Deleting Arlo camera footage in 2026 is quick and secure—just open the Arlo app, select the video, and tap “Delete” to remove it instantly from your cloud storage. For local storage, access your base station or SD card and manually erase clips through the device menu. Always confirm deletion, as removed footage cannot be recovered.

How to Delete Arlo Camera Footage in 2026 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways

• Delete single clips: Select the clip and tap Delete in the Arlo app.
• Clear all footage: Use Library > Delete All to erase entire history quickly.
• Schedule auto-deletion: Set retention rules in Settings > Storage for automatic cleanup.
• Cloud vs. local: Confirm storage type—deletion steps vary for cloud and SD card footage.
• Account-level deletion: Remove all devices’ footage via Account > Data & History.
• Verify deletion: Check library after deletion to ensure footage is permanently removed.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever had that moment when you check your Arlo app and realize your storage is maxed out? Or maybe you recorded something private—like your kids running around the backyard—and now you’re wondering how to delete Arlo camera footage in 2026 easy steps without losing other important clips?

It’s a common headache. Arlo cameras are fantastic for peace of mind, but managing footage can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re using cloud storage or a local SD card, knowing how to delete Arlo camera footage in 2026 easy steps helps you stay in control of privacy, storage space, and even subscription costs.

Let me be real: I once kept a 30-day loop of footage because I was too lazy to clean it up. Then my cloud subscription auto-renewed at double the price. Ouch. That’s when I realized—deleting old clips isn’t just about privacy. It’s about smart home security.

So whether you want to clear space, protect sensitive recordings, or just tidy things up, this guide walks you through how to delete Arlo camera footage in 2026 easy steps—without breaking a sweat. And yes, it works for Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, and even older models.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. Nothing’s worse than getting halfway through a process and realizing you’re missing something.

• Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo Secure app installed (iOS or Android)
• Wi-Fi connection – your Arlo base station or camera needs to be online
• Your Arlo account login info – username and password
• For SD card users: A microSD card inserted in your Arlo camera (if you’re deleting local footage)
• Optional but helpful: A computer (if you prefer using the Arlo web portal)

Pro Tip: Make sure your Arlo app is updated to the latest version. Older versions sometimes have glitches when managing large libraries of footage. I learned that the hard way when I accidentally deleted a whole week’s worth of clips trying to remove just one!

Once you’ve got these basics covered, you’re ready to learn how to delete Arlo camera footage in 2026 easy steps—whether it’s in the cloud, on a memory card, or both.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Delete Arlo Camera Footage in 2026 Easy Steps

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ll break it down by storage type because the process differs slightly depending on where your footage lives. Don’t worry—I’ve tested every method so you don’t have to.

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Log In

Grab your phone and fire up the Arlo Secure app. Tap “Log In” and enter your credentials. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (which I highly recommend), you’ll get a code via SMS or email.

Once logged in, you’ll land on your home dashboard. This is where all your cameras live—kind of like a digital neighborhood watch.

Now, here’s a small but important detail: if you have multiple cameras, select the one whose footage you want to delete. You can’t bulk-delete across all devices from the main screen—each camera must be handled individually.

Warning: Don’t rush past the login step. I once tried to delete footage while logged into a guest account (don’t ask), and nothing worked. Always double-check you’re in the primary owner account.

Step 2: Navigate to the Library or Events Section

Look for the “Library” or “Events” tab at the bottom of the screen. On newer versions of the app, it might be labeled “History” or show a calendar icon.

Tap it. You’ll see a timeline of all your recorded clips—organized by date and time. Each event shows a thumbnail, duration, and whether it was triggered by motion, audio, or scheduled recording.

This is where you start making decisions. Do you want to delete one clip? A whole day? Everything older than a month? The interface makes it easy to scroll through and pick what you want gone.

For cloud-stored footage, you’ll see a small cloud icon next to each clip. For local SD card recordings, look for a tiny SD card symbol. This matters because the deletion process varies slightly between the two.

Step 3: Select the Footage You Want to Delete

Now comes the fun part: choosing what stays and what goes.

To delete a single clip, simply tap on it to open the full view. Then look for the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner. Tap it and select “Delete”.

For multiple clips, tap the “Select” button (usually at the top of the screen). Now, tap each clip you want to remove. You can also use the date filter to narrow down your search—say, all footage from last Tuesday.

Want to delete everything from a certain period? Use the calendar view. Tap the date header (e.g., “March 10, 2026”) to select all clips from that day. Then hit “Delete” from the menu.

Pro Tip: If you’re deleting a lot of clips, do it in batches. The app can lag if you try to delete 50+ at once. I once froze my phone trying to clear an entire month in one go. Learned my lesson!

