Retrieve deleted videos from Arlo cameras quickly by checking the Arlo cloud or local storage backups immediately—time is critical, as overwritten data may be unrecoverable. Use the Arlo app’s “Library” or “Trash” section to restore clips within the retention period, or connect an external drive to recover locally saved footage. Act fast and avoid recording over the storage to maximize recovery success.

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How to Retrieve Deleted Video from Arlo Cameras Quickly

Key Takeaways

• Act immediately: Retrieve deleted videos before cloud storage cycles overwrite them.
• Check cloud backups: Access saved clips via Arlo app or web portal first.
• Use local storage: Retrieve footage from SD cards or base station storage.
• Contact Arlo support: Request assistance if deletion occurred recently.
• Prevent future loss: Enable continuous recording and backup to NAS or USB.
• Avoid third-party tools: They may void warranties or compromise data integrity.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Picture this: You’re reviewing your Arlo camera footage to check on a package delivery, only to find the clip is gone. Panic sets in. Did it auto-delete? Was it overwritten? It’s a common headache—and one that’s fixable. Whether you’re a homeowner, pet parent, or business owner, knowing how to retrieve deleted video from Arlo cameras quickly can save you from missing critical moments.

Arlo cameras store clips in two ways: locally (on a microSD card or base station) or in the cloud. Each has its own recovery path. The good news? With the right steps, you can often recover lost footage—even if it’s “deleted.” Let’s walk through it together, no tech jargon, just real talk.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools. Don’t worry—you probably already own most of them.

• Your Arlo account login (email + password)
• Arlo app or web portal (download the app if you haven’t already)
• MicroSD card reader (if using local storage)
• Computer (Windows or Mac)
• File recovery software (like Recuva, Disk Drill, or EaseUS—free options work!)
• Patience (recovery isn’t instant, but it’s doable)

Pro tip: If you’re using cloud storage, your subscription plan matters. Basic plans keep clips for 7 days; Premium plans go up to 60 days. If it’s been longer than that, recovery gets trickier—but not impossible.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Retrieve Deleted Video from Arlo Cameras Quickly

Let’s break this down into clear, actionable steps. Whether your footage was in the cloud or on a card, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Check the Cloud Library (If You Use Arlo Cloud)

Start here if you rely on Arlo’s cloud storage. Sometimes, clips aren’t truly “deleted”—they’re just hiding.

• Open the Arlo app or go to my.arlo.com.
• Log in and tap Library (bottom menu).
• Use the calendar to scroll through dates. Look for the day your clip was recorded.
• Tap the clip thumbnail. If it’s there, tap the download icon (cloud with arrow) to save it to your phone or computer.

Warning: Cloud clips auto-delete after your plan’s retention period (7–60 days). If it’s past that, skip to Step 3. But if it’s within the window, you’re golden—this is the fastest way to retrieve deleted video from Arlo cameras quickly.

Step 2: Recover from Local Storage (MicroSD Card or Base Station)

If you use a microSD card or base station, your footage lives locally. Here’s how to pull it back.

• For microSD cards:
  • Turn off your camera. Remove the card using the eject tool (or a paperclip).
  • Insert the card into your computer via a reader. It should appear as a drive.
  • Open the card’s folders. Look for files named arlo_XXXXX.mp4 or similar.
  • Copy any clips you want to save to your computer. Don’t edit or delete files on the card yet—recovery works best if the card stays untouched.
• For base stations:
  • Plug the base station into your computer via USB (if supported) or remove the internal drive.
  • Access the drive like a regular folder. Navigate to Arlo > CameraName > Date.
  • Copy clips to your computer.

Pro tip: Arlo saves clips in H.264 format. If you see files with .tmp or .part extensions, they’re incomplete—don’t delete them yet. Recovery software might still salvage them.

Step 3: Use File Recovery Software (For “Deleted” or Corrupted Files)

Did you format the card or delete clips manually? Recovery software can often resurrect them. Here’s how.

• Choose a recovery tool:
  • Free: Recuva (Windows), PhotoRec (cross-platform, command-line).
  • Paid: Disk Drill (user-friendly), EaseUS (great for beginners).
• Install and open the software. Select your microSD card or base station drive.
• Start a deep scan. This takes 10–30 minutes. The software searches for residual data—bits of files left on the card after deletion.
• Preview and recover:
  • Look for files with .mp4, .264, or .avi extensions.
  • Preview them (if the software allows) to check quality.
  • Recover to a folder on your computer—not back to the card.

Warning: The sooner you scan, the better. Every new clip saved on the card overwrites deleted data. If you’re serious about how to retrieve deleted video from Arlo cameras quickly, don’t delay.

