How Do You Set the Time for the Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Setting the time on your Arlo camera is quick and easy—just use the Arlo app to sync it automatically with your mobile device or manually adjust it in the camera settings. Ensure your camera is connected to the app, then navigate to the device settings, select “Time Zone,” and toggle between automatic or manual setup. This simple process guarantees accurate timestamps for all your recordings, keeping your security system reliable and up to date.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and time configuration.
• Sync time automatically via your device’s time zone settings.
• Enable daylight saving in settings for accurate seasonal adjustments.
• Check internet connection to ensure time updates correctly.
• Manually adjust time only if automatic sync fails.
• Restart the camera after changes to apply settings properly.

Why Setting the Time on Your Arlo Camera Matters

Imagine this: You’re reviewing your Arlo camera footage after a suspicious noise outside your home at 3 a.m. You notice a figure near your front porch, but the timestamp says it happened at 7:15 p.m. That’s a problem. Incorrect time settings on your Arlo camera don’t just mess with your schedule—they can undermine the credibility of your footage, delay emergency responses, and even cause confusion when sharing clips with law enforcement or neighbors.

Setting the correct time on your Arlo camera isn’t just a minor detail—it’s essential for security, clarity, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or someone who’s had their system for years, knowing how to set the time accurately ensures that your recordings are reliable, searchable, and useful when you need them most. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how do you set the time for the Arlo camera, from automatic syncing to manual adjustments, troubleshooting, and best practices. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense walkthrough—no tech degree required.

Understanding Arlo Camera Time Settings: Automatic vs. Manual

How Arlo Syncs Time Automatically

Arlo cameras are designed to be smart—and that includes timekeeping. Most Arlo models, especially those connected to the Arlo SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, or Essential series), sync their time automatically using your smartphone, tablet, or the Arlo app. When you set up your camera, it pulls the current date and time from the device you’re using to configure it. This means if your phone shows the right time, your camera will too—most of the time.

For example, when I first set up my Arlo Pro 4, the app prompted me to connect to Wi-Fi and then immediately synced the camera’s clock with my iPhone. Within seconds, the timestamp on live view matched my phone exactly. This automatic syncing works well in most cases and is especially helpful for people who don’t want to fiddle with settings.

But here’s the catch: automatic syncing relies on your mobile device’s time settings. If your phone is set to the wrong time zone, has incorrect network time, or is manually set to a different date, your Arlo camera will inherit those errors. I once helped a friend whose camera was off by three hours—turns out her phone was set to a different time zone after a recent trip, and she hadn’t noticed.

When You Might Need to Set Time Manually

There are situations where automatic syncing fails or isn’t enough. For instance:

• Your camera is offline for an extended period (e.g., power outage or Wi-Fi disruption).
• You’re using an older Arlo model (like the original Arlo or Arlo Go) without a SmartHub.
• You’ve recently moved to a new time zone and need to update all devices.
• Your mobile device’s time is incorrect or set manually.

In these cases, knowing how to set the time manually becomes crucial. While Arlo doesn’t allow direct time input on the camera itself (you can’t just tap the lens and type in “3:45 PM”), you can control the time indirectly through the app or by adjusting your device settings. We’ll cover that in the next section.

A practical tip: If you travel frequently, consider turning off “automatic time zone” on your phone temporarily while setting up or troubleshooting your Arlo. This prevents the camera from syncing to a time that doesn’t match your actual location. Once everything’s aligned, you can re-enable it.

How Do You Set the Time for the Arlo Camera: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check Your Mobile Device’s Time Settings

Before you even open the Arlo app, make sure your phone or tablet has the correct time and time zone. This is the foundation of accurate camera time.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time. Enable Set Automatically. If it’s off, turn it on and wait a few seconds for it to sync with network time.
• On Android: Go to Settings > System > Date & Time. Toggle Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone on.

I once wasted 20 minutes troubleshooting a camera that was “off by 30 minutes,” only to realize my Android phone had switched to a different time zone due to a glitch. A quick check and reset fixed the issue instantly.