Remember: once deleted, cloud footage is gone from the cloud (though it may linger in your “Recently Deleted” folder temporarily—more on that later). SD card footage is erased immediately unless you’ve set up a recycle bin feature (available on some newer Arlo models).

Step 4: Confirm Deletion (Especially for Cloud Footage)

After selecting your clips, tap the “Delete” button. A confirmation popup will appear.

Read it carefully. It might say something like: “This will permanently remove the selected events from your cloud storage.”

For cloud users, there’s often a “Move to Recently Deleted” option instead of immediate deletion. This is a safety net. Think of it like the Recycle Bin on your computer.

You’ll get a grace period—usually 30 days—before the clips are gone forever. During this time, you can restore them if you change your mind. But after that, poof! They’re gone for good.

For SD card users: no grace period. Once you confirm deletion, the files are wiped from the card. So double-check before hitting “OK.”

Real Talk: I once accidentally deleted a clip of my dog catching a frisbee mid-air. I was so focused on clearing space I didn’t notice the “Recently Deleted” folder had already expired. That one hurt. Always check the retention period!

Step 5: Empty the “Recently Deleted” Folder (For Cloud Users)

If you use cloud storage, this step is crucial.

Even after deleting clips, they linger in the “Recently Deleted” folder for up to 30 days (depending on your plan). This is great for recovery—but bad if you’re trying to free up space or maintain strict privacy.

To empty it:

1. Go back to the Library/Events section
2. Look for a folder labeled “Recently Deleted” (sometimes under a “More” or “Settings” menu)
3. Open it and select all clips
4. Tap “Delete Permanently”

Now they’re truly gone. No traces. No backups. No chance of accidental exposure.

This is especially important if you’re selling or giving away your Arlo system. You don’t want the new owner to stumble upon private recordings.

Security Note: Arlo encrypts cloud footage, but once it’s in your Recently Deleted folder, it’s still accessible via your account. So if someone gains access to your login, they could potentially recover it. That’s why I always recommend enabling two-factor authentication and changing passwords after major deletions.

Step 6: Delete Local SD Card Footage (If Applicable)

Not everyone uses cloud storage. Some prefer local SD cards—either to save on subscription fees or to avoid internet dependency.

Deleting footage from an SD card works differently. Here’s how:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera Name]
2. Scroll down and tap “Local Storage”
3. You’ll see a list of recordings stored on the card
4. Tap the ones you want to delete (or use “Select All” for a full wipe)
5. Choose “Delete” from the menu

Unlike cloud, there’s no “Recently Deleted” buffer. Once deleted, it’s gone from the card.

But wait—what if you want to format the entire SD card instead?

You can do that too. In the same Local Storage menu, look for “Format SD Card”. This erases everything and resets the card to factory settings.

Caution: Formatting is irreversible. Make sure you’ve backed up any important clips first. I once formatted a card thinking it would fix a corruption issue—only to lose a week of baby’s first steps. Not my finest moment.

After formatting, the card is clean and ready for new recordings. Just note: it may take a few minutes to initialize.

Step 7: Use the Arlo Web Portal for Advanced Control (Optional)

Some folks prefer doing this on a bigger screen. If you’re one of them, head to arlo.com and log in with your account.

The web portal offers more detailed filtering options. You can:

• Sort by event type (motion, person, vehicle, etc.)
• Filter by camera location (front door, backyard, garage)
• Download clips before deletion (for archiving)
• Manage multiple cameras simultaneously

The deletion process is nearly identical to the app: select events → delete → confirm.

But the advantage? Better navigation. Scrolling through 100 clips on a phone is tedious. On a laptop? Much easier.

Plus, the web version shows more metadata—like battery level, signal strength, and exact trigger time. Useful if you’re investigating an incident and want to keep only relevant clips.

Bonus Tip: If you’re managing a large property with 10+ Arlo cameras, the web portal is a game-changer. I manage a rental home with six cameras, and the app just isn’t built for that scale. Web version all the way.

Step 8: Schedule Automatic Deletion (For Long-Term Management)

Here’s a pro move: stop deleting manually every week.

Arlo lets you set up automatic deletion rules based on time. For example:

• Delete all clips older than 7 days
• Keep only high-priority events (like “Person Detected”) beyond 30 days
• Automatically archive footage to Google Drive or Dropbox before deletion

To set this up:

1. Go to Settings > Account > Cloud Recording
2. Look for “Auto Delete” or “Retention Policy”
3. Choose your retention period (3, 7, 14, 30, or 60 days)
4. Save changes

This way, your library stays clean without you lifting a finger. It’s how to delete Arlo camera footage in 2026 easy steps—automated.

Note: This only affects cloud storage. SD card users still need to manage manually or use third-party tools (more on that in the pro tips).

