Access videos on your Arlo security cameras in 2026 seamlessly through the updated Arlo Secure app, where cloud and local storage options are easily managed. With enhanced AI-powered search and real-time alerts, you can quickly locate and view footage from any device, anytime. Ensure your subscription is active and firmware is up to date to unlock full playback and sharing features.

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How to Access Videos on Arlo Security Cameras in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Use the Arlo app: Access all videos remotely via the official app on smartphones or tablets.
• Log in to your account: Ensure you’re signed in to view cloud or local storage footage.
• Check subscription status: Verify active plan for cloud video access and retention duration.
• Download videos directly: Save clips to your device for offline viewing or sharing.
• Enable local storage: Use a microSD card or base station for backup if Wi-Fi fails.
• Filter by date or event: Quickly locate specific recordings using timeline or motion tags.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Picture this: You hear a strange noise outside at 2 a.m. Your heart races—did someone try to break in? You reach for your phone, hoping to check your Arlo security camera footage, only to realize you can’t find the video you need. Frustrating, right?

This is why knowing how to access videos on Arlo security cameras in 2026 isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. Whether you’re checking for a package delivery, a pet’s late-night antics, or something more serious, quick access can make all the difference.

Over the years, Arlo has evolved its app and cloud system, making video access smoother but also more complex for new users. With features like AI detection, cloud vs. local storage, and multi-user sharing, the process isn’t as simple as “click and play” anymore.

The good news? Once you know the steps, it’s actually pretty intuitive. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to access videos on Arlo security cameras in 2026, based on my own experience troubleshooting setups for family and neighbors.

We’ll cover everything from the basics to pro-level tricks—so whether you’re a new Arlo user or just upgrading your system, you’ll feel confident and in control.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have the essentials. You don’t need fancy tech skills—just a few tools and a little patience.

• Arlo Security Camera(s): Works with any Arlo model (Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential, Arlo Ultra, etc.)
• Smartphone or Tablet: iOS or Android with the latest Arlo app installed
• Arlo Account: Free or paid subscription (required for cloud access)
• Stable Wi-Fi Connection: For streaming and downloading videos
• MicroSD Card (Optional): If you’re using local storage with an Arlo SmartHub or base station
• Computer (Optional): For viewing downloaded videos or accessing web dashboard

Pro Tip: I once tried accessing footage on a spotty Wi-Fi connection and spent 10 minutes waiting for a 10-second clip to load. Save yourself the headache—use a strong, reliable network. If your cameras are far from the router, consider a Wi-Fi extender.

Now that we’ve got our gear ready, let’s get into the real meat of how to access videos on Arlo security cameras in 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Access Videos on Arlo Security Cameras in 2026

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

The Arlo app is your command center. Think of it like the remote control for your entire security system.

• Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet.
• Enter your email and password to log in.
• If you’re using two-factor authentication (which I recommend), check your email or authenticator app for the code.

If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, search “Arlo” in the App Store or Google Play. It’s free and regularly updated—critical for 2026’s security features.

Warning: Avoid logging in on public devices. I once left my Arlo app open on a shared tablet, and my cousin saw my backyard footage. Not ideal. Always log out after use.

Once logged in, you’ll land on the Dashboard, where all your cameras appear as tiles. This is where your how to access videos on Arlo security cameras in 2026 journey truly begins.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Library” or “Timeline”

Here’s where most people get stuck. The Arlo app has two main ways to view videos: Timeline and Library. Let me break them down.

• Timeline: Shows a scrollable, chronological feed of motion-triggered events. Great for quick checks.
• Library: A more organized view, grouped by day, week, or month. Ideal for deep dives.

To switch between them:

• Tap the camera icon in the bottom menu.
• Tap the Timeline or Library tab at the top.

In 2026, Arlo’s AI has improved significantly. The Timeline now highlights events like “Person,” “Vehicle,” or “Pet” automatically. You can even filter by these categories—super helpful if you’re looking for that delivery driver who came at 11 a.m.

Personal Insight: I love the Timeline for daily checks. But when I needed footage from three weeks ago (long story involving a missing cat), the Library was my savior. Use both depending on your need.

Step 3: Find and Select Your Video

Now comes the fun part: finding the right clip.

• In Timeline: Scroll up and down to find the event. Each event shows a thumbnail, time stamp, and detection type.
• In Library: Tap a date to expand. You’ll see all events from that day. Tap any video to preview it.

You can also use the search bar at the top. Type in keywords like “person,” “front door,” or even a time (“10:30 PM”). Arlo’s AI indexing makes this surprisingly accurate in 2026.

Once you find a video, tap it. A small preview will play. Tap the full-screen icon (two arrows) to expand it.

Pro Tip: If the video is blurry or cuts off, check your camera’s signal strength. A weak connection can cause poor uploads. I had to reposition one of my outdoor cameras just 10 feet closer to the router, and the quality improved instantly.

Step 4: Play, Download, or Share the Video

Now that you’ve found your video, here’s how to interact with it.

• Play: Tap the play button. You can pause, rewind, or fast-forward. In 2026, Arlo supports variable playback speed (0.5x to 2x).
• Download: Tap the download icon (cloud with arrow). The video saves to your phone’s gallery. Great for saving evidence or sharing with family.
• Share: Tap the share icon (box with arrow). You can send the video via email, text, or even social media. I’ve used this to send clips to my HOA when a neighbor’s dog kept digging in my yard.

For cloud users, videos stay online based on your subscription:

• Free plan: 7-day cloud storage
• Paid plans (Arlo Secure): Up to 30 days or more

For local storage (via SmartHub or microSD card), videos are stored on the device. We’ll cover that next.

