How Long Do Arlo Cameras Record Find Out Here

Arlo cameras record continuously when triggered by motion or sound, with clip lengths varying from 10 to 120 seconds depending on the model and settings. With a subscription plan, you can extend recordings to 24/7 continuous video history, ensuring no critical moment is missed—ideal for comprehensive home security monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras record up to 30 seconds per motion event by default.
• Adjust recording length in app settings for longer or shorter clips.
• Subscription plans unlock extended recording and cloud storage options.
• Local storage allows continuous recording with microSD card support.
• Motion sensitivity settings impact how often and long cameras record.
• Battery life shortens with frequent or lengthy recording sessions.

How Long Do Arlo Cameras Record? Let’s Break It Down

Imagine this: you’re at work, and your phone buzzes with a notification from your Arlo camera. A delivery person just dropped off a package. You open the app, expecting to see the moment—only to find the recording cuts off seconds later. Frustrating, right? If you’ve ever wondered, *“How long do Arlo cameras record?”* you’re not alone. It’s a question I asked myself when I first set up my home security system. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, and it depends on several factors—your camera model, subscription plan, and even your settings.

Arlo cameras are popular for their sleek design, wireless convenience, and smart features like motion detection and night vision. But recording length? That’s where things get nuanced. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to monitor deliveries, a parent keeping an eye on the kids, or a business owner securing your property, understanding how long your Arlo camera records is crucial. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—no tech jargon, just plain talk. We’ll cover recording durations, what affects them, and how to maximize your camera’s capabilities. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Arlo Camera Recording Basics

How Arlo Cameras Trigger Recordings

Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7. Instead, they use motion detection to start recording. When the camera senses movement (via PIR sensors or AI-based object detection), it kicks into action. But here’s the catch: the recording doesn’t just stop the moment motion ends. It continues for a set period, which is where things get interesting.

For example, if a raccoon scurries across your backyard, your Arlo camera might record for 10 seconds after the motion stops. Why? To capture the full scene—like the critter sniffing around or walking away. This “buffer time” is key to avoiding incomplete clips. But how long this buffer lasts depends on your settings and plan.

Two Types of Recording Modes

• Event-Based Recording: The default mode. Cameras record only when triggered by motion or sound. Most Arlo users rely on this for daily monitoring. For instance, a delivery driver approaches your porch—the camera starts recording and keeps going for a few seconds after they leave.
• Continuous Recording: Available only with certain Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight or Arlo Essential Indoor) and specific subscription plans. This records nonstop, 24/7, and stores footage in the cloud or locally. It’s great for high-traffic areas (e.g., a busy driveway), but it requires more storage and a higher-tier plan.

Pro Tip: If you’re using event-based recording, check your camera’s “retrigger” time (the gap between recordings). By default, Arlo waits 30–90 seconds before starting a new clip. Adjust this in the app to avoid missing rapid events (like a dog chasing a squirrel).

Factors That Affect Recording Length

1. Subscription Plan (Cloud Storage)

This is the big one. Arlo’s free tier (Basic) offers 7 days of rolling cloud storage, but clips are limited to 10–12 seconds after motion stops. That’s why your delivery footage might cut off mid-sentence! If you want longer recordings, you’ll need a paid plan:

• Arlo Secure ($2.99–$9.99/month): Extends event recordings to 10–30 seconds (varies by plan) and adds AI detection (people, packages, vehicles).
• Arlo Secure Plus ($12.99–$19.99/month): Offers 30–60 seconds of post-motion recording and 24/7 continuous recording for select cameras.

Real-World Example: A friend’s Arlo Pro 4 (with a Secure plan) recorded a 45-second clip when a delivery person dropped a package, walked away, and then returned to adjust the box. Without the plan, the clip would’ve been 12 seconds—just the drop-off.

