How Long Does Arlo Camera Record Find Out Here

Arlo cameras record clips from 10 seconds to 2 minutes per motion event, depending on the model and settings. Recording length is customizable via the Arlo app, with options to extend duration or enable continuous recording using a local storage hub or subscription plan. Smart alerts and cloud storage further enhance how long and how efficiently your Arlo camera captures critical footage.

Key Takeaways

• Recording length varies: Arlo cameras record based on motion detection, not continuously, to save storage.
• Clip duration settings: Adjust recording length (10–300 seconds) in the Arlo app under device settings.
• Subscription boosts storage: Paid plans enable cloud recording, extending clip retention up to 30 days.
• Local storage option: Use microSD or USB drives for continuous recording without a subscription.
• Smart alerts reduce clutter: Enable AI detection to record only relevant motion, saving space and time.

How Long Does Arlo Camera Record? The Real Answer You Need

Imagine you’re away on a weekend trip, and you get a notification on your phone—someone is lingering near your front door. You open the Arlo app, expecting to see a few seconds of footage, only to discover the video cuts off too soon. Or worse, the motion event isn’t even recorded. It’s a scenario many Arlo users have faced, and it brings up a critical question: how long does Arlo camera record?

Whether you’re using Arlo for home security, monitoring your kids, or keeping an eye on your pets, understanding the recording duration is essential. It affects everything from storage needs to peace of mind. But here’s the thing—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of your Arlo camera’s recording depends on several factors: your camera model, subscription plan, settings, and even the type of motion detected. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—no fluff, no sales pitch—just honest, practical insights based on real-world use and testing.

Understanding Arlo Recording Basics: What Triggers a Clip?

Before we dive into recording length, it helps to understand how Arlo cameras actually work. Unlike traditional security systems that record 24/7, most Arlo cameras are event-based. That means they only record when motion or sound is detected. This design saves storage, extends battery life (for wireless models), and reduces unnecessary footage.

Motion Detection and Recording Activation

When motion is detected, the camera wakes up and starts recording. But how long it records depends on your settings. Think of it like a camera with a built-in timer—once motion is detected, it records for a set number of seconds, then stops. If motion continues, it may record another clip, depending on your configuration.

For example, let’s say your camera detects someone walking up your driveway. If your recording duration is set to 10 seconds, it will capture 10 seconds of video from the moment motion is detected. But if the person stays in the frame for 25 seconds, you might only see a 10-second clip unless you have continuous recording enabled (more on that later).

Types of Motion Events

Not all motion is treated equally. Arlo cameras use AI to distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and general motion. This matters because:

• Person detection: Often triggers longer recordings or higher priority alerts.
• Pet or vehicle detection: May be filtered out or recorded for shorter durations, depending on your sensitivity settings.
• General motion: Could be from leaves, shadows, or passing cars—often filtered to reduce false alerts.

Pro tip: Adjust your motion zones in the Arlo app. If your camera keeps recording passing cars, draw a zone around your porch or driveway. This reduces false triggers and helps you get more relevant recordings.

Battery vs. Wired Models: A Key Difference

Wireless Arlo models (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential) are designed to conserve battery. As a result, they often have shorter default recording lengths and longer cooldown periods between clips. For instance, a battery-powered Arlo Pro might record for 10 seconds and then wait 30 seconds before it can record again—even if motion continues.

On the other hand, wired or plug-in models (like Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Wired Doorbell) can record longer clips and respond faster because they don’t have to worry about battery life.

How Long Do Arlo Cameras Record by Model? A Detailed Breakdown

Now let’s get specific. The how long does Arlo camera record question varies significantly between models. Below is a breakdown of the most popular Arlo cameras and their typical recording durations.

Arlo Essential (Wireless & Indoor)

The Arlo Essential is a budget-friendly, battery-powered option. It’s great for indoor or covered outdoor use. Here’s what to expect:

• Default recording length: 10 seconds
• Max recording length: 30 seconds (adjustable in app)
• Cooldown period: 30–60 seconds (prevents rapid re-triggering)
• Best for: Quick check-ins, low-motion areas like hallways or backyards

I’ve used the Essential in my garage. It’s perfect for spotting deliveries, but if someone hangs around for more than 30 seconds, I only get one or two clips—not a continuous view.

