Arlo Ultra 2 and Doorbell Video Not Recording

Common Causes

When your Arlo Ultra 2 or Arlo Video Doorbell stops recording video clips, the root cause is usually one of the following:

• Arlo Secure subscription expired or lapsed — cloud recording requires an active plan
• Cloud storage full and old recordings not set to auto-delete
• Motion detection disabled or sensitivity too low
• Camera mode set to Disarmed
• Activity zones misconfigured, missing the area where motion occurs
• Weak WiFi or SmartHub connection causing upload failures
• Firmware bug preventing recordings from being saved
• Local storage (microSD) full or corrupted on the SmartHub

Step 1: Check Your Camera Mode

Open the Arlo app and look at the current mode for your camera. If the mode is set to Disarmed, the camera will not record any motion events. Switch the mode to Armed or a custom mode that includes motion recording rules. Tap the Mode button on the app home screen or go to the camera's settings to change it.

Step 2: Verify Your Arlo Secure Subscription

Cloud video recording requires an active Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, you will only see live streaming but no recorded clips in the library. In the Arlo app, go to Settings and then Subscription to verify your plan status. If your subscription has expired, renew it or enable local recording on the SmartHub as a temporary solution.

Step 3: Check Motion Detection Settings

1. In the Arlo app, select your camera and go to Device Settings.
2. Navigate to Motion Detection and ensure it is toggled on.
3. Check the motion sensitivity slider. If it is set too low, the camera may not trigger on people walking or vehicles passing by.
4. Review your activity zones. If zones are configured, the camera only records motion that occurs within those defined areas. Make sure the zones cover the areas where you expect activity.

Step 4: Review the Recording Rules

Arlo cameras use modes and rules to determine when and how to record. Navigate to Modes in the Arlo app and select the active mode. Check the rules associated with each camera. Each rule should specify what triggers a recording (motion, audio, or doorbell press) and what action to take (record video, send notification, or both). If the "record video" action is missing from the rule, add it.

Step 5: Check Local Storage

If you have a microSD card inserted in the SmartHub for local recording, it may be full or corrupted.

1. In the Arlo app, go to SmartHub Settings and check the storage status.
2. If the card is full, enable auto-overwrite to replace the oldest recordings with new ones.
3. If the card appears corrupted, remove it from the SmartHub, format it on a computer as FAT32 or exFAT, and reinsert it.

Step 6: Test the Connection

Poor connectivity between the camera and SmartHub can cause recording failures even when motion is detected.

• Check the signal strength indicator for the camera in the Arlo app. If it shows one bar or less, the camera is too far from the SmartHub.
• Move the SmartHub closer to the camera or reduce obstructions between them.
• Restart the SmartHub by unplugging it for 60 seconds and plugging it back in.
• For the Ultra 2, ensure the SmartHub Ethernet cable is providing a strong internet connection.

Step 7: Update Firmware

Firmware bugs can sometimes prevent recordings from being saved properly. Check for updates on both the camera and SmartHub through Settings then My Devices in the Arlo app. Install any available updates and wait for the devices to restart.

Step 8: Power Cycle Everything

If recordings still are not saving, perform a full system restart.

1. Remove the battery from the camera (or unplug the doorbell if it is wired).
2. Unplug the SmartHub and your router.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug in the router first and wait for it to fully boot.
5. Plug in the SmartHub and wait for the green LED.
6. Reinsert the camera battery and wait for it to reconnect.

When to Contact Support

If the camera detects motion (you receive notifications) but clips do not appear in the library, there may be a cloud service issue. Contact Arlo Support with examples of events that should have been recorded, including dates and times, so they can investigate your account.