Setting the recording time on your Arlo camera is quick and easy—just open the Arlo app, select your camera, and customize the recording duration under “Video Settings.” Whether you need short clips for motion events or longer continuous recordings, adjusting the “Record for” option lets you optimize storage and capture exactly what matters—all in just minutes.

How to Set Recording Time on Arlo Camera in Minutes

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and scheduling options.
• Select your camera before adjusting recording time preferences.
• Use the Schedule feature to set custom daily recording windows.
• Enable motion detection to record only when activity occurs.
• Adjust clip length to control how long each recording lasts.
• Sync with geofencing for automatic recording when you leave or arrive.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve just installed your Arlo camera—maybe after a late-night delivery mishap or a neighbor’s cat turning your front porch into a racetrack. Now, you’re excited to catch every moment… until you realize the camera’s recording at odd hours. Maybe it’s waking you up at 3 a.m. with a raccoon’s midnight snack, or it’s missing the mail carrier because it’s not scheduled to record during the day.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the most common frustrations with smart security cameras is managing when they record. Without proper how to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes, you end up with either too much useless footage or, worse, gaps in coverage when you need it most.

But here’s the good news: setting up recording times on your Arlo camera isn’t just possible—it’s surprisingly quick and simple. With just a few taps in the app, you can customize schedules, avoid false alerts, and get the peace of mind you actually paid for.

Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Ultra, or even the budget-friendly Arlo Essential, this guide walks you through the exact steps to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes—no tech degree required.

Personal insight: I once had my Arlo recording 24/7, and my phone buzzed every time a leaf fell. After learning how to schedule recordings, my alert fatigue dropped by 80%. Now, I only record when it matters—like between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., or when motion is detected near the front door.

What You Need

Before we jump into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything ready. You don’t need fancy tools or a second monitor—just what’s already in your pocket and on your Wi-Fi network.

• Arlo camera(s) – Any model (Pro, Ultra, Essential, etc.)
• Arlo app – Installed on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
• Arlo account – Signed in and linked to your camera
• Stable Wi-Fi connection – Your camera needs to be online to sync settings
• A few minutes of quiet time – No rush; this takes less than 5 minutes once you know how

Optional but helpful:

• Arlo Smart subscription – For advanced scheduling, activity zones, and longer video retention (not required for basic time-based recording)
• Multiple devices – If you want to test settings on both phone and tablet

Pro tip: If your camera is brand new, make sure it’s fully charged or plugged in. You don’t want it dying mid-setup. Also, ensure it’s connected to the Arlo base station (if using one) or directly to Wi-Fi (for standalone models).

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Recording Time on Arlo Camera in Minutes

Now, let’s get into the real action. I’ll walk you through each step as if we’re sitting together, phone in hand. These instructions work for all Arlo cameras using the latest version of the Arlo app (v3.x or newer).

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone or tablet and open the Arlo app. If you haven’t used it in a while, it might prompt you to update. Do it—newer versions have better scheduling tools and fewer bugs.

Log in with your Arlo account. If you’re using a shared account (like with your spouse), make sure you’re the one with editing permissions. Some features, like changing recording schedules, require admin access.

Quick tip: If you’re on a shared network, check that your device isn’t on a guest Wi-Fi. The Arlo app needs full network access to communicate with your camera.

Step 2: Navigate to Your Camera’s Settings

Once logged in, you’ll see your camera feed on the home screen. Tap on the camera you want to schedule. This opens the live view.

Now, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right corner—that’s your settings menu. Tap it. You’ll see a list of options like “Device Info,” “Video Settings,” and “Motion Detection.”

We’re not going into video quality right now. Instead, scroll down until you find “Recording” or “Record Settings”. This is where the magic happens for how to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes.

Personal note: I once spent 10 minutes looking for this menu—turns out I was in the wrong camera view. Make sure you’re tapping the gear on the *specific* camera, not the base station or account settings.