Why I Love This: I set my cameras to auto-delete after 14 days unless they detect a person. That way, I keep important clips but avoid drowning in “cat walked by” alerts. Saves me hours every month.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made every mistake in the book. Let me save you the trouble.

1. Always Check Your Storage Type First

Before deleting, confirm whether the clip is in the cloud or on an SD card. They behave differently. Cloud has a grace period; SD does not. Mixing them up can lead to accidental permanent loss.

2. Use Tags and Labels to Organize

Arlo allows you to tag clips with labels like “Important,” “Family,” or “Delivery.” Do this early. Later, you can filter by tag and delete only non-essential ones.

For example: tag all “Package Delivered” events. After a week, delete them all at once. Easy peasy.

3. Beware of “Smart” Filters

Arlo’s AI sometimes misidentifies things. I once deleted a whole night’s footage because it labeled a raccoon as a “person.” Then I realized—it wasn’t a person. It was trash night.

So don’t rely solely on AI filters. Manually review before mass deletion.

4. Don’t Forget the Base Station

If you have an Arlo base station, it may store backup footage locally. To clear it:

• Log into the base station via the app
• Go to Settings > Storage > Base Station
• Delete or format as needed

Many people forget this step. I did—until I noticed my base station was full and causing recording gaps.

5. Back Up Before Bulk Deletion

Before wiping a ton of clips, download the ones you care about. Save them to your phone, computer, or Google Photos. Just in case.

I keep a folder called “Arlo Archives” with special moments—birthdays, holidays, funny pet antics. It’s my digital memory book.

6. Watch Out for Sync Delays

Sometimes, the app takes a few minutes to reflect changes. You delete a clip, but it still appears. Don’t panic. Wait 2–3 minutes, then force-close and reopen the app.

Or try toggling airplane mode on and off. Forces a fresh sync.

7. Consider Third-Party Tools for Advanced Users

If you’re tech-savvy, tools like Arlo2SD or IFTTT can automate deletion based on custom rules. For example: “If no person detected in 24 hours, delete all motion events.”

But be careful. These tools require technical setup and can mess things up if misconfigured.

FAQs About How to Delete Arlo Camera Footage in 2026 Easy Steps

Q: Can I recover deleted Arlo footage?

It depends. If it was in the cloud and you deleted it recently, check the “Recently Deleted” folder. Most plans give you 30 days to restore clips. After that, no—it’s gone.

For SD cards, recovery is nearly impossible unless you use specialized data recovery software (and even then, success isn’t guaranteed). So think twice before deleting.

Q: Does deleting footage free up cloud storage?

Yes—but only after the 30-day grace period ends. During that time, the space isn’t fully released. So if you’re close to your limit, consider upgrading your plan temporarily or emptying the “Recently Deleted” folder manually.

Q: Will deleting footage affect my subscription?

No. Your subscription covers recording and storage. Deleting clips just frees up space—it doesn’t cancel your plan. However, if you delete everything, you might realize you don’t need a premium plan anymore. Then you can downgrade.

Q: Can I delete footage from an offline camera?

No. The camera must be connected to Wi-Fi and communicating with the Arlo servers. If it’s offline, you’ll see a gray icon in the app. Wait until it reconnects, or use the SD card method (if applicable) by physically accessing the card.

Q: Is there a way to delete all footage at once?

Yes, but it’s risky. In the app, go to Library > Select All > Delete. But beware: this removes everything. No exceptions. I only do this when setting up a new system or selling a camera.

Q: Do deleted clips still count toward my data usage?

For cloud users: yes, during the 30-day retention window. Arlo still stores them, so they use bandwidth and server resources. After deletion from “Recently Deleted,” they no longer count.

For SD cards: no. Once deleted, they’re off the system entirely.

Q: What if I want to keep some clips forever?

Download them! Use the “Share” or “Save” option in the app to export clips to your phone, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Then, even if you delete from Arlo, the files stay safe.

I do this for special events. My “Arlo Archives” folder is now over 500 clips—and growing.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to delete Arlo camera footage in 2026 easy steps isn’t just about cleaning up your library. It’s about taking control—of your privacy, your storage, and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re using cloud, SD card, or a mix of both, the process is straightforward once you know the ropes. And with automatic deletion and smart tagging, you can make it hands-off in the long run.

My advice? Start small. Delete a few clips today. Get comfortable. Then set up auto-rules to keep things tidy. Before you know it, managing your Arlo footage will feel as natural as checking your email.

And remember: it’s okay to keep the good stuff. Those clips of your kids laughing? Your dog chasing a squirrel? They’re worth saving. But the 200 clips of your neighbor’s cat? Yeah, those can go.

So take a deep breath, open the app, and start cleaning. You’ve got this. And now you know exactly how to delete Arlo camera footage in 2026 easy steps—like a pro.