Step 2: Open the Arlo App and Sync Your Camera

Now that your device is correctly timed, open the Arlo app (available for iOS and Android). Follow these steps:

1. Tap the camera you want to adjust.
2. Go to Device Settings (usually a gear icon).
3. Look for Time Zone or Date & Time (the exact wording varies by model and app version).
4. Select your current time zone from the dropdown menu.
5. Tap Save.

After saving, the app will push the updated time settings to your camera. You should see the change reflected in the live view or recorded clips within a few minutes.

For example, I recently helped a neighbor in Arizona who didn’t observe Daylight Saving Time. Her camera kept jumping ahead an hour. We manually selected the correct time zone (Mountain Standard Time, no DST) in the Arlo app, and the issue was resolved.

Step 3: Force a Re-Sync (If Needed)

If the time still doesn’t match after updating the time zone, try forcing a re-sync:

• Turn the camera off and back on (unplug or use the power button).
• Or, restart the Arlo SmartHub/base station if you have one.
• Wait 1–2 minutes, then check the live view again.

This simple reset often forces the camera to re-fetch the correct time from the app. I’ve used this trick more times than I can count—especially after power outages or firmware updates.

Step 4: Verify Time Accuracy

Don’t just assume it’s fixed. Do a quick test:

• Wave your hand in front of the camera at a known time (e.g., 2:30 p.m.).
• Check the recorded clip in the app to see if the timestamp matches.

If it’s still off, repeat the steps or try the troubleshooting tips below. Accuracy is key—especially if you ever need to submit footage to authorities.

Troubleshooting Common Time Issues

Camera Shows Incorrect Time After Power Outage

One of the most common issues: your Arlo camera loses power, and when it comes back online, the time is wrong. This happens because the camera relies on its internal clock (which resets on power loss) until it reconnects to the app or base station.

Solution: Reconnect the camera to Wi-Fi, open the Arlo app, and ensure your device’s time is correct. The camera should auto-sync within a few minutes. If not, restart the camera or base station.

Pro tip: Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for your Arlo SmartHub or base station. This keeps the system running during short outages, preventing time resets. I use a small UPS for my base station, and it’s saved me from time-sync headaches more than once.

Time Zone Confusion (Especially During Travel or DST)

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a notorious time-sync killer. Many people forget that their phone updates time automatically, but their Arlo camera might not—especially if the app hasn’t been opened in a while.

For example, when I traveled from California to New York, my Arlo camera stayed on Pacific Time for a full day until I opened the app and manually selected Eastern Time. That could’ve been a problem if I needed to check footage during that window.

How to prevent this:

• Always open the Arlo app after traveling to confirm the time zone.
• Manually select your time zone in the app instead of relying on “automatic.”
• If you live in a DST-observing area, double-check your camera’s time twice a year (spring and fall).

Note: Some Arlo models (like the Arlo Go LTE) use GPS to determine location and time zone. These are less prone to time zone errors, but they still need a good signal to update correctly.

App and Firmware Glitches

Sometimes, the Arlo app or camera firmware has bugs that affect time display. I once had a firmware update that caused all my cameras to show time in 12-hour format with no AM/PM indicator—super confusing!

What to do:

• Update the Arlo app to the latest version (check the App Store or Google Play).
• Check for firmware updates in the Arlo app: Settings > Device Settings > Firmware.
• Restart your phone and camera.
• If the issue persists, contact Arlo support—they can often push a remote fix.

Remember: Arlo regularly releases updates to improve stability and features. Staying current reduces the risk of time-related bugs.

Best Practices for Accurate Arlo Camera Time

Enable Network Time Protocol (NTP) on Your SmartHub

If you’re using an Arlo SmartHub or base station (like the Arlo Pro 3 Hub), it connects to the internet and uses Network Time Protocol (NTP) to sync with atomic clocks worldwide. This is more accurate than relying solely on your phone.

To ensure NTP is working:

• Connect your SmartHub to a stable internet connection (Ethernet is better than Wi-Fi).
• Check that the hub’s firmware is up to date.
• Verify the hub’s time matches your local time (you can check this in the app under hub settings).

When the hub is correctly timed, all connected cameras will inherit that time, reducing dependency on individual device settings.

