As a homeowner or business owner, investing in a reliable security system is crucial for protecting your property and loved ones. Arlo cameras are a popular choice among security enthusiasts, offering top-notch features like motion detection, night vision, and weather resistance. However, like any electronic device, Arlo cameras require occasional maintenance to ensure they function optimally. One essential task is updating the time on your Arlo cameras, which can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to change the time on Arlo cameras, so you can keep your security system in sync.
Understanding the Importance of Accurate Time on Arlo Cameras
Before we dive into the instructions, it’s essential to understand why accurate time is crucial for your Arlo cameras. Here are a few reasons:
- Timestamps: Arlo cameras record video footage with timestamps, which can be vital evidence in case of a security breach. If the time on your cameras is incorrect, the timestamps will be inaccurate, making it challenging to investigate incidents.
- Scheduling: Arlo cameras allow you to schedule recordings, motion detection, and other features based on specific times. If the time on your cameras is off, these schedules won’t work as intended, compromising your security.
- Syncing with Other Devices: If you have multiple Arlo cameras or integrate them with other smart devices, accurate time is necessary for seamless syncing and coordination.
Preparation is Key: Gathering Required Information
Before you start changing the time on your Arlo cameras, make sure you have the following information:
- Arlo Account Credentials: You’ll need your Arlo account username and password to access the web-based interface or mobile app.
- Camera’s Serial Number: You can find the serial number on the back or bottom of your Arlo camera. This information might be required to identify the camera during the time update process.
- Current Time Zone: Ensure you know your current time zone, including any daylight saving time (DST) adjustments.
Method 1: Changing Time on Arlo Cameras via the Web-Based Interface
You can update the time on your Arlo cameras using the web-based interface. Here’s how:
- Open a web browser and navigate to the Arlo website (www.arlo.com).
- Log in to your Arlo account using your username and password.
- Click on the “Settings” icon (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the page.
- Select “Camera Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the camera you want to update the time for from the list of available cameras.
- Click on the “Time” tab.
- Select your time zone from the drop-down menu.
- Choose whether you want to enable DST or not.
- Click “Save” to apply the changes.
Syncing Time with NTP Servers
Arlo cameras can also sync their time with NTP (Network Time Protocol) servers. To enable this feature:
- Follow steps 1-6 from the previous section.
- Click on the “Time” tab.
- Select the “NTP Server” option.
- Choose an NTP server from the list or enter a custom server address.
- Click “Save” to apply the changes.
Method 2: Changing Time on Arlo Cameras via the Mobile App
You can also update the time on your Arlo cameras using the mobile app. Here’s how:
- Open the Arlo mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Log in to your Arlo account using your username and password.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select “Camera Settings” from the menu.
- Choose the camera you want to update the time for from the list of available cameras.
- Tap on the “Time” tab.
- Select your time zone from the list.
- Choose whether you want to enable DST or not.
- Tap “Save” to apply the changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while changing the time on your Arlo cameras, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Camera Not Syncing: Ensure that your camera is connected to the internet and that the NTP server is configured correctly.
- Incorrect Time Zone: Double-check that you’ve selected the correct time zone and DST settings.
- Camera Not Updating: Try restarting your camera or checking for firmware updates.
Conclusion
Changing the time on your Arlo cameras is a relatively straightforward process that can be done via the web-based interface or mobile app. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to ensure that your security system is in sync and functioning optimally. Remember to regularly check and update the time on your Arlo cameras to maintain accurate timestamps, scheduling, and syncing with other devices.
Why is it important to sync the time on my Arlo cameras?
Syncing the time on your Arlo cameras is crucial for ensuring that the timestamp on your recorded videos is accurate. This is particularly important if you need to use the footage as evidence in case of a security breach or incident. If the time on your cameras is not synced, it may be difficult to determine the exact time an event occurred, which could lead to confusion and potential legal issues.
Additionally, syncing the time on your Arlo cameras helps to ensure that your cameras are working in tandem with other smart devices in your home security system. This can help to create a more seamless and integrated security experience, allowing you to easily monitor and manage your home’s security from a single interface.
How often should I sync the time on my Arlo cameras?
It’s a good idea to sync the time on your Arlo cameras regularly to ensure that they remain accurate. You should sync the time on your cameras at least once a month, or whenever you notice that the timestamp on your recorded videos is incorrect. You may also need to sync the time on your cameras after a power outage or if you’ve recently changed your internet service provider.
If you live in an area that observes daylight saving time (DST), you may need to sync the time on your Arlo cameras twice a year, when the clocks spring forward or fall back. This will ensure that your cameras continue to display the correct time, even after the time change.
What are the system requirements for syncing the time on my Arlo cameras?
To sync the time on your Arlo cameras, you’ll need to have a few basic system requirements in place. First, you’ll need to have a stable internet connection, as syncing the time on your cameras requires a connection to the Arlo servers. You’ll also need to have the latest version of the Arlo app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
Additionally, you’ll need to ensure that your Arlo cameras are running the latest firmware. You can check for firmware updates in the Arlo app, and follow the prompts to install any available updates. Once you’ve met these system requirements, you can follow the steps outlined in this guide to sync the time on your Arlo cameras.
Can I sync the time on my Arlo cameras using the Arlo app?
Yes, you can sync the time on your Arlo cameras using the Arlo app. In fact, the Arlo app is the easiest way to sync the time on your cameras. To do so, simply open the Arlo app and navigate to the settings menu. From there, select the “Camera Settings” option and choose the camera you want to sync.
Once you’ve selected the camera, look for the “Time” or “Date and Time” option, and select it. The app will then prompt you to sync the time on your camera with the time on your smartphone or tablet. Follow the prompts to complete the process, and your camera’s time should now be synced.
How long does it take to sync the time on my Arlo cameras?
Syncing the time on your Arlo cameras is a relatively quick process that should only take a few minutes to complete. The exact time it takes will depend on the speed of your internet connection and the number of cameras you need to sync. In general, you can expect the process to take around 2-5 minutes per camera.
Once you’ve started the syncing process, you can monitor the progress in the Arlo app. The app will display a status message indicating that the time is being synced, and will notify you when the process is complete. Once the process is finished, you can verify that the time on your camera is accurate by checking the timestamp on your recorded videos.
What if I’m having trouble syncing the time on my Arlo cameras?
If you’re having trouble syncing the time on your Arlo cameras, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue. First, make sure that your internet connection is stable and that your cameras are connected to the network. You can also try restarting your cameras and router to see if that resolves the issue.
If you’re still having trouble, you can try contacting Arlo support for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and provide additional guidance on how to sync the time on your cameras. You can contact Arlo support through the Arlo website or by calling their customer support number.
Will syncing the time on my Arlo cameras affect my recorded videos?
Syncing the time on your Arlo cameras will not affect your recorded videos in any way. The syncing process only updates the timestamp on your cameras, and does not alter the video footage itself. This means that you can safely sync the time on your cameras without worrying about losing or corrupting your recorded videos.
However, it’s worth noting that if the time on your cameras was previously incorrect, syncing the time may cause the timestamp on your recorded videos to be updated. This could potentially cause some confusion if you’re trying to review footage from a specific time period. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to sync the time on your cameras regularly to ensure that the timestamp is always accurate.