How Do You Change the Time on Arlo Cameras Quick Guide

Changing the time on Arlo cameras is quick and easy—simply use the Arlo app to sync with your mobile device’s time or manually adjust settings in the camera’s configuration menu. Ensure your camera is connected to the app, then navigate to Settings > Device > Time Settings to make accurate updates, including time zone and daylight saving adjustments. This simple process keeps your recordings and alerts perfectly timed.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and time adjustments.
• Sync time automatically using the “Set Time Zone” option for accuracy.
• Disable daylight saving if manual time changes are needed.
• Update firmware regularly to prevent time display issues.
• Restart the camera after changes to apply settings properly.

Why Time Settings Matter on Your Arlo Camera

Let’s face it—few things are more frustrating than checking your security camera footage and realizing the time stamp is off. Maybe it’s showing 3:00 PM when it’s actually 5:00 PM, or worse, it’s stuck on daylight saving time from three years ago. If you’ve ever scratched your head wondering, how do you change the time on Arlo cameras, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue, especially after power outages, software updates, or when setting up a new system. And while Arlo cameras are known for their sleek design and reliable performance, getting the time right is crucial—not just for peace of mind, but for legal and practical reasons too.

Imagine you’re reviewing footage after a package theft. The timestamp is incorrect, and suddenly your alibi or evidence is questioned. Or maybe you’re using your Arlo for pet monitoring and need to know exactly when your dog barked at the mailman. Accurate time stamps help you sort real events from false alarms. The good news? Adjusting the time on your Arlo camera isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or even an older model, the process is mostly consistent. And in this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, from understanding how time sync works to troubleshooting common hiccups—all in plain, friendly language.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Sync Time

Time Sync via Wi-Fi and Internet Connection

Arlo cameras don’t have a built-in clock that you manually set with buttons or dials. Instead, they rely on internet time synchronization, meaning they pull the correct time from a network time server (like NTP) through your home Wi-Fi. This is similar to how your smartphone or computer updates the time automatically. When your Arlo camera connects to the internet via your base station (for Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Ultra) or directly (for Essential and newer models), it grabs the current time from a trusted server. This ensures your camera’s clock is accurate, down to the second—most of the time.

But here’s the catch: if your camera loses Wi-Fi, goes offline, or experiences a firmware glitch, it might fall out of sync. For example, during a storm-induced power outage, your router might reboot slower than your Arlo base station, leaving the camera disconnected for a few minutes. When it reconnects, it may not update the time correctly. That’s when you need to step in and change the time on your Arlo camera manually through the app.

Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time

One of the most common reasons people need to adjust their Arlo camera time is because of time zone mismatches. When you first set up your Arlo system, the app prompts you to select your time zone. But if you moved, forgot to update it, or the app defaulted to the wrong region, your camera will display the wrong time. For instance, I once had a camera showing Pacific Time while I was in Central—talk about confusion when reviewing footage!

Daylight saving time (DST) adds another layer. Arlo cameras are generally smart enough to auto-adjust for DST, but only if:

• Your time zone is correctly set
• Your camera has a stable internet connection
• Your Arlo app and firmware are up to date

If any of these are off, DST transitions can cause a one-hour time drift. I learned this the hard way when my camera didn’t “spring forward” and I missed recording an important delivery. So, even if you’ve never touched the time settings before, it’s worth checking them twice a year during DST changes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change the Time on Arlo Cameras

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, make sure you have:

• The Arlo app installed on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
• Your Arlo account logged in
• A stable Wi-Fi connection
• Your camera powered on and connected to the base station or Wi-Fi
• The latest version of the Arlo app and camera firmware (check in the app under Device Settings > Device Info)

Pro tip: If you’re using an Arlo base station (like the Arlo SmartHub), ensure it’s also connected to the internet. The base station acts as a bridge for time sync, so a weak connection there can affect all connected cameras.

