Adjusting the record time on your Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 is quick and easy—simply open the Arlo app, select your camera, and navigate to “Video Settings” to customize motion-activated recording duration. Choose from preset options or set a custom record time (up to 120 seconds) to optimize storage and capture exactly what you need.

How to Change Record Time on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access settings via Arlo app: Open the app and select your Pro 2 camera to begin.
• Adjust motion detection first: Ensure motion zones are set for accurate recording triggers.
• Select recording duration: Choose from 10s to 3 mins in camera settings.
• Use “Record for” option: Customize clip length under video settings in device settings.
• Save changes immediately: Tap “Save” to apply new recording time without delay.
• Test after updating: Trigger motion to confirm new record time works correctly.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real: we’ve all had that moment. You hear a noise outside at 2 a.m., check your Arlo Pro 2, and—nothing. Or worse, the clip ends just as something interesting starts. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re relying on your camera for peace of mind.

The record time on your Arlo Pro 2 determines how long the camera captures video after detecting motion. By default, it’s usually set to 10 or 15 seconds. But in 2026, with smarter homes and more nuanced security needs, that might not cut it anymore.

Maybe you’re tired of missing the tail end of events. Or perhaps you want to reduce false alarms by extending the recording window. Either way, knowing how to change record time on Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 can make your system way more effective—without overloading your storage or battery.

I’ve been there. I once missed a delivery because the camera cut off right after the driver rang the doorbell. That’s when I dug into the settings and discovered how much control I actually had. And guess what? It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Whether you’re using the Arlo Pro 2 for home security, monitoring pets, or keeping an eye on your kids playing outside, adjusting the record time can make a real difference. And in 2026, with firmware updates, improved app features, and smarter motion detection, the process is smoother than ever.

Quick insight: The record time isn’t just about length—it’s about context. A longer clip gives you the full story, not just the first few seconds of motion. That’s why learning how to change record time on Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 is a small tweak with big payoff.

What You Need

Good news: you don’t need a tech degree or a toolbox to do this. Most of what you’ll need is already in your hands. Here’s the quick checklist:

• Your Arlo Pro 2 camera (obviously) – make sure it’s powered and connected to Wi-Fi
• Smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android, as long as it has the Arlo app installed
• Arlo app – downloaded from the App Store or Google Play (version 4.0 or higher recommended)
• Your Arlo account – you’ll need to log in to access camera settings
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – the camera needs to be online to sync settings
• Arlo Smart subscription (optional) – not required for basic recording time changes, but helpful if you want advanced motion zones or cloud storage

Pro tip: If you’re using a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub), make sure it’s plugged in and connected. The camera communicates through it, so a stable base station = smoother updates.

Also, while we’re at it: check your camera’s battery level. If it’s below 20%, it might not respond quickly to settings changes. Plug it in for a few minutes if needed. I learned this the hard way during a storm when my camera went dark mid-update.

No special tools, no extra apps, no coding. Just you, your phone, and a few minutes. That’s all it takes to master how to change record time on Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Record Time on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. If you’ve used it before, you’ll likely see your camera feeds right away. If not, tap “Log In” and enter your Arlo account credentials.

Make sure you’re using the correct account. If you share Arlo with family or roommates, double-check you’re in the right household. I once accidentally changed settings on my neighbor’s camera—awkward, but a good reminder to verify!

Once logged in, you’re ready to start. The app interface has evolved a bit in 2026, but it’s still clean and intuitive. Look for the camera you want to adjust—tap its thumbnail to select it.

Note: If your camera shows “Offline,” wait a few minutes or restart the base station. The settings won’t sync if the connection is down.

Step 2: Access the Camera’s Settings Menu

After selecting your Arlo Pro 2, tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This opens the camera’s settings menu—your control center for all things Arlo.

You’ll see options like “Device Info,” “Video Settings,” “Audio,” and “Activity Zones.” We’re looking for something related to recording duration or motion recording.

In 2026, the menu is organized under “Video & Recording” or simply “Recording Settings,” depending on your app version. Tap that section.

Fun fact: Arlo updated the menu layout in 2024 to group similar settings together. So if you haven’t used the app in a while, it might look a bit different—but the core options are still there.

