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Arlo Camera Not Recording: 6 Solutions to Fix it

If you are having problems with your Arlo Camera not Recording, there are a few things that you can do to try and fix the issue. In this blog post, we will outline some of the steps that you can take to hopefully get your camera up and running again.

Arlo’s recording period is very short and you may have wondered whether Arlo recorded anything video at all. You expect a camera to record at least 1 minute of movement clip, or even record and save the footage on the cloud.

However, Arlo does not record continuously and only records where there is motion. By default, this period of recording is only 10 seconds. This short video length can make you think that it didn’t record at all.

Picture showing a snapshot of video screen indicating Arlo camera not recording
Still image when Arlo camera is not recording

But it’s also important you understand that not all Arlo cameras record continuously.

About Arlo’s Recording Capabilities

Unlike Nest Cams, some Arlo cameras do not 24/7 streaming capability and recording and only get activated to record a 10-seconds video clip when movement is detected. Again, Arlo is not a continuous-recording camera but you can set up your Arlo camera to record 24/7 just like Nest Cams.

The video below shows how you can fix the 10-seconds recording period. Many users have been frustrated and the gentleman in the video below explains how you can fix the issue of Arlo not recording long enough. He also explains how proper settings on the app will enable you not to miss any notification that your Arlo App will be sending.

Ideally, you make the changes by going to the settings dashboard on your Arlo app and choosing the ‘Armed’ option tab.

Choose the individual camera and make the changes specific to the camera. For example, you can choose to change the settings of the baby monitor in your baby’s nursery.

You need to change the default recording period to more than 10 seconds. It can, however, get extended to up to 120 seconds. You can also opt for the recording to happen until motion stops (although this still has a limit of 300 seconds recording).

Arlo Cameras that Can Record Continuously

If you choose to subscribe to Arlo Continuous Video Recording (CVR) option, you would need to pay for any of the following monthly subscription plans:

  1. To access 30 days of video footage, a plan will cost you $23.99 for 30 .
  2. To access 14 days of video footage, a plan will cost you $11.99 for 14 days of storage.
Table showing Continuous Video Recording subscription plans

Secondly, you need to have any of the following Arlo cameras. Only these cameras can record continuously throughout the motion period to the cloud.

  • Arlo Ultra,
  • Arlo Q,
  • Arlo Q Plus, and
  • Arlo Pro 2

These cameras stream directly to Arlo cloud.

Arlo Cameras That Cannot Continuously Record

Earlier Arlo cameras such as Arlo baby monitor, Arlo and Arlo Pro are not capable of streaming directly to the cloud. They can be a connection between the Arlo cameras and the app but cannot record. Again, only a few brands listed above can record continuously.

Other users have though that the app only notified them but the Arlo camera did not record any video while only a 10-seconds-clip is recorded.

What’s the Maximum Period it Can Record?

If you own these non-continuous streaming Arlo cameras, you can adjust the settings as explained above so you can have your Arlo to record up to 300 seconds, the max.

After adjusting the viewable period to the max of 300 seconds, you can try and see if you can get some recording that you can actually watch. If your Arlo camera is still not recording even a full clip, you can contact Arlo customer support or read these responses by other users.

If any of the non-continuous-recording cameras such as Arlo Pro 2 is not recording at night you should know that might be a different issue. It is possible that the infrared night vision feature of your Arlo Pro 2 is not working correctly.

When LED lights are not activated Arlo camera may not illuminate the necessary infrared light to allow the camera to capture images. If you experience these night vision images not appearing at night, follow these steps:

  • Reboot the Arlo camera
  • Check if the charging is working well
  • Ensure the infrared sensor is working

Why is my arlo not recording?

The most likely reasons your Arlo camera is not recording is because of wifi connectivity issues between the wifi router and your Arlo camera. Check to ensure your connection is functioning to resume recording. If you have recently changed your password or Arlo login information, you may need to re-sync Arlo with your account. To do this, open up the Arlo app and go to Settings. Select Device and then select the Connected Camera that you are having problems with. Select Reset Sync and follow the on-screen instructions.

Arlo Camera Not Recording: 6 Solutions to Fix it

Check for any connectivity issues

One reason why Arlo may not be recording is because of wifi connectivity issues. Make sure that you are within range of your wifi router and that there are no obstructions between the camera and the router.

Take the router and camera offline one at a time to determine whether it’s an issue with your network. For starters, unplug all of the connected cables from the router or camera.

The majority of the time, a lack of wireless connectivity is the reason for the Arlo camera’s failure to record. The Arlo camera must be properly linked to WiFi or a wifi extender with no obstructions to the signal. You can read more on how to extend wifi coverage using wifi extender on Arlo’s website here.

Check these top-rated wifi baby monitors with great connectivity.

Re-sync Arlo with your account

If you have recently changed your password or Arlo login information, you may need to re-sync Arlo with your account. To do this, open up the Arlo app and go to Settings.

  • Select Device and then select the Connected Camera that you are having problems with. Select Reset Sync and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Restart your camera

Check for any obstruction

Make sure your Arlo camera is focused on what you want it to capture. At times, the camera may be positioned to face an obstructing material or location such as the wall. You should find a spot clear of any obstruction.

Restarting the WIFI Router

If restarting the camera does not work, you may want to try restarting your wifi router. To do this, unplug the power cord from the back of the router and wait for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait for the router to start up again.

Resetting Arlo Camerasa

If you have tried all of the steps mentioned above and your Arlo camera is still not recording, you may want to reset the camera. To do this, press and hold the Reset button on the back of the camera for 10 seconds. The camera will restart and be back in its default settings.

Replace the battery

If all else fails, you may want to try replacing the battery in your Arlo camera. This can be done by unscrewing the back of the camera and removing the battery. Put in a new battery and screw the back of the camera back on.

Arlo not recording motion

If your Arlo is not recording motion, make sure you change the settings to ‘armed’ and motion detection is activated on the app. If it is not detecting and recording motion, users have found a solution in changing the battery pack.

Read more about smart cameras including those compatible with Google Home here.