Warning: Don’t rely solely on cloud storage. I once had a power outage that took down my Wi-Fi for a day. My local microSD card saved the footage while the cloud version was stuck uploading. Always have a backup!

Step 5: Accessing Locally Stored Videos (MicroSD or SmartHub)

If you’re using a SmartHub or microSD card, your videos aren’t in the cloud. Instead, they’re stored on the device itself.

• Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices.
• Tap your SmartHub or base station.
• Select Storage > Local Storage.

You’ll see a list of recorded events. Tap any to play or download.

To view videos on your computer:

• Remove the microSD card (if applicable).
• Insert it into your computer’s card reader.
• Navigate to the Arlo folder > Recordings.
• Open videos with any media player (VLC, QuickTime, etc.).

Note: Videos are saved in .mp4 format, so they’re easy to share or edit.

Personal Insight: I keep a microSD card in each outdoor camera. It’s peace of mind. If my internet goes down, I still have footage. Plus, no monthly fees for cloud storage.

Step 6: Using the Arlo Web Dashboard (For Power Users)

If you prefer a bigger screen, the Arlo web dashboard is a game-changer.

• Go to my.arlo.com in your browser.
• Log in with your Arlo account.
• You’ll see the same Timeline and Library as the app, but with more space to work.

On the web, you can:

• Download multiple videos at once
• Export clips as .zip files
• Access advanced settings (like retention policies)

This is especially useful if you’re managing a large system—like I do for a small business with six cameras. The web dashboard makes bulk actions a breeze.

Pro Tip: Use the web dashboard to download videos before they expire. I once needed a clip from 28 days ago (Arlo Secure plan), and the web version let me search and download it in seconds.

Step 7: Managing Video Retention and Deleting Clips

Over time, your storage fills up. Here’s how to manage it.

• Cloud Storage: Videos auto-delete after your subscription period (7, 14, or 30 days). You can’t manually delete individual clips—only all events from a day.
• Local Storage: Videos overwrite when the card is full (unless you disable auto-delete in settings).

To delete videos:

• In the app: Go to Library, tap a date, then tap the trash icon.
• On web: Select videos and click Delete.

For local storage, you can also format the microSD card (but this erases everything).

Warning: Think before you delete. I accidentally wiped a week of footage once because I tapped the wrong button. Now I always double-check.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up Arlo systems for years, I’ve seen the same mistakes over and over. Here’s what to watch for—and how to avoid them.

• Not setting up notifications correctly: I once missed a package delivery because my alerts were turned off. Go to Settings > Notifications and customize alerts for each camera.
• Ignoring firmware updates: Arlo pushes updates regularly in 2026. Outdated firmware can cause playback issues. Check Settings > My Devices > Firmware monthly.
• Using weak Wi-Fi: A camera 50 feet from the router with trees in the way? That’s a recipe for poor video uploads. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find the best signal path.
• Forgetting about time zones: If you travel, your camera’s time zone might not match your phone’s. This makes finding videos confusing. Set the correct time zone in camera settings.
• Not testing playback speed: Some videos take longer to load on mobile. If it’s slow, try switching to Wi-Fi or using the web dashboard.

Pro Tip: Create a “test event” monthly. Wave at your camera and check the video quality. It’s a quick way to catch issues before they matter.

Also, remember: how to access videos on Arlo security cameras in 2026 is easier than ever, but only if you set it up right from the start. Spend 10 minutes customizing your settings now, and save hours later.

FAQs About How to Access Videos on Arlo Security Cameras in 2026

1. Can I access Arlo videos without the app?

Yes! You can use the web dashboard at my.arlo.com. It has all the same features as the app, plus better multitasking. I use it when I’m working from my laptop and don’t want to keep picking up my phone.

2. What if I don’t have a subscription? Can I still access videos?

Absolutely. The free plan gives you 7-day cloud storage and basic features. You’ll see motion events in the app, but advanced filters (like “Person” vs. “Animal”) require a paid plan. Local storage works without any subscription—just use a microSD card.

3. How do I share a video with someone who doesn’t have the Arlo app?

Easy. Tap the share icon on any video, then choose “Copy Link.” Send that link to anyone. They can watch the video in their browser, no app needed. I’ve used this to share clips with my landlord and insurance agent.

4. Can I access videos from multiple cameras at once?

Yes! In the app, tap the multi-camera view (usually a grid icon). You’ll see up to four cameras at once. Great for checking your front door, backyard, and garage simultaneously.

5. What happens if my internet goes down? Can I still access videos?

If you’re using local storage, yes. Your camera records to the microSD card. Once the internet is back, the videos upload to the cloud (if enabled). If you’re only using cloud storage, you can’t access new videos until the connection is restored.

6. How long do videos stay in the cloud?

It depends on your plan:

• Free: 7 days
• Arlo Secure: 14 or 30 days (depending on subscription)

Videos auto-delete after that. But you can download them anytime before they expire.

7. Can I access videos from a different phone or tablet?

Yes. Just install the Arlo app and log in with the same account. All your videos will sync across devices. I’ve used this when my phone died and I needed to check footage on my iPad.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to access videos on Arlo security cameras in 2026 isn’t just about pressing buttons—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re checking for a missing package, a late-night visitor, or just your dog’s latest mischief, quick access to your footage can save you time, stress, and even money.

Remember: Start with the app, use the Timeline for quick checks, and the Library for deep dives. Don’t forget local storage as a backup. And if you’re managing multiple cameras, the web dashboard is your best friend.

My final piece of advice? Test your system regularly. Set a monthly reminder to check your cameras, update firmware, and review a few clips. It takes 10 minutes, but it ensures you’ll never be caught off guard.

You’ve got this. With the steps in this guide, you’re not just accessing videos—you’re taking control of your home’s security. Now go enjoy that peace of mind.

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