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To set Arlo cameras to record, configure motion detection and recording schedules directly in the Arlo app for 24/7 surveillance or event-based capture. Customize zones, sensitivity, and cloud or local storage settings to ensure you never miss critical activity. Follow simple in-app prompts to activate continuous recording, set alerts, and manage playback with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Enable motion detection: Set activity zones to trigger recordings automatically.
- Schedule recordings: Use custom modes to record during specific times only.
- Adjust sensitivity: Fine-tune motion alerts to avoid false recordings.
- Use cloud or local storage: Choose a plan or insert a USB for footage backup.
- Review recordings: Access saved clips via the Arlo app or web portal.
- Enable 24/7 recording: Upgrade to continuous recording if supported by your plan.
📑 Table of Contents
Why Setting Your Arlo Cameras to Record Matters
Imagine this: you’re sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your phone, and suddenly you see a notification from your Arlo camera—someone’s at your front door. But when you open the app, there’s no video. Just a timestamp and a missed opportunity. That’s what happens when your Arlo cameras aren’t set to record properly. Whether you’re using Arlo for home security, monitoring pets, or keeping an eye on your kids, getting the recording settings right is crucial. It’s not just about catching a package thief or a nosy raccoon; it’s about peace of mind. And honestly, setting up your Arlo cameras to record shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube. Yet, many users struggle with the process, often ending up with gaps in their footage or unnecessary recordings that drain battery life.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to set Arlo cameras to record in a way that’s simple, practical, and tailored to your needs. I’ve been there—fiddling with motion zones, tweaking sensitivity, and wondering why my camera missed the UPS driver. Over time, I’ve learned the tricks to make Arlo work *for* me, not against me. Whether you’re a first-time Arlo user or you’ve had your system for years, this guide will help you get the most out of your cameras. Let’s dive in and turn those confusing settings into a seamless, reliable security setup.
Understanding Arlo Recording Modes
Before you start tweaking settings, it’s important to understand the different ways Arlo cameras can record. Not all modes are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on your goals—whether it’s catching a burglar or just keeping tabs on your garden. Here’s a breakdown of the main recording modes and how they work.
Continuous Recording (24/7)
This mode records nonstop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s the gold standard for businesses or high-security areas, but it’s not always practical for home use. Why? Because it requires a lot of storage and a constant power source (most Arlo cameras are battery-powered). If you’re using an Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra, which support continuous recording via a power adapter, this might work for you. But for most folks, it’s overkill—and it can drain your cloud storage fast.
When to use it: If you’re monitoring a high-risk area (like a storefront or a detached garage) and have the power setup to support it. Otherwise, skip it.
Motion-Activated Recording (Smart Detection)
This is the most popular mode for home users. Your Arlo camera stays in standby mode until it detects motion, then it starts recording. The key here is *smart detection*—Arlo’s AI can distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and general motion (like a swaying tree). This helps you avoid false alerts and unnecessary recordings. For example, if a squirrel runs across your yard, Arlo can ignore it. But if a person walks up your driveway, it’ll start recording.
Pro tip: Adjust the motion sensitivity in the app to avoid false triggers. I once set mine too high and got alerts every time my neighbor’s cat walked by. Not ideal.
Scheduled Recording
Want your camera to record only during certain hours? Scheduled recording lets you set specific time blocks. For instance, you might want it active only when you’re at work (9 AM–5 PM) or when you’re asleep (10 PM–6 AM). This saves battery life and storage while still covering the times you care about most.
Example: If you work from home but leave the house for errands, set your camera to record only during those hours. No need to monitor the backyard when you’re right there.
Manual Recording (On-Demand)
Sometimes you just want to hit “record” and capture something live—like a birthday party or a delivery. Arlo lets you start manual recording anytime through the app. The video saves to your cloud or local storage (if you have a SmartHub). It’s simple, but it requires you to be proactive.
Tip: Use manual recording for short, important events. Just don’t rely on it for security—you might miss something if you’re not paying attention.
