How Do I View Videos on Cloud for Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Viewing videos on the cloud for your Arlo camera is simple and secure through the Arlo app or web portal, giving you instant access to recorded footage from anywhere. Ensure your subscription is active and navigate to the “Library” or “Cloud Recordings” section to browse, download, or share clips with ease—no local storage needed.

Key Takeaways

• Access recordings anytime: Log in to your Arlo account to view cloud-stored videos remotely.
• Use the Arlo app: Download the app to stream or download cloud videos instantly.
• Check subscription plans: Ensure your plan includes cloud storage for video history access.
• Filter by date/device: Narrow searches using the app’s timeline and camera selection tools.
• Enable smart notifications: Get alerts with video previews for faster cloud clip retrieval.
• Download for backup: Save critical clips locally before cloud storage expires.

How Do I View Videos on Cloud for Arlo Camera? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’re halfway through your morning coffee, scrolling through your phone, and suddenly you get a motion alert from your Arlo camera. A delivery person just dropped off a package at your front door. You tap the notification, but instead of seeing the footage, you’re met with a spinning wheel or a message saying, “No video found.” Frustrating, right? If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I view videos on cloud for Arlo camera?”, you’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this challenge—especially when they’re new to the system or upgrading from local storage to cloud-based options.

Arlo cameras are known for their sleek design, reliable motion detection, and easy setup. But where things get tricky is accessing your recorded footage, especially when it’s stored in the cloud. Whether you’re trying to check a suspicious activity, review a missed event, or just keep tabs on your home while traveling, knowing how to navigate Arlo’s cloud video features is essential. This guide walks you through every step—from understanding how cloud storage works with Arlo to troubleshooting common issues. No tech jargon, no sales pitch—just clear, practical advice to help you get the most out of your security system.

Understanding Arlo’s Cloud Storage System

Before diving into how to view your videos, it helps to understand how Arlo’s cloud storage actually works. Unlike traditional DVRs or local SD card storage, Arlo uses cloud-based recording, which means your video clips are stored securely on remote servers and accessed via the internet. This offers flexibility and peace of mind—your footage is safe even if your camera is damaged or stolen.

What Is Cloud Storage for Arlo?

Arlo’s cloud storage is a subscription-based service that records and stores motion-triggered video clips (typically 10 to 30 seconds long) from your cameras. When your camera detects motion or sound, it captures a clip and uploads it to the cloud. You can then view these clips anytime, from any device with the Arlo app or website.

There are two main types of cloud plans:

• Free Plan: Offers 7 days of rolling cloud storage for up to 5 cameras. Clips are stored for 7 days and then automatically deleted.
• Subscription Plans (Arlo Secure): Include 30 days of cloud storage, advanced AI detection (like person, vehicle, or package recognition), and optional 24/7 continuous video recording (CVR) for select models.

Pro tip: The free plan is great for testing, but if you want to review older footage or get smarter alerts, upgrading to Arlo Secure is worth it—especially for families, pet owners, or anyone with frequent deliveries.

How Cloud Storage Differs from Local Storage

Some Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Ultra 2) support local storage via a microSD card or USB drive connected to the Arlo SmartHub. This means videos are stored directly on the device and don’t rely on internet uploads. But here’s the catch: local storage doesn’t sync with the cloud. If your hub is unplugged or the card gets corrupted, you lose access.

Cloud storage, on the other hand, is accessible from anywhere. You can log in from your phone, tablet, or computer and view clips even if your camera is offline. It’s also more secure—no one can steal your SD card. However, cloud storage requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and may incur monthly costs. Think of it as paying for peace of mind.

Which Arlo Cameras Support Cloud Recording?

Most modern Arlo cameras support cloud recording, but not all offer the same features. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5, Ultra 2: Full cloud support with optional CVR.
• Arlo Essential Series (Indoor, Outdoor, Doorbell): Cloud recording included, but CVR not available.
• Arlo Go 2 (LTE): Uses cellular data for cloud uploads—ideal for remote locations.
• Legacy models (Pro, Pro 2): Still support cloud, but may lack newer AI features.

Always check your camera’s specs on the Arlo website or in the app to confirm cloud capabilities. And remember: even if your camera supports cloud, you’ll still need an active subscription to access extended storage beyond the 7-day free period.

Setting Up Cloud Storage for Your Arlo Camera

Now that you know the basics, let’s get your cloud storage set up. It’s easier than you think—and once it’s done, you’ll never have to worry about losing a video again.

Step 1: Create an Arlo Account

If you haven’t already, download the Arlo app (available on iOS and Android) and create an account. Use your real email—this is where alerts and billing info will go. During setup, the app will guide you through pairing your camera with your Wi-Fi network. Make sure your internet speed is at least 2 Mbps upload (faster is better) to avoid upload delays.

