How Long Does Arlo Camera Record for When Theres Motion

Arlo cameras record motion-triggered clips for 10 to 120 seconds by default, depending on the model and settings you choose. You can customize clip length and retrigger delays in the Arlo app to balance coverage and storage efficiency. Most users set recordings between 30–60 seconds for optimal motion detection without excessive footage.

Key Takeaways

• Adjust recording length: Set motion-activated clips from 10 seconds to 3 minutes in Arlo app settings.
• Use CVR for 24/7: Continuous Video Recording plans capture all activity, not just motion-triggered clips.
• Pre-motion buffers help: Enable 15-30 seconds of pre-motion recording to catch full event context.
• Storage depends on settings: Shorter clips and lower resolutions extend local/cloud storage duration.
• Smart alerts reduce clutter: Enable AI detection to filter out false motion and save recording time.

How Long Does Arlo Camera Record for When There’s Motion?

Let’s be honest: one of the first questions you ask when setting up a home security camera is, “How long will it record when something moves?” You’re not just curious—you’re trying to make sure your family, pets, and home are protected without getting flooded with useless clips every time the neighbor’s cat saunters by. If you’re using or considering an Arlo camera, you’re in good hands. Arlo has built a solid reputation for smart, wireless security cameras with motion detection. But the real question remains: how long does Arlo camera record for when there’s motion?

As someone who’s tested multiple Arlo models—from the budget-friendly Arlo Essential to the premium Arlo Pro 5S—I’ve spent hours tweaking settings, reviewing footage, and even setting up test scenarios (yes, I waved a flashlight at 3 a.m. to see how the camera reacted). In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo’s motion recording duration, including default settings, customizable options, and real-life scenarios. Whether you’re a new user or a long-time Arlo fan, this post will help you get the most out of your camera’s motion detection—without missing a thing or drowning in false alerts.

Understanding Arlo’s Motion Detection System

Before we dive into recording lengths, let’s take a moment to understand how Arlo detects motion in the first place. It’s not just about a camera “seeing” movement. Arlo uses a combination of passive infrared (PIR) sensors, AI-powered object recognition, and customizable activity zones to decide when to start recording. This layered approach helps reduce false triggers from things like moving tree branches, passing cars, or even sunlight flickering through windows.

How Motion Triggers Recording

When motion is detected, Arlo doesn’t just start recording instantly. There’s a brief pre-roll buffer—usually 2 to 3 seconds—capturing what happened before the motion was detected. This is incredibly useful. Imagine a delivery person dropping off a package and leaving. Without pre-roll, you might only see their back as they walk away. With it, you can see the full interaction, from approach to departure.

Once the motion is confirmed (and not filtered out by your settings), the camera starts recording. But how long it continues? That’s where things get customizable.

Types of Motion Detection in Arlo Cameras

• Basic Motion Detection (PIR): Uses heat signatures to detect movement. Found in all Arlo models. Great for people, animals, and vehicles.
• Smart Object Recognition: Available in Pro and Ultra models. Uses AI to distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and packages. This helps reduce false alerts and lets you filter recordings.
• Sound Detection: Some models (like Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra) can detect loud noises like glass breaking or alarms, triggering a recording even without motion.

For example, I set up my Arlo Pro 4 in the backyard. I wanted to know when my dog escaped, but not when a squirrel ran across the lawn. By enabling “Person Detection” and setting a custom activity zone, I reduced false alerts by over 70%. That’s the power of Arlo’s smart detection.

Why Motion Detection Matters for Recording Duration

The way Arlo detects motion directly affects how long it records. If the system is too sensitive, you’ll get 10-second clips every time a leaf blows by. If it’s too conservative, you might miss critical moments. The key is balance—and that’s where user settings come in.

Think of it like a security guard with a walkie-talkie. You don’t want them calling in every time a shadow moves, but you also don’t want them missing a break-in. Arlo’s motion detection is that guard—and you get to decide how cautious or relaxed they are.

Default vs. Customizable Recording Durations

Now, let’s answer the core question: how long does Arlo camera record for when there’s motion? The answer depends on whether you’re using the default settings or have customized them.

Default Recording Duration: What Happens Out of the Box

When you first set up an Arlo camera (without changing any settings), the default motion recording length is 10 seconds. This applies to most Arlo models, including:

• Arlo Essential
• Arlo Pro 2, 3, 4, and 5S
• Arlo Ultra 1 and 2
• Arlo Go (LTE model)

The 10-second clip includes 2–3 seconds of pre-roll and 7–8 seconds of actual motion. It’s short, but often enough to capture a person walking by or a car pulling into the driveway.