Use a Consistent Time Zone Setting

Don’t toggle between automatic and manual time zones. Pick one method and stick with it. I recommend:

• For most users: Use automatic time zone on your phone and manual selection in the Arlo app. This way, your phone handles location changes, but the camera follows your chosen time zone.
• For frequent travelers: Use manual time zone in both places to avoid confusion.

Consistency prevents “time drift” and makes troubleshooting easier.

Schedule Regular Time Checks

Make it a habit to check your camera’s time every 3–6 months—or after major events like power outages, travel, or DST changes. A quick glance at the live view can catch issues early.

I keep a sticky note on my fridge: “Check Arlo time – June & December.” It’s a small reminder that saves big headaches.

Label Clips with Real-World Time (Optional)

If you’re sharing footage with neighbors or police, consider adding a timestamp overlay in your video editing software. This creates a backup record in case the Arlo time ever gets corrupted.

For example, I once exported a clip and added a “Recorded at 10:15 PM” watermark. When I shared it with my HOA, they appreciated the extra clarity—even though the Arlo timestamp was correct.

Comparing Arlo Time Syncing Across Models

Not all Arlo cameras handle time the same way. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand how your model works:

Arlo Model	Time Sync Method	Requires Base Station?	Manual Time Zone Setting?	Notes
Arlo Essential (Wired/Wire-Free)	Syncs with app/device	No	Yes	Direct Wi-Fi; time depends on phone settings
Arlo Pro 4/5	Syncs with app or SmartHub	Optional (recommended)	Yes	SmartHub improves time accuracy via NTP
Arlo Ultra 2	Syncs with SmartHub (primary)	Yes	Yes	Most accurate; uses hub’s internet connection
Arlo Go (LTE)	Uses GPS + cellular network	No	Yes (but GPS helps)	Time zone auto-updates with location
Arlo Baby	Syncs with app	No	Yes	Less reliable during Wi-Fi drops

This table shows that models with a SmartHub or GPS tend to have more reliable time syncing. If time accuracy is critical for you (e.g., for home security or legal documentation), investing in a SmartHub is worth it.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Arlo Camera on Time

Setting the time on your Arlo camera might seem like a small task, but it’s one of the most important steps in maintaining a reliable security system. Whether you’re using automatic syncing or adjusting settings manually, a few minutes of attention can save hours of confusion later.

Remember: your phone’s time is the foundation. Always verify it’s set correctly before troubleshooting the camera. Use the Arlo app to select your time zone, restart devices when needed, and take advantage of features like SmartHub NTP syncing for the best accuracy.

I’ve learned through experience that a well-timed camera isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust. When you watch a clip and see “11:47 p.m.,” you want to know that’s the real time. No guessing, no doubt. That’s the peace of mind Arlo is designed to give you.

So, the next time you’re setting up a new camera or checking your system, take a moment to verify the time. It’s a quick check with a big payoff. And now that you know exactly how do you set the time for the Arlo camera, you’re ready to keep your home security sharp, accurate, and always on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you set the time for the Arlo camera?

To set the time for your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app, go to “Settings,” select your camera, and toggle “Sync Time with SmartHub” to automatically adjust based on your phone’s time zone. For manual adjustments, disable this option and enter the correct time.

Why is setting the correct time important for Arlo cameras?

Accurate time settings ensure your Arlo camera logs events correctly, syncs with schedules, and maintains reliable motion-triggered recordings. Incorrect time can disrupt automation or security alerts.

Can you set the Arlo camera time remotely?

Yes, you can remotely adjust the time via the Arlo app as long as your camera is connected to Wi-Fi. Use the “Sync Time with SmartHub” feature to update it instantly from anywhere.

Does the Arlo camera adjust for daylight saving time automatically?

If “Sync Time with SmartHub” is enabled, your Arlo camera will automatically adjust for daylight saving time changes. Otherwise, you’ll need to update the time manually.

What if my Arlo camera time is wrong after setup?

First, check the “Sync Time with SmartHub” setting in the app. If the time remains incorrect, restart the camera and SmartHub to force a re-sync with your network’s time server.

How do I manually set the time on an Arlo camera without a SmartHub?

For standalone Arlo cameras, go to “Settings” > “Device Time” in the app, disable auto-sync, and enter the correct time. Ensure your phone’s time zone matches your location for accuracy.