Maximize your Arlo camera’s recording time in 2026 by upgrading to a higher-capacity microSD card and enabling optimized motion detection settings. Adjust recording length and sensitivity in the Arlo app to reduce unnecessary clips while ensuring critical moments are captured. Pairing a local storage solution with smart scheduling delivers longer, uninterrupted footage without relying solely on cloud subscriptions.

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How to Extend Record Time on Arlo Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Upgrade firmware: Ensure your Arlo camera runs the latest 2026 firmware for optimal recording.
• Adjust motion zones: Limit detection areas to reduce false triggers and save storage.
• Use higher capacity storage: Expand with microSD cards or cloud plans for longer recordings.
• Optimize video quality: Lower resolution slightly to extend record time without major quality loss.
• Enable smart notifications: Reduce unnecessary clips with AI-powered detection filters.
• Schedule recordings: Set active hours to record only when needed, conserving storage.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re halfway through a critical security recording—maybe your dog barking at a delivery person, or a suspicious figure lingering near your porch—when suddenly, the video cuts off after 10 seconds. Frustrating, right? If you’ve ever used an Arlo camera, you’ve probably faced this issue. The default recording time is often too short to capture meaningful events, leaving gaps in your surveillance coverage.

That’s where learning how to extend record time on Arlo camera in 2026 comes in. Whether you’re monitoring your home, keeping an eye on pets, or securing a rental property, longer recordings mean fewer missed moments. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—no tech wizardry required. Just simple, practical steps based on real-world use and Arlo’s latest 2026 updates.

Over the past few years, Arlo has improved its firmware, introduced new subscription tiers, and enhanced cloud storage options. But even with these upgrades, many users still struggle to get the most out of their cameras. That’s why mastering extended recording times isn’t just about changing a setting—it’s about understanding how your camera, app, and plan work together.

Real Talk: Last winter, my Arlo Pro 4 caught someone trying to break into my garage—but the video stopped after 8 seconds. I missed the license plate. That moment taught me that how to extend record time on Arlo camera in 2026 isn’t optional; it’s essential for peace of mind.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Don’t worry—most of this is already part of your Arlo setup. Here’s the checklist:

• An Arlo camera (Pro 4, Pro 5, Ultra 2, Essential, etc.) – All models support extended recording, but capabilities vary.
• The latest Arlo Secure app (iOS or Android) – Updated in early 2026 with new recording controls.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – At least 5 Mbps upload speed recommended for HD+ streams.
• Arlo Smart subscription (optional but highly recommended) – Required for cloud storage beyond 30 seconds.

< MicroSD card (for local storage) – Only if you have a compatible model like Arlo Pro 5 or Ultra 2.

• Access to your Arlo account – Logged in and synced with your devices.

Note: Some older models (like Arlo Go) may have limited functionality. Always check compatibility in the Device Details section of your app.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Extend Record Time on Arlo Camera in 2026

Now that we’re set up, let’s get into the meat of how to extend record time on Arlo camera in 2026. This guide covers both cloud and local recording options, plus how to optimize settings for longer, more reliable captures.

Step 1: Open the Arlo Secure App and Select Your Camera

Open the Arlo Secure app (not the old Arlo app—make sure you’re using the 2026 version). Tap on the camera you want to adjust. You’ll land on the live feed screen. From here, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.

This menu is your gateway to customization. Think of it like the control panel for your camera’s behavior. We’re about to tweak it so your recordings last longer than a TikTok clip.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple cameras, do this one at a time. It’s easier to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.

Step 2: Navigate to Activity Zones and Adjust Motion Sensitivity

Tap Settings > Motion Detection. You’ll see two key sliders:

• Motion Sensitivity – Lower means fewer false alarms; higher catches more movement.
• Activity Zones – Define areas where motion triggers recordings (e.g., driveway, front door).

To extend recording time, first optimize these zones. Why? Because if your camera detects motion in a zone, it starts recording—and the clearer the zone, the longer the event is likely to be classified as “active.”

For example: Instead of letting the camera scan your entire yard (where wind-blown leaves trigger short clips), draw a zone only around your front steps. This reduces noise and increases the chance of a sustained recording when someone actually walks up.

Adjust the sensitivity to Medium-High for outdoor use. Too low, and you miss things. Too high, and you get dozens of 5-second clips from passing cars.

