How Do I Change the Time on My Arlo Camera Quick Guide

Changing the time on your Arlo camera is quick and easy—just use the Arlo app to sync it with your smartphone’s time zone automatically. For manual adjustments, navigate to Device Settings > Time Zone and select your preferred option to ensure accurate timestamps. No more guesswork—your camera’s time will always stay precise and up to date.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and time adjustments.
• Sync time automatically via your device’s time zone settings.
• Manual override available for custom time input if needed.
• Check firmware updates to ensure time settings function properly.
• Restart your camera after changes to apply updates effectively.
• Verify time accuracy by reviewing recorded footage timestamps.

How Do I Change the Time on My Arlo Camera? A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s face it—nothing’s more frustrating than realizing your Arlo camera’s timestamps are off by hours. Maybe you just set up a new camera, or perhaps daylight saving time threw everything out of whack. You’re not alone! A few months ago, I was reviewing security footage after a package delivery mix-up and realized my Arlo Pro 4 was showing events from “2 a.m.” when they clearly happened at 4 p.m. Cue the panic—until I figured out the fix. If you’ve ever muttered, *“How do I change the time on my Arlo camera?”* while squinting at your phone, this guide is for you.

Whether you’re troubleshooting time zone errors, adjusting for daylight saving, or just want accurate timestamps for peace of mind, changing the time on your Arlo camera is simpler than you think. But here’s the catch: it’s not a setting you toggle directly on the camera. Instead, it syncs with your Arlo app and account settings, which means a few clicks can fix everything. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process for all Arlo models, share common pitfalls (and how to avoid them), and even include a handy table for troubleshooting. Let’s dive in!

Why Accurate Time Settings Matter for Your Arlo Camera

The Real-World Impact of Time Errors

Imagine this: You’re reviewing footage of a suspicious visitor, but the timestamp says “11:30 p.m.” when you know it was broad daylight. Time inaccuracies don’t just confuse—they can undermine the usefulness of your security system. Here’s why it’s critical:

• Legal evidence: If you ever need to share footage with law enforcement, timestamps must align with your local time.
• Daylight saving chaos: Clocks “fall back” or “spring forward,” and if your Arlo doesn’t update, you’ll miss hours of coverage.
• Multi-camera sync: If one camera’s time is off, comparing footage across devices becomes a nightmare.

I learned this the hard way when my neighbor’s dog escaped—my camera’s “10:15 a.m.” timestamp actually meant 11:15 a.m., delaying the search by an hour. Lesson learned!

How Arlo Cameras Handle Time (The Tech Behind the Scenes)

Arlo cameras don’t have a built-in clock. Instead, they pull time from:

• Your Arlo app: The app syncs with your phone’s time settings.
• Your Arlo account: Time zone and daylight saving rules are set here.
• Your base station (for wired systems): Base stations like the Arlo SmartHub use your Wi-Fi network’s time.

Think of it like a team: your phone and account are the “quarterbacks,” while the camera is the “receiver.” If the quarterbacks are out of sync, the play fails. This is why fixing time issues often starts with your app or account—not the camera itself.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Time on Arlo Cameras (All Models)

Method 1: Adjust Time via the Arlo App (Wireless Cameras)

This works for all wireless Arlo cameras (Pro, Ultra, Essential, etc.). Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap your profile icon (top-right corner) and select “Account”.
3. Go to “Time Zone” and select your correct location. Pro tip: Use the search bar to find your city instead of scrolling.
4. Toggle on “Automatic Daylight Saving Time” (if available).
5. Force-sync your cameras by going to “Settings” > “My Devices”, selecting your camera, and tapping “Sync”.

Example: My Arlo Pro 3 was stuck in EST when I moved to PST. After updating my account time zone to “Los Angeles,” the cameras synced within 2 minutes. Easy!

Method 2: Fix Time via the Arlo Web Portal (For Advanced Users)

Prefer a desktop? The Arlo web portal (my.arlo.com) offers more granular control:

1. Log in and click “Settings” (gear icon).
2. Select “Account” > “Personal Information”.
3. Update your time zone and daylight saving settings.
4. Click “Save”—your cameras will update automatically within 15 minutes.

Tip: If time still doesn’t update, try restarting your camera (unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug back in).

Method 3: Sync Time with Arlo Base Station (Wired Systems)

For Arlo SmartHubs or base stations (e.g., Arlo Pro 2/3 with a base):

1. Ensure your base station is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Check your router’s time settings. Most routers sync with internet time servers (NTP).
3. In the Arlo app, go to “Settings” > “Base Station” > “Network” and tap “Sync Now”.

Why this matters: A friend’s Arlo Pro 2 base station had a 3-hour delay because their router’s NTP server was misconfigured. Fixing the router fixed the camera time!

Common Time-Sync Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Problem 1: “My Camera Time Is Off by Hours”

Cause: Time zone mismatch or daylight saving glitch.

