeds, reviewing past recordings, adjusting settings, and even sharing clips. I’ve spent hours exploring its features, and here are the ones I use most often.

Navigating the Library

The “Library” tab is where all your recordings live. It’s organized by date and camera, making it easy to find what you need. Tap a date to see all clips from that day. You can:

• Tap a clip to watch it full-screen.
• Swipe left to delete or share.
• Tap the “…” menu to download, rename, or add to favorites.

I like to download important clips (like package deliveries) to my phone. This way, I have a local copy even if the cloud storage expires.

Smart Alerts and Filtering

Arlo’s AI-powered alerts let you filter recordings by type: people, vehicles, animals, or packages. This is a game-changer for reducing false alerts. For example, I used to get dozens of alerts from my neighbor’s cat—now, I only get notified when a person or car is detected.

To enable this, go to your camera settings and turn on “Smart Alerts.” It works best with newer models (Pro 3 and later).

Sharing and Downloading Clips

Need to share a clip with the police, your neighbor, or your insurance company? The Arlo app makes it easy. Just tap the share icon and choose your method: email, text, or social media.

You can also download clips to your phone or computer. I’ve done this for a few package thefts—the downloaded video was crucial for the investigation.

Adjusting Recording Settings on the Fly

The app lets you change recording modes and settings anytime. For example:

• Switch from “Away” to “Home” mode when you get home.
• Adjust motion sensitivity if you’re getting too many alerts.
• Enable “Do Not Disturb” to pause notifications at night.

I use the “Do Not Disturb” feature every night. It silences alerts between 10 PM and 7 AM, so I’m not woken up by raccoons or passing cars.

Using Arlo on Multiple Devices

You can log into the Arlo app on multiple phones, tablets, or computers. This is great for families—my wife and I both have access to the cameras. Just share your login or set up a secondary user account.

Troubleshooting Common Recording Issues

Even the best systems have hiccups. I’ve dealt with my share of Arlo recording issues, but most are easy to fix with a few simple steps. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them.

Camera Not Recording

If your camera isn’t recording, check these first:

• Battery level: A low battery can cause the camera to shut down. Recharge or replace it.
• Storage full: If your microSD card or cloud plan is full, the camera stops recording. Delete old clips or upgrade your plan.
• Network issues: A weak Wi-Fi signal or offline base station can prevent uploads. Move the camera closer to the router or restart the base station.

I once had a camera stop recording for a week because the microSD card was full. I didn’t notice until I checked the library. Now, I set a monthly reminder to review my storage.

Motion Detection Not Working

If your camera isn’t detecting motion, try these fixes:

• Adjust the sensitivity in the app.
• Check activity zones—make sure they cover the area you want to monitor.
• Clean the camera lens—dirt or fog can block the motion sensor.

I had a camera that kept missing visitors at my front door. It turned out the activity zone was set too high—the camera was looking at the roof instead of the walkway. A quick adjustment fixed it.

Blurry or Grainy Video

Low-quality video can be frustrating. Common causes:

• Dirty lens: Wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
• Low light: Enable night vision or add a nearby light.
• Weak signal: Move the camera closer to the router or base station.

My backyard camera had grainy night vision until I added a motion-activated light. The difference was night and day (pun intended).

App Not Syncing with Camera

If the app shows “camera offline” or “connection lost,” try:

• Restarting the camera (remove and reinsert the battery).
• Restarting the base station or router.
• Reinstalling the Arlo app.

These steps fixed 90% of my connectivity issues. If it persists, contact Arlo support—they’re usually helpful and responsive.

Advanced Tips for Better Recordings

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some pro tips to take your Arlo recordings to the next level.

Use Multiple Cameras for 360° Coverage

One camera is good, but multiple cameras are better. I have four Arlo cameras covering my home’s perimeter. This lets me:

• See events from multiple angles.
• Reduce blind spots.
• Create a virtual fence with overlapping coverage.

For example, if someone enters my backyard, I get clips from both the side gate and the rear fence.

Optimize for Night Vision

Night vision is crucial for security. To get the best results:

• Position cameras away from reflective surfaces (windows, mirrors).
• Add external IR illuminators (Arlo sells these) for longer-range night vision.
• Use cameras with color night vision (like Arlo Ultra).

My Arlo Ultra captures color video in near-total darkness—it’s incredible.

Backup Important Clips

Don’t rely solely on cloud or microSD storage. Backup important clips to your computer or an external drive. I use a free tool like Arlo Video Downloader to export clips in MP4 format.

Integrate with Smart Home Systems

Arlo works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. You can:

• View live feeds on smart displays.
• Get alerts on smart speakers.
• Arm/disarm the system with voice commands.

I use Alexa to show the front door camera on my Echo Show when someone rings the doorbell.

Recording with Arlo cameras is flexible, powerful, and—once you get the hang of it—surprisingly simple. Whether you’re using motion clips, 24/7 recording, or a mix of both, the key is to tailor your setup to your specific needs. I’ve learned that the best system is one that works without constant tweaking. With the right settings, storage plan, and a few smart tips, your Arlo cameras will capture everything you need—without the headaches. Happy recording!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I record video with my Arlo cameras using the mobile app?

To record video with your Arlo cameras, open the Arlo app, select your camera, and tap the “Record” button during live view. This saves the clip directly to your cloud or local storage, depending on your subscription plan.

Can I schedule recordings on my Arlo cameras?

Yes, you can schedule recordings using the “Modes” feature in the Arlo app. Set specific times for your cameras to start recording, ideal for monitoring during work hours or nighttime.

How do I record video with Arlo cameras without a subscription?

Arlo cameras support local recording via a USB drive or microSD card (depending on the model) if you don’t have a subscription. Navigate to Storage Settings in the app to enable local storage for continuous or event-based recording.

Does Arlo record video continuously or only on motion?

By default, Arlo records video only when motion or sound is detected. However, with an Arlo Smart subscription, you can enable 24/7 continuous video recording (CVR) for select camera models.

How can I access recorded video from my Arlo cameras?

Recorded videos are stored in the “Library” tab of the Arlo app. You can filter clips by date or camera, and download or share them directly from the app.

What’s the best way to record long videos with Arlo cameras?

For longer recordings, use the 24/7 CVR feature (requires an Arlo Smart subscription) or set your camera to record in “Continuous Recording” mode if using local storage. This ensures no gaps in footage.