Recovering deleted or missing video from your Arlo camera is possible using the Arlo app or web portal by checking the Library or accessing cloud storage backups. Ensure your subscription is active, as footage is stored for 30 days (or longer with a plan), and use the “Download” or “Recover” option to restore clips quickly. For local storage issues, verify the microSD card is properly inserted and use file recovery tools if needed.

How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Check cloud storage first: Access your Arlo app to review saved clips in the cloud.
• Use local storage options: Retrieve videos from microSD cards or USB drives if enabled.
• Enable auto-upload features: Prevent loss by syncing videos to cloud or local storage automatically.
• Contact Arlo support: Recover deleted footage with professional help if standard methods fail.
• Regularly back up footage: Download important clips to a computer for long-term safety.
• Update firmware frequently: Ensure optimal performance and access to recovery tools.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—few things are more frustrating than missing a crucial security moment. Maybe it was a delivery driver leaving a package, a suspicious figure near your front porch, or even your kid’s first bike ride. You check your Arlo camera, only to find the video is gone. No playback. No cloud history. Panic sets in.

You’re not alone. Many Arlo users face this issue. The truth? Arlo’s video storage—whether local or in the cloud—isn’t immune to glitches, accidental deletions, or sync issues. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can often recover those lost clips. This How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide walks you through every step, from diagnosing the problem to restoring footage, using tools and methods that actually work.

Whether you rely on Arlo for home security, pet monitoring, or peace of mind, knowing how to retrieve deleted or missing videos is a game-changer. And don’t worry—you don’t need to be tech-savvy. I’ve been there, staring at an empty timeline, and I’ve learned the hard way what works (and what doesn’t).

Real talk: I once missed a package delivery because the video vanished after a power surge. It took me two days to recover it using a combination of SD card recovery and cloud backup. Now I know better—and so do you.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Don’t worry—most of this is already in your home or accessible online.

• Your Arlo camera(s): Make sure they’re powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.
• Smartphone or tablet: iOS or Android with the Arlo app installed (latest version).
• Computer (optional but helpful): Windows or Mac for deeper troubleshooting.
• MicroSD card (if using local storage): Check if your Arlo model supports it (e.g., Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Go, Arlo Essential).
• Card reader: USB or SD adapter to plug the MicroSD into your computer.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection: A weak signal can cause sync issues and false “missing video” alerts.
• Arlo subscription (if applicable): Cloud storage access depends on your plan (e.g., Arlo Secure).
• Data recovery software (optional): Tools like Recuva (Windows) or Disk Drill (Mac) for SD card recovery.

This How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide covers both cloud and local storage methods. So no matter how you store your videos, you’re covered.

Pro tip: Keep your Arlo app updated. Arlo frequently releases fixes for sync and playback bugs. An outdated app is a common culprit behind “missing” videos.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide

Step 1: Check the Arlo App Timeline

Start where your videos live: the Arlo app. Open it and go to the Library or Timeline tab. This is your first line of defense.

• Tap on the camera you’re investigating.
• Scroll through the timeline. Look for grayed-out or broken thumbnail clips—these indicate issues.
• Use the date filter to narrow down the time frame (e.g., “Last 24 hours” or “Custom range”).

If you see a video, try playing it. Sometimes it looks missing but just needs a second to load.

Why this works: The Arlo app syncs with both cloud and local storage. A quick check rules out simple UI glitches or slow loading.

This step is part of any effective How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide because it’s the fastest way to confirm if the video is truly gone or just stuck.

Step 2: Verify Your Storage Method

Arlo offers two main storage options: cloud and local (MicroSD card). You need to know which one you’re using—or if both are active.

• Cloud storage: Requires an Arlo Secure subscription. Videos are stored online and accessible from any device.
• Local storage: Uses a MicroSD card in the camera. No subscription needed, but the card has limited space.

To check:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > Select your camera.
3. Look for Storage or Recording Mode.
4. If you see “Cloud,” your videos are online. If you see “SD Card,” they’re local.

Some cameras use hybrid mode—recording to both cloud and SD card. This is ideal for recovery, as you have two copies.

Personal insight: I once thought my video was gone, only to realize it was saved locally. The cloud clip had expired (I was on a free trial), but the SD card still had it. Always check both!

Step 3: Check Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure)

If you’re using cloud storage, your videos might be in the cloud but not visible due to sync issues or subscription lapses.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Library > Cloud.
2. Use filters: Date, Camera, Motion, or Person.
3. Look for expired videos. Arlo Secure plans store videos for 30 days (or longer with add-ons). If you’re past that, the video is gone.
4. Check your subscription status: Account > Subscription. If expired, renew or upgrade to access older clips.

If the video is in the cloud but won’t play:

• Try downloading it to your phone.
• Restart the app or device.
• Check your internet speed. A slow connection can cause playback issues.

This is a critical step in any How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide—many users assume videos are deleted when they’re just stuck in the cloud queue.

Step 4: Recover from MicroSD Card (Local Storage)

If you’re using a MicroSD card, the video might still be there—even if the app says it’s gone. Here’s how to check:

1. Power off your Arlo camera.
2. Remove the MicroSD card (usually behind a small door or slot).
3. Insert it into your computer using a card reader.
4. Open the drive. You’ll see folders like DCIM or Arlo.
5. Navigate to DCIM/100ARLO (folder name may vary).
6. Look for .mp4 or .h264 files. Sort by date modified.

If you find the video, copy it to your computer. But what if the card appears empty?

Try data recovery software:

• Download Recuva (free for Windows) or Disk Drill (free trial for Mac).
• Scan the MicroSD card for deleted files.
• Look for video files (filter by .mp4, .mov, etc.).
• Preview and restore the ones you need.