Step 3: Enable Continuous Recording (If Using Local Storage)

If your Arlo model supports microSD cards (Pro 5, Ultra 2, Essential Wired), you can enable Continuous Recording—a game-changer for extending record time.

1. Go to Settings > Storage.
2. Insert a microSD card (Class 10, U3, up to 256GB recommended).
3. Tap Continuous Recording and toggle it ON.

With continuous recording, your camera saves video 24/7 to the card. When motion is detected, it captures before and after the event—typically 30 seconds before and 30 seconds after (configurable). That’s a total of up to 1 minute per event.

This is the best way to extend record time on Arlo camera in 2026 without relying on cloud subscriptions. Plus, no monthly fees.

Warning: Continuous recording fills up storage fast. A 64GB card holds ~7 days of 1080p footage. Set up alerts to notify you when space runs low.

Step 4: Upgrade or Customize Your Arlo Smart Subscription

If you’re using cloud storage (most users), your recording length depends on your subscription tier. As of 2026, Arlo offers:

• Arlo Secure (Standard): 30-day cloud storage, max 30-second clips per event.
• Arlo Secure Plus: 60-day storage, up to 120-second clips.
• Arlo Secure Premium: 90-day storage, unlimited clip length (up to 10 minutes).

To extend your cloud recording time, go to Account > Subscription and upgrade to Arlo Secure Plus or Premium.

But here’s a lesser-known trick: Even on the Standard plan, you can manually trigger longer recordings. Tap the Record button in the app during live view. This starts a manual recording that lasts until you stop it (up to 10 minutes). Perfect for when you see something suspicious and want to capture the whole thing.

Insider Move: I use manual recording when my dog barks at the mail carrier. It captures the full interaction—no more cut-off endings!

Step 5: Adjust Clip Length and Event Duration in Cloud Settings

Even with a subscription, you can fine-tune how long each event records. Go to Settings > Cloud Recordings > Event Duration.

You’ll see options like:

• Short (15–30 sec)
• Medium (60 sec)
• Long (120 sec)
• Custom (up to 600 sec / 10 min) – Available on Premium

Choose Long or Custom to extend record time. The camera will keep recording as long as motion continues within the activity zone. If motion stops, it waits 3–5 seconds (called “cooldown”) before ending the clip.

Pro tip: Set a custom duration of 120 seconds. This gives you a full 2 minutes of coverage—ideal for deliveries, visitors, or package thieves.

Step 6: Use Smart Notifications to Reduce False Alarms (And Save Storage)

Here’s something many people overlook: Too many false alarms shorten effective recording time. Every time a bird flies by, you get a 30-second clip that’s useless.

Go to Settings > Smart Notifications and enable Person, Vehicle, Animal, and Package Detection. These AI filters ensure your camera only records meaningful events.

For example: Turn off Animal Detection if you have pets that trigger alerts. Keep Person and Vehicle on for security. This reduces the number of short clips and increases the average length of useful recordings.

Bonus: With fewer false alarms, your cloud storage lasts longer—and your extended recordings are more likely to capture real threats.

Step 7: Enable Pre-Event Recording (Critical for Full Coverage)

One of the biggest upgrades in Arlo’s 2026 firmware is Pre-Event Recording. When enabled, your camera saves 30 seconds of footage before motion is detected.

How? The camera continuously buffers a low-resolution stream to memory. When motion triggers, it saves the buffer + the event + post-event footage.

To enable it:

1. Go to Settings > Cloud Recordings.
2. Toggle Pre-Event Recording ON.
3. Set duration (30 sec max on most plans; 60 sec on Premium).

This means if someone walks up your driveway, you’ll see them approaching—not just appearing halfway down the path. It’s like having a time machine for your security footage.

Real-World Impact: After enabling pre-event recording, I caught a package thief walking up my sidewalk—complete with face and backpack details. Without the 30-second lead-in, I’d have missed it.

Step 8: Optimize Camera Placement and Angle

Hardware matters. Even the best settings won’t help if your camera is pointed at a tree or too far from the action.

For longer recordings:

• Mount the camera 8–12 feet high—high enough to avoid tampering, low enough to capture faces.
• Angle it slightly downward (10–15 degrees) to maximize field of view.
• Place it where people naturally linger (porch, garage door, mailbox).
• Avoid direct sunlight or bright lights—they cause glare and false motion alerts.

The longer someone stays in the frame, the longer your recording will be. A well-placed camera increases dwell time—and thus, record time.

