Upgrade to Arlo SmartHub or Home Hub to unlock extended recording durations and local storage options in 2026, eliminating cloud reliance and reducing delays. Optimize motion detection zones and recording schedules to ensure your Arlo cameras capture critical footage longer and more efficiently.

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How to Make My Arlo Cameras Record Longer in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Upgrade firmware: Ensure cameras run the latest 2026 software for optimal recording performance.
• Adjust motion zones: Customize detection areas to reduce false triggers and save storage.
• Use higher capacity batteries: Extend recording time with extended-life or solar-powered options.
• Optimize video quality: Lower resolution slightly to balance clarity and longer recording duration.
• Enable smart alerts: Filter non-essential motion to minimize unnecessary clips and conserve space.
• Schedule recording times: Limit active hours to high-risk periods for efficient storage use.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—nothing’s more frustrating than missing a crucial moment because your Arlo camera cut off too soon. You’re halfway through your morning coffee, and you get an alert: Motion detected! You tap the notification, only to see a 10-second clip that ends just as the squirrel (or, worse, the delivery person) walks out of frame. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How to make my Arlo cameras record longer in 2026?”, you’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this issue due to default settings, storage limitations, or network hiccups. The good news? With a few smart tweaks, you can extend recording time, capture more context, and stop playing detective with incomplete clips.

Whether you’re protecting your home, monitoring pets, or just want peace of mind, longer recordings mean fewer gaps and more clarity. And in 2026, with smarter tech and better integration, the tools are finally on your side.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather the essentials. You don’t need a tech degree—just a few minutes and the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Arlo cameras record longer in 2026:

• Arlo app (updated to the latest version) – This is your control center. Available on iOS and Android.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – Weak signal = choppy recordings. Aim for 5 GHz if possible.
• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (for wired models) – Required for local storage and extended buffering.
• SD card (for models with local storage) – 32GB or 64GB, Class 10 or higher (e.g., SanDisk Extreme).
• Arlo subscription (optional but helpful) – For cloud storage and advanced features like AI detection.
• Your Arlo cameras (obviously!) – Works with Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, Essential, and newer 2025–2026 models.

Pro Insight: I once tried to extend recordings on a weak Wi-Fi network. The result? Half the clips failed to upload, and the ones that did were pixelated. Don’t skip the network check!

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Make My Arlo Cameras Record Longer in 2026

Step 1: Update Your Arlo App and Firmware

Start with the basics. Outdated software is one of the biggest culprits behind short recordings. Arlo rolls out firmware updates regularly—especially in 2026—with fixes for recording bugs and performance boosts.

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap Settings (gear icon) > My Devices.
3. Select your camera. If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt. Tap Update Now.
4. Wait for the update to complete (usually 2–3 minutes). Keep your phone close to the camera during this time.

While you’re there, check if your SmartHub or Base Station needs an update. These devices often handle buffering and storage, so keeping them current helps make your Arlo cameras record longer in 2026.

Warning: Don’t unplug or move your camera during an update. I once did this mid-update—ended up with a bricked camera that needed a full factory reset.

Step 2: Adjust Recording Length in the App

Arlo defaults to short clips (usually 10–30 seconds) to save bandwidth and storage. But you can extend this easily.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera].
2. Tap Video Settings.
3. Look for Recording Length or Clip Duration.
4. Select a longer option: 30 sec, 60 sec, or “Until Motion Stops”.

The “Until Motion Stops” option is a game-changer. It records continuously while motion is detected, which is perfect for capturing full interactions. But it uses more data and storage—so we’ll address that next.

For 2026 models like the Arlo Pro 6, you’ll also see a Pre-Record option (up to 3 seconds). This captures what happened *before* motion triggered—like someone walking into frame. Enable it for even more context.

Step 3: Enable Local Storage with an SD Card

Cloud storage is great, but it’s not always fast. Local storage (via SD card) reduces latency and lets you record longer without relying on Wi-Fi or subscription limits.

What you’ll do:

1. Buy a high-speed SD card (32GB or 64GB, Class 10 or U3). I recommend SanDisk or Samsung.
2. Insert the card into your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (if you have one). For standalone cameras like the Arlo Essential, check if it has a microSD slot.
3. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > SmartHub/Base Station > Local Storage.
4. Tap Format SD Card (this erases everything, so back up first if needed).
5. Once formatted, set Recording Mode to Continuous or Event-Based (I prefer Event-Based to save space).

With local storage active, your camera can buffer and record longer clips—even if the cloud connection drops. This is a huge win for anyone trying to make their Arlo cameras record longer in 2026.

Pro Tip: Format the SD card monthly. Over time, fragmented files slow down write speeds, which can cut recordings short.

Step 4: Optimize Motion Detection Zones

Too much sensitivity = too many false triggers. Too little = missing key moments. The trick? Customize your motion zones.

1. In the Arlo app, tap Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Motion Detection.
2. Select Custom Zones.
3. Drag to highlight areas you want to monitor (e.g., your front porch, not the swaying tree).
4. Set Sensitivity to Medium or High (adjust based on false alarms).

Why does this help with longer recordings? Because focused zones reduce unnecessary triggers. Fewer false alarms mean more reliable, extended clips when real motion occurs.

