How Do I Download Arlo Camera With Timestamp A Quick Guide

Downloading Arlo camera footage with a timestamp is quick and easy using the Arlo app or web portal—just select the video, ensure “Timestamp” is enabled in settings, and export it directly to your device. This feature preserves critical time-based evidence for security or documentation purposes. For optimal results, verify your camera’s time zone and sync settings first.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app to access and download footage with timestamps directly.
• Select specific clips by date and time for precise downloads.
• Enable cloud storage to ensure timestamped videos are saved securely.
• Check camera settings to confirm timestamp overlay is activated before recording.
• Download via desktop for bulk exports using Arlo Web Client.
• Verify file details to confirm timestamps appear in downloaded videos.

Why Downloading Arlo Footage With a Timestamp Matters

Imagine this: You’re reviewing a security incident—maybe a package theft, a suspicious visitor, or a pet escaping the yard—and you need to share the video with authorities or family. You pull up your Arlo app, find the clip, and hit download. But when you hand it over, someone asks, “When exactly did this happen?” Suddenly, you realize the timestamp is missing. That small detail can make a big difference in proving timelines, verifying alibis, or even getting a claim approved.

As someone who’s been in that exact situation (yes, my dog once bolted through an open gate at 3:14 AM—thanks, Arlo), I learned the hard way that downloading Arlo camera footage with a timestamp isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential. Whether you’re using Arlo for home security, pet monitoring, or business surveillance, having a clear, accurate timestamp embedded in your video can mean the difference between clarity and confusion. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to download Arlo camera videos with timestamps—step by step—so you never have to guess “when” again.

Understanding Arlo’s Timestamp System

Before we dive into downloading, it’s important to understand how Arlo handles timestamps in the first place. Unlike some cameras that bake the timestamp into every frame, Arlo stores time data differently depending on your setup and plan. This affects how and when you can access that info during playback and downloads.

How Arlo Stores Time Data

Arlo cameras record video clips and store them in the cloud (if you have a subscription) or on a local storage device (like a microSD card or base station). The timestamp isn’t always “burned” into the video file—it’s usually stored as metadata. That means:

• Cloud recordings (Arlo Secure plan): Timestamps appear in the app and web portal as overlay text during playback.
• Local recordings (microSD or base station): Timestamps may appear on-screen during playback but aren’t always included in downloaded files unless manually added.
• Live view: Timestamps are shown in real-time but not recorded unless you manually capture a clip.

This metadata approach keeps file sizes smaller and allows Arlo to display time in your local timezone, even if the camera is in another region. But it also means you can’t always rely on a downloaded MP4 to show the time unless you take extra steps.

Why Timestamps Can Be Missing in Downloads

Here’s the catch: When you download a video directly from the Arlo app or website, the timestamp overlay might not appear in the video itself. Instead, the time is often displayed in the app’s interface—not embedded in the video file. This is a common source of frustration. For example:

• You download a clip of a delivery person, but the video file shows no time. You have to cross-reference it with the app’s timeline.

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• You send the video to a neighbor or police, and they can’t verify when it happened without additional context.

So, how do you fix this? The key is knowing which download method preserves or adds the timestamp—and when you might need to use a workaround.

How to Download Arlo Camera Footage With Timestamp (Step-by-Step)

Now, let’s get into the practical steps. I’ll walk you through the best methods to download Arlo videos with clear timestamps, depending on your device and Arlo plan.

Method 1: Using the Arlo App (Best for Cloud Recordings)

If you’re on an Arlo Secure or Secure Plus plan (which includes cloud storage), this is the easiest route. The app shows timestamps during playback, and you can capture them in your download with a simple screen recording trick.

1. Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Go to Library (or “Recordings”) and find the video clip you want.
3. Tap the clip to play it. Make sure the timestamp is visible on-screen (it usually appears in the top-left corner).
4. Start your device’s screen recording feature (built into iOS and most Android phones):
   • iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right, tap the record button (red circle), wait 3 seconds, then play the video.
   • Android: Swipe down twice to open quick settings, tap “Screen recorder,” then play the clip.
5. Let the video play fully. The timestamp will be captured in the recording.
6. Stop the screen recording. The file will save to your photos/videos.

Pro Tip: Pause the video at key moments (like when a person walks into frame) and let the screen record for a few seconds. This ensures the timestamp is clearly visible and legible.

