Changing the time on your Arlo camera in 2026 is quick and easy—just use the Arlo app to sync with your time zone or manually adjust settings in the device menu. Ensure your camera is connected and up to date, then navigate to Settings > Device Time to make changes instantly. This simple fix keeps your footage accurately timestamped and enhances security tracking.

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How to Change Time on Arlo Camera in 2026: A Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access settings: Open the Arlo app and tap your camera’s settings gear icon.
• Sync time: Enable Automatic Time Sync for accurate, hands-off adjustments.
• Manual override: Disable auto-sync to set a custom time zone if needed.
• Check daylight savings: Ensure DST settings match your region to avoid time drift.
• Update firmware: Keep your camera’s software current for reliable timekeeping.
• Verify network: A stable Wi-Fi connection ensures seamless time updates.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than checking your Arlo camera footage only to realize the timestamps are completely off. Maybe it’s showing 3 a.m. when it’s clearly midday, or your event recordings are mislabeled by hours. If you’ve ever tried to share footage with a neighbor or file a police report, you know how vital accurate timestamps are.

This is where knowing how to change time on Arlo camera in 2026 becomes essential. Whether you’ve just moved across time zones, switched daylight saving settings, or simply noticed drift over time, getting your Arlo’s clock right ensures your security footage is both trustworthy and useful.

I learned this the hard way last year. I was reviewing a suspicious package delivery, and the timestamp said it happened at 11:30 p.m.—except it was actually 6:30 p.m. That 5-hour gap nearly cost me the evidence I needed. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to double-check my camera’s time settings monthly.

And here’s the good news: adjusting the time on your Arlo camera is easier than you think. Whether you’re using the Arlo app on iOS, Android, or a web browser, this guide walks you through every step with real-world clarity. No tech jargon, no fluff—just what you need to know to fix your timestamps fast.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s get your toolkit ready. The beauty of how to change time on Arlo camera in 2026 is that you don’t need fancy gear or extra apps. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android) with the Arlo Secure app installed and updated.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection—your Arlo base station or SmartHub must be online.
• Your Arlo account login (email and password). If you’ve forgotten it, use the “Forgot Password” option.
• A few minutes of uninterrupted time (5–10 minutes max).
• Optional: A second device (like a laptop) if you prefer using the Arlo web portal instead of the app.

Pro tip: Make sure your phone’s system time is accurate. If your phone is set to the wrong time, it can sync that error to your Arlo. I once had a phone stuck in 2022 due to a failed update—my Arlo followed suit!

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Time on Arlo Camera in 2026: A Quick Guide

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Whether you’re using the app or the web, the process is straightforward. I’ll walk you through both methods, starting with the most common one: the Arlo app.

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo Secure app. If you haven’t used it in a while, you might need to log in again. Enter your email and password—no need to stress if you’ve forgotten them; just tap “Forgot Password” and follow the reset steps.

Once logged in, you’ll land on your home dashboard. You should see your camera thumbnails, activity alerts, and a menu bar at the bottom (on mobile).

Note: If you’re using a shared account (like with a family member), make sure you have admin privileges. Only admins can change system settings like time and time zones.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings

Tap the “Devices” tab at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of all your Arlo devices—cameras, doorbells, base stations, etc.

Find the camera whose time you want to adjust. Tap the name of the camera (e.g., “Front Door”) to open its individual settings. Don’t tap the live view—go straight to the settings icon, usually a gear or cogwheel in the top-right corner.

You’re now in the camera settings menu. This is where you’ll find everything from motion detection zones to night vision settings.

Step 3: Access the “Time & Location” or “System” Section

Scroll down until you see a section labeled “Time & Location” or “System” (depending on your Arlo model and app version). On newer Arlo Pro 5S or Ultra 2 cameras, it’s usually called “Time & Location.” On older models like Arlo Pro 3 or Q, it might be under “System.”

Tap that section. You’ll see two key options:

• Time Zone
• Automatic Time Sync (or “Set Time Automatically”)

This is the heart of how to change time on Arlo camera in 2026. Let’s break down what each does.

