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

This article applies to:

Arlo video recordings can be stored using Arlo cloud storage, or you can set up local storage on your Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station. Local storage can be used by itself or as a second backup location to store recordings. You can also set up local storage on Arlo Go, Arlo Go 2, and Arlo Q Plus cameras with a MicroSD card.

If you need to set up local storage on your Arlo SmartHub or Arlo Base Station for the first time, visit: How do I set up local storage backups using my Arlo SmartHub or Base Station? - Arlo Secure 4.0

For more information on local storage for Arlo Go, visit: How do I set up backup SD card storage on my Arlo Go camera?

For more information on local storage for Arlo Go 2, visit: How do I use a microSD card in my Arlo Go 2 Camera? - Arlo Secure 4.0

Storage devices typically need to be formatted for use with your Arlo device prior to use. When connecting a new storage device to your Arlo device, you may be prompted to format the USB device or MicroSD card prior to use.



To format your USB device or MicroSD card for local storage:

WARNING: Formatting local storage will delete all files and folders from your USB storage device or MicroSD card.

For the Arlo Secure App experience with Feed:

  1. Launch the Arlo Secure App.
  2. Tap Devices.
  3. Select the Arlo SmartHub, Arlo Base Station, or Arlo Camera where the storage device is in use.
  4. Tap  for Arlo Cameras or skip to the next step for Arlo SmartHubs and Arlo Base Stations.
  5. Tap Storage Settings.
  6. Tap Local Storage Settings.
  7. Tap Format SD Card or Format USB Device.
    WARNING: Formatting the USB device or MicroSD card erases all data from the storage device. If you want to keep any files that are on the USB device or MicroSD card, copy those files to another location before you format the USB device or MicroSD card.
  8. Wait for Storage Status to change from Formatting to Good.
    WARNING: Do not remove the USB device or MicroSD card while it is formatting. The USB device or MicroSD card might become permanently unusable.

For the Arlo Secure App experience with Library:

  1. Launch the Arlo Secure App.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap My Devices.
  4. Select the Arlo SmartHub, Arlo Base Station, or Arlo Camera where the storage device is in use.
  5. Tap Storage Settings.
  6. Tap USB Disk or SD Card for Arlo SmartHubs and Arlo Base Stations or tap Local Storage Status for Arlo Cameras.
  7. Tap Format USB Device or Format MicroSD Card.
    WARNING: Formatting the USB device or MicroSD card erases all data from the storage device. If you want to keep any files that are on the USB device or MicroSD card, copy those files to another location before you format the USB device or MicroSD card.
  8. Wait for USB Device Status or MicroSD Card Status to change from Formatting to Ready.
    WARNING: Do not remove the USB device or MicroSD card while it is formatting. The USB device or MicroSD card might become permanently unusable.