Real-life tip: I once had a camera in my backyard that kept missing events because the Wi-Fi signal was weak. After adding a range extender, cloud uploads became instant. A strong connection is key!

Step 2: Activate Your Subscription (If Needed)

When you first set up your camera, you’ll see a prompt to start your free trial of Arlo Secure (usually 30 days). This gives you access to 30-day cloud storage and AI detection. After the trial ends, you’ll need to subscribe to keep cloud recording active.

To manage your plan:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol).
• Go to Subscription and select your plan.

Arlo offers flexible plans:

• Single Camera Plan: $2.99/month or $29.99/year (1 camera, 30-day storage).
• Multi-Camera Plan: $9.99/month or $99.99/year (up to 5 cameras, 30-day storage).
• 24/7 CVR Add-on: $9.99/month per camera (available for select models).

You can change or cancel anytime through the app or your Arlo account online.

Step 3: Enable Cloud Recording

By default, cloud recording is usually turned on during setup. But it’s worth double-checking:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Select your camera.
• Tap Settings > Video Settings > Cloud Recording.
• Ensure Record to Cloud is toggled ON.

You can also customize what triggers a recording. For example, if your camera is near a busy street, you might want to set it to record only for “Person” or “Package” to avoid constant alerts. Go to Smart Detection under video settings to fine-tune this.

Step 4: Sync with SmartHub (If Applicable)

If you’re using a SmartHub (like the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station), make sure it’s connected and online. The hub acts as a bridge between your cameras and the cloud. If it’s offline, your cameras won’t be able to upload videos.

Check the hub’s status in the app: it should show a green light and “Connected.” If not, restart it or check your internet connection.

How to View Videos on Cloud for Arlo Camera

Here’s where the magic happens—actually watching your footage. Whether you’re checking a recent alert or reviewing clips from last week, Arlo makes it simple. Let’s walk through the different ways to view your cloud-stored videos.

Using the Arlo App (Mobile)

The Arlo app is the easiest way to view your videos. Here’s how:

• Open the Arlo app and log in.
• Tap the Library icon (looks like a filmstrip) at the bottom.
• You’ll see a timeline of all recorded events. Tap any clip to play it.
• Use the calendar icon to jump to a specific date.

Handy feature: Swipe left or right on the video player to skip to the next or previous clip. You can also pinch to zoom in on details—great for checking license plates or faces.

Want to share a clip with family or law enforcement? Tap the share icon (arrow pointing up) to send it via email, text, or social media. The recipient gets a link to view the video directly in their browser—no app needed.

Using the Arlo Web Portal (Desktop)

For a bigger screen or more detailed review, use the Arlo web portal:

• Go to arlo.com and log in.
• Click Library in the left menu.
• Use the timeline or calendar to find your videos.
• Click any clip to play it in full screen.

The web version has extra tools: you can download videos (great for evidence), export clips as MP4 files, or create custom playlists. I once used this to compile a week’s worth of backyard activity for my HOA after a neighbor complained about noise—saved me hours of manual review!

Filtering and Searching Clips

With hundreds of clips, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Arlo’s filtering tools help:

• Filter by camera: Select one or multiple cameras.
• Filter by event type: Choose “Person,” “Vehicle,” “Animal,” or “All Motion.”
• Filter by date range: Set start and end dates (e.g., “Last 7 days”).

For example, if you’re looking for a package delivery on Tuesday morning, filter by “Package” and set the date. Arlo will show only relevant clips—no sifting through false alarms from passing cars.

Watching 24/7 Continuous Video Recording (CVR)

If you have a CVR-enabled camera and subscription, you can view continuous footage—not just motion-triggered clips. This is perfect for monitoring a construction site, babysitter, or pet while you’re away.

To access CVR:

• Go to Library > Timeline.
• Toggle the CVR switch (if available).
• Use the timeline to scrub through hours of video.

Note: CVR takes up more storage, so it’s only available on select plans. Also, some local laws restrict continuous recording—check your regulations before enabling it.

Troubleshooting Common Cloud Video Issues

Even the best tech can hiccup. If you’re having trouble viewing your cloud videos, don’t panic—here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

“No Video Found” or “Clip Not Available”

This is the most frustrating error. It usually means:

• Your subscription expired.
• The clip is older than your storage period (e.g., 30 days).
• The camera was offline during the event.
• The motion detection didn’t trigger a recording.

Fix: Check your subscription status in the app. If it’s active, verify your camera’s Wi-Fi signal and motion settings. You can also try restarting the camera or hub.

Slow or Laggy Playback

Buffering or choppy video? This is often due to poor internet speed. Arlo needs at least 2 Mbps upload to stream smoothly.