Setting Up Motion-Activated Recording (Step-by-Step)
Motion-activated recording is the sweet spot for most Arlo users. It’s efficient, smart, and customizable. Here’s how to set it up correctly, so you don’t miss a thing—or get flooded with useless alerts.
Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Select Your Camera
Launch the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. Tap the camera you want to configure. If you have multiple cameras, make sure you’re editing the right one. (I once accidentally adjusted my backyard camera when I meant to tweak the front door one—learn from my mistakes!)
Step 2: Go to “Device Settings” and Enable Motion Detection
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the device settings. Look for “Motion Detection” and make sure it’s turned on. You’ll see options for sensitivity and detection zones here. Start with the default settings, then tweak them later.
Step 3: Adjust Motion Sensitivity
This is where most people go wrong. Too high, and your camera records every leaf that blows by. Too low, and it misses important events. The app lets you set sensitivity on a scale from 1 to 10. For most outdoor cameras, I recommend starting at 7 or 8. For indoor cameras, 5 or 6 is usually enough.
Real-world example: I have an Arlo Pro 3 in my backyard. At first, I set it to 10, and I got alerts every time the wind moved the bushes. After lowering it to 7, the alerts became much more relevant—mostly people and animals.
Step 4: Set Up Motion Zones
Motion zones let you tell Arlo *where* to look for activity. For example, if your camera points at your driveway and your neighbor’s yard, you can create a zone that only covers your driveway. This reduces false alerts and focuses on what matters.
- Tap “Motion Zones” in the app.
- Drag the corners of the zone box to cover the area you want to monitor.
- You can create up to three zones per camera (depending on your model).
Tip: If your camera is near a busy street, exclude the road from your zones. Otherwise, you’ll get alerts every time a car drives by.
Step 5: Enable Smart Detection (If Available)
If you have a newer Arlo model (like Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential), you’ll see an option for “Smart Detection”. This uses AI to classify motion into categories: person, animal, vehicle, or general motion. You can choose which categories trigger recordings.
How I use it: I set my cameras to record only when they detect a person or a vehicle. That way, I don’t get alerts for my dog or the mail truck—unless I want to.
Step 6: Test Your Setup
After adjusting the settings, test your camera by walking into the frame or asking a friend to trigger it. Check if it records and sends an alert. If not, go back and tweak the sensitivity or zones. It might take a few tries to get it perfect.
Scheduling Recordings for Efficiency
Not every moment needs to be recorded. Scheduling lets you save battery, reduce storage clutter, and focus on the times that matter. Here’s how to set it up.
Why Schedule Recordings?
Think about it: do you really need your front door camera recording at 3 AM when you’re asleep and no one’s around? Probably not. But if you work from home and leave the house at 10 AM, you *do* want it active during those hours. Scheduling gives you control.
Step-by-Step: Set a Recording Schedule
- In the Arlo app, go to your camera’s settings.
- Tap “Recording Schedule” (or “Activity Zones” > “Schedule”).
- Choose “Custom Schedule”.
- Set the days and times you want the camera to record. For example:
- Monday–Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–2 PM
- Sunday: Off
- Save your schedule.
Pro tip: Use the “Away” mode for vacations. It automatically activates all your cameras when you’re not home.
Combining Schedules with Motion Zones
For even more precision, combine your schedule with motion zones. For example, during work hours, you might want your backyard camera to monitor the patio but ignore the street. At night, you could expand the zone to cover the entire yard. It’s like having a security guard who knows exactly where to look.
Managing Storage: Cloud vs. Local
Once your camera starts recording, you need a place to store the footage. Arlo offers two main options: cloud storage and local storage (via a SmartHub). Here’s how to choose the right one.
Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure)
Arlo’s cloud service saves your videos to remote servers, so you can access them from anywhere. It’s convenient, but it comes with a subscription fee. Here’s what you need to know:
- Free tier: Stores 7 days of rolling footage (no person detection).
- Paid plans: Start at $2.99/month for 30-day storage and smart detection (person/vehicle/animal).
- Multiple cameras: Plans cover 1–10 cameras, depending on the tier.