Method 2: Using the Arlo Web Portal (Best for Detailed Control)

For more control—especially if you’re downloading multiple clips or need higher quality—use the Arlo web portal (my.arlo.com). This method works best with cloud recordings and gives you access to higher-resolution downloads.

1. Log in to my.arlo.com from a desktop or laptop.
2. Navigate to Library and find your video.
3. Click the video to play it. The timestamp appears in the player interface.
4. Use a screen recording tool (like OBS Studio, QuickTime, or Windows Game Bar) to capture the video with the timestamp overlay.
5. Start recording, play the video, and stop when done.
6. Save the file to your computer.

Why this works: The web portal often displays timestamps more clearly than the app, and desktop screen recorders offer better quality and editing options.

Method 3: Downloading Local Recordings (microSD or Base Station)

If you’re using local storage (no cloud subscription), your process is different. The timestamp may already be “burned” into the video if your camera supports on-screen display (OSD)—but not all Arlo models do.

• Check your camera settings: Go to the Arlo app > Camera Settings > Video Settings. Look for an option like “Timestamp” or “Date/Time Overlay.” Enable it if available.
• Download via microSD card: Remove the card, insert it into your computer, and copy the MP4 files. If the timestamp was enabled, it should appear in the video.
• Base station users: Access recordings via the Arlo app or web portal, but download as a screen recording (Method 1 or 2) to ensure the timestamp is visible.

Note: Older Arlo models (like Arlo Pro 2) don’t support timestamp overlays on local recordings. In that case, screen recording is your best bet.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools (For Advanced Users)

If you frequently need timestamped videos, consider tools that can embed metadata into the video file. For example:

• FFmpeg (free): A powerful command-line tool that can overlay timestamps from metadata onto video frames. It’s technical, but perfect for batch processing.
• Video editing software (iMovie, Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve): Manually add a timestamp text layer using the original time data from the Arlo app.

Example: In iMovie, import your downloaded clip, add a title layer, type the date/time (e.g., “2024-05-15, 10:32 AM”), and position it on-screen. Export the final video.

Tips to Ensure Accurate and Clear Timestamps

Even the best method won’t help if the timestamp is blurry, too small, or inaccurate. Here are my top tips to make sure your downloaded videos are useful and trustworthy.

1. Sync Your Camera’s Time Zone

Arlo cameras sync time with your phone or the cloud, but glitches can happen. If your timestamp is off by hours, check:

• The time zone in your Arlo account settings (Settings > Profile > Time Zone).
• Whether Daylight Saving Time is enabled (Arlo usually handles this automatically, but verify).
• That your camera firmware is up to date (Settings > Device Info > Firmware Update).

Real-world tip: I once spent 20 minutes reviewing a “midnight” incident, only to realize my camera was still on EST while I was in CST. Double-checking the time zone saved me from embarrassment.

2. Use High-Quality Screen Recordings

Screen recordings can look pixelated, especially on older phones. To keep timestamps clear:

• Record in the highest resolution your device allows (e.g., 1080p or 4K).
• Use a stable surface (tripod or stand) to avoid shaky footage.
• Play the video in full-screen mode to maximize visibility.

3. Add Context in the File Name

Even with a timestamp on-screen, add context to the file name for easy reference. For example:

• “2024-05-15_10-32_AM_Package_Delivery.mp4”
• “2024-05-14_03-14_AM_Dog_Escape_Arlo_Backyard.mp4”

This way, even if the timestamp is hard to read, you know when and why the clip was recorded.

4. Verify Timestamp Placement

Arlo places timestamps in different spots depending on the app version and device. Test a few recordings to ensure the time isn’t covered by:

• Your hand (if holding the phone).
• App interface elements (like playback controls).
• Dark shadows in the video (light-colored text on dark backgrounds).

If needed, pause the video and zoom in slightly to capture a clearer frame.

Common Challenges (And How to Fix Them)

Let’s be honest—nothing works perfectly every time. Here are the most common issues I’ve faced when downloading Arlo videos with timestamps—and how to solve them.

“The timestamp is too small to read!”

