Are you frustrated with your Arlo camera only recording for 10 seconds? You’re not alone. Many Arlo camera users have reported this issue, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your Arlo camera is only recording for 10 seconds and provide you with some troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue.
Understanding Arlo Camera Recording Options
Before we dive into the possible causes of the issue, let’s take a look at the recording options available on Arlo cameras. Arlo cameras offer two main recording options: continuous recording and motion-based recording.
Continuous recording allows you to record video continuously, 24/7, while motion-based recording only records video when motion is detected. Motion-based recording is the default recording option on most Arlo cameras, and it’s designed to conserve storage space and battery life.
Arlo Camera Recording Modes
Arlo cameras also offer different recording modes, including:
- Optimized: This mode records video for 10 seconds when motion is detected.
- Best Video: This mode records video for 30 seconds when motion is detected.
- Best Battery Life: This mode records video for 10 seconds when motion is detected, but it also reduces the video quality to conserve battery life.
Possible Causes of the 10-Second Recording Issue
Now that we’ve covered the recording options and modes available on Arlo cameras, let’s take a look at some possible causes of the 10-second recording issue:
Default Recording Mode
One possible cause of the issue is that your Arlo camera is set to the default recording mode, which is usually the Optimized mode. This mode records video for 10 seconds when motion is detected, so if you’re not aware of this setting, you may think that your camera is malfunctioning.
How to Change the Recording Mode
To change the recording mode on your Arlo camera, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Arlo account on the Arlo website or mobile app.
- Click on the camera you want to modify.
- Click on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear).
- Scroll down to the “Recording” section.
- Select the desired recording mode from the drop-down menu.
Insufficient Storage Space
Another possible cause of the issue is insufficient storage space on your Arlo camera or base station. If your camera or base station is running low on storage space, it may only record video for 10 seconds to conserve space.
How to Check Storage Space
To check the storage space on your Arlo camera or base station, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Arlo account on the Arlo website or mobile app.
- Click on the camera you want to check.
- Click on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear).
- Scroll down to the “Storage” section.
- Check the available storage space.
Weak Wi-Fi Signal
A weak Wi-Fi signal can also cause your Arlo camera to only record for 10 seconds. If your camera is not connected to a strong Wi-Fi network, it may not be able to upload video recordings to the cloud, resulting in shorter recording times.
How to Improve Wi-Fi Signal
To improve the Wi-Fi signal on your Arlo camera, try the following:
- Move the camera closer to the router.
- Use a Wi-Fi range extender to boost the signal.
- Switch to a different Wi-Fi network.
Camera Firmware Issues
Outdated or corrupted camera firmware can also cause the 10-second recording issue. Firmware is the software that runs on your Arlo camera, and it needs to be updated regularly to ensure proper functioning.
How to Update Camera Firmware
To update the firmware on your Arlo camera, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Arlo account on the Arlo website or mobile app.
- Click on the camera you want to update.
- Click on the “Settings” icon (represented by a gear).
- Scroll down to the “Firmware” section.
- Click on the “Update” button.
Base Station Issues
If you’re using an Arlo base station, issues with the base station can also cause the 10-second recording issue. The base station is responsible for connecting your Arlo cameras to the internet and uploading video recordings to the cloud.
How to Troubleshoot Base Station Issues
To troubleshoot base station issues, try the following:
- Restart the base station.
- Check the base station’s internet connection.
- Update the base station’s firmware.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve tried the above solutions and your Arlo camera is still only recording for 10 seconds, here are some additional troubleshooting tips:
- Check the camera’s battery level (if it’s a battery-powered camera).
- Check the camera’s memory card (if it’s a wired camera).
- Check for any physical obstructions that may be blocking the camera’s view.
- Check for any software conflicts that may be causing the issue.
Arlo Camera Reset
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reset your Arlo camera to its factory settings. This will erase all settings and recordings on the camera, so make sure to back up any important recordings before doing so.
How to Reset Arlo Camera
To reset your Arlo camera, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the reset button on the camera for 10 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the camera to restart.
- Log in to your Arlo account on the Arlo website or mobile app.
- Set up the camera again from scratch.
