Recording on your Arlo camera is simple and customizable, with options for motion-activated, continuous, or scheduled recording directly through the Arlo app. Just set up your camera, choose your preferred recording mode, and manage storage via cloud or local backup—no technical expertise required. With real-time alerts and easy playback, Arlo ensures you never miss a moment, making home security effortless for beginners.

How to Record on Arlo Camera: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Key Takeaways

• Enable motion detection: Set up alerts to start recording automatically when movement is detected.
• Use Arlo SmartHub: Connect cameras via SmartHub for reliable local and cloud storage options.
• Subscribe for cloud storage: Unlock longer video history and advanced features with an Arlo plan.
• Record manually anytime: Tap “Record” in the Arlo app to capture live footage on demand.
• Adjust recording length: Customize clip duration in settings to balance storage and coverage.
• Check storage space: Monitor local or cloud storage to avoid missed recordings due to limits.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—setting up security cameras can feel overwhelming. You’ve got this sleek Arlo camera, maybe even a full system, but when you open the app, you’re stuck wondering, “How do I actually make this thing record?” It’s not always intuitive, especially if you’re new to smart home tech. I remember my first time—I spent 20 minutes just trying to find the record button, only to realize it wasn’t a button at all.

If you’re searching for how to record on Arlo camera: a complete guide for beginners, you’re not alone. Many users want peace of mind, not a tech headache. The good news? Once you know the ropes, Arlo makes recording simple, flexible, and reliable. Whether you’re watching over your front porch, keeping an eye on the kids, or just curious about who’s at the door, this guide walks you through every step—no jargon, no confusion.

We’ll cover everything from basic setup to advanced recording options, all while keeping things clear and doable. This isn’t about flashy features—it’s about helping you get the most out of your Arlo camera, starting today.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. You don’t need a degree in engineering—just a few essentials and a bit of patience. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Your Arlo camera(s) – Any model: Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Essential, etc.
• A fully charged battery or power source – Most Arlo cameras are wireless, so charge them first. If using a wired model, plug it in.
• The Arlo app – Download it from the App Store or Google Play. Make sure it’s the latest version.
• A smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android. The app runs best on devices from the last 5 years.
• A Wi-Fi network – Your camera connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (not 5 GHz). If your router is dual-band, ensure your phone is on the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
• An Arlo account – Free to create. You’ll need an email and password.
• An Arlo base station or SmartHub (if using older models) – Not required for newer Wi-Fi-only models, but older ones like Arlo Pro 3 need it.
• Optional: Arlo subscription plan – Needed for cloud recording and smart alerts. Free tier gives you 7-day cloud storage for one camera (varies by plan).

Once you’ve got these, you’re ready to roll. No fancy tools or extra gadgets. Just your phone, your camera, and a few minutes.

💡 Pro Insight: I always charge my Arlo cameras overnight before setup. Nothing kills momentum like a dead battery mid-install. Also, place your camera where you can reach it easily during pairing—no ladders if you can help it!

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Record on Arlo Camera: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter. This section walks you through how to record on Arlo camera: a complete guide for beginners, step by step. We’ll cover both manual and automatic recording, so you can choose what works best for you.

Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo Camera and Connect to Wi-Fi

First things first—get your camera online. This is the foundation of everything else.

• Open the Arlo app and log in (or create an account if you haven’t already).
• Tap the “+” icon in the top right, then select “Add Device”.
• Choose your camera model. The app will guide you through the rest.
• Power on your camera. You’ll hear a chime or see a blinking light.
• For wireless models: Press and hold the Sync button (usually on the back or side) for 2 seconds until the LED flashes.
• For base station models: Plug in the base station first, wait for it to connect, then sync the camera to it.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Important: Use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only.

Once connected, you’ll see your camera in the app’s camera list. It may take a minute or two to fully sync.

⚠️ Warning: If your camera keeps disconnecting, check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Arlo cameras need at least 2 bars. If your front door is far from the router, consider a Wi-Fi extender or placing the base station closer.

Step 2: Enable Motion Detection and Smart Alerts

Arlo doesn’t record all the time by default. Instead, it uses motion detection to trigger recordings. This saves battery and storage. But first, you need to turn it on.

• In the Arlo app, tap your camera’s thumbnail to open its live view.
• Tap the “Settings” icon (gear symbol) in the top right.
• Tap “Motion Detection”.
• Toggle “Motion Detection” ON.
• Adjust the sensitivity slider. Start at 50% and test. You can always tweak it later.
• Enable “Smart Alerts” if you have a subscription. This lets Arlo tell the difference between people, animals, and vehicles.
• Set activity zones (optional but recommended). Tap “Activity Zones,” then draw boxes over areas you want to monitor (like your driveway). Ignore the sidewalk or trees.