2. Camera Model

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. Here’s how models differ:

• Arlo Pro/Ultra Series: Higher-end models support longer recordings (up to 60 seconds) and continuous recording with the right plan.
• Arlo Essential Series: Budget-friendly but capped at 30 seconds post-motion (even with a plan). Continuous recording is limited to 10-minute clips.
• Arlo Wire-Free/Go: Battery-powered cameras may have shorter clips to conserve power. For example, the Arlo Go (cellular model) limits recordings to 30 seconds unless you’re on Wi-Fi.

3. Local vs. Cloud Storage

Want to avoid subscription costs? Use local storage (microSD card or USB drive). With local storage, recordings aren’t capped by Arlo’s time limits. You can record continuously for hours, limited only by your storage space. But there’s a trade-off:

• Pros: No monthly fees, longer clips, no internet needed.
• Cons: Risk of theft/damage (the camera stores the footage), no cloud backup, and manual management.

Tip: Combine both! Use local storage for long-term footage and cloud for quick access to recent clips. For example, my Arlo Pro 3 records 24/7 to a microSD card but also sends 30-second event clips to the cloud.

How to Maximize Your Arlo Recording Time

Optimize Your Subscription Plan

Let’s be real: Arlo’s free plan is limiting. If you’re serious about security, a paid plan is worth it. Here’s how to choose:

• For basic needs (e.g., monitoring a porch): The $2.99/month Arlo Secure plan extends clips to 30 seconds and adds package detection—ideal for delivery tracking.
• For high-traffic areas (e.g., a driveway): The $12.99/month Secure Plus plan unlocks 60-second clips and 24/7 recording. Perfect for catching license plates or nighttime activity.
• For businesses or large properties: Consider the Arlo Secure Premium ($19.99/month) for unlimited cameras and 30-day cloud storage.

Pro Tip: Use Arlo’s “Smart Activity Zones” to reduce false alerts. For example, exclude a tree that sways in the wind. Fewer false triggers mean more storage for real events.

Adjust Camera Settings for Longer Clips

Even with a free plan, you can tweak settings to get the most out of your 10-second clips:

1. Increase “Pre-Record” Time: This captures 3–5 seconds of footage *before* motion starts. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Camera > Recording Options > Pre-Record.
2. Shorten “Retrigger” Time: Reduce the gap between recordings (default: 30–90 seconds) to 10–15 seconds. This helps capture rapid events (e.g., a package thief grabbing and running).
3. Use “High Sensitivity” Mode: Increases motion detection accuracy, reducing missed events. But beware: it may trigger on pets or leaves.

Real-World Example: I set my backyard camera to 5-second pre-record and 15-second retrigger. When a raccoon knocked over my trash can, the clip showed it approaching, knocking the can, and running away—all in one 18-second clip (thanks to the free plan’s 12-second buffer).

Leverage Local Storage

If you hate subscriptions, local storage is your friend. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Insert a microSD card (up to 256GB) into your camera or base station.
2. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Camera > Storage > Local Storage.
3. Format the card and enable “Continuous Recording.”

Tip: Use a high-endurance microSD card (like SanDisk High Endurance) to handle constant writing. I’ve had mine for 2 years with zero issues.

Arlo Recording Length: A Quick Comparison Table

To simplify the confusion, here’s a breakdown of recording lengths across popular Arlo models and plans:

Camera Model	Free Plan (Basic)	Arlo Secure Plan	Arlo Secure Plus	Local Storage
Arlo Pro 4/5	12 sec post-motion	30 sec post-motion	60 sec post-motion + 24/7 recording	Unlimited (microSD/USB)
Arlo Essential	12 sec post-motion	30 sec post-motion	30 sec post-motion + 10-min clips (24/7)	Unlimited (microSD/USB)
Arlo Ultra 2	12 sec post-motion	30 sec post-motion	60 sec post-motion + 24/7 recording	Unlimited (microSD/USB)
Arlo Go (Cellular)	30 sec (Wi-Fi only)	30 sec (Wi-Fi/cellular)	30 sec (Wi-Fi/cellular)	Unlimited (microSD)
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight	12 sec post-motion	30 sec post-motion	60 sec post-motion + 24/7 recording	Unlimited (microSD/USB)

Note: 24/7 recording requires a compatible camera and Secure Plus plan. Local storage is always unlimited but depends on card size (e.g., a 128GB card holds ~14 hours of 2K footage).

