Extend your Arlo camera’s recording time in 2026 by upgrading to a higher-capacity microSD card (up to 256GB) and enabling continuous recording mode in the Arlo app. Combine this with optimized motion detection settings and a premium subscription for cloud storage to capture longer, uninterrupted footage. These simple tweaks ensure you never miss critical moments—day or night.

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How to Make Video Recording Longer on Arlo Camera in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Adjust recording length: Set max clip duration in Arlo app settings.
• Enable Smart Alerts: Reduce false triggers for longer continuous footage.
• Use higher capacity SD cards: Store longer videos without overwriting.
• Optimize motion detection: Narrow zones to avoid unnecessary recordings.
• Upgrade to 24/7 plan: Access full-length recordings via subscription.
• Adjust sensitivity settings: Lower motion sensitivity to prevent clip splitting.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re away for the weekend, and your Arlo camera detects motion. You get a notification, open the app, and—bam—the video cuts off after 10 seconds. You see your dog barking at the mailman, but you miss the rest. Frustrating, right?

This is a common issue with Arlo cameras. By default, most models record short clips (usually 10–30 seconds) to save bandwidth, storage, and battery. But in 2026, as smart homes get busier and security needs grow, those short clips aren’t always enough. That’s why knowing how to make video recording longer on Arlo camera in 2026 is more valuable than ever.

Whether you’re monitoring deliveries, keeping an eye on pets, or securing your property, longer clips mean better context. And the good news? You don’t need to upgrade your hardware. With a few tweaks, you can stretch your Arlo recordings without breaking a sweat.

This guide walks you through how to make video recording longer on Arlo camera in 2026—step by step, with real-life fixes, pro tips, and no fluff. Let’s get into it.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. The best part? Most of this is already in your setup.

• Your Arlo camera (Pro, Ultra, Essential, or newer models like the 2026 Arlo Pro 5S)
• The Arlo app (iOS or Android) updated to the latest version
• An active Arlo Smart subscription (optional, but recommended for longer recordings)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (for cloud recording)
• Optional: Arlo SmartHub or Base Station (for local storage and extended features)
• Optional: MicroSD card (for local recording, if your model supports it)

Note: Not all Arlo cameras support every method. For example, Arlo Essential models have limited local storage options. But don’t worry—we’ll cover what works for each model.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Make Video Recording Longer on Arlo Camera in 2026

Step 1: Check Your Current Recording Settings

Let’s start by seeing what you’re working with. Open the Arlo app and go to your camera’s settings.

• Tap on the camera icon you want to adjust.
• Select “Device Settings” > “Video Settings”.
• Look for “Clip Length” or “Recording Duration”.

You’ll likely see options like 10, 15, or 30 seconds. Some newer models (like the Arlo Pro 5S) offer up to 60 seconds by default. If you’re stuck at 10 seconds, that’s your first fix.

Pro insight: I once spent weeks wondering why my clips were so short—only to realize the setting was stuck at 10 seconds after a firmware update. Always check this first!

Step 2: Increase the Clip Length in Video Settings

This is the simplest way to extend your recording time. Here’s how:

• In the Video Settings menu, tap “Clip Length”.
• Choose a longer option: 30 seconds, 45 seconds, or 60 seconds (availability depends on your model).
• Save the changes.

For example, the Arlo Pro 5S supports up to 60 seconds in 2026, while older Pro models max out at 30 seconds. The Arlo Essential series caps at 30 seconds unless you’re on a Smart subscription.

After saving, test it by triggering motion. You should now see a longer clip in your library. If it works, great! If not, keep reading—we have more tricks.

Warning: Longer clips use more data and battery. If you’re using a battery-powered outdoor camera, expect slightly faster drain. I noticed about a 10–15% drop in battery life when I switched to 60-second clips on my backyard cam.

Step 3: Enable Continuous Recording (If Available)

This is the holy grail for how to make video recording longer on Arlo camera in 2026. Continuous recording means your camera records 24/7, not just when motion is detected.

• Go to “Device Settings” > “Recording Options”.
• Look for “Continuous Video Recording (CVR)”.
• Toggle it on and select a plan (e.g., 24/7 recording for 14 days).

CVR is available on Arlo Pro 3, Ultra, Pro 4, Pro 5S, and newer models. But it requires an Arlo Smart subscription (starting at $2.99/month per camera).

With CVR, every second is recorded—no gaps. You can scrub through hours of footage, not just 30-second snippets. I use this for my front porch cam to catch delivery drivers’ faces and package placement.

Tip: CVR is cloud-only. You can’t use it with local storage (like microSD). But it’s the most reliable way to get long, uninterrupted recordings.

Step 4: Use a MicroSD Card for Local Extended Recording

Some Arlo models (like Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Pro 5S) support microSD cards for local storage. This lets you record longer clips without relying on the cloud.

• Insert a high-speed microSD card (Class 10 or UHS-I, up to 2TB) into your camera or base station.
• In the app, go to “Device Settings” > “Local Storage”.
• Enable “Record to SD Card”.
• Set “Recording Duration” to the longest option (up to 60 seconds).

Now, your camera will save longer clips to the card. Even better: when motion is detected, it can record a few seconds before the event (pre-motion recording), giving you full context.

I use a 256GB card in my garage cam. It stores about 3 weeks of 60-second clips. When I need to review footage, I just pop out the card and plug it into my laptop.

Warning: Local recording doesn’t send clips to the cloud. If the camera is stolen or damaged, you lose the footage. Always back up important clips manually.