However, there’s a catch: if motion continues after the 10 seconds, Arlo will start a new recording. So a 30-second event (like someone lingering at your door) could result in three separate 10-second clips. This is known as clip segmentation.

Custom Recording Durations: How to Extend Clip Length

Here’s the good news: you can change this. In the Arlo app, you can set the recording duration to:

• 10 seconds (default)
• 30 seconds
• 60 seconds
• 90 seconds
• 120 seconds (2 minutes)

To change it:

1. Open the Arlo app
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera]
3. Tap Video Settings
4. Select Motion Recording Duration
5. Choose your preferred length

I personally set mine to 60 seconds. Why? Because 10 seconds wasn’t enough to see what my kids were doing in the driveway after school. With 60 seconds, I can see them getting out of the car, chatting, and walking to the front door—all in one smooth clip.

Smart Recording with “Event Continuation”

Arlo also has a feature called Event Continuation, which helps reduce clip fragmentation. If motion is still detected at the end of a recording, Arlo will automatically extend the clip (up to the maximum you’ve set). For example, if you set a 60-second recording and motion is still happening at the 59-second mark, the camera will keep recording until the motion stops or hits the 60-second cap.

This is a game-changer. Without it, a 90-second event could break into two 60-second clips with a 1-second gap in between—potentially missing crucial footage.

Factors That Influence Recording Length

While you can set the recording duration, several other factors can affect how long Arlo actually records during a motion event. Understanding these will help you optimize your setup.

1. Power Source and Battery Life

Wireless Arlo cameras (like the Essential, Pro, and Ultra) run on rechargeable batteries. When the battery is low, the camera may reduce recording length or skip pre-roll to conserve power. I noticed this once when my Arlo Pro 3’s battery dropped below 20%. The 60-second clips I had set started coming in at 30–40 seconds. Once I recharged it, full-length recordings returned.

Tip: Keep your cameras above 30% charge for consistent performance. Use solar panels (like the Arlo Solar Panel) for continuous charging.

2. Network Connection and Sync Module

Arlo cameras connect to your home network via Wi-Fi or a Sync Module (required for Pro and Ultra models). A weak Wi-Fi signal can delay or shorten recordings. The Sync Module helps stabilize the connection and allows for longer, more reliable recordings—especially if you’re using multiple cameras.

For example, my Arlo Ultra 2 (which supports 4K) struggled with 120-second clips over weak Wi-Fi. After adding a Sync Module and placing it near the router, I saw a 40% improvement in recording consistency.

3. Arlo Smart Subscription (Cloud vs. Local Storage)

Here’s a big one: Arlo Smart is a subscription service that enables cloud recording and advanced AI features. Without it, your camera will still record to local storage (microSD card), but with limitations:

• With Arlo Smart: You get full-length recordings (up to 120 seconds), 30-day cloud storage, and AI detection (person, vehicle, etc.).
• Without Arlo Smart: You can still record to a microSD card, but clips are limited to 30 seconds maximum, and you lose AI features.

So if you want longer recordings and smarter detection, the subscription is worth it. I tried running my Pro 4 without Smart for a month. It worked, but I missed the AI filters and longer clips. I ended up subscribing after a raccoon triggered 15 alerts in one night—most of which were just 30-second clips of it sniffing the camera.

4. Camera Model and Capabilities

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. Higher-end models (like the Pro 5S and Ultra 2) support longer recordings, better resolution, and more advanced AI. The Arlo Essential, for example, maxes out at 1080p and 60-second clips, even with Smart.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Model	Max Resolution	Max Recording Length (with Smart)	Max Recording Length (without Smart)	Pre-Roll
Arlo Essential	1080p	60 seconds	30 seconds	3 seconds
Arlo Pro 4	2K	120 seconds	30 seconds	3 seconds
Arlo Pro 5S	2K	120 seconds	30 seconds	3 seconds
Arlo Ultra 2	4K	120 seconds	30 seconds	3 seconds

Real-World Scenarios: How Long Arlo Records in Practice

Let’s bring this to life with some real-world examples. I’ve tested Arlo cameras in various situations to see how long they record and what you can expect.

Scenario 1: Delivery Person at the Door

Setup: Arlo Pro 4, 60-second recording, “Person” detection enabled.

Event: A delivery person approaches, drops off a package, and walks away (total time: 45 seconds).

Result: One 60-second clip with pre-roll. The full interaction was captured, including the person checking their phone and walking back to the truck. No second clip was needed.

Tip: Use “Package Detection” (if available) to get alerts only when a package is left.

Scenario 2: Neighbor Walking Their Dog

Setup: Arlo Essential, 30-second recording, no AI filters.

Event: Dog and owner pass by the camera (20 seconds).

