Recording on your Arlo wireless camera is simple and flexible, offering both motion-activated and continuous recording options to suit your security needs. With the Arlo app, you can easily customize recording settings, set activity zones, and access stored footage via cloud or local storage—ensuring you never miss a moment. Just sync your camera, choose your preferred recording mode, and monitor everything remotely from your smartphone or tablet.

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How to Record on My Arlo Wireless Camera: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Enable motion detection: Set up alerts to start recording automatically when activity is detected.
• Use Arlo SmartHub: Connect cameras via SmartHub for reliable local and cloud storage options.
• Subscribe for cloud: Unlock 30-day video history with an Arlo Secure plan subscription.
• Record manually anytime: Tap “Record” in the Arlo app to capture live footage on demand.
• Check storage space: Regularly review SD card or cloud storage to avoid overwriting important clips.
• Customize recording zones: Limit motion detection to specific areas for smarter, focused recordings.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You get a motion alert on your phone, but by the time you check the app, there’s nothing to see. No recording. No playback. Just silence.

Frustrating, right?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How to record on my Arlo wireless camera?”, you’re not alone. Many Arlo users—especially new ones—run into issues like missed clips, unclear settings, or confusion over cloud vs. local storage.

Whether you’re using Arlo for home security, pet monitoring, or keeping an eye on your vacation cabin, reliable recording is the whole point. Without it, your camera is just a fancy motion sensor.

This guide walks you through every option—cloud, local, event-based, continuous—so you’ll never miss a moment again. Think of it as your friendly, no-jargon walkthrough of how to record on my Arlo wireless camera—complete with real-life hiccups, fixes, and what actually works.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got the basics covered. Here’s your quick checklist:

• Your Arlo wireless camera(s) (Arlo Pro, Ultra, Essential, Go, etc.)
• The Arlo app (iOS or Android, updated to the latest version)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz band for most models)
• Arlo SmartHub or base station (required for local recording and some features)
• MicroSD card (for local storage; 32GB–256GB, Class 10 recommended)
• Arlo Secure subscription (optional) for cloud storage and advanced AI detection
• Power source (battery, solar panel, or wired power depending on your model)

Pro tip: If you’re using an Arlo Go (cellular), you’ll need a SIM card and data plan—but the recording principles are the same.

Warning: Don’t skip the SmartHub if you want local recording. It’s essential for saving clips directly to a microSD card—no monthly fees, no internet needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Record on My Arlo Wireless Camera: A Complete Guide

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Whether you want motion-triggered clips, 24/7 recording, or just peace of mind, here’s how to set it up—step by step.

Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo Camera & Connect to the App

First things first: your camera needs to be properly synced with the Arlo app.

1. Download the Arlo app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and create an account (or log in if you already have one).
3. Tap “Add Device” and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your camera.
4. Make sure your camera is charged and within 30 feet of your router (or SmartHub) during setup.

During setup, the app will prompt you to name your camera—like “Front Door” or “Backyard”—so you can tell them apart later.

This step is critical because recording settings live in the app, not on the camera itself. Without this connection, you can’t access any recording features.

Pro Tip: If your camera won’t sync, try restarting your router and the camera. A weak signal is the #1 culprit.

Step 2: Choose Your Recording Type (Cloud vs. Local)

Now comes the big decision: where do you want your recordings saved?

You have two main options:

• Cloud recording (via Arlo Secure subscription)
• Local recording (via microSD card in a SmartHub or base station)

Let’s break them down:

Cloud Recording (Arlo Secure)

Best for: People who want off-site backups, AI features, and easy access from anywhere.

• Requires an Arlo Secure subscription (plans start at $2.99/month per camera)
• Clips are saved to the cloud and accessible from any device
• Includes AI detection (person, vehicle, animal, package)
• Offers 24/7 continuous recording (on select plans)
• No physical storage to manage

To enable it:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Subscription
2. Choose a plan (Essential, Premium, or Elite)
3. Follow the prompts to activate

Local Recording (microSD Card)

Best for: Privacy-focused users, those with poor internet, or anyone avoiding monthly fees.

