Changing the time on your Arlo camera system in 2026 is quick and easy—simply use the Arlo app to sync with your local time zone automatically. For manual adjustments, go to Device Settings > Time Zone and select your preferred region or enable automatic daylight saving updates. Stay accurate and avoid scheduling errors with just a few taps.

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How to Change Time on Your Arlo Camera System in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access settings via Arlo app: Navigate to Device Settings to adjust time.
• Sync with mobile device: Enable auto-time for accurate, hassle-free updates.
• Update firmware first: Ensure latest version for smooth time adjustments.
• Check time zones: Manually select correct zone if auto-sync fails.
• Restart after changes: Reboot camera to apply new time settings.
• Verify in recordings: Confirm time accuracy in saved video timestamps.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine checking your Arlo camera footage and noticing the timestamp says 3:00 PM… but it’s actually 6:00 PM. That three-hour gap isn’t just annoying—it can throw off your security logs, confuse your family, or even mess with automation routines.

Whether you’ve just moved across time zones, daylight saving time just flipped, or your system got stuck in the wrong time, knowing how to change time on your Arlo camera system in 2026 is more important than you think. I learned this the hard way after missing a package delivery because the camera said it arrived at 10:15 AM when it was actually 1:15 PM.

The good news? It’s easier than it sounds. And no, you don’t need to be a tech wizard. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro 5, Arlo Ultra 2, or the older Arlo Q, the process is surprisingly consistent. Let’s walk through it step by step—just like I did when I finally fixed mine.

By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to adjust the time, but you’ll also understand why it matters, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to keep your system accurate all year round.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. The good news? You probably already have it.

• Your smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android, as long as it’s updated to the latest OS version.
• The Arlo app – Make sure it’s updated to the 2026 version (check your app store).
• Your Arlo account login – Email and password. If you’re using two-factor authentication (and you should be!), have your authenticator app ready.
• Wi-Fi connection – Stable and strong. A weak signal can cause time sync issues.
• Your Arlo base station (if using one) – For systems like Arlo Pro 4/5, Ultra, or Essential, the base station handles time syncing. Make sure it’s powered on and connected.

Optional but helpful:

• A second device (like a laptop) to check your current local time or time zone.
• A note with your current time zone abbreviation (e.g., PDT, CST, GMT+1).

Pro tip: If you’re traveling or just moved, double-check your device’s time zone settings. Your phone might be in automatic mode, but your Arlo app might not sync perfectly. I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting only to realize my phone was still set to “London time” after a trip!

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

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The process is mostly the same across Arlo models, but there are a few nuances—especially if you’re using a base station versus a standalone Wi-Fi camera.

Here’s how to change time on your Arlo camera system in 2026, no matter your setup.

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Start by opening the Arlo app on your phone. If you haven’t updated it in a while, now’s a good time. The 2026 version has a cleaner interface and better time syncing tools.

• Tap “Log In” and enter your credentials.
• If you use two-factor authentication (2FA), approve the login from your authenticator app or text message.
• Once in, you’ll see your dashboard with all your cameras.

This is your control center. The time settings are managed here—not on the camera itself.

Why this matters: Arlo cameras don’t have physical time dials or screens. Everything runs through the app. So even if your camera looks “offline,” as long as it’s connected to Wi-Fi and the app, you can adjust the time.

Step 2: Navigate to the Settings Menu

From the home screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it. This opens the main settings menu.

• You’ll see options like “Account,” “Cameras,” “Base Stations,” and “System.”
• For most users, tap “System” — this is where the time settings live.

If you have a base station (like Arlo Pro 5 or Ultra), you’ll also see a “Base Stations” option. We’ll cover that in a moment.

For Wi-Fi-only models (Arlo Essential, Arlo Q, etc.), the “System” tab is your go-to.

Step 3: Find the Time & Date Settings

Inside the “System” menu, scroll down until you see “Time & Date”.

• Tap it. You’ll see your current system time, time zone, and whether it’s set to automatic or manual.
• The app will show the time in both 12-hour and 24-hour format (great if you’re used to military time).

Here’s what you’ll see:

• Automatic Time (on/off toggle)
• Time Zone (dropdown menu)
• Manual Time (only appears if “Automatic” is off)

This is the heart of how to change time on your Arlo camera system in 2026.

