As a homeowner, there’s no denying the importance of having a reliable security system in place. The Arlo camera is a popular choice among many, thanks to its wireless design, weather-resistant build, and crystal-clear video quality. However, like any other device, it’s not immune to technical issues. One common problem that Arlo camera users face is incorrect time display. If you’re struggling with this issue, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of changing the time on your Arlo camera, ensuring that your security system is always in sync.
Understanding the Importance of Accurate Time on Your Arlo Camera
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of changing the time on your Arlo camera, it’s essential to understand why accurate time is crucial for your security system. Here are a few reasons why:
- Timestamps: If the time on your Arlo camera is incorrect, the timestamps on your recorded videos will also be wrong. This can lead to confusion and make it challenging to identify specific events or incidents.
- Scheduling: If you’ve set up custom schedules for your Arlo camera, an incorrect time can disrupt the entire schedule. This might result in your camera not recording when it’s supposed to or sending unnecessary notifications.
- Geofencing: If you’re using the geofencing feature on your Arlo camera, an incorrect time can affect its functionality. Geofencing relies on the camera’s ability to detect your location and adjust its settings accordingly. If the time is wrong, the camera might not be able to accurately detect your location.
Methods to Change Time on Arlo Camera
Fortunately, changing the time on your Arlo camera is a relatively straightforward process. There are two primary methods to do so: using the Arlo app and using the Arlo website.
Method 1: Changing Time Using the Arlo App
To change the time on your Arlo camera using the Arlo app, follow these steps:
- Open the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the “Mode” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the camera for which you want to change the time.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear).
- Scroll down to the “Camera Settings” section.
- Tap on “Time Zone.”
- Select your time zone from the list.
- If you want to set the time manually, toggle the “Manual Time” switch.
- Enter the correct time using the 24-hour clock format.
- Tap “Save” to apply the changes.
Method 2: Changing Time Using the Arlo Website
To change the time on your Arlo camera using the Arlo website, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Arlo account on the Arlo website.
- Click on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear) next to the camera for which you want to change the time.
- Scroll down to the “Camera Settings” section.
- Click on “Time Zone.”
- Select your time zone from the list.
- If you want to set the time manually, toggle the “Manual Time” switch.
- Enter the correct time using the 24-hour clock format.
- Click “Save” to apply the changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While changing the time on your Arlo camera is a relatively simple process, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: Time Not Updating
If the time on your Arlo camera is not updating after you’ve made changes, try the following:
- Restart your Arlo camera by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.
- Check your internet connection to ensure it’s stable and working properly.
- Try updating the time again using the Arlo app or website.
Issue 2: Incorrect Time Zone
If you’ve selected the wrong time zone, you can easily change it using the Arlo app or website. Simply follow the steps outlined in Method 1 or Method 2, and select the correct time zone.
Additional Tips and Tricks
To ensure that your Arlo camera is always displaying the correct time, here are some additional tips and tricks:
- Sync with Your Smartphone: Make sure that your smartphone or tablet is set to the correct time and time zone. This will help ensure that your Arlo camera is also displaying the correct time.
- Use NTP Servers: NTP (Network Time Protocol) servers can help keep your Arlo camera’s time in sync with atomic clocks. You can enable NTP servers in the Arlo app or website.
- Regularly Update Your Arlo Camera’s Firmware: Keeping your Arlo camera’s firmware up to date can help resolve any time-related issues. Regularly check for firmware updates and install them as soon as they’re available.
Conclusion
Changing the time on your Arlo camera is a relatively simple process that can be done using the Arlo app or website. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your security system is always displaying the correct time. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise and follow the additional tips and tricks to keep your Arlo camera’s time in sync. With accurate time display, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your security system is working correctly and efficiently.
What is the importance of syncing the time on my Arlo camera?
Syncing the time on your Arlo camera is crucial for ensuring that the timestamps on your recorded videos are accurate. This is particularly important if you need to use the footage as evidence in case of a security breach or incident. Inaccurate timestamps can lead to confusion and make it difficult to piece together the events surrounding the incident.
Additionally, syncing the time on your Arlo camera also helps to ensure that your camera’s scheduling features work correctly. If the time on your camera is not in sync with the actual time, you may experience issues with motion detection, alerts, and other features that rely on the camera’s clock.
How do I change the time on my Arlo camera?
To change the time on your Arlo camera, you will need to access the camera’s settings through the Arlo app or web portal. The exact steps may vary depending on the model of your camera and the version of the app or web portal you are using. Generally, you will need to navigate to the camera’s settings menu, select the “Time” or “Date and Time” option, and then adjust the time as needed.
It’s also important to note that some Arlo cameras may automatically sync their time with the time on your router or modem. If this is the case, you may need to adjust the time on your router or modem in order to change the time on your camera.
Can I change the time zone on my Arlo camera?
Yes, you can change the time zone on your Arlo camera. To do this, you will need to access the camera’s settings through the Arlo app or web portal and select the “Time Zone” option. From there, you can choose your desired time zone from a list of available options.
It’s worth noting that changing the time zone on your Arlo camera will not affect the camera’s ability to record video or detect motion. However, it may affect the scheduling features and alerts, so you will need to adjust these settings accordingly.
How do I sync my Arlo camera with my smartphone’s time?
To sync your Arlo camera with your smartphone’s time, you will need to ensure that your smartphone’s time is set correctly and then access the Arlo app. The app will automatically sync the time on your camera with the time on your smartphone.
If the time on your camera is not syncing with your smartphone’s time, you may need to check the camera’s settings to ensure that the time zone is set correctly. You can also try restarting the camera or reinstalling the app to resolve any connectivity issues.
What happens if I don’t sync the time on my Arlo camera?
If you don’t sync the time on your Arlo camera, you may experience issues with the camera’s scheduling features, motion detection, and alerts. Inaccurate timestamps on recorded videos can also lead to confusion and make it difficult to piece together the events surrounding a security incident.
Additionally, if the time on your camera is not in sync with the actual time, you may experience issues with the camera’s connectivity and ability to record video. This can compromise the security of your home or business, so it’s essential to ensure that the time on your camera is accurate and up-to-date.
Can I set a custom time on my Arlo camera?
No, you cannot set a custom time on your Arlo camera. The camera’s time must be set to the actual time, either by syncing with your smartphone’s time or by manually adjusting the time through the app or web portal.
Setting a custom time on your Arlo camera can lead to issues with the camera’s scheduling features, motion detection, and alerts. It can also compromise the security of your home or business, so it’s essential to ensure that the time on your camera is accurate and up-to-date.
How often should I check the time on my Arlo camera?
It’s a good idea to check the time on your Arlo camera regularly to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date. You should check the time on your camera at least once a month, or whenever you experience issues with the camera’s scheduling features, motion detection, or alerts.
Additionally, you should also check the time on your camera after a power outage or if you experience any connectivity issues. This will help ensure that the time on your camera is accurate and that the camera is functioning correctly.