This step is crucial for how to record on Arlo camera: a complete guide for beginners because without motion detection, your camera won’t start recording unless you do it manually.

💡 Pro Tip: I once had my camera set to 100% sensitivity. It triggered every time a leaf blew by. After lowering it to 40% and setting activity zones, false alerts dropped by 80%.

Step 3: Choose Your Recording Mode

Now comes the fun part—deciding how your camera records. Arlo offers three main options:

• Cloud Recording (Recommended) – Videos are saved to Arlo’s servers. You can watch them anytime, even if your camera is stolen or damaged. Requires a subscription.
• Local Recording (No Subscription Needed) – Saves videos to a microSD card (if your model supports it) or a connected USB drive (base station models only).
• Manual Recording – You press “Record” in the app whenever you want to capture footage. Great for quick checks.

Let’s set each one up.

Option A: Cloud Recording (with Subscription)

• In the Arlo app, go to “Settings” > “Subscription”.
• Choose a plan. The Arlo Secure plan (starts at $2.99/month) includes 30-day cloud storage, smart alerts, and e911 service.
• Complete the payment. Your trial (if available) starts immediately.
• Once active, your camera will automatically record when motion is detected.
• You can review videos in the “Library” tab. Tap any clip to watch, download, or share.

💡 Insider Note: I started with the free trial, then kept the subscription because I liked being able to check footage from work. It’s worth it for peace of mind.

Option B: Local Recording (No Subscription)

Great if you want to avoid monthly fees. Works with:

• Arlo Pro 4, Pro 3, Ultra, and older base station models.
• A microSD card (256GB max) or USB drive (1TB max).

To set it up:

• Insert a microSD card into your camera (if supported) or plug a USB drive into your base station.
• In the Arlo app, go to “Settings” > “Storage”.
• Select “Local” as your storage option.
• Format the card/drive if prompted. This erases any existing data—backup first!
• Set the recording mode to “Continuous” or “Motion-Activated”.

Local recordings are saved in the “Library” tab, just like cloud clips. But they’re only accessible if you can reach the camera or base station.

⚠️ Warning: If your camera is stolen or the USB drive fails, you lose all footage. Cloud is safer for long-term security.

Option C: Manual Recording

Perfect for checking in on your dog or watching the kids play.

• Open the Arlo app and tap your camera’s thumbnail.
• Tap the “Record” button (red circle) in the live view screen.
• The camera will record for up to 3 minutes. Tap again to stop early.
• The clip saves to your “Library” under “Manual Recordings.”

Manual recordings work with or without a subscription. They’re saved locally (if using SD card) or to cloud (if subscribed).

Step 4: Test Your Setup

Don’t just assume it’s working. Test it!

• Walk in front of your camera to trigger motion.
• Wait a few seconds. You should get a notification (if enabled).
• Open the Arlo app and check the “Library” tab. You should see a new clip.
• Tap it to play. Make sure the video is clear and the audio (if your model has it) works.

If nothing happens:

• Check motion detection settings.
• Ensure your phone has notifications enabled for the Arlo app.
• Verify your Wi-Fi connection.

Testing is the best way to confirm your how to record on Arlo camera: a complete guide for beginners actually works in real life.

💡 Pro Tip: I test my cameras at different times—day, night, and twilight. Some models have weaker night vision, so it’s good to know before you need it.

Step 5: Customize Recording Length and Quality

By default, Arlo records 12 seconds before motion and 10 seconds after. But you can adjust this.

• In the Arlo app, go to “Settings” > “Camera Settings” > “Video”.
• Tap “Pre-Roll” to change how much footage is captured before motion (up to 30 seconds).
• Adjust “Post-Roll” to extend recording after motion stops (up to 60 seconds).
• Set “Video Quality” to “Auto,” “High,” or “Low.” “Auto” balances quality and battery life.

Higher quality = clearer video but more battery drain. I keep mine on “High” for the front door but “Auto” for the backyard.

Step 6: Set Up Schedules (Optional but Helpful)

Want your camera to record only when you’re away? Use schedules.

• Go to “Settings” > “Schedules”.
• Tap “+” to create a new schedule.
• Name it (e.g., “Away Mode”).
• Set the days and times (e.g., 8 AM–6 PM, Monday–Friday).
• Choose “Armed” to enable motion detection during that time.
• Save and enable the schedule.

You can also set a “Home” schedule to disable recording when you’re around.