Step 3: Find the “Record Time” or “Motion Recording Duration” Option

Now you’re in the right neighborhood. Look for a setting labeled:

• “Record Time”
• “Motion Recording Duration”
• “Clip Length”
• “Recording Length”

The exact name can vary slightly based on app updates, but it’s usually under the video settings section. In 2026, Arlo uses “Motion Recording Duration” as the default label, so that’s what you’ll likely see.

Tap it. You’ll get a pop-up or slider with time options—usually ranging from 10 seconds to 120 seconds.

Personal tip: I recommend starting with 30 seconds. It’s long enough to catch context but short enough to avoid filling up your storage too fast.

Step 4: Select Your Preferred Recording Time

Here’s where you make the change. You’ll see options like:

• 10 seconds
• 15 seconds
• 30 seconds
• 60 seconds
• 90 seconds
• 120 seconds

Choose the one that fits your needs. For example:

• 10–15 seconds: Good for quick motion, like a bird flying by. Saves battery and storage.
• 30–60 seconds: Ideal for most home use—captures full interactions, deliveries, or kids playing.
• 90–120 seconds: Best for large areas or high-traffic zones. Great if you want to see the “after” of motion, like someone leaving a package or walking away.

Tap your choice. The app will confirm the change with a small pop-up: “Recording duration updated.”

Important: The change applies immediately to future motion events. It won’t affect clips already recorded.

Step 5: Wait for Sync (It’s Faster Than You Think)

After selecting the new time, the app sends the update to the camera. You’ll see a “Syncing…” status briefly—usually under 10 seconds.

Once it says “Synced” or “Settings updated,” you’re good to go. The camera now uses your new record time for all motion-triggered clips.

In 2026, Arlo improved the sync speed, especially if your base station is connected via Ethernet. I’ve seen updates go through in under 5 seconds on my setup.

If it takes longer than 30 seconds, try:

• Refreshing the app
• Restarting the base station
• Moving closer to the camera (if using a direct Wi-Fi connection)

Warning: Don’t close the app mid-sync. It can cause partial updates, leading to inconsistent recording times. I once had to reset my camera because I got impatient!

Step 6: Test the New Setting (Highly Recommended)

Don’t just trust it—test it. Walk in front of the camera or have someone wave at it. Then check the recorded clip in the app.

Go to the “Library” or “Recordings” tab, find the latest clip, and play it. Make sure it runs for your selected duration.

Pro tip: Use the “Live Stream” feature to watch the recording in real time. You’ll see the countdown timer on the screen—super helpful for confirming the length.

If the clip ends too soon, double-check the setting. Sometimes the app shows the correct time but hasn’t synced fully. Just repeat Step 3–4.

This step is crucial. It’s how I realized my camera was stuck on 15 seconds even after I changed it to 60—turns out the base station needed a restart.

Step 7: Adjust for Battery or Storage (If Needed)

Longer recordings use more battery and storage. If your Arlo Pro 2 is battery-powered, keep an eye on charge levels. A 120-second clip uses about 2–3x more power than a 10-second one.

Here’s what I do:

• For front door (high activity): 60 seconds
• For backyard (low activity): 30 seconds
• For garage (rare use): 15 seconds

You can customize each camera individually. So if you have multiple Arlo Pro 2 units, tailor the record time to each location.

Also, if you’re using local storage (like a microSD card), longer clips fill up faster. A 32GB card holds about 200 hours of 1080p video at 30-second clips—cut that in half if you go to 60 seconds.

Bottom line: balance coverage with efficiency. That’s the real art of mastering how to change record time on Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of tweaking my Arlo setup, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here are the real-world insights you won’t find in the manual.

1. Don’t Max Out the Time Right Away

Setting it to 120 seconds might seem like a good idea, but it’s overkill for most situations. You’ll get fewer clips per battery charge and more “empty” recordings where nothing happens after the first few seconds.

Start with 30–60 seconds and adjust based on what you actually see in your recordings.

My story: I once set my backyard camera to 90 seconds. For a week, I got 15 clips a day—mostly raccoons walking through. I switched to 30 seconds and got the same useful footage with less clutter.

2. Combine with Activity Zones

Use Activity Zones to reduce false triggers. For example, if your camera sees a busy street, draw a zone only for your driveway. Then set a longer record time—only real events will be recorded.

This combo is powerful. It cuts down on noise and lets you extend recording without wasting battery.