Common Misconceptions and Troubleshooting

Myth: “Arlo Records Forever”

Many assume Arlo cameras record endlessly, but they don’t. Even with 24/7 recording, clips are segmented into 10–60 minute files (depending on the camera). This prevents single clips from becoming unwieldy. For example, a 2-hour continuous recording might save as 12 x 10-minute clips.

Why Recordings Cut Off Prematurely

If your clips are shorter than expected, check these common issues:

• Low Battery: Battery-powered cameras may cut recordings short to conserve power. My Arlo Wire-Free once stopped a clip at 8 seconds (vs. 12) because the battery was at 20%.
• Weak Wi-Fi: Poor connectivity can interrupt cloud uploads. Test your signal strength in the Arlo app.
• Overloaded Storage: Full microSD cards or cloud storage can cause gaps. Set up alerts for low storage.
• Incorrect Settings: Double-check your “post-motion” and “retrigger” times in the app.

How to Recover Lost Recordings

Missed a critical event? Try these fixes:

1. Check “Pre-Record” Footage: If enabled, the camera may have captured the start of the event.
2. Use Local Storage Backups: If you have a microSD card, review older footage.
3. Adjust Motion Sensitivity: Lower sensitivity can reduce false triggers but may miss subtle movements. I once missed a package thief because my camera only detected motion within 15 feet.

The Bottom Line: How Long Do Arlo Cameras Record?

So, how long do Arlo cameras record? The answer is: it depends. On a free plan, you’re looking at 10–12 seconds post-motion. With a paid plan, you can get 30–60 seconds. And with local storage or 24/7 recording, the sky’s the limit (well, until your storage fills up).

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of using Arlo cameras: it’s not about the longest possible clip—it’s about the right clip for your needs. A 10-second clip might be perfect for catching a delivery driver’s face, but you’ll need 60 seconds to track a thief’s escape route. Think about your priorities: Do you need quick alerts or detailed investigations? Are you okay with a subscription, or do you prefer local storage?

My advice? Start with the free plan to test your setup, then upgrade to a paid plan if you need longer recordings. Use local storage for critical areas (like your front door) and cloud for convenience. And don’t forget to tweak those settings—small changes can make a big difference. Whether you’re monitoring a home, business, or just your pet’s antics, Arlo cameras can be a powerful tool. Just remember: the key to great recordings isn’t the hardware—it’s how you use it.

Now, go check your app, adjust those settings, and rest easy knowing your Arlo camera is recording exactly how you need it to. And if you’re still unsure? Reach out to Arlo support—they’re surprisingly helpful. Happy recording!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Arlo cameras record continuously?

Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default. Instead, they use motion-activated recording, capturing clips typically ranging from 10 seconds to 3 minutes per event, depending on the model and settings.

What affects how long Arlo cameras record per motion event?

Factors like motion sensitivity, recording duration settings, and subscription plan (e.g., Arlo Smart) influence clip length. Higher sensitivity may trigger longer recordings, while free accounts limit clips to 10–30 seconds.

Can Arlo cameras record 24/7, and for how long?

Only select models like the Arlo Pro 3 or Ultra support continuous recording with an optional CVR (Continuous Video Recording) subscription. Storage duration depends on the subscription (e.g., 14–30 days of rolling footage).

How long do Arlo cameras record with local storage?

With a microSD card or base station, Arlo cameras can store motion-triggered clips locally. The retention period depends on storage capacity and clip frequency, but it’s limited to event-based recordings unless CVR is enabled.

Does Arlo’s recording length depend on Wi-Fi or power?

Yes, unstable Wi-Fi may interrupt recordings, and battery-powered models may shorten clip length to conserve power. Wired or solar-powered models generally offer more consistent recording times.

How long do Arlo cameras record in night vision mode?

Night vision recording length matches daytime settings (10 seconds to 3 minutes), but motion detection range may be shorter in darkness. Infrared illumination doesn’t impact clip duration.