Setting the time on your Arlo camera is quick and essential for accurate event timestamps and seamless smart home integration. Use the Arlo app to navigate to device settings, select your camera, and enable automatic time sync or manually adjust the time zone and daylight saving settings. This ensures reliable recordings and smooth functionality across all connected devices.

How to Set Time on Arlo Camera: A Quick Guide

Key Takeaways

• Open the Arlo app to access camera settings and time adjustments.
• Sync time automatically via the app for accurate, hassle-free setup.
• Check time zone settings to ensure correct local time display.
• Restart the camera if time fails to update after changes.
• Firmware updates may be required for time sync features to work.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever checked your Arlo camera footage only to find the timestamps were off? Maybe it said 3:00 AM when it was clearly 9:00 PM. Annoying, right? That’s why knowing how to set time on Arlo camera a quick guide can save you a lot of confusion.

Incorrect time settings can mess up your video logs, make event reviews tricky, and even cause issues if you need footage for security or legal reasons. I learned this the hard way after a package went missing—only to realize the camera thought it was midnight when it was actually 6 PM. Oops.

The good news? Fixing the time on your Arlo camera is simple once you know the steps. Whether you’re using an Arlo Pro, Ultra, or even the older models, this guide will help you get your timestamps accurate in no time.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything ready. You don’t need fancy tools—just a few everyday items:

• Your Arlo camera (any model: Pro, Ultra, Essential, etc.)
• Your smartphone or tablet with the Arlo app installed
• Stable Wi-Fi connection (your camera and phone must be on the same network)
• Your Arlo account login details (email and password)

Optional but helpful: a laptop or computer if you prefer using the Arlo web dashboard. I usually stick with the app—it’s faster and more intuitive, especially if you’re already familiar with smartphone navigation.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Time on Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Step 1: Open the Arlo App and Log In

Grab your phone and open the Arlo app. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password. I’ve accidentally used an old password once—don’t be like me. Double-check your login details.

Once logged in, you’ll see your home screen with all connected cameras. Make sure your camera is online and showing a green status light. If it’s offline, check Wi-Fi or power first.

Pro tip: If you have multiple cameras, tap the one you want to adjust. This guide works for all Arlo models, so whether it’s your front door cam or backyard unit, the process is the same.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings

Tap on the camera you want to update. Then, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right corner—this is your settings menu. Tap it.

Inside, you’ll see options like “Video,” “Audio,” “Motion,” and more. Scroll down until you find “Device Info” or “Device Settings” (the exact name may vary slightly by model).

This section holds all the core settings for your camera, including firmware, battery, and—yes—time.

Step 3: Locate the Time Settings

Inside Device Settings, look for an option labeled “Time”, “Date & Time”, or “Clock Settings”. On newer Arlo models (like Pro 4 or Ultra 2), it’s usually under “Device Info.”

If you don’t see it right away, don’t panic. Some older models tuck it under “Advanced Settings.” Just tap around—it’s there.

Once you find it, tap to enter the time configuration screen. This is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Enable Automatic Time (Recommended)

Here’s the easiest and most reliable way to fix the time: turn on “Automatic Date & Time.”

When enabled, your Arlo camera syncs with your phone or tablet’s time. Since most smartphones auto-update based on your location and network, this keeps your camera accurate without manual input.

To enable it, simply toggle the switch next to “Automatic Date & Time” to ON. The app will say something like “Time will sync with your device.”

Warning: If your phone’s time is wrong, your camera will be too. So make sure your phone’s time is set correctly—ideally, let your phone use network time as well.

Step 5: Manually Set Time (If Needed)

Sometimes, automatic sync doesn’t work—maybe your phone is offline, or you’re using a camera in a remote location without network time. In that case, you can set the time manually.

Toggle off “Automatic Date & Time” and tap on the current date and time fields. Use the pop-up calendar and clock to select the correct:

• Year
• Month
• Day
• Hour and minute
• AM/PM

Be extra careful with AM vs. PM. I once set mine to 8:00 AM instead of PM and didn’t notice for a week. Not fun when you’re reviewing nighttime activity.

After selecting, tap “Save” or “Done.” The app will send the new time to your camera.

Step 6: Verify the Time Change

Now, go back to your home screen and wait a minute. Then, open the live view of your camera and look at the timestamp in the top-left corner.

It should now show the correct date and time. If it’s still wrong, don’t worry—sometimes it takes a few minutes to sync, especially if the camera was offline.

You can also check by reviewing a recorded clip. Tap on a recent event and verify the timestamp matches your local time.

Pro tip: If the time still isn’t right, try restarting the camera (remove and reinsert the battery or power cycle it) and repeat the steps. A fresh start often helps.

Step 7: Sync All Cameras (For Multi-Camera Systems)

If you have multiple Arlo cameras, repeat steps 1–6 for each one. While it’s a bit tedious, it ensures consistency across your security setup.

For example, if your front and back door cams show different times, it’s harder to piece together events. Uniform timestamps make reviewing footage way easier.

I keep a little checklist on my phone: “Front cam ✅, Back cam ✅, Garage cam ✅.” Helps me stay organized.

Step 8: Use the Web Dashboard (Alternative Method)

Prefer using a computer? No problem. Go to my.arlo.com and log in with your Arlo account.

Click on your camera, then “Settings” > “Device Info” > “Time.” The process is nearly identical to the app.