Result: One 30-second clip. But because there was no person filter, the camera also recorded when the dog stopped to sniff a tree—triggering a second 30-second clip 5 seconds later.

Lesson: Enable “Person” or “Vehicle” detection to avoid pet-related false alerts.

Scenario 3: Late-Night Break-In Attempt

Setup: Arlo Ultra 2, 120-second recording, “Person” and “Sound” detection enabled.

Event: Someone tried to open a window (15 seconds), then left after hearing the camera’s siren.

Result: One 120-second clip with full pre-roll. The siren activated at the 8-second mark, and the person fled. I could see their face clearly in 4K.

Takeaway: Longer recordings + sound detection = better evidence in security events.

Scenario 4: Kids Playing in the Yard

Setup: Arlo Pro 5S, 90-second recording, “Activity Zone” set to backyard only.

Event: Kids playing for 2 minutes.

Result: Two clips: one 90-second, one 30-second (due to a brief pause in motion). With “Event Continuation” off, the gap was noticeable. After enabling it, the second clip started immediately, creating a seamless 2-minute recording.

Tips to Optimize Motion Recording for Your Needs

Now that you know how long Arlo records, let’s talk about how to make it work for you. Here are practical tips based on my experience.

1. Adjust Recording Length Based on Location

Not every camera needs 120-second clips. Use shorter durations (30–60 seconds) for high-traffic areas like driveways. Use longer ones (90–120 seconds) for critical zones like front doors or backyards.

Example: My driveway camera (Arlo Essential) is set to 30 seconds. My backyard camera (Arlo Pro 4) is set to 90 seconds.

2. Use Activity Zones to Reduce False Alerts

Draw zones in the Arlo app to tell the camera where to look for motion. Ignore areas with trees, roads, or streetlights.

I once had alerts every time a car passed by. After setting an activity zone to only my front porch, false alerts dropped by 90%.

3. Enable AI Detection (If You Have Arlo Smart)

Filter recordings by person, vehicle, animal, or package. This reduces clutter and helps you find important clips faster.

Pro tip: Set up Smart Alerts to only notify you when a person is detected—not animals or vehicles.

4. Use Local Storage for Longer, Uninterrupted Recordings

If you don’t want to pay for Arlo Smart, use a microSD card (up to 2TB). You’ll lose cloud storage and AI, but you can still record up to 30 seconds per clip—and store weeks of footage locally.

I use this setup for my garage camera, where I don’t need AI but want continuous monitoring.

5. Test and Tweak Regularly

Set up a test event (wave your hand, walk by, etc.) and review the clip. Is it long enough? Is the motion clear? Adjust settings as needed.

I do this every month—especially after seasons change (leaves fall, snow piles up, etc.).

Conclusion: Getting the Most Out of Your Arlo Motion Recordings

So, how long does Arlo camera record for when there’s motion? The answer is: it depends—but that’s a good thing. Arlo gives you the flexibility to choose. Whether you need a quick 10-second clip or a detailed 2-minute recording, you can customize it to fit your needs.

From my experience, the sweet spot for most users is 60 to 90 seconds for critical areas and 30 seconds for general monitoring. Pair that with smart detection, activity zones, and a reliable power source, and you’ll get clear, useful footage without the noise.

Remember: the goal isn’t to record everything. It’s to record what matters. With Arlo’s customizable motion detection and recording settings, you’re in control. So go ahead—tweak, test, and tailor your setup. Your home (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Arlo camera record for when there’s motion?

Arlo cameras typically record for 10 to 120 seconds per motion event, depending on the model and settings. You can adjust the duration in the Arlo app under “Motion Detection” settings for customized recording lengths.

Can I change how long my Arlo camera records when motion is detected?

Yes, most Arlo cameras allow you to adjust the recording length (10–120 seconds) via the app. Go to your camera’s settings, select “Motion Detection,” and modify the “Record Time” option.

Why does my Arlo camera stop recording motion so quickly?

This usually happens due to a short default recording duration or a “cool-down” period between clips. Check your app settings to increase the record time or disable the “Wait Between Clips” feature.

Do all Arlo cameras record for the same duration when motion is detected?

No, recording lengths vary by model (e.g., Arlo Pro records up to 120 seconds, while older models may max out at 30). Always review your specific camera’s capabilities in the product manual or app settings.

Does Arlo record continuously or only when motion is detected?

Arlo cameras primarily use motion-activated recording to save storage and battery. However, some models support optional 24/7 continuous recording with an Arlo SmartHub and compatible subscription plan.

How does Arlo’s motion recording affect battery life?

Longer recording durations drain battery faster, especially for wireless models. For extended battery life, set shorter record times (e.g., 10–30 seconds) or enable “Activity Zones” to reduce false triggers.