How Can I Store Video Footage From My Arlo Cameras Easily

Store Arlo camera footage effortlessly using cloud subscriptions or local storage options like microSD cards and USB drives. For seamless, secure access, Arlo’s cloud plans offer automatic backups and remote viewing, while local storage ensures privacy and no recurring fees. Choose the method that fits your needs—flexibility and reliability are key for protecting your video data.

Key Takeaways

• Use Arlo SmartCloud: Enable automatic cloud storage for seamless, remote access to footage.
• Insert a microSD card: Local storage option for continuous recording without subscriptions.
• Set up NAS backup: Store footage on a network-attached drive for large-scale retention.
• Download via Arlo App: Save clips directly to your mobile device for quick sharing.
• Schedule recordings: Optimize storage by recording only during specific times or motion events.
• Enable encryption: Protect stored footage with end-to-end encryption for enhanced security.

Why Storing Your Arlo Camera Footage Matters

Let’s be honest—your Arlo cameras are like silent guardians. They watch over your home, your pets, or your business when you can’t. But what happens when something goes wrong? A break-in, a package stolen, or even a funny moment your dog caught on camera? If you don’t store that footage properly, it could disappear in seconds.

I learned this the hard way. A few years ago, I had a suspicious noise outside my back door at 2 a.m. My Arlo camera caught it, but I hadn’t set up any long-term storage. The clip was gone after seven days—poof! No evidence, no peace of mind. That’s when I realized: how you store video footage from your Arlo cameras isn’t just a technical detail. It’s the difference between having proof and being left in the dark.

Arlo’s Built-In Storage Options: What’s Included?

When you first unbox your Arlo camera, you’re probably excited to set it up and start recording. But before you hit “record,” it’s smart to understand your storage options. Arlo offers a few built-in solutions, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s break them down.

Cloud Storage via Arlo Secure Plans

The most common way people store their Arlo footage is through Arlo’s cloud-based subscription plans, known as Arlo Secure. These plans give you access to cloud storage where your videos are saved securely online.

• Arlo Secure (Essential): $2.99 per month per camera. Stores 30 days of rolling video history. Includes 2K resolution, AI detection (person, vehicle, package), and 24/7 emergency response.
• Arlo Secure Plus: $9.99 per month for up to 10 cameras. Adds 4K video, extended 60-day storage, and smart activity zones.
• Arlo Secure Premium: $14.99 per month for unlimited cameras. Includes 30 days of 4K storage, advanced AI detection, and priority customer support.

Real talk: I started with the Essential plan for my front door camera. It was affordable and easy to set up. But after a delivery mix-up where I needed to prove a package was stolen, I upgraded to Secure Plus. The extra 30 days of storage and 4K clarity made all the difference. I could zoom in and clearly see the license plate of the person who took it.

One tip: Arlo offers a 30-day free trial of Secure Plus with most cameras. Use it! Test the cloud storage, see how the AI detection works, and decide if it’s worth the monthly cost.

Free Rolling 7-Day Cloud Storage (For Some Models)

If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, certain Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra) offer free 7-day rolling cloud storage for basic 1080p video. This is a great perk—but it comes with caveats.

• You only get 7 days of history. After that, older clips are overwritten.
• No AI detection or smart alerts unless you’re on a paid plan.
• Lower video quality (1080p) compared to 4K on paid plans.

I used this free option for a while. It was perfect for checking on my dog during the day. But when a package was stolen, I only had 5 days of footage left. I missed the moment the thief walked up by two days. Lesson learned: free is great for casual use, but not for serious security.

Local Storage: Save Footage Without a Subscription

Not everyone wants to pay monthly for cloud storage. Maybe you’re privacy-focused. Maybe you just hate subscriptions. Either way, local storage is a solid alternative—and Arlo makes it surprisingly easy.

Using a MicroSD Card in Arlo Base Stations

Some Arlo systems—like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra—come with a base station that supports microSD cards. You insert a card (up to 2TB), and it saves all your camera footage locally.

• No monthly fees.
• Full control over your data—no one else can access it.
• You can keep footage for as long as the card has space.