Fix:

• Double-check your Arlo account time zone. A user in Texas once had their camera set to “Chicago” by mistake—fixed it in 30 seconds.
• Manually toggle daylight saving off/on in the app. Sometimes the auto-setting fails.
• Restart your camera and base station (if applicable).

Problem 2: “Daylight Saving Time Isn’t Updating”

Cause: Outdated app, disabled auto-DST, or camera firmware lag.

Fix:

• Update the Arlo app to the latest version (check your app store).
• Go to “Settings” > “My Devices” > [Camera Name] > “Firmware Update” and install updates.
• Disable/re-enable auto-DST in your account settings.

Anecdote: My Arlo Ultra 2 didn’t update for DST in 2023 until I manually triggered a firmware update. Arlo’s auto-updates aren’t perfect!

Problem 3: “Time Is Correct, But Timestamps Are Wrong”

Cause: The camera’s “last sync” failed, or the SD card (if used) has a time conflict.

Fix:

• Force a sync via the app (“Settings” > “My Devices” > “Sync”).
• If using local storage (SD card), format it via the app (“Settings” > “Storage” > “Format SD Card”).
• Check your phone’s time: Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Date & Time” and enable “Automatic Time”.

Pro Tips for Avoiding Time Errors (From a Longtime User)

Tip 1: Use Automatic Time Settings Everywhere

Ensure your phone, router, and Arlo account all use automatic time. Manual settings are a recipe for disaster. I once set my phone to “manual” during a trip and forgot to change it back—my cameras were 6 hours off for weeks!

Tip 2: Label Your Cameras with Time Zones

If you have cameras in multiple locations (e.g., a vacation home), label them in the app. Go to “Settings” > “My Devices” > [Camera Name] > “Rename” and add the time zone (e.g., “Front Door – PST”). This prevents mix-ups.

Tip 3: Test After Major Updates

After Arlo app updates, check your camera time. A 2023 update broke time sync for many users until Arlo rolled out a patch. Test by taking a test video and verifying the timestamp.

Tip 4: Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo releases firmware updates to fix time bugs. Enable “Auto-Update” in “Settings” > “My Devices” > “Firmware”—or check manually every 3 months.

Time-Saving Troubleshooting Table

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Fix	Time to Resolve
Time zone wrong	Account settings mismatch	Update time zone in Arlo app/portal	2 minutes
Daylight saving not updating	Disabled auto-DST or outdated firmware	Toggle auto-DST; update firmware	5–15 minutes
All cameras show incorrect time	Phone/account time error	Enable “Automatic Time” on phone	1 minute
Single camera time error	Camera sync failure	Restart camera; force sync in app	5 minutes
SD card timestamps wrong	SD card time conflict	Format SD card via app	3 minutes

Final Thoughts: Time Accuracy Is Your Security Ally

Changing the time on your Arlo camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust. When you glance at a timestamp, you need to know it’s reliable. Whether you’re a parent checking on a babysitter, a small business owner reviewing deliveries, or just someone who values peace of mind, accurate time settings are non-negotiable.

Here’s the bottom line: If you’ve ever asked, *“How do I change the time on my Arlo camera?”* the answer is almost always in your account settings or app configuration. No fiddling with the camera itself—just a few taps on your phone. And remember: if things go sideways, the troubleshooting table above has your back. I’ve used it countless times to rescue friends’ setups (and my own!).

One last piece of advice: Bookmark this guide. Time issues rarely happen at convenient moments—like at 2 a.m. during a power outage. When you’re bleary-eyed and frustrated, having a clear, step-by-step resource makes all the difference. Your future self will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the time on my Arlo camera?

To change the time on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account online, navigate to the camera settings, and adjust the time zone or enable automatic time sync. This ensures your camera’s recordings are timestamped accurately.

Why is the time wrong on my Arlo camera?

The incorrect time on your Arlo camera is often due to a mismatched time zone or disabled automatic time sync. Check your camera’s settings and update the time zone or enable “Automatic Time Zone” to fix the issue.

Can I manually set the time on my Arlo camera?

While Arlo cameras primarily rely on automatic time sync, you can adjust the time zone in the device settings to ensure the correct local time. Manual time entry isn’t supported, but syncing with your account settings keeps timestamps accurate.

How do I update the time zone on my Arlo camera?

Go to the Arlo app or web portal, select your camera, tap “Device Settings,” then “Time Zone,” and choose your correct location. This ensures your Arlo camera displays the right time for recordings and alerts.

Does my Arlo camera automatically adjust for daylight saving time?

Yes, if “Automatic Time Zone” is enabled in your Arlo camera settings, it will automatically adjust for daylight saving time changes. Double-check this setting to avoid manual updates.

Why can’t I find the time settings on my Arlo camera?

Time settings are managed through the Arlo app or web portal, not directly on the camera. Navigate to “Device Settings” > “Time Zone” to adjust the time. Ensure your firmware is up-to-date for all features to appear.