Enable continuous or motion-activated recording on your Arlo cameras in 2026 by adjusting settings in the Arlo Secure app—start by selecting your camera, tapping “Video Settings,” and choosing your preferred recording mode. For reliable 24/7 recording, connect your camera to an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station and ensure firmware is updated for optimal performance. Customize activity zones and notification alerts to maximize efficiency and reduce false triggers.

How to Make Arlo Cameras Record in 2026 Easy Steps

Key Takeaways

• Enable motion detection: Adjust settings to trigger recordings automatically.
• Set recording schedules: Customize timeframes for consistent monitoring.
• Use local storage: Insert a USB drive for direct, cloud-free recording.
• Check subscription status: Ensure active plan for full recording features.
• Optimize placement: Position cameras to maximize motion-triggered captures.
• Update firmware regularly: Maintain performance and access latest recording options.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest: nothing’s more frustrating than setting up a fancy Arlo camera, only to find it’s not recording when you need it most. Whether you’re checking on your home while on vacation, keeping an eye on your kids playing outside, or trying to catch a pesky raccoon raiding your trash, how to make Arlo cameras record in 2026 easy steps is a question that hits close to home for many.

I’ve been there—watching a live feed, thinking everything’s fine, only to realize days later that no recordings were saved. That’s when I dove deep into the settings, firmware, and features to finally get my Arlo system working like it should.

The good news? Most issues aren’t due to faulty hardware. Instead, they stem from simple misconfigurations, outdated settings, or misunderstanding how Arlo’s recording modes work. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to make Arlo cameras record in 2026 easy steps—no tech degree required.

What You Need

Before we jump into the setup, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Most of this is already in your Arlo box, but it helps to gather it all in one place. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Arlo camera(s) – Any model (Pro, Ultra, Essential, Floodlight, etc.)
• Arlo base station or SmartHub (for wired models; battery-powered cams may connect directly to Wi-Fi)
• Fully charged batteries or power source – Don’t skip this! A low battery can disable recording.
• Smartphone or tablet with the Arlo Secure app installed (iOS or Android)
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – At least 2 Mbps upload speed for smooth streaming and cloud uploads
• Arlo Secure subscription (optional but recommended) – For cloud storage and advanced features
• MicroSD card (for local storage) – Only needed if you want to record without a subscription

Pro tip: If you’re setting up a new camera, charge the battery fully first. I once spent an hour troubleshooting a “not recording” issue, only to discover the battery was at 5%. Lesson learned!

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Make Arlo Cameras Record in 2026 Easy Steps

Step 1: Power Up & Connect Your Camera

Start by turning on your Arlo camera. For battery-powered models, press and hold the power button until the LED flashes blue. For wired models, plug in the power adapter and wait for the status light.

Now, open the Arlo Secure app and tap “Add Device.” Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your camera with your account. You’ll need to scan a QR code on the camera or base station.

Warning: If your camera won’t connect, try moving it closer to your router or base station. Signal strength matters more than you’d think—especially for outdoor models.

Once connected, you’ll see the camera in your device list. This is your first win. But don’t celebrate yet—we still need to set up recording.

Step 2: Check Firmware & Update if Needed

Outdated firmware is a sneaky culprit behind non-recording cameras. Arlo rolls out updates regularly to fix bugs and improve performance.

To check: Go to Devices > Select your camera > Tap the gear icon (settings) > Look for Firmware Version. If it says “Update Available,” tap it and wait for the download.

My Arlo Pro 3 didn’t record for weeks until I updated the firmware. The app didn’t even notify me! So make this a habit—every few months, check for updates.

Firmware updates are crucial if you want to know how to make Arlo cameras record in 2026 easy steps—new features often depend on the latest version.

Step 3: Choose Your Recording Mode

This is where most people get confused. Arlo offers multiple recording modes, and the wrong choice can leave you with zero footage.

Go to Devices > Select your camera > Recording Settings. You’ll see several options:

• Continuous Recording (24/7) – Records all the time. Requires a SmartHub with a microSD card. Great for high-risk areas, but uses more storage.
• Motion-Activated Recording – Records only when motion is detected. Default mode. Uses cloud or local storage.
• Smart Activity Zones – Lets you define areas where motion should trigger recording (e.g., your driveway, not the sidewalk). Reduces false alerts.
• Sound Detection – Triggers recording on loud noises (glass breaking, alarms). Available on newer models.

For most users, Motion-Activated Recording with Smart Activity Zones is the sweet spot. It saves storage and reduces irrelevant clips.

Set it up: Tap Smart Activity Zones, then draw zones on the screen. I excluded my neighbor’s driveway and a tree that swayed in the wind. Result? 80% fewer false alerts.

Step 4: Set Up Storage (Cloud or Local)

Now, decide where you want your videos saved. This is critical for knowing how to make Arlo cameras record in 2026 easy steps.

Option A: Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure Subscription)

• Go to Account > Subscription > Choose a plan (30-day video history, AI detection, etc.)
• Once subscribed, recordings auto-save to the cloud
• Pros: Accessible from anywhere, encrypted, no physical storage to manage
• Cons: Monthly cost, requires internet

Option B: Local Storage (MicroSD Card)

• Insert a microSD card (up to 2TB) into your SmartHub or base station
• Go to Devices > SmartHub > Storage > Format the card
• Set recording preference to “Local” in camera settings
• Pros: No subscription, faster playback, works during internet outages
• Cons: Limited to 30 days of storage, risk of card failure or theft

Pro tip: Use both if you can. I have a 128GB card in my SmartHub and a 30-day cloud plan. That way, if my card fails, I still have cloud backups.

