Why Is My Arlo Camera Not Recording Motion Events to Library
- Arlo Secure subscription expired
- Mode set to notify only no recording
- SD card full or not detected
Problem Description
Your Arlo detects motion and sends notifications but no video clips appear in the library. Live view works and thumbnails appear in notifications but tapping shows nothing. Recordings are not being saved.
Symptoms
- Notifications arrive but no video in library
- Library empty for today
- Live view works but clips missing
- Thumbnail in notification no playback
- Some cameras record others do not
- Recording stopped suddenly
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Arlo Secure subscription expired
- Mode set to notify only no recording
- SD card full or not detected
- SmartHub firmware outdated
- Armed mode missing record action
- Payment method declined
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Do not remove camera from account to fix recording. This deletes all existing footage for that camera permanently.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
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Step-by-Step Solution
Check Subscription
In Arlo app go to Settings then Subscription. Verify Arlo Secure plan active with valid payment. Without subscription cameras detect motion but do not record to cloud.
Check Mode Rules
Go to Modes then select active mode like Armed. Tap the camera and verify Record Video is checked under actions. If only Push Notification is enabled the camera alerts but does not save footage.
Check Local Storage
If using SD card in SmartHub or camera check that card is detected in Settings. Format the card if full. Try a new card if not detected. Cards wear out after heavy continuous recording.
Needed for this step
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$69.99Update SmartHub Firmware
Go to Settings then My Devices then SmartHub. Check for firmware update. Outdated firmware causes recording failures. Update takes 5 to 10 minutes during which cameras go offline briefly.
Reset Mode to Default
If rules are corrupted delete the current Armed mode and recreate it. Add each camera with Detect Motion trigger and Record Video plus Push Notification actions. Test by walking in front of camera.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
If the sensor still misses events after repositioning, check whether a scheduled 'home' or 'away' mode is overriding the sensitivity setting silently.
Enable email alerts in addition to push notifications. If recordings appear in email but not library the app cache is stale. Force close and reopen app.
Live view problems that start suddenly usually trace back to an upload speed drop — the camera itself is fine, the bandwidth path to the cloud isn't.
- Arlo Secure subscription expired
- Mode set to notify only no recording
- SD card full or not detected
- SmartHub firmware outdated
- Armed mode missing record action
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
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Official Manufacturer Manual
If you need the complete manufacturer documentation for advanced setup, wiring diagrams, or detailed specifications, you can download the official manual below. The manual includes full technical instructions directly from the manufacturer and may help if your issue requires deeper troubleshooting.
Download the Official Arlo Security Camera ManualSource: arlo.com
Need More Help? Arlo Support
Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Arlo's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.
How Does Arlo Compare?
Before replacing your Arlo device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.