When to use it: If you want remote access, smart detection, and easy sharing with family or law enforcement. Just remember—you’ll pay for it.
Local Storage (SmartHub or MicroSD)
If you don’t want a subscription, local storage is your best bet. Arlo cameras can save footage to a SmartHub (a base station) or a microSD card (in select models like the Arlo Essential).
- SmartHub: Connects to your router and stores videos locally. You can access them through the app, but they’re not backed up to the cloud.
- MicroSD: Insert a card directly into the camera. Great for battery-powered models, but you’ll need to physically remove the card to view footage.
Pros: No monthly fees, full control over your data. Cons: No remote backup—if your hub or card fails, you lose everything.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Cloud Storage | Local Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2.99+/month | One-time (hub/card) |
| Accessibility | Remote (app) | Local (hub) or physical (card) |
| Smart Detection | Yes (paid plans) | No |
| Backup | Yes (cloud) | No (unless you manually copy files) |
| Best for | Convenience, security | Budget, privacy |
My take: I use cloud storage for my front door camera (high traffic) and local storage for my backyard one (low risk). It’s a good balance of cost and coverage.
Troubleshooting Common Recording Issues
Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Camera Isn’t Recording
Possible causes:
- Motion detection is turned off.
- Battery is low (check the app).
- Storage is full (cloud or local).
- Camera is offline (Wi-Fi issue).
Fix: Go to the app, check the camera’s status, and ensure all settings are correct. Reboot the camera if needed.
Too Many False Alerts
Solution:
- Lower motion sensitivity.
- Adjust motion zones to exclude trees, streets, or pets.
- Enable smart detection to filter out animals/vehicles.
Example: My backyard camera kept alerting me to shadows at dusk. Lowering the sensitivity from 8 to 6 fixed it.
Missing Important Recordings
Check:
- Is the camera’s field of view blocked (e.g., by leaves or dirt)?
- Are motion zones covering the right areas?
- Is the schedule active during the event?
Tip: Regularly clean your camera lens and reposition it if needed.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Arlo Work for You
Setting up your Arlo cameras to record doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with motion-activated recording, fine-tune your zones and sensitivity, and use scheduling to save battery and storage. If you want convenience, go for cloud storage. If you prefer privacy, stick with local. And don’t forget to test your setup—sometimes the simplest adjustments make the biggest difference.
I’ve had my Arlo system for over two years, and it’s saved me countless times—from catching a package thief to keeping an eye on my dog when I’m away. But it only works when it’s set up *right*. Take the time to configure your cameras properly, and you’ll never have to ask, “How do I set Arlo cameras to record?” again. Happy monitoring! 🎥
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set Arlo cameras to record continuously?
To set Arlo cameras for continuous recording, open the Arlo app, select your camera, and go to “Video Settings.” Enable “Continuous Recording” if your plan supports it (requires an Arlo Secure subscription and compatible SmartHub/Base Station).
Can I set Arlo cameras to record only when motion is detected?
Yes, this is the default mode. In the Arlo app, navigate to your camera’s settings, select “Motion Detection,” and customize activity zones and sensitivity. The camera will record clips only when motion is detected, saving storage and battery life.
How do I set up scheduled recording for my Arlo cameras?
Go to “Mode” in the Arlo app, create a custom mode, and set a schedule for when the camera should actively record. This is ideal for monitoring during specific hours (e.g., business days) without 24/7 recording.
Why won’t my Arlo camera record even after setup?
Check your subscription plan, as some features require an Arlo Secure subscription. Also, verify motion detection settings, Wi-Fi connection, and storage availability on your SmartHub or cloud account.
How do I set Arlo cameras to record longer video clips?
In the Arlo app, go to “Video Settings” and adjust the “Clip Length” (up to 120 seconds). Note that longer clips may impact battery life on wireless models and require a strong signal.
Can I set multiple Arlo cameras to record at the same time?
Yes, group your cameras under a single “Mode” in the Arlo app. When the mode is activated (manually or via schedule), all linked cameras will record simultaneously based on their individual settings.