Step 3: Choose Between “Always Record” or “Schedule Recording”

Inside the Recording menu, you’ll see two main options:

• Always Record – Camera records 24/7 (uses more storage and battery)
• Schedule Recording – Camera only records during set times or motion events

Tap Schedule Recording. This is where you define when your Arlo camera should be active. You’re now on the path to mastering how to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes.

You’ll see a weekly calendar grid (Sunday to Saturday) with time blocks. This is your scheduling canvas.

Step 4: Create Your First Recording Schedule

Tap on any day (e.g., Monday) to start building your schedule. A new screen appears with a timeline from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Here’s how to set your time:

1. Tap and drag on the timeline to select a block of time. For example, drag from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to cover business hours.
2. Choose “Record on Motion” (recommended) or “Always Record” for that block.
3. Tap Save to lock it in.

“Record on Motion” is usually best. It means the camera only saves video when it detects movement—great for saving storage and reducing false alerts. “Always Record” is useful for high-risk areas (like a garage), but drains battery faster.

Warning: Don’t set overlapping blocks. Arlo will prioritize the most recent one, which can cause confusion. Keep your schedule clean and simple.

Step 5: Copy the Schedule to Other Days

Now, here’s a time-saver: you don’t have to set each day individually. Tap “Copy to Other Days” at the bottom of the schedule screen.

Choose which days to apply the same schedule. For example:

• Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (weekend hours)
• Sunday: Off (or set a short block for deliveries)

This is where how to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes really shines—once you set one day, you can replicate it across the week with a few taps.

Step 6: Set Custom Schedules for Special Days

Need to override your regular schedule? Maybe you’re on vacation or hosting a party.

Go back to the weekly calendar view. Tap the day you want to customize (e.g., Saturday). You’ll see your copied schedule. Tap “Edit” to change the time blocks.

For example, on Saturday, you might want to record all day (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) because guests are coming. Or, if you’re away, set it to record only at night for security.

Arlo also supports “Vacation Mode”—a separate feature that turns off motion detection and recording. But for precise control, manual scheduling is better.

Step 7: Enable or Disable Activity Zones (Optional but Smart)

Still inside the Recording menu, look for “Activity Zones”. This lets you define specific areas in the camera’s view that trigger recording.

For example, if your camera sees the sidewalk and your front door, you can create a zone only for the door. That way, a passing car won’t set it off—only someone near your entrance.

To set it up:

1. Tap “Activity Zones”
2. Drag the corners of the zone to cover the area you care about
3. Name it (e.g., “Front Door”)
4. Toggle “Enable Zone”

Pairing activity zones with your time schedule is a power move. It means your Arlo only records when and where it matters—perfect for reducing noise and improving accuracy.

Step 8: Test Your Schedule

You’ve set it all up—now test it. Wait for the next scheduled block (e.g., 8 a.m. if you set 8–6), then walk in front of the camera.

Check your Arlo app:

• Did you get a motion alert?
• Is the video saved in your library?
• Did it record during the right time window?

If yes, you’re golden. If not, go back to the schedule and double-check the time zone. Arlo uses your phone’s time zone by default, but it’s worth confirming in Account Settings > Time Zone.

Pro tip: I once had a camera in a different time zone (I travel a lot). It recorded 3 hours late because the phone’s time wasn’t synced. Now I always check this first.

Step 9: Save and Exit

Once everything looks good, tap Save at the top right. Then exit the settings menu.

Your Arlo camera will now follow your custom schedule. It syncs instantly—no waiting, no restart needed.

You’ve just mastered how to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes. Congrats!

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the little things that make a big difference. These are the lessons I learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

• Use “Record on Motion” over “Always Record” – Unless you’re monitoring a high-security area, motion-based recording saves storage, battery, and your sanity. I once had a 32GB microSD card fill up in 2 days with 24/7 recording. Never again.
• Set different schedules for different cameras – Your backyard camera might need night recording, but your front door doesn’t. Customize per camera, not globally.
• Check for daylight saving time – Arlo auto-adjusts, but if you’re in a region that doesn’t observe DST, verify your schedule after the clock change.
• Don’t forget holidays – Set a one-day override for Christmas, New Year’s, or when you’re on vacation. A quick 2-minute edit can save you from missing important events.
• Sync with other smart devices – If you have smart lights, set your Arlo to record only when the lights are off. Or use IFTTT to trigger recording when your smart lock is unlocked.