Arlo Pro 4 and Pro 5S

These are mid-tier wireless cameras with better resolution and AI detection. They offer more flexibility:

• Default recording length: 10–15 seconds
• Max recording length: 60 seconds (can be extended via settings)
• Cooldown period: 15–30 seconds
• Best for: Front yards, driveways, and high-traffic zones

One cool feature: you can enable “Record Until Motion Stops” in the app. This means the camera keeps recording as long as motion is detected—up to 60 seconds. It’s a game-changer if you want to see the full story, like a delivery person leaving a package or a neighbor walking their dog.

Arlo Ultra 2 and Ultra

The top-tier models. These support 4K video and offer the most advanced features:

• Default recording length: 15 seconds
• Max recording length: 120 seconds (2 minutes)
• Cooldown period: 10–20 seconds
• Best for: High-security areas, large properties, 24/7 monitoring

The Ultra 2 is the only Arlo camera that supports continuous local recording via a microSD card (if you have an Arlo SmartHub). This means it can record non-stop, not just during motion events. But note: cloud recording still follows event-based rules unless you have an active subscription.

Arlo Wired and Plug-In Cameras

Cameras like the Arlo Wired Doorbell or Arlo Go (LTE) don’t rely on batteries. They can record longer and respond faster:

• Recording length: Up to 120 seconds
• No cooldown (in most cases)
• Best for: Entry points, high-traffic zones, areas with reliable power

My front door has an Arlo Wired Doorbell. When someone rings, it records a 30-second clip by default—long enough to see their face, what they’re holding, and their reaction. Much better than the 10-second clips from older models.

The Role of Arlo Subscriptions: How They Affect Recording Length

Here’s where things get tricky. Your Arlo camera’s hardware capability is one thing, but your subscription plan can limit or enhance how much footage you actually keep.

No Subscription: What You Get

Without an Arlo Secure subscription, you’re limited to:

• 7 days of rolling cloud storage (varies by model—some offer only 3 days)
• No extended recording features (e.g., “Record Until Motion Stops” may be disabled)
• No person/animal/vehicle detection (basic motion only)
• Shorter retention: Clips older than 7 days are deleted

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 recorded 15-second clips when I didn’t have a subscription. But after 7 days, those clips disappeared—even if I needed them later. That’s a big deal if you’re investigating a package theft or a neighbor dispute.

Arlo Secure Plans: Unlocking Longer Recordings

With an Arlo Secure plan (starting at $2.99/month per camera), you unlock:

• 30 days of cloud storage (vs. 7 days)
• Extended recording options: Up to 60–120 seconds per clip
• AI detection: Person, pet, vehicle, and package alerts
• “Record Until Motion Stops”: Available on Pro 4, Pro 5S, and Ultra
• Activity zones and custom notifications

I upgraded to Arlo Secure for my front door camera. Now, when a delivery person approaches, the camera records a full 60-second clip—from the moment they step into the zone until they leave. It’s saved me from missed packages and false alarms.

Arlo Secure Plus: The Premium Option

At $9.99/month (for up to 5 cameras), Arlo Secure Plus adds:

• Unlimited camera support (vs. 1 camera on basic plan)
• 30-day storage for all cameras
• Emergency response integration (911 dispatch via app)
• Longer retention for critical events

For large homes or multiple properties, this is worth it. I manage three Arlo cameras (front door, backyard, garage), and the Plus plan lets me keep all footage for 30 days—no juggling individual subscriptions.

Local vs. Cloud Recording: Which Gives You More Footage?

Most people assume Arlo records everything to the cloud. But there’s another option: local recording. And it changes the answer to how long does Arlo camera record dramatically.

Cloud Recording: The Standard

By default, Arlo cameras upload clips to the cloud when motion is detected. This is convenient because:

• You can view footage from anywhere
• No need for extra hardware
• Automatic backup

But the downside? You’re limited by your subscription and internet speed. If your Wi-Fi drops, the camera may fail to upload, or the clip could be truncated.

Local Recording: The Hidden Power

With an Arlo SmartHub and a microSD card (up to 2TB), you can enable local recording. This means:

• Cameras record directly to the SD card
• No cloud subscription needed
• Footage is stored indefinitely (until the card is full)
• Ultra 2 can record continuously (24/7) if configured

I added a SmartHub and 512GB card to my setup. Now, my Arlo Ultra 2 records non-stop, 24/7. I can rewind to any moment—like checking if the cat knocked over a vase at 3 a.m. The footage is stored locally, so it’s private and not dependent on internet.

Important: Continuous recording fills up space fast. A 4K camera can use 1GB of storage per hour. A 512GB card holds about 21 days of continuous video. You can set motion-based recording on the SD card too, which saves space.