Step 4: Choose Your Time Zone (Manual or Automatic)

Here’s where most people get confused. Arlo doesn’t let you set the time manually like a wristwatch. Instead, it syncs time based on your selected time zone and whether “automatic sync” is enabled.

Tap “Time Zone”. A list of global time zones will appear. Use the search bar to type your city (e.g., “New York”) or select your region from the dropdown.

• For USA users: Choose from Eastern, Central, Mountain, or Pacific (including Alaska and Hawaii).
• For international users: Search by city (e.g., “London,” “Tokyo,” “Sydney”).
• If you live near a time zone border, double-check with your local government website—some areas follow daylight saving while others don’t.

Once selected, tap “Save” or “Done.”

Warning: Don’t pick a random time zone to “fix” the clock. For example, setting your Arlo to “UTC” will show a time 5 hours ahead if you’re in EST. Always match your actual location.

Step 5: Enable Automatic Time Sync (Recommended)

Now, go back to the same “Time & Location” screen and look for “Set Time Automatically”. Toggle it ON.

This is the magic switch. When enabled, your Arlo camera will:

• Sync with your phone’s time (if you’re using the app).
• Or sync with the Arlo cloud server (which uses NTP, the same network time protocol used by banks and airlines).

It usually takes 30–90 seconds for the time to update. You’ll see the new timestamp appear in your live view and future recordings.

Pro insight: I keep this ON all the time. It prevents drift, handles daylight saving automatically, and ensures all my cameras are in sync—especially important if you have multiple units.

Step 6: Verify the Time Change

Don’t just assume it worked. Let’s double-check:

1. Go back to your home dashboard.
2. Tap the camera’s thumbnail to open live view.
3. Look at the timestamp in the top-left corner (or wherever it appears on your model).
4. Compare it to your phone’s time or a trusted clock (like time.gov).

If it’s still off by a few minutes, wait 2–3 minutes. The sync isn’t always instant. If it’s off by hours, double-check the time zone.

You can also trigger a test recording by waving at the camera. Then go to your “Library” and check the event’s timestamp. This confirms the change is applied to saved footage too.

Step 7: Adjust for Multiple Cameras (If Needed)

If you have more than one Arlo camera, repeat Steps 2–6 for each one. I recommend doing them all at once—especially if they’re on the same network.

Why? Because if one camera is on PST and another on EST, your timeline gets messy. I once had a “break-in” alert on my backyard cam (set to PST) while my front door cam (set to MST) showed no activity—turns out, I was just checking the wrong camera at the wrong time!

Pro tip: Label your cameras clearly in the app (e.g., “Front Door – PST”) to avoid confusion later.

Step 8: Use the Web Portal (Alternative Method)

Some folks prefer the web. If you’re one of them, here’s how to do how to change time on Arlo camera in 2026 via desktop:

1. Go to my.arlo.com and log in.
2. Click “Devices” in the left sidebar.
3. Select your camera.
4. Click the gear icon (Settings).
5. Go to “General” > “Time & Location”.
6. Follow the same steps: pick time zone, enable auto-sync.

The web version is great if you’re managing a large system or prefer a bigger screen. But I find the app faster for quick adjustments.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of troubleshooting my own Arlo setup (and helping friends), here are the real-world insights that don’t show up in the manual:

✅ Pro Tip 1: Sync Your Phone First

Your Arlo pulls time from your phone when you’re using the app. So, if your phone is off by 10 minutes, your Arlo will be too. Go to your phone’s settings and make sure “Set Automatically” is ON under Date & Time.

Real story: My dad’s Arlo was always 7 minutes slow. We spent an hour troubleshooting—until we realized his phone was set to manual time. One tap, and it was fixed.

✅ Pro Tip 2: Handle Daylight Saving Like a Pro

Arlo automatically adjusts for daylight saving if you have “Set Time Automatically” enabled and the correct time zone selected. But if you’re in Arizona or Hawaii (where DST isn’t observed), make sure your time zone reflects that.

