Changing the time on your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and easy—simply open the Arlo app, select your device, and navigate to Device Settings > Time Zone to sync or manually adjust the time. Ensure accurate timestamps for recordings by confirming your selection, especially after daylight saving changes or travel across time zones.

How to Change the Time on My Arlo Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Update via Arlo app: Always use the latest app version for smooth time adjustments.
• Sync with mobile time: Enable auto-sync to match your phone’s current time zone.
• Manual override: Disable auto-sync to set custom time if needed.
• Check time zone: Confirm correct time zone to avoid scheduling errors.
• Reboot after changes: Restart camera to ensure time updates apply properly.
• Firmware matters: Keep camera firmware updated for accurate timekeeping features.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re reviewing footage from your Arlo camera, and suddenly realize the timestamps are off by an hour. Maybe it’s showing 3 PM when it’s actually 4 PM. That’s not just annoying—it can be a serious problem if you’re using footage for security, deliveries, or even just keeping track of your kids coming home from school.

Time accuracy matters, especially in 2026, when smart homes are more integrated than ever. Your Arlo camera’s time sync affects event logs, notifications, and even AI-powered alerts like person detection. If the clock is wrong, you might miss important events or get false alarms. That’s why knowing how to change the time on my Arlo camera in 2026 isn’t just a tech tip—it’s a necessity.

And here’s the thing: it’s not always automatic. Daylight saving time changes, Wi-Fi drops, or firmware updates can throw off your camera’s internal clock. But don’t worry—this guide walks you through fixing it, no matter your setup.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’re ready. The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or a degree in IT. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Your Arlo camera (any model: Pro 5, Ultra 2, Essential, etc.)
• The Arlo app (downloaded on your smartphone or tablet)
• An active Arlo account (free or paid)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (your camera needs to be online)
• Your phone or tablet’s time set to “Automatic” (we’ll explain why later)

Pro Tip: If you’re using an Arlo base station (like the SmartHub or Base Station), make sure it’s powered on and connected. The base station helps sync time across multiple cameras.

That’s it! No screwdrivers, no cables, no panic. Just your phone and a few minutes. And remember: how to change the time on my Arlo camera in 2026 starts with having the right tools—and they’re already in your pocket.

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

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone or tablet and open the Arlo app. If you’re not logged in, enter your email and password. If you use two-factor authentication (which you should!), have your code ready.

I always make sure my phone’s time is set to “Automatic” in Settings > Date & Time. Why? Because the Arlo app pulls time from your device. If your phone is wrong, your camera will be too.

Warning: Avoid manually setting your phone’s clock. It might seem faster, but it breaks the sync. Let your phone update time from the network—it’s more accurate.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings

Once logged in, tap the camera icon in the bottom left. You’ll see a list of your cameras. Tap the one you want to adjust.

Now, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right corner. That’s your Device Settings menu. Tap it. This is where all the magic happens—from motion zones to night vision, and yes, time settings.

If you have multiple cameras, repeat this step for each one. But don’t worry: the process is the same across all Arlo models.

Step 3: Find the Time & Date Settings

Inside Device Settings, scroll down until you see Time & Date. Tap it. You’ll see two options:

• Automatic: Syncs time with your phone and the Arlo cloud.
• Manual: Lets you set the time yourself (we’ll cover this later).

In most cases, you’ll want Automatic—it’s the easiest and most reliable. But if your camera keeps drifting, you might need manual control. We’ll explain both.

This is the core of how to change the time on my Arlo camera in 2026: letting the system do the work, or stepping in when it fails.

Step 4: Enable Automatic Time Sync (Recommended)

Tap Automatic. That’s it. Seriously. The camera will now pull the correct time from your phone and the Arlo cloud server.

But here’s the catch: it might take a minute to update. I’ve seen it sync in 10 seconds—or take up to 5 minutes if the connection is weak. Be patient.

While you wait, check your Wi-Fi signal. If your camera shows “Low Signal” or “Offline,” the time won’t update. Move closer to the router or consider a Wi-Fi extender.

Pro Tip: Restart your camera after enabling Automatic. Press and hold the sync button for 5 seconds (or power cycle it). This forces a fresh connection and speeds up time sync.

Step 5: Use Manual Mode (If Automatic Fails)

Sometimes, Automatic just doesn’t work. Maybe your Wi-Fi is spotty, or the camera’s been offline for days. In that case, switch to Manual.

Tap Manual, then set the date, hour, minute, and AM/PM. Use your phone’s clock as a reference. Double-check everything—especially AM/PM. I once set mine to 6 PM instead of 6 AM and missed a whole night’s footage.

After setting, tap Save. The camera will update immediately.

Warning: Manual mode doesn’t adjust for daylight saving time. You’ll need to update it twice a year. Set a phone reminder for March and November.

This step is crucial if you’re troubleshooting persistent time errors. But remember: manual is a last resort. Automatic is always better for long-term accuracy.

Step 6: Check for Time Zone Settings

Now, scroll up in the Device Settings menu. Look for Time Zone. Tap it.

Select your correct time zone from the list. Don’t guess—use the full name (e.g., “America/New York” not just “EST”). Why? Arlo uses IANA time zones, which account for daylight saving and historical changes.

If you travel with your camera (yes, people do!), update the time zone when you move. Otherwise, your footage will be off by hours.

This step is often overlooked, but it’s essential for how to change the time on my Arlo camera in 2026—especially if you’re in a region with complex time rules (like Arizona or Newfoundland).