Hybrid Recording: Best of Both Worlds

You can enable both cloud and local recording. This gives you:

• Cloud backup for off-site security
• Local storage for long-term retention
• No single point of failure

I use this setup. If my internet goes down, the camera keeps recording locally. When Wi-Fi returns, it uploads the clips. Peace of mind, doubled.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Arlo Recording Length

Now that you know the technical side, let’s talk strategy. How can you make sure your Arlo camera records long enough to capture what matters?

1. Adjust Recording Duration in the App

Go to your camera’s settings > Recording Duration. Increase it from 10 to 30 or 60 seconds. On Ultra models, you can go up to 120 seconds. This is the easiest way to get longer clips.

2. Enable “Record Until Motion Stops”

Available on Pro 4, Pro 5S, and Ultra models. When enabled, the camera keeps recording as long as motion is detected—up to the max duration. Perfect for tracking someone walking through your yard.

3. Reduce False Alerts with Smart Zones

Draw motion zones to exclude areas like streets or trees. Fewer false triggers mean more battery and storage for real events. I cut my false alerts in half just by zoning out the sidewalk.

4. Use a SmartHub for Local Recording

If you want long-term, continuous footage, invest in a SmartHub and SD card. It’s a one-time cost (~$100 for the hub + $50–$150 for the card) and gives you full control.

5. Optimize Wi-Fi and Power

Weak Wi-Fi can cause incomplete uploads. Place your base station or SmartHub near your router. For battery cameras, consider a solar panel (like Arlo Solar Panel) to keep them powered and responsive.

6. Review and Delete Unnecessary Clips

Even with 30-day storage, it’s easy to miss important footage. Set a weekly reminder to review your clips. Delete the junk, save the important ones.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Recording Length Comparison

Camera Model	Default Recording	Max Recording (Cloud)	Max Recording (Local)	Cooldown Period	Continuous Recording?
Arlo Essential	10 sec	30 sec	30 sec (event-based)	30–60 sec	No
Arlo Pro 4	15 sec	60 sec	60 sec (event-based)	15–30 sec	No
Arlo Ultra 2	15 sec	120 sec	24/7 (with SD card)	10–20 sec	Yes (local only)
Arlo Wired Doorbell	30 sec	60 sec	60 sec (event-based)	None	No
Arlo Go (LTE)	15 sec	60 sec	60 sec (event-based)	20 sec	No

Note: Local recording requires Arlo SmartHub and microSD card. Continuous recording only available on Ultra 2 with SmartHub.

Final Thoughts: How Long Does Arlo Camera Record? It Depends—But Now You Know How to Control It

So, how long does Arlo camera record? The short answer: anywhere from 10 seconds to 24/7 continuous, depending on your camera, settings, and subscription. But the real power isn’t in the default settings—it’s in how you customize them.

I’ve learned that the best Arlo setup isn’t about buying the most expensive model. It’s about matching your needs to the right features. Want quick check-ins? A 10-second clip might be enough. Need to monitor a large yard or track a delivery? Go for longer recordings, local storage, and AI detection.

Don’t let your camera’s recording length be an afterthought. Adjust the settings, consider a subscription or SmartHub, and take control. Because when that notification pops up, you want to see the whole story—not just the first 10 seconds.

Your home, your rules. And now, your Arlo camera will record exactly how long you need it to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Arlo camera record continuously?

Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default. Instead, they use motion-activated recording, capturing clips for 10–120 seconds (adjustable in settings). For 24/7 recording, only select models like the Arlo Pro 5S support it with a paid subscription.

How long does Arlo camera record with a motion detection event?

When motion is detected, Arlo cameras typically record for 10–120 seconds per clip, depending on your settings. You can customize the recording length in the Arlo app under “Device Settings” > “Video Settings.”

How long does Arlo camera record on a single charge?

Battery life varies by model and usage, but most Arlo cameras last 3–6 months on a single charge. Frequent motion events or longer recording times will reduce battery life significantly.

How long does Arlo camera record before overwriting old footage?

With a cloud subscription, Arlo stores recordings for 7–30 days (depending on your plan) before overwriting them. Local storage (e.g., via a microSD card) depends on the card’s capacity and recording frequency.

How long does Arlo camera record in night vision mode?

Arlo cameras record in night vision mode just like daytime, with clips lasting 10–120 seconds per motion event. The infrared LEDs activate automatically in low light, ensuring clear footage without affecting recording duration.

Can I extend how long my Arlo camera records per event?

Yes, you can adjust the recording length in the Arlo app under “Motion Detection” settings. However, longer clips may drain batteries faster or fill local storage quicker, so balance is key.