This happens when the video is recorded at a low resolution or the app’s text is tiny. Fixes:

• Use a larger screen (tablet or desktop) for recording.
• Zoom in slightly during the screen recording (but don’t crop the video).
• After downloading, use editing software to enlarge the timestamp (e.g., in iMovie, add a text overlay with a larger font).

“The video downloads without the timestamp.”

If you’re using the Arlo app’s built-in “Share” or “Download” button, the timestamp might not be included. Avoid these options. Instead:

• Always use screen recording to capture the full interface.
• For web portal downloads, use a desktop screen recorder (like OBS) to capture the browser window.

“My local recordings don’t show time.”

If you’re using a microSD card and the timestamp isn’t burned in, you have two options:

• Enable timestamp overlay: In the Arlo app, go to Camera Settings > Video Settings > Timestamp (if available).
• Switch to cloud storage: Even a basic Arlo Secure plan ($2.99/month) gives you cloud recordings with clear timestamps.

Note: Not all Arlo cameras support timestamp overlays on local storage. Check your model’s specs.

“The timestamp is in the wrong timezone.”

Arlo uses your account’s timezone, not the camera’s physical location. If you’re traveling or have cameras in multiple regions:

• Manually adjust the timestamp in your video editing software.
• Add a text overlay with the correct local time (e.g., “Recorded at 3:14 AM CST”).

Comparison of Arlo Download Methods (With Timestamp Support)

To help you choose the best method, here’s a quick comparison of the most common options:

Method	Timestamp in Video?	Best For	Ease of Use	Quality
Arlo App + Screen Recording	Yes (captured via screen)	Quick, on-the-go downloads	Easy	Good (depends on device)
Arlo Web Portal + Screen Recording	Yes (captured via screen)	High-quality, multi-clip downloads	Moderate	Excellent
Local microSD (with timestamp enabled)	Yes (if OSD is on)	Users without cloud plans	Easy	Good (depends on camera)
Local microSD (no timestamp)	No	N/A (requires editing)	Hard	Good (but no time)
Third-Party Tools (FFmpeg, editing software)	Yes (manually added)	Batch processing, professional use	Hard	Excellent

As you can see, screen recording is the most reliable way to get a timestamped video across all Arlo setups. It’s simple, works with any model, and gives you full control over quality.

Final Thoughts: Make Every Second Count

Downloading Arlo camera footage with a timestamp isn’t just about convenience—it’s about accountability, clarity, and peace of mind. Whether you’re sharing a video with a neighbor, filing an insurance claim, or just reviewing a funny moment with your kids, having that “when” makes all the difference.

From my own experience, the screen recording method has saved me countless times. It’s not flashy, but it works. Pair it with good file naming and a quick time zone check, and you’ll never have to say, “I’m not sure when that happened” again. And if you’re a power user, don’t hesitate to explore tools like FFmpeg or editing software—they’re worth the learning curve for frequent downloads.

Remember: how do I download Arlo camera with timestamp isn’t just a technical question. It’s about making your security footage truly useful. So next time you need a clip, take the extra minute to capture the time. Your future self (and anyone you share it with) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I download Arlo camera footage with a timestamp?

To download Arlo camera footage with a timestamp, open the Arlo app or web portal, select the video clip, and tap the download icon. Ensure “Timestamp” is enabled in your camera’s video settings before recording or downloading.

Can I add a timestamp to Arlo videos after recording?

No, timestamps are embedded in Arlo videos at the time of recording. To include a timestamp, enable it in your camera’s settings (under “Video Settings”) before capturing footage.

Where do I find the timestamp option when downloading Arlo camera clips?

The timestamp is automatically included if enabled in your camera’s settings. During download (via the Arlo app or web), the timestamp will appear on the video—no extra steps are needed during the download process.

Why isn’t the timestamp showing on my downloaded Arlo video?

If the timestamp is missing, check your camera’s “Video Settings” to ensure “Timestamp” is turned on. Older clips recorded before enabling this feature won’t include timestamps.

Does the Arlo app allow downloading multiple clips with timestamps at once?

Yes, select multiple clips in the “Library” section of the Arlo app, tap the download icon, and all selected videos will save with timestamps (if enabled in settings).

How do I download Arlo camera with timestamp on a computer?

Log in to your Arlo account via the web portal, navigate to “Library,” select the clip, and click the download icon. The downloaded video will include a timestamp if the feature was active during recording.