Step 5: Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity & Zones

Sometimes, clips feel short because the camera stops recording too quickly after motion ends. You can fix this by tweaking motion settings.

• Go to “Device Settings” > “Motion Detection”.
• Lower the “Motion Sensitivity” slightly (to avoid false triggers).
• Set a “Motion Retrigger” time of 10–30 seconds (this keeps recording if motion happens again within that window).
• Use “Activity Zones” to focus on high-traffic areas (like your front door).

For example, I set my backyard cam to retrigger for 20 seconds. If my dog runs through the zone, the camera keeps recording for a full 50 seconds instead of cutting off at 30.

This isn’t about making each clip longer—it’s about reducing gaps between clips. Over time, you’ll have more continuous coverage.

Step 6: Upgrade Your Arlo Smart Subscription

If you’re serious about longer recordings, consider upgrading your plan. The free Arlo Smart plan (if you have a base station) includes 30-second clips and 7-day cloud storage.

• Go to “Account” > “Subscription” in the app.
• Upgrade to “Arlo Secure” ($2.99–$14.99/month, depending on cameras).
• Choose a plan with “Extended Recording” (up to 60 seconds per clip) and “CVR” (24/7 recording).

I switched to the $7.99/month plan for my 3 cameras. Now I get 60-second clips, AI object detection (person, package, vehicle), and 30-day cloud storage. It’s worth it for peace of mind.

Tip: Some 2026 Arlo bundles include a free 6-month trial of Arlo Secure. Use it to test extended recording before paying.

Step 7: Use Smart Alerts & AI Detection to Reduce False Triggers

Longer clips are great—but not if you’re flooded with 100 clips of swaying trees. Use AI to filter what matters.

• In “Motion Detection”, enable “AI Object Detection” (requires Smart subscription).
• Set alerts for only “Person,” “Package,” or “Vehicle” (not “All Motion”).
• Adjust “Detection Distance” to ignore distant movement.

Now, your camera only records long clips when something important happens. My front door cam used to record 50 clips a day. Now it’s down to 5–10, all relevant.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me share a few hard-earned lessons from years of using Arlo cameras.

• Don’t max out clip length on battery cams: 60-second clips drain batteries fast. I keep my outdoor cams at 30 seconds and use CVR for critical areas.
• Check firmware updates: Arlo often releases updates that improve recording duration. Go to “Device Settings” > “Device Info” to update.
• Use a base station for better performance: The Arlo SmartHub (or newer Base Station) improves Wi-Fi range and supports local storage. It’s a game-changer for multi-cam setups.
• Test after changes: Always trigger a test recording after adjusting settings. I once set a 60-second clip but forgot to save—wasted a whole day of footage.
• Balance privacy and coverage: Recording 24/7 might capture neighbors. Use activity zones to focus on your property.

Common mistake: People think longer clips = better security. But if your camera’s battery dies or the Wi-Fi drops, it doesn’t matter how long the clip is. Always monitor health status in the app.

FAQs About How to Make Video Recording Longer on Arlo Camera in 2026

Q: Can I record longer than 60 seconds on my Arlo?

Not natively. The maximum clip length is 60 seconds for most models. But with CVR, you get 24/7 recording—effectively unlimited. Some users use third-party NVR systems (like Blue Iris) with Arlo’s RTSP feed for even longer local recordings, but it’s not officially supported.

Q: Does longer recording affect battery life?

Yes. Each extra second of recording uses more power. I’ve seen battery-powered cams last 2–3 months on 10-second clips, but only 1–2 months on 60-second clips. For outdoor cams, consider a solar panel or frequent charging.

Q: Is CVR available on all Arlo models?

No. CVR works on Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Pro 5S, and newer models. Older models like the original Arlo Pro don’t support it. Check your model’s specs in the app.

Q: Can I extend recording time without a subscription?

Partially. You can increase clip length to 30 seconds (on most models) and use a microSD card for local recording. But for 60-second clips, CVR, or AI detection, you’ll need an Arlo Smart subscription.

Q: Why does my Arlo stop recording mid-motion?

This usually happens when the motion ends and the retrigger window is short. Go to “Motion Detection” and increase the “Motion Retrigger” time (up to 30 seconds). Also, ensure your camera’s sensitivity isn’t too low.

Q: Does Arlo record audio longer than video?

No. Audio is tied to the video clip length. If your clip is 30 seconds, audio will be 30 seconds. Some models (like Arlo Pro 5S) have better audio quality, but duration stays the same.

Q: Can I edit Arlo clips to make them longer?

Not in the app. Arlo doesn’t support merging clips. But you can download clips and edit them in apps like iMovie or CapCut. I do this to combine pre- and post-motion clips into one longer video for evidence.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make video recording longer on Arlo camera in 2026 isn’t about hacking the system—it’s about using the tools Arlo already gives you. From adjusting clip length to enabling CVR and using local storage, there are multiple ways to get the footage you need.

Start with small changes: increase your clip length, tweak motion zones, and try a Smart subscription. If you need 24/7 coverage, invest in CVR or a microSD card. And remember—longer clips are only useful if they’re reliable. Keep an eye on battery, Wi-Fi, and storage.

Your home deserves more than a 10-second glimpse. With these steps, you’ll capture the full story—whether it’s a package delivery, a curious raccoon, or a family reunion. Now go make every second count.

Got a tip I missed? Share it in the comments. Let’s help each other get the most out of our Arlo cameras.

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