Step 5: Adjust Motion Sensitivity & Alerts

Too sensitive? Your camera records every leaf that moves. Not sensitive enough? It misses real threats.

Go to Devices > Camera > Motion Detection > Adjust the slider. Start at 50%, then test.

To test: Have someone walk past the camera. Check if it records. If not, increase sensitivity. If it records too much, lower it.

Also, enable AI Detection (if available). It distinguishes between people, animals, and vehicles. My Arlo Ultra once ignored a squirrel but caught a delivery person—perfect!

Don’t forget to set up push notifications. Go to Notifications > Toggle on “Motion Alerts.” I missed a break-in attempt because I had notifications off. Never again.

Step 6: Enable 24/7 Recording (Optional)

Want round-the-clock footage? You’ll need a SmartHub and microSD card.

Go to Devices > Camera > Recording Mode > Select Continuous Recording.

Note: This uses a lot of storage. A 128GB card holds about 3 days of 24/7 HD footage. Plan accordingly.

I use this for my front door cam—high foot traffic area. For the backyard, I stick to motion-activated. Saves storage and battery.

Step 7: Test & Verify Recordings

Don’t assume it’s working. Test it.

Trigger motion in front of the camera (wave, walk, etc.). Then:

• Open the Arlo app
• Tap Library
• Look for a new clip (usually appears within 1–2 minutes)
• Play it. Check audio, video quality, and duration

If no clip appears, check:

• Battery level (low battery = no recording)
• Wi-Fi signal (weak signal = upload fails)
• Storage (full card or expired subscription?)
• Recording mode (is it set to “Off”?)

I tested mine weekly for the first month. Now I do it monthly. Peace of mind is worth it.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made (and fixed) every mistake in the book. Here’s what I wish I’d known earlier:

Pro Tip #1: Use a Wi-Fi extender if your camera is far from the router. I added a TP-Link extender and my recording reliability jumped from 60% to 99%.

Pro Tip #2: Clean the lens monthly. Dust, spiderwebs, and rain spots can trigger false motion alerts or blur footage. A microfiber cloth does the trick.

Pro Tip #3: Name your cameras descriptively. “Front Door,” “Backyard,” “Garage”—not “Camera 1,” “Camera 2.” Saves time when reviewing clips.

Warning: Don’t rely solely on cloud storage. Internet outages happen. I once had a 12-hour outage—no recordings saved. Now I use local + cloud.

Common Mistake: Setting motion zones too large. My first setup covered the entire backyard. Result? 500 clips of birds and leaves. Narrow it down.

Common Mistake: Ignoring firmware updates. I skipped one, and my camera stopped recording for a week. The update fixed it in 5 minutes.

These tips are gold if you want to master how to make Arlo cameras record in 2026 easy steps. They’re not in the manual, but they make all the difference.

FAQs About How to Make Arlo Cameras Record in 2026 Easy Steps

Let’s tackle the questions I get asked most often—answered honestly, like I’m chatting with a friend.

Q: Why is my Arlo camera not recording even though the app says it’s “online”?

A: “Online” just means it’s connected to Wi-Fi. Check three things: (1) Is the battery charged? (2) Is the recording mode set to “Motion” or “Continuous”? (3) Is there storage space? I once had a full microSD card—no recordings for a week!

Q: Can I record without an Arlo Secure subscription?

A: Yes! Use a microSD card in your SmartHub. Just remember: no cloud backup, and you can’t access clips remotely if your hub is offline. It’s a trade-off, but it works.

Q: How long do Arlo recordings last?

A: Depends on your setup. With a 30-day cloud plan, you get 30 days of history. Local storage? Up to 30 days on a 1TB card (less for 24/7 recording). I keep my most important clips in a separate folder for 90 days.

Q: Does Arlo record at night?

A: Yes, if it has night vision (most models do). Infrared lights activate automatically in low light. My Arlo Pro 3 records clear black-and-white footage at 2 AM. Just make sure the lens isn’t covered.

Q: Why are my Arlo recordings choppy or slow?

A: Likely a Wi-Fi issue. Check your signal strength in the app. If it’s weak, move the camera closer to the router or add an extender. Also, close other devices using bandwidth (like video streams).

Q: Can I set my Arlo to record only at certain times?

A: Yes! Use Scheduling. Go to Devices > Camera > Recording Schedule. Set it to record only at night, or only when you’re away. I use this to save battery during the day.

Q: What’s the best Arlo camera for 24/7 recording?

A: The Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2 with a SmartHub. They support continuous recording, have great night vision, and handle weather well. Avoid battery-only models for 24/7—they drain fast.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Arlo camera to record isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little patience and attention to detail. The key to how to make Arlo cameras record in 2026 easy steps is understanding the settings, testing regularly, and not skipping the small stuff—like firmware updates or motion zones.

Remember: It’s not about having the fanciest camera. It’s about having a reliable one. One that captures what matters, when it matters.

So here’s my final advice: Set it up once, test it twice, and check it monthly. Use the tips in this guide, avoid the common mistakes, and don’t be afraid to tweak the settings until it works for you.

And if you ever doubt it’s working? Wave at the camera. If a clip appears in the app, you’re golden.

Now go enjoy that peace of mind—you’ve earned it.