How can I record in 4K with an Arlo Ultra camera?

Last updated: 08.01.2025

Your Arlo Ultra series camera enables you to record 4K video via motion cloud recording or recording to a local storage device.

For motion cloud recording in 4K, you need an Arlo Secure Plus subscription plan. For more information, visit : What do I need to record 4K or 2K videos to the Arlo cloud?.

  • View your camera feed in 4K using Local Live Streaming
    You can live stream in 4K from your Ultra series camera when your mobile device is connected with WiFi to the same network as your Arlo SmartHub.
    For more information, visit:  How do I stream in 4K with my Arlo Ultra camera?.
    Note: To record or take snapshots of a live stream in the Arlo app, you need to be on a paid plan and have 2K or 4K resolution streaming disabled. If you use 2K or 4k resolution in local live streaming, the Record and Snapshot buttons will not be available.

  • Motion Cloud Recording in 4K
    You must have an Arlo Secure Plus plan to activate motion cloud recording in 4K. If you have motion cloud recording activated in your Arlo app, Arlo Ultra records in 4K when it detects motion or sound. The 4K recording is sent to the cloud where you can view it in your Arlo Library.
    Note: If you’re not subscribed to an Arlo Secure Plus plan, the maximum resolution of your Arlo Ultra camera recordings is 1080p, and your camera will not trigger on motion or audio events.

  • Recording to a local storage device
    You can record 4K videos from Arlo Ultra series cameras to a microSD card or USB device by inserting one into your Arlo SmartHub. To view local storage recordings, remove the microSD card or USB device from your Arlo SmartHub, and watch them on a device with a microSD card or USB Type-A reader. For more information, visit: How do I record 4K videos to a local storage device?.

  • Troubleshooting 4K
    If you are not getting 4K try the following:

    • Make sure the video is not zoomed in. If the video is zoomed in, the 4K badge will not appear because the video will be less than 4K resolution.

    • Make sure Auto Zoom and Tracking is turned off. Auto Zoom and Tracking reduces the video resolution to 1080p to track motion within the frame. For more information, visit: What is Auto Zoom and Tracking and how do I use it?.

    • Change the Power Management setting to Best Video or Optimized to see what works best for your camera. For more information, visit: How do I change my Arlo camera's power management settings?.