💡 Pro Insight: I use schedules to save battery. My backyard camera only records from 6 PM to 6 AM, when I’m not usually outside. It’s cut my charging frequency in half.

Step 7: Review and Share Your Recordings

Once you’ve got clips, you’ll want to watch them.

• Open the “Library” tab in the Arlo app.
• Browse by date, camera, or recording type.
• Tap a clip to play, pause, or scrub through.
• Tap the “Share” icon to send via email, text, or social media.
• Tap “Download” to save it to your phone (great for evidence).

Cloud recordings can be downloaded as MP4 files. Local recordings require you to remove the SD card and plug it into a computer.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up dozens of Arlo cameras (for myself and friends), I’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t. Here are my top tips to help you master how to record on Arlo camera: a complete guide for beginners.

💡 1. Don’t Skip Activity Zones
Without them, your camera will record every squirrel, leaf, and passing car. I once got 200 alerts in one day. Setting zones reduced it to 5–10 real events. It’s a 2-minute setup that saves hours of annoyance.

💡 2. Use Night Vision Wisely
Arlo’s night vision uses infrared (IR) light. It’s invisible to humans, but if your camera points at a reflective surface (like a window), it can cause glare. I mounted one near a glass door and got blurry footage. Now I angle it slightly away.

💡 3. Keep Firmware Updated
Arlo pushes updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Go to “Settings” > “Device” > “Firmware” and update regularly. An outdated camera might miss recordings or disconnect.

⚠️ 4. Avoid Overlapping Wi-Fi Networks
If you have multiple routers or neighbors with strong Wi-Fi, your camera might struggle to connect. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find the clearest channel. I switched mine from channel 6 to 11 and dropped disconnections by 90%.

⚠️ 5. Don’t Ignore Battery Life
Wireless Arlo cameras last 3–6 months on a charge, but that drops fast if you record a lot. I check my battery level weekly in the app. When it hits 20%, I charge it. Also, avoid recording 24/7—it’s unnecessary and drains batteries.

💡 6. Use Two-Way Audio for Deterrence
If someone lingers near your camera, tap the “Talk” button in the live view. You can say, “I see you,” and they’ll usually leave. I’ve scared off delivery scammers twice this way.

⚠️ 7. Secure Your Arlo Account
Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in “Settings” > “Account” > “Security”. I once had a friend’s account hacked—someone watched their live feed. 2FA prevents that.

FAQs About How to Record on Arlo Camera: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Let’s tackle the questions I hear most often. These come from real users—just like you.

Q: Can I record 24/7 on Arlo without a subscription?

Yes, but only with local storage (microSD card or USB drive). Cloud recording requires a subscription. For 24/7, set your camera to “Continuous” recording in the “Storage” settings. Just know it uses more power and storage.

Q: Why isn’t my Arlo camera recording?

Common reasons: motion detection is off, no storage set (cloud or local), weak Wi-Fi, or low battery. Check each in the app. I once forgot to enable motion detection after a firmware update—took me an hour to figure it out!

Q: How long do Arlo recordings last?

With a subscription: up to 30 days in the cloud. Without a subscription: depends on your SD card size. A 64GB card holds about 2–3 days of continuous HD video. Motion-activated clips last longer.

Q: Can I record audio on Arlo?

Yes, most models (except Arlo Go) have built-in microphones. Audio is included in all recordings. You can disable it in “Settings” > “Privacy” if needed.

Q: What happens if my Arlo camera is stolen?

If you have a subscription, your cloud recordings are safe. Without one, local footage is lost unless you’ve downloaded it. Always use cloud for critical areas like front doors.

Q: Can I record on multiple Arlo cameras at once?

Absolutely. Each camera records independently. With a subscription, you can have up to 10 cameras on one plan (varies by plan). I have 4 cameras—all record and alert me separately.

Q: Is Arlo recording secure?

Yes. Arlo uses AES-128 encryption for cloud storage and secure connections. Your videos are private unless you share them. Just remember to use 2FA and strong passwords.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to record on Arlo camera: a complete guide for beginners isn’t about mastering every feature—it’s about getting reliable, stress-free security. Whether you’re using cloud, local, or manual recording, the goal is simple: peace of mind.

Start small. Set up motion detection, test your camera, and pick a storage method that fits your needs. Don’t feel pressured to do everything at once. I didn’t use schedules or activity zones for months—and that’s okay. You can always add features later.

Remember: the best camera is the one that works when you need it. So charge it, update it, and check in on it now and then. A little attention goes a long way.

Now go ahead—press that record button. Your home (and your curiosity) will thank you.