Adjusting the recording time on your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and easy—simply open the Arlo app, select your camera, and customize the recording duration under Video Settings to match your needs, whether it’s motion-triggered clips or continuous recording. With just a few taps, you can optimize storage and ensure you never miss a critical moment.

How to Change Recording Time on Arlo Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access Settings: Open the Arlo app and navigate to camera settings to adjust recording time.
• Select Duration: Choose from preset recording lengths or customize your own under “Recording Options.”
• Update Firmware: Ensure your camera has the latest firmware for optimal recording time adjustments.
• Check Subscription: Verify your Arlo plan supports extended recording times if needed.
• Test Changes: Always trigger a test recording to confirm your new time settings work correctly.
• Sync Devices: Sync all cameras after changes to maintain consistent recording times across your system.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be real—nothing’s more frustrating than checking your Arlo camera’s playback only to find it stopped recording mid-motion. Maybe your package was delivered, but the video cuts off after 10 seconds. Or perhaps your pet triggered the motion sensor, and you missed the full shenanigans.

That’s where knowing how to change recording time on Arlo camera in 2026 becomes a game-changer. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or a seasoned pro, adjusting your recording duration helps you capture what matters—without drowning in unnecessary footage or missing key moments.

I learned this the hard way. A few months ago, my neighbor’s cat triggered my camera at 2 a.m. The motion started, but the recording ended before the cat even stepped onto my porch. I was left wondering, “What just happened?” That’s when I dug into the settings and discovered how simple it is to customize recording length.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step. No tech jargon, no fluff—just practical, real-world advice so you never miss a beat.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything ready. Don’t worry—most of this is already in your hands.

• Your Arlo camera (any model: Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, or Go)
• The Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet—iOS or Android)
• Wi-Fi connection (for syncing and remote access)
• Your Arlo account login (email and password)
• A charged camera battery or power source (if using a wired model, make sure it’s plugged in)

That’s it. No extra tools, no special equipment. The magic happens inside the app. And yes, this works whether you’re using a base station or connecting directly to Wi-Fi.

One thing to note: if you’re using an Arlo Smart subscription, you’ll have more flexibility with recording length. Without it, your options are a bit more limited—but still very useful.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Recording Time on Arlo Camera in 2026

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have a strong mobile data connection—this matters when syncing changes.

Once you’re in, you’ll land on your dashboard. This is where all your cameras live. Tap on the camera you want to adjust. For example, if you’re tweaking the front door cam, tap that one. If you have multiple, repeat the steps for each.

Pro tip: If you’re using a shared account (like with a spouse or roommate), make sure you’re the admin or have permission to change settings. Otherwise, you might get locked out of certain options.

Step 2: Access Your Camera’s Settings

After tapping your camera, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. That’s your settings menu. Tap it.

Now, scroll down until you see “Video Settings” or “Recording Settings”—the exact wording depends on your app version and camera model. Don’t worry if it’s slightly different. The key is finding the section that controls video behavior.

Here’s a quick trick: if you can’t find it, try searching “recording” in the app’s search bar (if available). Arlo added this in late 2025, and it’s a lifesaver for navigating settings quickly.

This is the heart of how to change recording time on Arlo camera in 2026. We’re getting close.

Step 3: Find the “Recording Duration” Option

Inside the video settings, look for a field labeled “Recording Duration”, “Motion Recording Length”, or “Clip Length”. It might also say “Maximum Recording Time.”

You’ll see a dropdown menu or slider with options like:

• 10 seconds
• 15 seconds
• 30 seconds
• 1 minute
• 2 minutes
• 5 minutes (with Arlo Smart)

The default is usually 10–30 seconds, depending on your plan. I kept mine at 15 seconds for months—until that cat incident. Now, I use 30 seconds for outdoor cams and 1 minute for high-traffic areas like the garage.

Warning: Longer recordings use more storage. If you’re on the free plan (which gives you 7 days of cloud storage), longer clips can fill up space faster. Think about what you really need—do you need 2 minutes of someone walking by, or just 30 seconds?