Here’s how I set it up: I bought a 256GB microSD card (around $20) and popped it into my base station. The Arlo app walked me through formatting and enabling local recording. Now, every motion event is saved directly to the card. I can access it anytime through the app or by removing the card and plugging it into my laptop.

Pro tip: Use a high-quality, high-endurance microSD card (like SanDisk High Endurance or Samsung PRO Endurance). These are built for constant writing and last longer than regular cards.

USB Drive Storage via Arlo Base Station

If you prefer more storage capacity or faster access, you can connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive to your Arlo base station (Pro 3/4/Ultra only). This works the same way as microSD—footage saves locally, no cloud needed.

• Supports larger drives (up to 2TB).
• Faster read/write speeds for smoother playback.
• Easier to back up to a computer or cloud later.

I switched to a 1TB USB drive after my microSD card filled up too fast. Now I keep 6 months of footage at a time. When the drive gets full, I back it up to an external hard drive and start fresh. It’s a simple system, and it gives me total peace of mind.

Note: The USB drive must be formatted to FAT32 or exFAT. The Arlo app will guide you through this, but if you’re not tech-savvy, it can be a little tricky. I recommend using a drive under 64GB for FAT32 or larger for exFAT.

Hybrid Storage: The Best of Both Worlds

Want cloud convenience and local control? Hybrid storage lets you use both. This is my current setup—and honestly, it’s the sweet spot.

How Hybrid Storage Works

With hybrid, your Arlo cameras record to both:

• The cloud (via Arlo Secure plan).
• A local device (microSD or USB drive).

This means:

• If your internet goes out, footage still saves locally.
• If your microSD card fails, you have cloud backups.
• You can access footage from anywhere (cloud) or offline (local).

I use Secure Plus (cloud) and a 1TB USB drive (local). When a package is delivered, I get an instant alert. I can watch the live feed from my phone (cloud), then download the full clip to my computer from the USB drive (local). It’s fast, reliable, and gives me double the protection.

Setting Up Hybrid Storage: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Subscribe to an Arlo Secure plan (Essential or higher).
2. Insert a microSD card or connect a USB drive to your base station.
3. Open the Arlo app > tap your camera > tap “Storage” > enable “Local Storage.”
4. Choose your recording preference: “Cloud + Local” or “Local Only.”
5. Format the storage device if prompted.

It took me about 10 minutes to set up. The app makes it super intuitive. Once it’s running, you don’t have to think about it—your footage is automatically saved in two places.

Real-world example: During a recent storm, my internet went out for 12 hours. My Arlo cameras kept recording to the USB drive. When service came back, I had all the footage—no gaps. That’s the power of hybrid storage.

Advanced Options: Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and Smart Hubs

If you have a large property or multiple Arlo cameras, you might want more control. That’s where Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and smart hubs come in.

Arlo SmartHub and Arlo Home Security System

The Arlo SmartHub (sold separately) is a small device that connects to your router. It supports:

• Up to 15 Arlo cameras (wired or wireless).
• Local storage via USB drive (up to 2TB).
• Enhanced Wi-Fi range and stability.

I added a SmartHub when I installed cameras in my backyard and garage. It boosted my signal and let me use a single USB drive for all five cameras. Now, I have one central storage point instead of managing multiple base stations.

The Arlo Home Security System (with built-in SmartHub) is even better. It includes:

• 24/7 professional monitoring (optional).
• Local video storage.
• Integration with door/window sensors and alarms.

It’s overkill for a small home, but if you want full security, it’s worth considering.

Third-Party NVRs and VMS Software

For tech-savvy users, you can use third-party NVRs like Synology Surveillance Station or Blue Iris to store Arlo footage. These systems:

• Support multiple camera brands (not just Arlo).
• Offer advanced features like facial recognition and motion analytics.
• Let you keep footage indefinitely on a NAS (Network Attached Storage).

I haven’t tried this yet, but my neighbor uses a Synology NAS. He stores 3 months of 4K footage from his Arlo and other cameras. It’s a bit complex to set up, but he says the customization is worth it.

Important: Not all Arlo cameras are compatible with third-party NVRs. Check Arlo’s compatibility list before buying. Also, some features (like AI detection) may not work outside the Arlo ecosystem.

