How do I format a USB device for local storage using my Arlo Pro base station?

All Arlo video recordings can be stored to the cloud, but you can connect a USB device to your Arlo base station or SmartHub and use the USB device as a second location to store recordings locally.

If you need to set up local storage on your Arlo base station for the first time, visit How do I set up local storage backups on a USB device using my Arlo base station or SmartHub?.

To delete all files on your USB device and format it for local storage using an Arlo base station or the SmartHub:

  1. If you want to keep any files that are on the USB device, copy those files to another location before you format the USB device.
  2. Make sure that the USB device you want to format is already inserted into one of the USB ports on the back of the Arlo base station or SmartHub.
  3. Launch the Arlo app or log in to your Arlo account at my.arlo.com.
  4. If you see the message “Requires Formatting” next to USB Device 1 or USB Device 2, the USB device is not in the correct format (FAT32). You must format the USB device before you can use it for local storage.
    Warning: Formatting the USB device erases all data from the device. If you want to keep any files that are on the USB device, copy those files to another location before you format the USB device.
  5. Tap or click > next to the USB device that you want to format.
  6. Tap or click Format USB Device.
  7. Wait for USB Device Status to change from Formatting to Ready.
    Warning: Do not remove the USB device while it is formatting. The USB device might become permanently unusable.

Note: Always eject USB devices using the Safely Eject USB Device button.