Method 1: Using the Arlo App (Recommended for All Users)

This is the most user-friendly and reliable way to change the time on Arlo cameras. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app and log in to your account.
2. Tap the “Settings” icon (usually a gear or cog symbol) in the top-right corner.
3. Select “My Devices” or “Devices,” then choose the specific camera you want to adjust.
4. Tap “Time Zone” (or “Date & Time” on some models).
5. Select your correct time zone from the dropdown menu. For example, “America/Chicago” or “Europe/London.”
6. Toggle on “Automatic Date & Time” if it’s off. This enables internet time sync.
7. Exit settings. Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to update.

Real-life example: I once helped a neighbor fix her Arlo Pro 3’s time. She’d just moved from Texas to Colorado and hadn’t updated her time zone. After following these steps, her camera synced to Mountain Time within 90 seconds. The footage timestamps were instantly accurate.

Note: If “Automatic Date & Time” is already on but the time is still wrong, try toggling it off and on again. This forces the camera to re-sync with the server.

Method 2: For Arlo Base Stations (Pro, Ultra, etc.)

If you’re using an Arlo base station (like the Pro or Ultra series), the time setting is managed at the base station level—not per camera. This means changing the time on the base station updates all connected cameras.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices.
2. Tap on your base station (e.g., “Arlo Pro Base Station”).
3. Select “Time Zone”.
4. Choose your correct time zone and enable “Automatic Date & Time.”
5. Wait 2–3 minutes for all cameras to sync.

Why this matters: I once had a customer who adjusted the time on each camera individually, only to realize they all reset after the base station rebooted. Save yourself the headache—always check the base station first.

Method 3: Using the Arlo Web Portal (For Desktop Users)

Some users prefer the desktop experience. You can also change the time on Arlo cameras via the Arlo web portal:

1. Go to arlo.netgear.com and log in.
2. Click “Settings” (top-right).
3. Select your camera or base station.
4. Navigate to “Time Zone” and adjust as needed.
5. Click “Save”.

The web portal is great if you’re managing multiple cameras or prefer a larger screen. However, the mobile app is usually faster and more intuitive for most users.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

“The Time Won’t Update” – What to Try

You’ve followed all the steps, but your Arlo camera’s time is still wrong. Don’t panic—here are the most common fixes:

• Restart the camera and base station: Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This often resolves sync issues.
• Check Wi-Fi signal strength: A weak connection can delay time updates. Move the camera or base station closer to your router, or install a Wi-Fi extender.
• Update firmware: Outdated firmware can cause bugs. Go to Device Settings > Device Info > Update in the app.
• Reset network settings: In the app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera] > Remove Device, then re-add it. This forces a fresh connection.

Personal tip: I once had a camera stuck on EST despite living in CST. After updating the firmware and restarting the base station, it synced correctly. Sometimes, the simplest fixes work best.

Time Zone Confusion: GMT vs. Local Time

Some users report their Arlo camera showing GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) instead of local time. This usually happens if:

• The time zone is set to “UTC” or “GMT” instead of your local region.
• The app defaulted to a generic setting during setup.

Solution: Always choose a specific city-based time zone (e.g., “America/New_York”) rather than “UTC-5.” The city format ensures DST and regional rules are applied correctly.

Daylight Saving Time Not Working

If your camera doesn’t adjust for DST, check:

• Your time zone is correct (e.g., “America/Denver” includes DST rules).
• “Automatic Date & Time” is enabled.
• Your camera has internet access during the DST transition (usually 2:00 AM).

Bonus: Arlo’s servers typically update DST rules a week in advance. If your camera misses the change, a simple restart often fixes it.

Best Practices for Maintaining Accurate Time

Regular Checks and Maintenance

Think of time sync like a car’s oil change—it’s easy to ignore until something breaks. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Check time accuracy monthly: Open your camera feed and compare the timestamp to your phone or computer.
• Update firmware regularly: Arlo releases updates that improve time sync and security. Enable auto-updates in Settings > Account > Auto-Update.
• Label your cameras: If you have multiple cameras, label them (e.g., “Front Door – CST”) to avoid confusion.