• Requires an Arlo SmartHub or base station (sold separately or in kits)
• Insert a microSD card (up to 256GB) into the hub
• Clips are stored locally—no internet needed
• No AI detection (unless you use the app’s basic motion zones)
• You must physically retrieve the card to view older footage

To set it up:

1. Insert the microSD card into the SmartHub (use a Class 10, U1 or U3 card for best performance)
2. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > SmartHub > Local Storage
3. Format the card (this erases any existing data)
4. Enable “Local Recording” and choose motion or continuous mode

You can actually use both cloud and local recording at the same time—great for double backups!

Real Talk: I use local recording for my garage camera (where internet is spotty) and cloud for the front door. Best of both worlds.

Step 3: Enable Motion-Triggered Recording

This is the default and most common way to record on your Arlo camera. The camera only saves footage when it detects motion.

Here’s how to make sure it’s working:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap your camera
2. Go to Settings > Video Settings > Motion Detection
3. Toggle “Motion Detection” ON
4. Adjust the sensitivity slider (start at 50%, tweak based on false alerts)
5. Set Motion Zones (draw boxes on the screen to ignore areas like trees or street traffic)
6. Enable “Record on Motion” (this is usually on by default)

Now, when motion is detected, your camera will:

• Start recording a 10–30 second clip (length depends on your plan)
• Send a push notification to your phone
• Save the clip to cloud or local storage (whichever you’ve enabled)

Pro Tip: Use motion zones to avoid alerts from your dog or passing cars. I once got 50 alerts a day until I blocked the sidewalk!

Step 4: Set Up Continuous Recording (If Available)

Want 24/7 footage, not just clips when something moves? That’s continuous recording—but it’s not available on all plans.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Cloud continuous recording: Only available on Arlo Secure Premium or Elite ($9.99–$14.99/month)
• Local continuous recording: Available on any plan if you have a SmartHub + microSD card

To enable it:

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Video Settings > Recording Mode
2. Select “Continuous Recording” (instead of “Event Recording”)
3. Choose your storage: Cloud or Local (or both)
4. Set a retention period (e.g., 7, 14, or 30 days for cloud)

With continuous recording, your camera records all the time, not just during motion. You can scrub through the timeline like a DVR.

Warning: Continuous recording eats up storage fast. A 256GB card lasts about 2–3 weeks for one 1080p camera. Cloud plans charge based on retention and camera count.

Step 5: Customize Alerts & Notifications

Recording is useless if you don’t know when something happens. Let’s make sure you get the right alerts.

1. Go to Settings > Notifications
2. Turn on “Motion Alerts”
3. Choose how you want to be notified: Push, Email, or both
4. Set “Quiet Hours” (e.g., 10 PM–7 AM) to avoid late-night pings
5. Enable “Smart Notifications” (if you have a subscription) to only get alerts for people, packages, etc.

You can also set up activity zones to get alerts only in specific areas—like the front porch, not the entire yard.

I once had a raccoon trigger my camera every night until I set a zone around my trash cans. Problem solved.

Pro Tip: Use “Do Not Disturb” on your phone during bedtime, but keep motion alerts active. That way, you’ll still get emergency alerts without waking up to every leaf blowing by.

Step 6: Access & Playback Your Recordings

So your camera is recording—now what? Let’s make sure you can actually see the footage.

For Cloud Recordings

1. Open the Arlo app
2. Tap the “Library” tab (looks like a filmstrip)
3. Browse by date, camera, or event type (motion, person, etc.)
4. Tap any clip to play it
5. Use the timeline to scrub through continuous recordings

For Local Recordings

1. Go to Library in the app
2. Tap the “Local” tab (next to “Cloud”)
3. View clips stored on your microSD card
4. Or, remove the card and plug it into a computer via an adapter

You can also:

• Download clips to your phone (tap the download icon)
• Share clips via email or messaging apps
• Delete clips to free up space

Real Talk: I once had to prove a delivery person didn’t leave my package. I downloaded the clip and sent it to the company—case closed.

Step 7: Troubleshoot Common Recording Issues

Even the best setups have hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.

