How to Fix Arlo's Local Storage Recording Issues
The ability to save video recordings locally to a USB drive or microSD card connected to your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station is a fantastic feature. It provides a backup if your internet goes down and allows you to access footage without a cloud subscription. When it fails to work, it can be frustrating and leave you feeling vulnerable.
This troubleshooting guide will cover the most common reasons why Arlo can't save locally and how to resolve them.
Step 1: Check Storage Device Compatibility and Formatting
This is, by far, the most common source of local storage problems. The Arlo hub is very specific about the type of storage device it can use.
- File System: The storage device must be formatted to FAT32. It will not work with other common formats like NTFS (used by Windows) or exFAT. If you have a brand new drive, you will likely need to reformat it on a computer before using it with your Arlo hub.
- Device Size: The storage capacity must not exceed the maximum supported limit, which is typically 2TB.
- Physical Connection: Ensure the USB drive or microSD card is inserted firmly and correctly into the port on the SmartHub or Base Station. If it's loose, it won't be detected. Try removing and re-inserting it.
How to Format to FAT32 on Windows:
- Plug the USB drive into your computer.
- Open File Explorer, right-click on the drive, and select "Format".
- In the "File system" dropdown menu, select "FAT32".
- Click "Start". Warning: This will erase all data on the drive.
Step 2: Enable Local Storage in the Arlo App
Plugging in the drive is not enough; you also need to activate the feature within the Arlo Secure app.
- Open the Arlo app and navigate to Settings > My Devices.
- Select the SmartHub or Base Station that the storage device is connected to (not the individual camera).
- Tap on Storage Settings.
- You should see your USB device or microSD card listed here. If not, the hub is not detecting it (refer to Step 1).
- Ensure that the Record Locally option (or similar) is toggled on.
From this screen, you can also manage settings like video quality and what to do when the storage is full (e.g., automatically overwrite the oldest recordings).
Step 3: Understand How Local Storage Works
It's important to have the right expectations. Arlo's local storage is primarily a backup and works differently from the cloud.
- No Direct App Access: You cannot view the locally stored recordings directly in the Arlo app's library feed like you do with cloud recordings. This is a common point of confusion.
- How to View Footage: To view the videos, you must physically eject the USB drive or microSD card from the hub and plug it into a computer. The video files (in .MP4 format) will be organised in folders.
- It's a Backup: Local storage recording happens in parallel with cloud recording (if you have a subscription). If the internet connection drops, the camera will save recordings only to the local storage.
Step 4: Reboot Your Arlo System
If you have confirmed the formatting is correct and the settings are enabled, a simple reboot can often resolve detection glitches.
- Safely eject the storage device through the Arlo app (in Storage Settings).
- Unplug the power from your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the power back in and wait for the hub to fully boot up (the LEDs will turn solid blue or green).
- Re-insert the storage device.
- Check the Storage Settings in the app again to see if the device is now recognised and active.
By ensuring your storage device is correctly formatted and that the feature is enabled in the app, you can solve the vast majority of issues with Arlo's local storage recording.