Step 7: Restart the Camera and Verify

After making changes, restart your camera. Here’s how:

• Wireless cameras: Press and hold the sync button for 5–10 seconds until the LED blinks.
• Wired cameras: Unplug for 10 seconds, then plug back in.

Wait for the camera to reconnect (you’ll see “Online” in the app). Then, go to Activity History and check the latest event. The timestamp should now match your local time.

If it’s still wrong, go back to Step 3 and double-check your settings. Sometimes, a simple refresh fixes it.

Step 8: Update Firmware (If Time Still Drifts)

Old firmware can cause time drift. Arlo releases updates to fix bugs, including time sync issues.

Back in Device Settings, scroll down to Firmware Update. If an update is available, tap Update Now. The camera will download and install it automatically.

Don’t skip this! I once ignored a firmware update for months, and my camera started losing 5 minutes every week. After updating, it stayed accurate for over a year.

Pro Tip: Enable “Auto-Update” in Settings > System > Auto-Update. This keeps your camera current without manual checks.

Step 9: Sync Multiple Cameras (For Multi-Camera Setups)

If you have 3, 5, or 10 Arlo cameras, don’t set them one by one. Use the base station to sync them all at once.

Go to Settings > Base Station > Time & Date. Set it to Automatic. All connected cameras will inherit the correct time.

This is a huge time-saver. I have 6 cameras at home, and this trick cut my setup time from 30 minutes to 5.

And if you’re using a SmartHub, it’s even smarter. It can sync time across Arlo, Ring, and other compatible devices—perfect for 2026’s connected homes.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting Arlo cameras (and making my own mistakes), here are the real lessons:

1. Don’t Rely on Camera-Only Time Sync

Some users think the camera can sync time on its own. But it can’t. It needs your phone or base station. If your phone is offline or the base station is off, the camera won’t update.

Always keep your phone connected and the base station powered. It’s the backbone of accurate timekeeping.

2. Watch for Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Automatic mode handles DST, but manual mode doesn’t. If you’re using manual, set calendar reminders for the second Sunday in March (clocks “spring forward”) and the first Sunday in November (clocks “fall back”).

I use Google Calendar with recurring events. It’s saved me more than once.

3. Avoid “Quick Fixes” That Backfire

I’ve seen people try to “fix” time by:

• Changing the time zone to match their current time (e.g., setting “America/Chicago” to get Central Time, even though they’re in New York). This breaks DST rules.
• Manually setting time to “12:00” every day. It looks right, but it’s not accurate.

Stick to the official steps. They’re tested and reliable.

4. Check for Wi-Fi Interference

Weak Wi-Fi = slow time sync. If your camera is far from the router, consider:

• Moving it closer (if possible).
• Using a Wi-Fi extender.
• Switching to 5 GHz band (faster, but shorter range).

I use a TP-Link extender in my backyard, and my Arlo Pro 5 now syncs in under 30 seconds.

5. Use the Arlo Web Portal for Advanced Control

The Arlo app is great, but the web portal (my.arlo.com) gives more details. Log in and go to Settings > Camera > Time & Date.

Here, you can see the last sync time, time zone history, and even export logs. It’s perfect for diagnosing persistent issues.

Pro Tip: Bookmark the web portal. It’s faster than the app when you’re at a desktop.

FAQs About How to Change the Time on My Arlo Camera in 2026

Q: Why is my Arlo camera time wrong even after setting it to Automatic?

Great question! It usually means one of three things: your phone’s time is wrong, the camera’s Wi-Fi is unstable, or the base station is offline. Start by checking your phone’s clock. Then, ensure the camera is online. If it’s still off, restart the camera and base station. This forces a fresh sync.

Q: Can I set a custom time zone, like “UTC-4”?

Nope. Arlo only supports full IANA time zones (e.g., “America/New York”). Why? Because these zones include DST rules. A custom offset like “UTC-4” won’t adjust for daylight saving. Stick to the list—it’s there for a reason.

Q: My camera is in a different country. How do I set the time?

Set the time zone to match the country. For example, if you’re in London but using a camera in Sydney, select “Australia/Sydney.” The camera will show local time, not your phone’s time. This is crucial for accurate event logs.

Q: Does changing the time affect recordings or cloud storage?

Not at all. Time settings only change how events are labeled. Your recordings, cloud storage, and event history stay intact. No data is lost.

Q: What if my camera is offline? Can I still change the time?

You can set it in the app, but the camera won’t update until it reconnects. So, make the change, then wait for it to come online. Once it does, the time will sync automatically.

Q: Is there a way to sync time across all my smart devices?

Yes! If you have an Arlo SmartHub, it can sync time with other devices like Ring, Google Home, or Alexa. Go to Settings > SmartHub > Device Sync and enable it. It’s a game-changer for 2026’s smart homes.

Q: My camera keeps losing time. What’s wrong?

Check for firmware updates (Step 8). Old firmware is the #1 cause of time drift. Also, ensure your Wi-Fi is stable. If the camera disconnects often, it can’t sync. Consider a stronger signal or a base station upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Changing the time on your Arlo camera in 2026 doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right steps, it takes less than 5 minutes. The key? Use Automatic mode, keep your phone’s time accurate, and update firmware regularly.

And remember: this isn’t just about convenience. Accurate time stamps protect your home, verify deliveries, and give you peace of mind. Whether you’re using one camera or ten, knowing how to change the time on my Arlo camera in 2026 keeps your security system working at its best.

So, grab your phone, open the Arlo app, and give it a try. You’ve got this. And if you run into issues? You now have the tools—and the tips—to fix them fast.

Stay safe, stay synced, and happy monitoring!