“My camera isn’t recording at all”

• Check if motion detection is enabled (Step 3)
• Verify your storage: Is the microSD card full? Is your cloud plan active?
• Restart the camera and SmartHub
• Check Wi-Fi signal strength (aim for 3+ bars in the app)

“I’m missing clips”

• Motion zones might be too small or misaligned
• Sensitivity is set too low—bump it up
• Your camera’s firmware is outdated (update in Settings > Device Info > Firmware)

“Clips are too short”

• Free plans only record 10 seconds of motion
• Upgrade to a paid plan for longer clips (up to 30 seconds)
• Or switch to continuous recording

“Local recording isn’t working”

• Did you format the microSD card in the SmartHub?
• Is the card corrupted? Try a new one
• Check if “Local Recording” is enabled in settings

Pro Tip: I keep a spare microSD card in my desk. When one fills up, I swap it out and label it with the month. No more panic when storage runs out.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of using Arlo cameras (and making every mistake in the book), here are the real-world insights that matter.

• Don’t rely only on cloud storage. Internet outages happen. A SmartHub + microSD card is your backup plan.
• Use AI detection wisely. It’s great for filtering out false alerts, but it’s not perfect. I once missed a package because the AI thought it was a leaf.
• Label your cameras clearly. “Backyard” is better than “Camera 2.” You’ll thank yourself later.
• Check battery levels weekly. Low battery = missed recordings. I use solar panels for my outdoor cameras—game-changer.
• Don’t ignore firmware updates. They often fix recording bugs and improve stability.
• Test your setup. Wave your hand in front of the camera and see if it records. Do this monthly.

Warning: Avoid cheap microSD cards. I once bought a “256GB” card from a sketchy seller. It was actually 32GB with fake labeling. Buy from trusted brands like SanDisk or Samsung.

And one last thing: privacy matters. If your camera faces a neighbor’s window or a public sidewalk, check local laws. Some areas require signage or have recording restrictions.

FAQs About How to Record on My Arlo Wireless Camera: A Complete Guide

Let’s answer the questions I get most—straight, no fluff.

Q: Can I record without paying for a subscription?
A: Yes! If you have a SmartHub and microSD card, you can record locally—no subscription needed. You just won’t get AI detection or cloud backups.

Q: How long do recordings stay in the cloud?
A: It depends on your plan. The free tier keeps clips for 7 days. Paid plans offer 14–30 days of cloud storage. Continuous recording plans store footage for up to 30 days.

Q: Why is my camera not recording at night?
A: First, check if night vision is on. Then verify motion detection is enabled. If it’s still not working, your camera might be in “privacy mode” (check the app). Also, very low light can confuse motion sensors—try adding a porch light.

Q: Can I record audio too?
A: Most Arlo cameras record audio, but you can disable it in Settings > Audio if you’re concerned about privacy. Some states have two-party consent laws, so be careful if you’re recording conversations.

Q: What’s the best microSD card for local recording?
A: Use a Class 10, U1 or U3 card (e.g., SanDisk High Endurance, Samsung PRO Endurance). These are built for constant writing and last longer. Avoid generic brands.

Q: Can I use my Arlo camera without Wi-Fi?
A: Yes—but only for local recording. The camera connects to the SmartHub via a private wireless signal (not Wi-Fi). You’ll need Wi-Fi to access the app, though. For full offline use, consider Arlo Go (cellular).

Q: How do I know if my recording is working?
A: Do a test! Wave at the camera and wait 10 seconds. Then check the app’s Library. You should see a new clip. If not, go through the troubleshooting steps in Step 7.

Final Thoughts

So, how to record on my Arlo wireless camera? It’s not one-size-fits-all. The right setup depends on your needs: privacy, budget, internet reliability, and how much footage you actually want to keep.

Here’s your action plan:

• Start with motion-triggered recording—it’s simple and effective.
• Add a SmartHub and microSD card for local storage (especially if your internet is spotty).
• Consider a cloud subscription if you want AI features and off-site backups.
• Test your setup monthly—don’t wait until you need footage to find out it’s broken.

And remember: your camera is only as good as your settings. A little time tweaking sensitivity, motion zones, and storage now saves you a lot of stress later.

Whether you’re protecting your home, checking on pets, or just keeping an eye on the neighborhood, knowing how to record on my Arlo wireless camera means you’re in control.

Now go wave at that camera. Make sure it’s working. And sleep easy.

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