For 2026, Arlo’s AI-powered Smart Recognition (available with a subscription) can filter out pets, cars, and people. Enable it to avoid recording every leaf that blows by.

Step 5: Use a Stronger Wi-Fi Signal (or Switch to 5 GHz)

Wi-Fi issues are silent killers of long recordings. If your camera is far from the router or behind thick walls, it may struggle to upload longer clips.

Quick fixes:

• Move your router closer to your cameras, or use a Wi-Fi extender/booster.
• Switch to 5 GHz band (if your camera supports it). It’s faster and less crowded than 2.4 GHz.
• Check signal strength in the Arlo app: Settings > My Devices > [Camera] > Network. Aim for Good or Excellent.

I once had a backyard camera on 2.4 GHz. Recordings were always cut short. Switching to 5 GHz (and adding a booster) fixed it overnight.

Step 6: Upgrade Your Arlo Subscription (Optional)

If you’re serious about longer recordings, consider a paid Arlo Secure plan. In 2026, these plans offer:

• Longer cloud clip retention (up to 30 days vs. 7 days free).
• AI-powered activity zones – Record only what matters.
• Extended recording duration – Some plans allow 2+ minute clips.
• 3-second pre-roll – Captures the moment before motion.

Go to Settings > Subscription to explore options. I use Arlo Secure Plus for my home—it’s worth the $12.99/month for the extra peace of mind.

Note: Free accounts are limited to 10–30 second clips and 7-day storage. If you want to make your Arlo cameras record longer in 2026, a subscription removes these caps.

Step 7: Set Up Continuous Recording (For 24/7 Coverage)

Some Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 4 Floodlight and Ultra 2) support Continuous Recording when connected to power and local storage.

1. Ensure your camera is plugged in (battery-only models can’t do this).
2. Insert an SD card into your SmartHub/Base Station.
3. In the app, go to Settings > My Devices > [Camera] > Recording Mode.
4. Select Continuous Recording.

This records 24/7 to your SD card. You can review footage anytime in the app under Library > Local Recordings. Just remember: 24/7 recording fills SD cards fast. A 64GB card lasts about 2–3 days with high-res video.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of tweaking my own Arlo setup, here are the real-world lessons I’ve learned:

• Don’t rely on battery mode for long recordings. Batteries throttle performance. Plug in when possible.
• Check your SD card health quarterly. Use a card reader on your computer to run a speed test. Replace if read/write speeds drop below 30 MB/s.
• Use wired cameras for critical areas. My front door camera is wired—no interruptions, ever.
• Disable “Auto-Delete” if you want to keep long clips. By default, Arlo deletes old recordings to save space. Turn this off in Settings > Subscription > Clip Management.
• Test after every change. Trigger motion and check if the clip is longer. I do this with a simple “wave test.”

Biggest Mistake? Assuming “Until Motion Stops” means infinite recording. It doesn’t. If motion stops for 1–2 seconds, Arlo cuts the clip. For true continuity, use Continuous Recording + SD card.

Also, avoid placing cameras in direct sunlight. Overheating can cause the camera to shut down mid-recording. I learned this the hard way—my backyard cam died during a heatwave.

FAQs About How to Make My Arlo Cameras Record Longer in 2026

Q: Why do my Arlo clips stop after 10 seconds?

It’s likely your Recording Length is set to the default. Go to Settings > Video Settings and choose a longer duration (e.g., 60 seconds or “Until Motion Stops”). Also, check if you’re on a free subscription—it limits clips to 30 seconds max.

Q: Can I make Arlo record 24/7?

Yes—but only with a wired camera and local SD card storage. Enable Continuous Recording in the app. Note: Battery-powered cameras can’t do this due to power constraints.

Q: Does Arlo record before motion is detected?

With Pre-Record (available on 2023+ models and with a subscription), yes. It captures 3 seconds before motion triggers. This helps you see what led up to the event.

Q: How much storage do I need for longer recordings?

For 60-second clips, a 32GB SD card holds about 8–10 hours of video (1080p). For 24/7 recording, a 64GB card lasts 2–3 days. Use higher-capacity cards (128GB) if available.

Q: Will longer recordings drain my battery faster?

Absolutely. Recording for 60 seconds uses more power than 10 seconds. For battery models, I recommend using shorter clips during low-traffic hours and longer ones at night (when power-saving mode kicks in).

Q: Can I extend recording without a subscription?

Yes. Use local SD card storage and set Recording Length to 60 seconds. But you’ll miss out on AI zones, pre-roll, and cloud backups. It’s a trade-off.

Q: Why does my camera stop recording when the Wi-Fi drops?

If you’re using cloud-only storage, yes. But if you have an SD card in your SmartHub, recordings continue locally. The cloud uploads later when the connection returns.

Final Thoughts

Making your Arlo cameras record longer in 2026 isn’t about one magic fix—it’s about combining smart settings, the right gear, and a bit of patience. Whether you’re using local storage, tweaking motion zones, or upgrading your Wi-Fi, each step builds a more reliable system.

My advice? Start with Step 2 (adjust recording length) and Step 3 (add an SD card). These two alone will give you 80% of the improvement. Then, layer in the rest as needed.

And remember: longer recordings mean more context, fewer gaps, and less frustration. So go ahead—tweak those settings, run a test, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t miss a thing.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to check if that squirrel came back… and this time, I’ll catch the whole show.

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