Best Practices for Managing and Protecting Your Footage

Storing footage is just the first step. To get the most out of your Arlo system, you need to manage and protect your videos wisely.

Organizing Your Video Library

With hundreds of clips, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s how I keep things organized:

• Use smart activity zones to reduce false alerts (e.g., ignore trees moving in the wind).
• Label important clips (e.g., “Front Door – Package Theft – 05/12”).
• Download critical footage to a separate folder on your computer or external drive.

I created a folder called “Arlo Archive” on my laptop. Every month, I download the most important clips (break-ins, deliveries, funny pet moments) and sort them by date and camera.

Backing Up and Securing Your Data

What if your microSD card fails? Or your USB drive gets stolen? Protect yourself with backups:

• Cloud backup: Use a service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to save copies of key clips.
• External hard drive: Copy your USB drive or microSD card to a larger drive every few months.
• RAID or NAS: For advanced users, set up redundant storage to prevent data loss.

I back up my USB drive to a 4TB external hard drive every 3 months. It takes an hour, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Data Table: Comparing Arlo Storage Options

Storage Method	Cost	Storage Duration	Video Quality	Pros	Cons
Arlo Secure (Essential)	$2.99/month per camera	30 days	Up to 2K	Cloud access, AI detection, no hardware needed	Ongoing cost, requires internet
Arlo Secure Plus	$9.99/month (up to 10 cameras)	60 days	Up to 4K	Longer storage, better quality, smart zones	Higher cost, still needs internet
MicroSD Card	One-time ($20–$100)	Until full	Up to 4K	No monthly fees, private, offline access	Limited capacity, card can fail
USB Drive	One-time ($30–$150)	Until full	Up to 4K	Larger capacity, faster access	Requires base station, physical theft risk
Hybrid (Cloud + Local)	Subscription + one-time	Cloud: 30–60 days; Local: until full	Up to 4K	Best reliability, dual backups	Most expensive setup
Third-Party NVR	$100–$500+ (hardware)	Indefinite (with NAS)	Up to 4K	Full control, scalable, customizable	Complex setup, limited Arlo features

Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for Your Needs

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how you store video footage from your Arlo cameras. It depends on your budget, how many cameras you have, and how much control you want.

If you’re just starting out, the free 7-day cloud storage or a basic Arlo Secure plan is a great way to test the waters. But if you want long-term peace of mind—especially for security—invest in local storage (microSD or USB) or go hybrid.

Personally, I’ve settled on hybrid: Arlo Secure Plus for cloud access and a 1TB USB drive for local backups. It’s reliable, affordable, and gives me the flexibility to check clips from my phone or download them for safekeeping.

Remember: your cameras are only as good as your storage. Don’t let a critical moment disappear because you didn’t plan ahead. Whether you choose cloud, local, or both, take the time to set it up right. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I store video footage from my Arlo cameras using cloud storage?

Arlo offers cloud storage plans that automatically save and organize your video footage. You can access these recordings remotely via the Arlo app or web portal, with options for 24/7 continuous recording or motion-triggered clips.

Can I store Arlo camera footage locally instead of using the cloud?

Yes! Use an Arlo SmartHub or base station with a microSD card or USB drive to store video footage locally. This method avoids subscription fees and keeps data on your property, though remote access may be limited.

What is the best way to store video from Arlo cameras long-term?

For long-term storage, download clips to an external hard drive or computer using the Arlo app. Pair this with cloud backups for redundancy, ensuring your footage remains safe even if one storage method fails.

Does Arlo allow free storage for video footage?

Arlo provides limited free storage with a 7-day rolling cloud history for up to 5 cameras (varies by model). For longer retention or more cameras, you’ll need a paid subscription like Arlo Secure plans.

How do I automatically back up Arlo camera footage to my NAS?

Use the Arlo SmartHub with FTP settings to automatically transfer footage to your Network Attached Storage (NAS). This requires configuring FTP server details in the Arlo app for seamless, hands-free backups.

Can I store video footage from my Arlo cameras on a computer?

Yes, manually download clips from the Arlo app to your computer or set up a local storage device (like a USB drive) connected to your Arlo base station. This works well for users who prefer direct control over their files.