Fix: Run a speed test on your phone or computer. If it’s slow, try:

• Moving your camera closer to the router.
• Using a Wi-Fi extender.
• Reducing the camera’s video resolution (in Settings > Video Quality).

Missing Events or False Alerts

Sometimes your camera records when it shouldn’t (like every time a leaf blows) or misses important events.

Fix: Adjust your motion detection sensitivity in the app:

• Go to Settings > Smart Detection.
• Enable “Person” or “Vehicle” detection to reduce false alarms.
• Set activity zones to ignore areas like busy streets.

I once had my camera alerting me every time a squirrel ran across the yard. After enabling “Person” detection and setting activity zones, false alerts dropped by 80%.

App Crashes or Login Issues

If the app crashes or you can’t log in, try:

• Updating the app to the latest version.
• Clearing the app cache (on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Arlo > Storage > Clear Cache).
• Logging out and back in.

If all else fails, contact Arlo support. They’re usually responsive and can help reset your account or troubleshoot hardware issues.

Maximizing Your Cloud Video Experience

Once you’ve got the basics down, here are some advanced tips to get the most out of your Arlo cloud videos.

Organize with Tags and Folders (Web Portal)

The web portal lets you create custom folders and tags. For example, tag clips as “Delivery,” “Visitor,” or “Suspicious.” This makes it easier to find videos later—especially if you need to share them with police or insurance.

Use Arlo’s Smart Alerts

Arlo’s AI can tell the difference between a person, car, animal, or package. Enable these in your camera’s settings to get more useful notifications. For instance, you’ll get a “Package Delivered” alert instead of a generic “Motion Detected”—saving you time and stress.

Download and Back Up Important Clips

Cloud storage is great, but it’s smart to back up critical footage. In the web portal, you can download clips as MP4 files to your computer or external drive. I keep a monthly folder of all deliveries and visitors—just in case.

Share Access with Family or Roommates

Give trusted people access to your Arlo account (without sharing your password). In the app, go to Settings > Users and add a new user. You can set permissions like “View Only” or “Full Access.”

This is handy for families—my wife and I both get alerts when someone comes to the door, and we can check the footage together.

Monitor Cloud Usage and Costs

Keep an eye on your subscription to avoid surprise charges. The Arlo app shows your current plan and renewal date. Set a reminder in your calendar a week before renewal to review if you still need it.

Data Table: Arlo Cloud Plans Compared

Feature	Free Plan	Single Camera Plan	Multi-Camera Plan	CVR Add-on
Storage Duration	7 days	30 days	30 days	30 days (continuous)
Number of Cameras	Up to 5	1	Up to 5	Per camera
AI Detection	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price (Monthly)	Free	$2.99	$9.99	$9.99
Price (Annual)	Free	$29.99	$99.99	$99.99

Final Thoughts: Your Cloud Video Journey Starts Now

So, how do I view videos on cloud for Arlo camera? As you’ve seen, it’s not just about tapping a button—it’s about understanding your storage options, setting up your system correctly, and using the right tools to access and manage your footage. Whether you’re using the free plan or a premium subscription, Arlo’s cloud features give you unmatched flexibility and security.

Remember, the key to success is consistency. Check your app regularly, keep your subscription active, and fine-tune your settings to match your lifestyle. And if something goes wrong? Don’t stress—most issues have simple fixes, and Arlo’s support is there to help.

At the end of the day, your Arlo camera is more than a gadget. It’s your eyes when you’re not around. With cloud video, you’re not just recording moments—you’re building a safer, smarter home. So go ahead, dive in, and take control of your footage. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I view videos on cloud for Arlo camera?

To view cloud-stored videos, log in to your Arlo account via the Arlo app or website. Navigate to the “Library” or “Cloud Recordings” section to access your saved clips.

Can I access my Arlo cloud videos from a mobile device?

Yes, download the Arlo app on your iOS or Android device. Sign in to your account and tap “Library” to view, download, or share cloud-stored videos.

Do I need a subscription to view Arlo videos on cloud?

Yes, Arlo’s cloud storage requires a paid subscription (e.g., Arlo Secure plan). Without it, you can only view live feeds, not recorded videos.

How long are Arlo videos stored in the cloud?

Cloud video retention depends on your plan: 30-day rolling storage for most subscriptions. Older videos are automatically deleted to make space.

Why can’t I find my recorded videos in the Arlo cloud?

Check if your subscription is active and verify the camera’s recording settings. Ensure motion detection is enabled and the event occurred during cloud storage hours.

Can I download videos from Arlo cloud to my phone or computer?

Yes, select the video in the Arlo app or web portal and tap the download icon. The video saves to your device’s local storage for offline access.