Common mistake: Forgetting that Arlo’s “Always Record” mode doesn’t work with battery-only cameras unless you have a Smart subscription. The free plan only supports “Record on Motion.” If you see a grayed-out option, that’s why.

• Use the “Test” feature in Activity Zones – Arlo lets you simulate motion to see if your zone triggers. It’s under “Activity Zones > Test Zone.” Super helpful for fine-tuning.
• Schedule “quiet hours” for alerts – Even if the camera records, you can mute push notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Go to Alerts > Notification Schedule.
• Label your cameras clearly – If you have multiple, name them “Front Door,” “Backyard,” etc. It makes scheduling much easier.

One last thing: Arlo’s cloud storage (with a Smart subscription) lets you keep videos for up to 30 days. But if you’re using local storage (microSD), make sure your schedule doesn’t fill the card too fast. A 128GB card can hold about 7–10 days of motion-triggered recordings, depending on activity.

FAQs About How to Set Recording Time on Arlo Camera in Minutes

Let’s tackle the questions I get all the time—from friends, family, and even my own late-night Google searches.

Can I set different recording times for each day?

Absolutely! You can create a unique schedule for every day of the week. Just tap each day in the calendar and customize the time blocks. For example, record all day on Saturday for a garage sale, but only during business hours on weekdays.

Does scheduling affect battery life?

Yes—in a good way. If you’re using a battery-powered Arlo (like the Essential), scheduling “Record on Motion” during specific hours reduces wake-ups and saves battery. My Arlo Essential lasts 4 months on one charge with a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule. Without it? Two months max.

What if I want the camera to record all night?

Easy. Create a time block from, say, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and set it to “Record on Motion.” Pair it with night vision (which Arlo enables automatically in low light), and you’ve got 24/7 coverage when it matters most.

Can I set recording to start only when I’m not home?

Not directly in the app, but you can use Arlo Smart Home Automation (if you have a Smart subscription) or third-party tools like IFTTT. For example: “When my phone leaves the house, enable recording.” It’s a bit more advanced, but doable.

Why is my camera recording outside the scheduled time?

Check three things: (1) Is your phone’s time zone correct? (2) Did you accidentally enable “Always Record” in a time block? (3) Are you using a Smart subscription with geofencing that overrides the schedule? Also, firmware updates can sometimes reset settings—double-check after an update.

Can I schedule recordings without the Arlo Smart subscription?

Yes! Basic scheduling (time-based, motion-triggered) works with the free plan. However, advanced features like activity zones, cloud storage, and AI detection (person vs. package) require a subscription. But for how to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes, the free tier is enough.

What’s the difference between “Record” and “Stream”?

Great question. “Record” saves video to your cloud or SD card. “Stream” is just live viewing—no saving. When you set a schedule, you’re controlling when it records, not when it streams. You can always open the app and stream live, even if recording is off.

Final Thoughts

Setting your Arlo camera to record at the right times isn’t just about saving space or battery—it’s about control. You decide when to watch, what to capture, and when to ignore the noise.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert. With just a few taps in the Arlo app, you can go from “Why is this thing recording a squirrel at 2 a.m.?” to “Perfect—I caught the delivery guy at 10:15.”

Remember, the key to mastering how to set recording time on Arlo camera in minutes is simplicity. Start with one schedule (like 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), test it, then expand. Use activity zones to filter out false alarms. And don’t forget to customize for weekends, holidays, and special events.

You’ve got this. In less than 5 minutes, your Arlo camera will be working for you—not against you.

Now, go open that app, make your schedule, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected, on your terms.

And if you ever get stuck? Come back here. I’ve been there, done that, and probably made the same mistake. You’re not alone.