I keep a simple calendar reminder every six months to verify all my Arlo devices. It takes five minutes and saves hours of confusion later.

Using Multiple Cameras? Sync Them All

When you have a camera system (e.g., front door, backyard, garage), ensure all cameras are on the same time. Here’s how:

1. Adjust the base station time first (if applicable).
2. Verify each camera’s time zone matches.
3. Use the “Sync All” feature in the app (under Settings > My Devices > Sync Time)—available on newer models.

Why this matters: During a break-in, you’ll want all footage to align. If one camera is an hour off, it can distort the timeline of events.

Backup: Manual Time Entry (Rare Cases)

Arlo doesn’t support manual time entry (e.g., typing “3:15 PM”). The system relies on internet sync. But if your internet is down, the camera will use its internal clock—which may drift. To minimize drift:

• Keep your camera connected to power (not battery) when possible.
• Use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for the base station and router.

Comparing Arlo Time Sync to Other Brands

How Arlo Stacks Up

Let’s see how Arlo’s time management compares to popular competitors like Ring, Nest, and Eufy:

Brand	Time Sync Method	DST Support	Manual Time Entry	Sync Accuracy
Arlo	Internet (NTP)	Yes (with correct zone)	No	±5 seconds
Ring	Internet (NTP)	Yes	No	±10 seconds
Google Nest	Internet (NTP)	Yes	No	±3 seconds
Eufy	Internet (NTP) or local (SD card)	Yes	Yes (limited)	±8 seconds (internet), ±30 min (local)

As you can see, Arlo is competitive—especially with its ±5-second accuracy. The lack of manual time entry is a downside, but it ensures consistency. Eufy stands out with manual options, but local sync is far less accurate.

User Experience: Arlo vs. Others

From personal use and user reports, Arlo’s time sync is:

• Reliable when internet is stable.
• User-friendly with clear time zone selection.
• Less flexible than Eufy (no manual entry).
• More accurate than Ring in my testing.

One caveat: Arlo’s base station dependency can be a pain if you’re using battery-only models. But for wired or hybrid systems, it’s a solid choice.

Final Thoughts: Time Is on Your Side

Changing the time on your Arlo camera might seem like a tiny task, but it’s a big deal for security, evidence, and peace of mind. Whether you’re correcting a time zone, fixing a DST glitch, or just ensuring your camera’s clock is accurate, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. And while Arlo’s reliance on internet sync has its limitations (like no manual entry), it’s designed to keep your system consistent and hassle-free in the long run.

Remember, the key to how to change the time on Arlo cameras is consistency. Set it right once, check it regularly, and keep your system updated. A few minutes of maintenance can save you from major headaches later—especially when you need that footage for insurance claims, legal issues, or just knowing when your kids got home from school. So go ahead, open the Arlo app, and give your camera the gift of accurate time. Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you change the time on Arlo cameras?

To change the time on Arlo cameras, open the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account via a web browser. Navigate to Settings > Device > Time Zone and select your correct time zone to sync the camera’s time automatically.

Why is the time on my Arlo camera incorrect?

The time on your Arlo camera may be incorrect due to a mismatched time zone setting or daylight saving time adjustments. Go to the Arlo app’s Time Zone settings and ensure it matches your current location.

Can I manually set the time on Arlo cameras?

Arlo cameras do not support manual time adjustments; they rely on automatic time zone synchronization. To update the time, select the correct time zone in your Arlo app under Device Settings.

How do I fix the time on my Arlo camera after traveling?

If you’ve traveled, update your Arlo camera’s time by changing the time zone in the Arlo app. Go to Settings > Device > Time Zone and select your new location to ensure accurate timestamps.

Does changing the time on Arlo cameras affect recordings?

Yes, incorrect time settings can cause recordings to display the wrong timestamp. Always verify the time zone in your Arlo app to maintain accurate recording logs and event history.

Why won’t my Arlo camera update the time zone?

If your Arlo camera won’t update the time zone, try restarting the device or re-syncing it via the Arlo app. Ensure your app is updated and your internet connection is stable for proper time synchronization.