3. Watch for Firmware Updates

Arlo releases updates in 2026 that improve recording logic. One update actually added a “Smart Recording” mode that adjusts clip length based on motion intensity.

Check for updates in the app under “Device Info” > “Firmware Version.” A quick update can give you more control without extra effort.

4. Avoid Overlapping with Scheduling

If you use scheduling (e.g., turn off at night), make sure the record time doesn’t cause clips to spill into “off” hours. For example, a 60-second clip triggered at 11:59 PM will record until 12:01 AM—even if your schedule turns the camera off at midnight.

I learned this when my camera kept recording after bedtime. Now I cap it at 30 seconds during scheduled off-times.

5. Use Arlo Smart for Smarter Recording (Optional)

If you have an Arlo Smart subscription, you can set different recording rules based on motion type. For example:

• People: 60 seconds
• Animals: 15 seconds
• Vehicles: 30 seconds

This uses AI to classify motion and adjust recording dynamically. It’s not required, but it’s a game-changer if you want precision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to test: Always verify the change. Don’t assume it worked.
• Ignoring battery drain: Longer clips = more power. Monitor your battery if wireless.
• Using the same time for all cameras: One size doesn’t fit all. Customize per location.
• Changing settings during poor Wi-Fi: Sync fails if the connection is weak. Do it when signal is strong.
• Not checking storage: A full SD card or cloud plan stops recordings. Clean up old clips regularly.

These aren’t just tips—they’re lessons from real users (including me) who’ve been burned by overlooking the small stuff.

FAQs About How to Change Record Time on Arlo Pro 2 Camera in 2026

Can I set different record times for different times of day?

Not directly, but you can use schedules and Arlo Smart rules to achieve something close. For example, set a shorter record time during the day (less activity) and longer at night (more suspicious). You’d need to manually change it twice a day, or use a third-party automation app (like IFTTT) to trigger changes based on time.

In 2026, Arlo added limited automation, but full time-based recording rules are still on the roadmap.

Will longer recordings affect video quality?

Nope. The video quality (1080p HD) stays the same. Only the duration changes. However, longer clips use more storage and battery, so it’s a trade-off between length and resource usage.

Can I change the record time remotely?

Yes! As long as your camera and base station are online, you can adjust settings from anywhere using the Arlo app. I’ve changed mine from a coffee shop when I realized my front camera was missing deliveries.

Just make sure your phone has data or Wi-Fi—no local connection needed.

What if the “Record Time” option is missing?

This can happen if:

• Your camera isn’t connected
• The app needs an update
• You’re using an older firmware version
• Your account doesn’t have admin permissions

Try updating the app, restarting the base station, or logging in as the primary account holder. If it’s still missing, contact Arlo support—they’ve seen it before.

Does changing record time affect live streaming?

No. Live streaming is separate and always available, regardless of your recording settings. You can stream anytime, even if motion recording is off.

The record time only applies to clips triggered by motion or sound detection.

Is there a way to record continuously?

The Arlo Pro 2 doesn’t support 24/7 continuous recording unless you use a local storage solution (like a microSD card) and enable “Continuous Recording” in settings. But this uses a lot of storage and battery.

Most users stick with motion-triggered recording. It’s more efficient and gives you relevant clips.

Can I set a custom record time (like 45 seconds)?

Not yet. In 2026, Arlo still uses preset intervals (10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120). You can’t type in a custom number. But the options are close enough for most needs.

Rumor has it Arlo is working on custom durations for future firmware—so stay tuned!

Final Thoughts

Learning how to change record time on Arlo Pro 2 camera in 2026 isn’t just about tweaking a setting—it’s about taking control of your security experience.

You’re not just making clips longer. You’re making them smarter. You’re reducing false alarms, capturing full events, and using your battery and storage more efficiently. And in 2026, with improved app features and faster sync, it’s easier than ever.

Start small. Try 30 seconds. Test it. See how it feels. Then adjust. Maybe go longer for your front door, shorter for the side yard. Make it yours.

And remember: the best security system isn’t the most expensive—it’s the one that works for you. A few minutes in the app can make your Arlo Pro 2 feel like a whole new camera.

So go ahead. Open the Arlo app. Find that gear icon. And take five minutes to get more from your setup. You’ve got this.

And if you ever miss a delivery again? At least now you’ll know why—and how to fix it.

Happy recording.