For example: If you’re in Phoenix, choose “Mountain Standard Time (MST)”—not “Mountain Time” (which assumes DST). This prevents a 1-hour jump in March and November.

❌ Common Mistake 1: Forgetting to Save

You select a new time zone… but forget to tap “Save.” I’ve done this more times than I’d like to admit. The app doesn’t warn you. Always look for a confirmation message or check if the time zone name has updated in the menu.

❌ Common Mistake 2: Ignoring Time Drift

Even with auto-sync, some older Arlo models (like the original Arlo) can drift by a few seconds per day. If you’re recording legal evidence, consider syncing monthly. For most users, it’s not a big deal—but it’s worth checking once in a while.

❌ Common Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Base Station Time

If you have a base station or SmartHub, it acts as the timekeeper for all connected cameras. If the base station’s time is wrong, all cameras will be off. So, if you’re seeing a widespread time issue, check the base station settings first.

How to check: In the app, go to Devices > [Your Base Station] > Settings > System > Time & Location. Same steps as above.

✅ Pro Tip 3: Test After Major Updates

Arlo pushes app and firmware updates regularly. Sometimes, these can reset time settings or change sync behavior. After any update, I always verify my camera times—especially if I’m relying on them for home security.

FAQs About How to Change Time on Arlo Camera in 2026: A Quick Guide

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often from friends, neighbors, and even my mom (yes, she has Arlo now).

Q: Why is my Arlo camera showing the wrong time?

Most likely, one of three things happened: (1) The time zone is set incorrectly, (2) “Set Time Automatically” is turned off, or (3) your phone’s time is wrong. Start with the time zone—it’s the usual culprit.

Q: Can I set the time manually on Arlo?

Nope. Arlo doesn’t allow manual time entry. It’s all based on time zone and automatic sync. This design prevents user error but can be frustrating if you’re used to setting clocks by hand.

But honestly, automatic sync is more accurate long-term. I’ve never had a drift issue since I started using it.

Q: Will changing the time affect my saved videos?

No. The new time setting only affects future recordings. Your old videos keep their original timestamps. This is actually a good thing—it preserves the integrity of past evidence.

Q: My Arlo is in another country. How do I set the time?

Use the time zone search in the app. Type the city or country (e.g., “Berlin,” “Dubai”). Arlo supports all major global time zones. Just make sure your account region matches your billing address to avoid sync issues.

Q: The time changed, but the timestamp is still wrong. What now?

Try this: (1) Restart your camera (unplug for 30 seconds), (2) Force-close and reopen the Arlo app, (3) Wait 5 minutes. If it’s still off, check your base station (if you have one) and ensure it’s online.

Still stuck? Contact Arlo Support. They can force a time sync from their end.

Q: Does Arlo adjust for daylight saving time?

Yes—but only if you’ve enabled “Set Time Automatically” and selected a time zone that observes DST. If you’re in a non-DST region (like Arizona), choose the correct standard time zone to avoid automatic jumps.

Q: How often should I check my Arlo’s time?

I recommend a quick check every 3–6 months. Or anytime you notice a time discrepancy. It takes 2 minutes and could save you big in an emergency.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to change time on Arlo camera in 2026 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust. When your security footage shows the right time, you can act fast, share confidently, and sleep better at night.

The process is simple: pick your time zone, turn on auto-sync, and verify. No magic, no guesswork. And once you’ve done it once, you’ll breeze through it every time.

Here’s my final piece of advice: do this today. Don’t wait until the next power outage or time change. Open your Arlo app, check your time settings, and make sure everything’s aligned. It’s one of those small tasks that makes a huge difference.

And if you run into a snag? Don’t panic. Arlo’s system is designed to be user-friendly. Just follow the steps, double-check your phone’s time, and remember: accurate timestamps are worth the 5 minutes it takes to fix them.

Now go enjoy peace of mind—with your Arlo camera keeping time as well as it keeps watch.

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