Step 4: Select Your Preferred Recording Time

Tap the duration you want. I recommend starting with 30 seconds for most outdoor cameras. It’s long enough to catch full motion events (like a delivery person walking to the door) but short enough to avoid clutter.

If you have Arlo Smart, you can go up to 5 minutes. That’s great for monitoring construction, long deliveries, or even pet activity when you’re away. But again—storage matters.

For indoor cameras, I usually keep it at 15–20 seconds. You don’t need 2 minutes of your cat chasing a toy (unless you do, and that’s cool too).

Once you select your time, the app will auto-save the change. You’ll see a small confirmation pop-up like “Settings updated.”

Pro tip: Test it! Trigger the camera manually (wave your hand in front) and check the playback. Did it record the full time you set? If not, go back and double-check. Sometimes the sync takes a minute.

Step 5: Adjust Activity Zones (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Now, here’s a secret weapon most people skip: Activity Zones.

Back in the Video Settings, look for “Activity Zones” or “Motion Detection Zones”. This lets you tell your camera where to detect motion—and more importantly, where not to.

For example, if your camera sees the street, cars passing by will trigger recordings all day. That wastes battery, storage, and your sanity.

To fix this:

• Tap “Edit Zones”
• Drag the corners of the detection area to cover only your porch, walkway, or driveway
• Leave out the street, trees (which move in wind), or your neighbor’s yard

With activity zones set, your camera only records when motion happens in the areas you care about. That means fewer false alarms—and your longer recording time is actually useful.

This step is a major part of how to change recording time on Arlo camera in 2026 because it ensures you’re not just recording longer, but smarter.

Step 6: Enable or Adjust Smart Alerts (Optional)

If you have Arlo Smart, you can also tweak Smart Alerts. These use AI to detect people, packages, animals, or vehicles.

Go to “Smart Alerts” in your camera settings. You can:

• Turn on “Person Detection” so only humans trigger recordings (ignores pets)
• Enable “Package Detection” for deliveries
• Set “Vehicle Detection” if you want to know when cars pull in

When these are on, your camera can start recording only when it sees something relevant. That means you can safely set a longer recording time (like 1–2 minutes) without getting flooded with clips of squirrels or passing bikes.

Without Smart Alerts? You’ll rely more on motion detection alone, so shorter durations (30–60 seconds) are safer to avoid clutter.

Step 7: Sync and Test Your Changes

After making all your adjustments, give your camera a few minutes to sync. Arlo updates settings in the background, but sometimes it takes up to 5 minutes.

Now, test it:

• Go in front of the camera
• Move around (like you’re delivering a package or walking the dog)
• Wait a few seconds after you leave the frame
• Check the playback in the app

Did the recording last the full time you set? Did it capture the entire action? If yes—great! If not, go back and check:

• Is the recording duration set correctly?
• Are activity zones blocking part of the motion?
• Is the camera’s motion sensitivity too low? (Adjust in “Motion Detection” settings if needed)

Don’t be afraid to tweak. I’ve adjusted my settings 3–4 times before getting it just right.

Step 8: Set Up Notifications (So You Don’t Miss Anything)

Now that your recording time is optimized, make sure you’re actually notified when something happens.

Go to “Notifications” in your camera settings. You can choose:

• Push notifications (on your phone)
• Email alerts
• Sound alerts (if your camera has a siren or speaker)

I keep push notifications on for all cameras. I also set a “Do Not Disturb” window from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.—so I don’t get woken up by raccoons (yes, that happened).

And here’s a cool trick: if you set a longer recording time (like 2 minutes), you can enable “Auto-Stop” in notifications. That means the camera stops recording when motion stops—even if the time isn’t up. This saves storage and gives you more natural clips.

This is especially useful in 2026, where Arlo’s AI has gotten much better at detecting when motion truly ends.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of using Arlo cameras—and helping friends and family set them up—I’ve seen the same mistakes over and over. Let me save you some headaches.

Pro tip #1: Don’t max out your recording time just because you can. A 5-minute clip of your backyard might sound great—until you have 20 of them and can’t find the one with the delivery. Use longer times selectively.

