Free Arlo Cloud Retention: What Happens After 7 Days

The free Arlo security cloud keeps each recorded clip for seven days, after which the system automatically overwrites the oldest footage to make room for new recordings. This 7‑day recycle is built into the free tier and cannot be extended without upgrading to a paid plan.

How the 7‑Day Cycle Works

Arlo's cloud service uses a rolling buffer. When a new clip is saved, the system checks the timestamp of the oldest stored clip. If the buffer already contains seven days of footage, that oldest clip is deleted to free space for the new one. The process is continuous, ensuring the cloud never exceeds the seven‑day limit.

Impact on Different Camera Types

All Arlo cameras—wireless, battery‑powered, or wired—follow the same retention rule on the free tier. Motion‑triggered recordings, scheduled recordings, and live‑view snapshots are all subject to the same seven‑day overwrite schedule.

Options for Longer Retention

Upgrading to Arlo Secure or Arlo Smart adds extended storage periods ranging from 30 days to unlimited, depending on the subscription level. Paid plans also offer features such as cloud backup, advanced alerts, and activity zones.

Comparing Free vs. Paid Retention