The web version is great if you’re managing many cameras or want a bigger screen for adjustments. But for quick fixes, I still recommend the app—it’s faster and more mobile-friendly.

And yes, this method also supports both automatic and manual time settings. Just follow the same logic.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks—and made plenty of mistakes. Here’s what I wish I knew earlier:

Tip 1: Use Automatic Time Whenever Possible

Unless you’re in a unique situation (like a remote cabin with no network), always use automatic time. It’s foolproof and updates for daylight saving automatically.

Manual settings are error-prone. I once forgot to adjust for DST and spent hours reviewing footage that was an hour off.

Tip 2: Check Your Phone’s Time First

Your Arlo camera gets its time from your device. If your phone is wrong, your camera will be too. So before setting up, make sure your phone’s time is accurate.

On iPhone: Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically (ON).
On Android: Settings > System > Date & Time > Use Network Time (ON).

Tip 3: Update Your Arlo Firmware

Old firmware can cause time sync issues. Go to Device Settings > Firmware > Check for Updates. If an update is available, install it.

I ignored this once—big mistake. My camera kept resetting to the wrong time until I updated it.

Tip 4: Avoid Time Zone Confusion

Arlo uses your phone’s time zone. If you travel and don’t update your phone’s location, your camera might show the wrong time.

For example, if you’re in New York but your phone thinks you’re in California, your camera will be three hours off. Keep your phone’s location services on if you’re on the move.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to Save

After changing the time, you must tap “Save” or “Done.” I’ve closed the app too fast before and lost my changes. Always double-check that the new time is applied.

Common Mistake: Ignoring Battery-Powered Cameras

If your Arlo is battery-powered and frequently loses charge, it might reset the time when it powers back on. To prevent this, use automatic sync and keep the battery charged above 20%.

I set a monthly reminder to check my outdoor cam’s battery—saves me from time glitches.

Common Mistake: Not Testing After Setup

Don’t assume it’s fixed. Always verify by checking the live view and a recorded clip. A quick test now saves headaches later.

FAQs About How to Set Time on Arlo Camera A Quick Guide

Q1: Why is my Arlo camera time wrong even after setting it?

Good question. Usually, it’s because the camera hasn’t synced yet. Wait 2–3 minutes. If it’s still off, restart the camera and check if automatic time is enabled. Also, ensure your phone’s time is correct—since that’s what the camera syncs to.

Another possibility: weak Wi-Fi. A poor connection can delay time updates. Move the camera closer to your router or add a Wi-Fi extender if needed.

Q2: Can I set the time on my Arlo camera without the app?

Technically, no. The app or web dashboard is required to change settings. There’s no physical button on the camera for time adjustment. But if you’re away from your phone, you can use a tablet or computer with the web version of Arlo.

I once used my partner’s iPad to fix the time when my phone died—worked like a charm.

Q3: Does Arlo adjust for daylight saving time automatically?

Yes—but only if you’re using automatic time. When automatic is on, your camera follows your phone’s DST rules. If you set the time manually, you’ll have to adjust it yourself every time DST changes.

Trust me: automatic is worth the peace of mind.

Q4: What if my Arlo camera is offline? Can I still set the time?

No. The camera must be connected to Wi-Fi and online to receive time updates. If it’s offline, fix the connection first (check power, Wi-Fi signal, or restart it). Once it’s back online, the time will sync automatically if enabled.

I once left my camera in the garage with a weak signal. It stayed offline for days—and the time drifted. Lesson learned: placement matters.

Q5: My Arlo Pro 3 shows the wrong time zone. How do I fix it?

This usually happens if your phone’s location is wrong. Arlo uses your phone’s time zone, not GPS. So if your phone thinks you’re in London but you’re in Chicago, your camera will show the wrong time.

Fix it by updating your phone’s location: enable Location Services or manually set your time zone in your phone’s settings.

Q6: Can I set different times for multiple Arlo cameras?

Not recommended. While technically possible, having different times across cameras makes event tracking confusing. For example, if one camera says 8:00 PM and another says 8:15 PM, you can’t tell the order of events.

Keep all cameras synced to the same time source—your phone. Uniformity is key.

Q7: Does setting the time affect video quality or motion detection?

Nope. Time settings only affect the timestamp, not video resolution, motion zones, or recording quality. It’s purely for labeling and organizing your footage.

But accurate time does help with motion alerts. If a notification says “motion at 2:00 AM,” you’ll know if it’s actually night or day.

Final Thoughts

Setting the time on your Arlo camera might seem like a small detail—but it makes a big difference. Whether you’re reviewing footage, sharing clips with family, or using it for security, accurate timestamps keep everything clear and reliable.

Remember: the easiest way is to enable automatic time. It syncs with your phone, handles daylight saving, and saves you from manual errors. And if you ever need to set it manually, just double-check AM/PM and save your changes.

Now that you know how to set time on Arlo camera a quick guide, you’re all set. No more confusing timestamps, no more guessing when that delivery arrived. Just clean, accurate records—exactly what a smart camera should give you.

So go ahead: open your Arlo app, check that time, and make sure it’s right. Your future self will thank you the next time you need to review a clip.

And hey—if you run into any hiccups, don’t stress. Even I mess up sometimes. The key is to stay patient, restart when needed, and trust the process. You’ve got this.