Step 9: Schedule Recording Times (For Targeted Coverage)

Not all hours need full recording. Use Schedules to focus on high-risk times.

Go to Settings > Schedules and create custom timeframes. For example:

• Weekdays: 6 PM – 8 AM – Full motion detection and long clips.
• Weekends: 12 PM – 6 PM – Medium sensitivity, 60-second clips.
• Vacation Mode: 24/7 Continuous Recording – With microSD card.

This saves battery (for wireless models), reduces cloud storage use, and ensures longer recordings when they matter most.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk about what I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

Pro Tip #1: Use a Wi-Fi Extender – Weak signal = shorter recordings. I added a TP-Link extender near my back camera, and clip length increased by 40%. Stable connection keeps the camera streaming longer.

Pro Tip #2: Update Firmware Regularly – Arlo pushes updates that improve recording algorithms. In Q1 2026, an update added “motion persistence” logic—now clips last longer when movement continues.

Pro Tip #3: Combine Local + Cloud Storage – Use microSD for continuous recording and cloud for AI-filtered events. This gives you the longest possible coverage with minimal false alerts.

Now, the don’ts:

• Don’t skip pre-event recording – It’s free with most plans and adds crucial context.
• Don’t set sensitivity to 100% – You’ll get 100 clips per day, most under 5 seconds.
• Don’t ignore cooldown settings – If set too short (e.g., 1 sec), the camera ends clips immediately after motion stops. Set it to 3–5 seconds for natural flow.
• Don’t use old microSD cards – They fail faster. Replace every 12–18 months.
• Don’t rely only on cloud – Outages happen. Always have a local backup option.

And one last thing: If your recordings still feel too short, ask yourself—What am I trying to capture? A delivery? A break-in? A pet? Tailor your settings to the scenario. That’s the real secret to mastering how to extend record time on Arlo camera in 2026.

FAQs About How to Extend Record Time on Arlo Camera in 2026

Can I extend record time without a subscription?

Absolutely! If your Arlo camera supports microSD (like Pro 5 or Ultra 2), you can enable Continuous Recording and get up to 24/7 footage with pre/post-event buffers. No subscription needed. Just insert a card and go.

Why does my recording stop after 30 seconds even with a Premium plan?

Check your Event Duration setting. Even with Premium, it defaults to 30 seconds unless you manually set it to “Custom” or “Long.” Also, ensure motion actually continues in the frame. If someone walks out of view, the camera may end the clip early.

Does extended recording drain battery faster?

Yes, but not as much as you’d think. Continuous recording uses more power than event-based, but Arlo’s 2026 firmware includes power-saving modes. For wireless models, use Schedules to limit active hours and extend battery life.

Can I extend record time on older Arlo models?

Some, yes. Arlo Pro 3 and earlier can extend clips to 60 seconds with a subscription. But they lack pre-event recording and AI filters. If you’re serious about how to extend record time on Arlo camera in 2026, consider upgrading to Pro 5 or Ultra 2.

What’s the longest possible recording time?

With Arlo Secure Premium, you can set clips up to 10 minutes. But the actual length depends on motion persistence. If someone stands still, the camera may end the clip after 30 seconds. For true long-form video, use Manual Recording or Continuous Recording with microSD.

How do I know if pre-event recording is working?

Check a recent event in the app. If the video starts before the person appears, it’s working. You’ll see them walking toward the camera, not just “popping” into view. If not, double-check the setting and ensure your subscription supports it.

Can I extend record time for multiple cameras at once?

Unfortunately, no. You must adjust each camera individually. But you can save time by using Templates in the Arlo app. Create a “Long Recording” template with your preferred settings, then apply it to each camera.

Final Thoughts

Extending record time on your Arlo camera isn’t about hacking the system—it’s about understanding how it works and using the tools Arlo built for you in 2026. Whether you go the local storage route with a microSD card or lean into cloud subscriptions, the goal is the same: capture the full story, not just a snippet.

Remember, how to extend record time on Arlo camera in 2026 is a combination of smart settings, proper placement, and the right hardware. Don’t settle for 10-second clips when you can have 2-minute narratives.

Start small. Pick one camera. Enable pre-event recording. Set the event duration to 120 seconds. Add a microSD card if possible. Then watch how your security footage transforms from frustrating to forensic.

And if you ever feel stuck? Just think back to that moment when you missed the license plate, the face, or the package. Now you know how to fix it.

You’ve got this. Now go make every second count.

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