Conclusion
If your Arlo camera is only recording for 10 seconds, there are several possible causes, including the default recording mode, insufficient storage space, weak Wi-Fi signal, camera firmware issues, and base station issues. By troubleshooting these issues and following the tips outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the problem and get your Arlo camera recording for longer periods of time. Remember to always check the camera’s settings and storage space, and to update the firmware regularly to ensure proper functioning.
Why does my Arlo camera only record for 10 seconds?
The Arlo camera is designed to record short video clips when motion is detected, and the default recording time is indeed 10 seconds. However, this can be adjusted in the Arlo app settings. If you’re finding that your camera is only recording for 10 seconds, it’s likely because the motion has stopped, or the camera has reached the end of its recording time.
To change the recording time, open the Arlo app, go to Mode, and select the mode you’re currently using. Then, tap on the pencil icon next to “Record Video” and adjust the recording time to your desired length. Keep in mind that longer recording times will use more storage space and may reduce battery life.
How do I adjust the recording time on my Arlo camera?
To adjust the recording time on your Arlo camera, open the Arlo app and go to Mode. Select the mode you’re currently using, and then tap on the pencil icon next to “Record Video.” From there, you can adjust the recording time to your desired length. You can choose from a range of options, including 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes.
It’s worth noting that you can also adjust the recording time for specific cameras or modes. For example, you may want to set a longer recording time for a camera that’s monitoring a high-traffic area, or a shorter recording time for a camera that’s monitoring a low-traffic area. Experiment with different recording times to find what works best for your specific needs.
Why does my Arlo camera keep stopping after 10 seconds?
If your Arlo camera keeps stopping after 10 seconds, it’s likely because the motion has stopped, or the camera has reached the end of its recording time. Arlo cameras are designed to record short video clips when motion is detected, and the default recording time is 10 seconds. If you’re finding that your camera is stopping too soon, you may need to adjust the recording time or the motion sensitivity.
To adjust the motion sensitivity, open the Arlo app and go to Mode. Select the mode you’re currently using, and then tap on the pencil icon next to “Motion Detection.” From there, you can adjust the motion sensitivity to your desired level. If you set the sensitivity too low, the camera may not detect motion at all, while setting it too high may result in false alerts.
Can I extend the recording time on my Arlo camera?
Yes, you can extend the recording time on your Arlo camera. To do so, open the Arlo app and go to Mode. Select the mode you’re currently using, and then tap on the pencil icon next to “Record Video.” From there, you can adjust the recording time to your desired length. You can choose from a range of options, including 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes.
Keep in mind that extending the recording time will use more storage space and may reduce battery life. If you’re using a battery-powered camera, you may need to recharge it more frequently if you extend the recording time. Additionally, longer recording times may result in more false alerts, so be sure to adjust the motion sensitivity accordingly.
How do I know if my Arlo camera is recording?
When your Arlo camera is recording, you’ll see a red light on the camera, and you’ll receive a notification on your phone or tablet. You can also check the Arlo app to see if the camera is recording. To do so, open the app and go to the camera’s live feed. If the camera is recording, you’ll see a red dot in the top-right corner of the screen.
Additionally, you can check the camera’s recording history to see if it’s been recording. To do so, open the Arlo app and go to the camera’s settings. From there, you can view the camera’s recording history, including the date, time, and duration of each recording.
Why is my Arlo camera not recording at all?
If your Arlo camera is not recording at all, there may be a few reasons why. First, check to make sure that the camera is turned on and that the battery is charged. Next, check the Arlo app to make sure that the camera is set to record. If the camera is set to record, but it’s not recording, try restarting the camera or the Arlo base station.
If the issue persists, try checking the camera’s motion sensitivity and recording time. If the motion sensitivity is set too low, the camera may not detect motion at all, while setting it too high may result in false alerts. Additionally, check the camera’s storage space to make sure it’s not full. If the storage space is full, the camera may not be able to record.
Can I record continuously with my Arlo camera?
No, Arlo cameras are not designed to record continuously. They are designed to record short video clips when motion is detected, and the default recording time is 10 seconds. While you can adjust the recording time to a longer length, such as 1 or 2 minutes, the camera will still only record when motion is detected.
If you need to record continuously, you may want to consider a different type of camera. However, keep in mind that continuous recording can use a lot of storage space and may reduce battery life. Arlo cameras are designed to provide a balance between recording time and storage space, while also providing motion detection and alerts.