Warning: Don’t write new data to the card until recovery is complete. New files can overwrite deleted ones, making recovery impossible.

This method is a cornerstone of the How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide—especially for users who rely on local storage without cloud backup.

Step 5: Force a Sync with Arlo Servers

Sometimes, the Arlo app and camera get out of sync. A quick reset can fix it.

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > Select your camera.
3. Tap Restart or Reboot.
4. Wait 2–3 minutes for the camera to reconnect.
5. Check the timeline again.

Alternatively, force-sync the library:

• Pull down on the timeline screen to refresh.
• Or go to Library > Cloud > Sync Now (if available).

This step often resolves “phantom missing” videos—those that exist but aren’t showing up.

Step 6: Check for Firmware and App Updates

Outdated software is a sneaky cause of video loss. Arlo pushes updates to fix bugs, improve stability, and patch security flaws.

1. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices.
2. Look for a Firmware Update prompt. If available, install it.
3. Check your phone’s app store for Arlo app updates.
4. Restart both the camera and your phone.

After updating, wait 5–10 minutes for the system to stabilize. Then check the timeline again.

Real-world example: A friend’s Arlo Pro 3 kept losing videos every week. After a firmware update, the issue stopped. Turns out, a memory leak was causing automatic deletions.

Step 7: Use Arlo Support (When All Else Fails)

If you’ve tried everything and the video is still missing, it’s time to call in the experts.

1. Visit Arlo Support.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Click Contact Us or Chat with Support.
4. Explain the issue: include camera model, storage type, date/time, and steps you’ve tried.

Arlo’s support team can:

• Check server logs for failed uploads.
• Verify if the video was ever recorded.
• Help restore access to expired cloud videos (if within grace period).

They may also suggest a factory reset as a last resort—but back up any local data first.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve made every mistake in the book. Here’s what I wish I knew sooner—so you don’t repeat my blunders.

Tip #1: Always use a high-quality MicroSD card. Cheap cards fail often, corrupting videos. I learned this after losing 3 days of footage to a $5 card from Amazon.

• Use cards from reputable brands (SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston).
• Choose Class 10 or UHS-I for better performance.
• Format the card in the camera (not on your computer).

Tip #2: Enable hybrid recording if possible. Record to both cloud and SD card. It’s like having a backup of your backup.

• Go to Settings > My Devices > Recording Mode > Cloud + SD Card.
• Note: This uses more storage and may require a larger SD card.

Tip #3: Check your motion detection settings. If sensitivity is too low, the camera won’t record. I once thought my camera was broken—until I realized it wasn’t detecting motion at all.

• Adjust motion zones and sensitivity in the app.
• Test with a walk-by to confirm recording.

Mistake to Avoid: Don’t format the SD card unless necessary. Formatting erases all data. Only do it if the card is corrupted or you’re switching cameras.

• If you must format, recover data first using software.
• Use the “Low Level Format” option in the Arlo app for best results.

Pro insight: Keep your Arlo app logged in. If you log out, you lose access to cloud videos until you sign back in. I once panicked when my videos vanished—only to realize I’d accidentally logged out.

Following a solid How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide means avoiding these pitfalls. Prevention is always easier than recovery.

FAQs About How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide

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

Q: Can I recover a video after my Arlo Secure subscription expires?

Yes, but only within a grace period (usually 7–14 days). After that, videos are permanently deleted. If it’s within the grace period, renew your subscription and check the cloud library. If past the window, check your SD card (if used).

Q: Why does my Arlo app say “No Recordings” even though the camera is on?

Common causes: weak Wi-Fi, motion detection turned off, or storage full. Check your signal strength, enable motion alerts, and clear old videos or expand storage. A quick reboot often fixes it.

Q: Can I recover a video that was manually deleted from the app?

Possibly. If it was in the cloud, it may still be in the Recently Deleted folder (if your plan supports it). For local storage, use data recovery software on the SD card. But act fast—deleted files can be overwritten.

Q: Does Arlo store videos if there’s a power outage?

Only if the camera has a battery (like Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Go). Wired cameras (e.g., Arlo Ultra) stop recording during outages. Battery-powered models continue recording for hours—but check battery level afterward.

Q: Can I recover videos from a stolen or damaged camera?

If the SD card is intact, yes—remove it and use recovery software. If the camera is in the cloud, your videos are safe online. But if the card is destroyed and no cloud backup, recovery is unlikely.

Q: How long do Arlo videos stay on the MicroSD card?

Depends on card size and activity. A 32GB card holds ~7–10 days of 1080p video. Once full, Arlo overwrites the oldest clips. To keep videos longer, manually back them up to your computer or cloud.

Q: Is there a way to recover videos without the Arlo app?

Yes—if you have the SD card. Use a card reader and data recovery software. But you won’t get motion alerts or smart features. The app is best for full recovery.

Final Thoughts

Losing a video from your Arlo camera is stressful—but it’s rarely the end of the story. With the right tools and a calm approach, you can often recover what you thought was gone.

This How to Recover Video on an Arlo Camera Quick Guide isn’t just about steps. It’s about understanding your system, knowing your storage options, and acting fast. Whether you’re using cloud, local, or hybrid storage, the key is to check both and act methodically.

My best advice? Prevent before you recover. Use high-quality SD cards, enable cloud backup, keep your app updated, and test your setup regularly. A few minutes of maintenance can save you hours of panic.

And if you do lose a video? Don’t despair. Try the steps here. Call Arlo support if needed. Most of the time, the footage is still out there—waiting for you to find it.

Now go check that timeline. That delivery, that visitor, that special moment—it’s probably still there. You’ve got this.