Step 4: Decide: Automatic vs. Manual Time

Arlo gives you two options. Let’s break them down.

Option A: Use Automatic Time (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most reliable method. When enabled, Arlo pulls the correct time from your phone’s network (via NTP servers) and syncs it across all cameras and base stations.

• Toggle “Automatic Time” to ON.
• The app will show a message: “Time is synced with your device.”
• It may take 30–60 seconds to update.

I recommend this for 99% of users. It handles daylight saving, leap years, and time zone changes automatically.

Option B: Set Manual Time (For Special Cases)

Only use this if:

• You’re in a region without reliable internet.
• You’re using a camera in a different time zone (e.g., monitoring a vacation home).
• Your phone’s time is wrong and you need a temporary fix.

To set manually:

• Toggle “Automatic Time” to OFF.
• Tap “Manual Time” and enter the correct hour, minute, and AM/PM.
• Then tap “Time Zone” and select your current zone from the dropdown (e.g., “America/Los_Angeles”).

Warning: Manual time can drift. Arlo doesn’t have an internal clock that’s perfectly accurate. Over time, it may lose or gain a few minutes. Use this only as a temporary fix.

Step 5: Select the Correct Time Zone

This is where most people mess up. Picking the wrong time zone won’t break your camera, but it will make all timestamps off by hours.

• Tap “Time Zone” in the Time & Date menu.
• You’ll see a long list. Use the search bar to type your city or region (e.g., “Chicago,” “Tokyo,” “London”).
• Select the exact match. Avoid generic ones like “GMT-5” — they don’t account for daylight saving.

Example: If you’re in New York, pick “America/New_York”, not “GMT-5.” The former adjusts for DST; the latter doesn’t.

Arlo uses IANA time zone database (same as most operating systems), so it’s very accurate.

Step 6: Sync with Your Base Station (If Applicable)

If you have a base station (Arlo Pro, Ultra, or Essential with hub), it acts as the “brain” for time syncing.

• Go back to the main settings menu.
• Tap “Base Stations” and select your hub.
• Look for “Time & Date” or “System Time”.
• Ensure it’s set to “Automatic” and matches your phone’s time zone.

Why this matters: If your base station is in “CST” but your phone is in “PDT,” your cameras will show the wrong time—even if the app says it’s correct.

I once had a base station stuck in “EDT” after a software update. My cameras were three hours ahead. Took me a week to figure out!

Pro tip: After changing the base station time, restart it. Unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in. This forces a full sync.

Step 7: Check All Your Cameras

Now that the system time is set, verify each camera:

• Go to your dashboard.
• Tap a camera to view live feed.
• Look at the timestamp in the bottom-right corner.
• Compare it to your phone’s time.

If it’s off by more than a minute, try these fixes:

• Restart the camera (tap the three dots → “Restart”).
• Check Wi-Fi signal strength. A weak connection can delay time updates.
• Ensure the camera firmware is updated (Settings → Cameras → [Your Camera] → Firmware).

Most cameras update within 2–5 minutes after a time change.

Step 8: Test with a Recording

The real test? See if the time appears correctly in a recorded clip.

• Wave at your camera to trigger motion.
• Wait for the notification.
• Open the clip in the app.
• Check the timestamp on the video.

If it’s correct—congrats! You’ve mastered how to change time on your Arlo camera system in 2026.

If it’s still wrong, go back to Step 6 and double-check the base station. That’s usually the culprit.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve helped dozens of friends and neighbors fix their Arlo time issues. Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned—so you don’t have to.

1. Don’t Ignore Daylight Saving Time

Arlo usually handles DST automatically… but not always. After the spring or fall change, check your system.

I had a friend whose Arlo stayed in “PDT” after DST ended, so all footage was labeled an hour ahead. She missed a suspicious activity because she thought it happened at 8 PM when it was really 7 PM.

Solution: After DST changes, open the app, go to “Time & Date,” and force a refresh by toggling “Automatic Time” off and on.

2. Your Phone’s Time Matters More Than You Think

Arlo syncs with your phone’s clock. If your phone is wrong, your Arlo will be too.