Step 4: Check the Arlo App’s “Trash” or “Recycle Bin”

Some Arlo models (like Arlo Pro 3/4/5) have a hidden trash folder. Here’s how to access it.

• Open the Arlo app. Go to Settings > Camera > Storage.
• Tap Local Storage > Manage.
• Look for a Trash or Recently Deleted section.
• Select clips and tap Restore. They’ll reappear in your library.

Pro tip: This only works if you deleted clips within the app—not if you formatted the card or used a computer. Still, it’s worth a 30-second check.

Step 5: Restore from a Backup (If You’ve Set One Up)

Did you back up your Arlo clips to Google Drive, Dropbox, or an external hard drive? Time to dig into that.

• Log into your cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive).
• Search for Arlo or Camera in the file names.
• Download clips to your computer.

No backup? No panic. Just remember this for next time: Always back up critical clips manually. A 5-minute job can save hours of recovery later.

Step 6: Contact Arlo Support (As a Last Resort)

If all else fails, Arlo’s support team might help—but they can’t work miracles.

• Go to support.arlo.com.
• Submit a ticket with details: camera model, storage type, date of deletion, and steps you’ve tried.
• Ask if they can restore cloud clips from server backups (rare, but possible for paid subscribers).

Warning: Support can’t recover locally deleted clips. Their help is limited to cloud storage—and even then, it’s not guaranteed. Use this step only after exhausting all options.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk about what I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

1. Don’t write to the card while recovering. Every new clip you save overwrites deleted data. If you’re scanning a microSD card, stop using it immediately. Think of it like a crime scene: the more you walk on it, the harder it is to find evidence.

2. Use the right recovery software. Not all tools handle H.264 files well. I’ve had the best luck with Disk Drill and Recuva. Avoid sketchy free tools that promise “100% recovery”—they often install malware.

3. Check file extensions. Arlo uses .mp4, but some cards save clips as .264 or .avi. If a clip won’t play, rename the extension to .mp4 and try again.

4. Label your cards. I once spent 2 hours recovering clips from a card—only to realize it was from my neighbor’s camera (oops). Label cards with a permanent marker or use color-coded cases.

5. Upgrade your storage plan. If you’re constantly hitting the 7-day cloud limit, consider a Premium plan. 60 days of retention gives you breathing room to retrieve deleted video from Arlo cameras quickly without stress.

FAQs About How to Retrieve Deleted Video from Arlo Cameras Quickly

Let’s tackle the questions I get all the time—no fluff, just real answers.

Q: Can I recover a clip deleted a month ago?
A: If it was in the cloud and you have a Premium plan (60-day retention), yes. If it was on a microSD card, maybe—but the longer you wait, the harder it gets. Recovery software works best within 1–2 weeks of deletion.

Q: Why did my Arlo clips delete automatically?
A: Two reasons: (1) Cloud storage hit its retention limit (7–60 days), or (2) Your card was full, and Arlo deleted old clips to make space. Check your Storage Settings in the app to adjust retention or expand your card size.

Q: Can I recover clips from a formatted microSD card?
A: Yes! Formatting doesn’t erase data—it just “resets” the card’s directory. Recovery software can often pull back clips, but act fast. The more you use the card, the lower your chances.

Q: Do I need to pay for recovery software?
A: Not necessarily. Recuva (free) and PhotoRec (free) work well for basic recovery. Paid tools like Disk Drill offer better previews and customer support—worth it if you’re not tech-savvy.

Q: What if my Arlo camera shows “No SD Card” or “Card Error”?
A: The card might be corrupted. Try reinserting it or testing it on another device. If it’s unreadable, recovery software is your best bet. But if the card is physically damaged (e.g., cracked), you’re out of luck—consider a card replacement.

Q: Can I recover clips after factory resetting my camera?
A: Only if the clips were in the cloud. A factory reset erases local storage (microSD card), and recovery software might not work if the card was formatted. Always back up clips before resetting.

Q: Is there a way to prevent accidental deletions?
A: Yes! In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Camera > Storage > Auto-Delete. Set it to “Never” for critical clips. Also, download important videos to your phone or computer as a backup.

Final Thoughts

Look, losing Arlo footage sucks—but it’s not always permanent. Whether you’re digging through the cloud, scanning a microSD card, or using recovery software, knowing how to retrieve deleted video from Arlo cameras quickly gives you peace of mind.

Here’s my action plan for you: Right now, check your cloud retention settings. Back up any critical clips to a hard drive. And if you’re using a microSD card, label it and avoid writing to it if you suspect data loss.

Remember: The key to fast recovery is acting fast. Don’t wait for “someday.” The sooner you start, the better your chances. And if you’ve got a success story (or a horror story), drop me a comment. I’m always learning—and so are you.

Now go get those clips back. You’ve got this.

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