Pro tip #2: Combine longer recording time with activity zones. This is the real power move. You get full coverage of important areas, without false alarms in the background.

Pro tip #3: If you’re on a tight data budget (like with Arlo Go on cellular), shorter recordings help reduce data usage. A 10-second clip uses way less data than a 2-minute one.

Common mistake #1: Ignoring firmware updates. Arlo releases updates that can fix recording bugs or improve AI. Go to “Device Settings” > “Firmware” and update regularly. I once had a camera that wouldn’t record past 15 seconds—until an update fixed it.

Common mistake #2: Forgetting to check battery life. If your camera is low on juice, it might shorten recordings to save power. Always keep batteries charged or use solar panels if possible.

Common mistake #3: Setting the same recording time for all cameras. Your front door cam might need 30 seconds, but your backyard cam (with more space) might need 1 minute. Customize per camera.

Bonus insight: In 2026, Arlo introduced “Adaptive Recording.” If your camera detects fast motion (like someone running), it automatically records longer. If motion is slow (like a cat walking), it sticks to the set time. Enable this in “Advanced Settings” for smarter behavior.

And one last thing: don’t panic if it doesn’t work the first time. Tech isn’t perfect. Restart the app, wait 5 minutes, try again. I’ve had settings take a full day to sync—but they always do.

FAQs About How to Change Recording Time on Arlo Camera in 2026

Q: Can I set different recording times for different times of day?

A: Not directly—but you can use Schedules to change settings automatically. Go to “Automation” in the app, and set a schedule. For example: “From 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., recording time = 30 seconds. From 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., recording time = 15 seconds.” It’s not perfect, but it helps reduce nighttime clutter.

Q: Why is my Arlo camera not recording the full time I set?

A: This happens a lot. Common causes: low battery, weak Wi-Fi signal, firmware bugs, or motion stopping early (if “Auto-Stop” is on). Check your battery, restart the camera, and make sure you’re not using “Auto-Stop” unless you want it.

Q: Do I need Arlo Smart to change recording time?

A: No. All Arlo cameras let you adjust recording time—even without a subscription. But Arlo Smart gives you longer options (up to 5 minutes) and better AI features like person and package detection. For how to change recording time on Arlo camera in 2026, the free plan works, but Smart unlocks more.

Q: Can I change recording time remotely?

A: Yes! As long as you have the Arlo app and internet, you can adjust settings from anywhere. I’ve changed my mom’s camera settings while on vacation—just to stop her from getting alerts every time a leaf blows by.

Q: What’s the longest recording time available in 2026?

A: With Arlo Smart, you can set up to 5 minutes per clip. Without it, the max is usually 2 minutes. Some newer models (like Arlo Pro 6) support up to 3 minutes on the free plan due to improved local processing.

Q: Does longer recording time affect video quality?

A: Not directly. But longer clips use more storage and data. If you’re on a data cap (like with Arlo Go), it can impact performance. Video quality stays the same—1080p, 2K, or 4K, depending on your model.

Q: Can I set recording time for continuous recording?

A: Not on standard Arlo cameras. They’re designed for motion-activated recording. But if you have Arlo Smart, you can enable “Continuous Recording” (24/7) on select models. This uses a lot of storage, so you’ll need a large microSD card or cloud plan.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Arlo camera’s recording time isn’t just a setting tweak—it’s about peace of mind. When you know your camera captures the full moment, you can relax. No more wondering, “What happened after the clip ended?”

Whether you’re protecting your home, keeping an eye on kids or pets, or just curious about neighborhood activity, knowing how to change recording time on Arlo camera in 2026 puts you in control.

Start simple: set your outdoor cameras to 30 seconds, use activity zones, and enable Smart Alerts if you can. Test it, tweak it, and make it work for your life.

And remember—this isn’t a one-and-done task. As your needs change (new pets, different schedules, more deliveries), revisit these settings. Tech should adapt to you, not the other way around.

So go ahead. Open the Arlo app. Tap that gear icon. And take the first step toward smarter, more reliable home monitoring.

You’ve got this.