• On iPhone: Settings → General → Date & Time → Enable “Set Automatically.”
• On Android: Settings → System → Date & Time → Enable “Automatic date & time.”

I once fixed a client’s Arlo by simply updating her Android phone. The camera was fine—her phone was stuck in 2024!

3. Avoid Manual Time Unless Necessary

Manual time feels precise, but it’s fragile. If your phone dies, the camera might keep running with an outdated manual setting.

One user in Alaska set manual time because he thought his region was “too remote” for NTP. Six months later, his camera was 17 minutes off. He didn’t realize until he reviewed footage of a bear in his backyard—and the timestamp was wrong.

Rule of thumb: Use automatic. Only go manual if you have a very specific reason.

4. Time Zone Names Are Tricky

Don’t guess. Use the full IANA name (e.g., “America/Chicago,” not “Central Time”).

I once picked “GMT-6” for a camera in Texas. It worked… until DST started. Then it was off by an hour. The correct choice: “America/Chicago.”

Use a site like timeanddate.com to find your exact IANA zone.

5. Update Firmware Regularly

Arlo pushes updates that improve time syncing. An outdated camera might not sync properly.

Check: Settings → Cameras → [Your Camera] → Firmware. If it says “Update Available,” do it.

I had a Pro 4 that wouldn’t sync time until I updated it. Took five minutes—and saved me hours of confusion.

FAQs About How to Change Time on Your Arlo Camera System in 2026

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often.

Q: Why is my Arlo camera showing the wrong time even after I changed it?

Most likely, your base station (if you have one) is out of sync. The camera gets its time from the hub, not directly from the app. Go to “Base Stations” in settings, check its time zone, and restart it. Also, ensure your phone’s time is correct—Arlo relies on it.

Q: Can I set different time zones for different cameras?

No, not directly. All cameras on one account sync to the same system time. But you can create separate Arlo accounts for different locations (e.g., home and vacation house), each with its own time zone. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it works.

Q: What if I don’t have a base station?

No problem. Wi-Fi-only models (Arlo Essential, Q, etc.) sync directly with your phone’s time via the app. Just set “Automatic Time” to ON in the “System” settings. The camera updates within minutes.

Q: Does changing the time delete my recordings?

No. Timestamps are stored in the cloud or on your microSD card (if using local storage). Changing the time only affects new recordings. Old clips keep their original timestamps. But if the time was wrong when recorded, the label will be wrong too—so fix it ASAP.

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

Set the time zone to the country’s local zone (e.g., “Asia/Tokyo”). But if you want to view footage in your home time zone, use the “Manual Time” option to set it to your current zone. Just remember: the camera will still record in its local time unless you change the system setting.

Example: Camera in London (GMT), you’re in New York (EST). Set system time to “Europe/London” for accuracy. Or set manual time to “America/New_York” if you want all footage labeled in your time.

Q: Can I change the time format (12-hour vs 24-hour)?

Yes! In the “Time & Date” menu, tap “Time Format.” Choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour (military time). I prefer 24-hour—less confusion, especially when reviewing clips late at night.

Q: What if the app says “Time Sync Failed”?

This is rare, but it happens. Try these:

• Restart your phone and the Arlo app.
• Check your internet connection.
• Ensure your camera is online (green dot in app).
• If using a base station, restart it.
• As a last resort, remove and re-add the camera to your account.

I’ve only seen this twice—both times due to a temporary NTP server outage. It fixed itself within an hour.

Final Thoughts

Changing the time on your Arlo camera system in 2026 isn’t rocket science—but it is important. Accurate timestamps mean you can trust your footage, set up reliable automations, and avoid those “Wait, did that really happen at 2 AM?” moments.

The key takeaways?

• Use automatic time whenever possible.
• Double-check your time zone—use the full IANA name.
• If you have a base station, sync it first.
• Always test with a recording to confirm.

And remember: your phone is the master clock. Keep it updated and set to automatic.

Now, go open your Arlo app. Spend five minutes checking your time settings. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference. Trust me—I’ve been there, staring at a 3:00 PM timestamp at sunset, wondering what went wrong. You don’t have to.

With this guide, you’ve got everything you need to master how to change time on your Arlo camera system in 2026. Do it once, and you’ll save yourself headaches all year long.

Happy monitoring!

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