What is Direct Storage Access and how do I use it?

Direct Storage Access is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a convenient way to access videos stored locally on your Arlo SmartHub. Instead of removing the microSD card or USB storage device and plugging it into your computer to view recordings, Direct Storage Access enables a fast way to directly view recordings through the Arlo App at the full resolution of your Ultra or Pro camera. When you use Direct Storage Access, your Arlo recordings never touch the Arlo cloud, providing seamless point-to-point access.

What you need

To set up Direct Storage Access, you need the following:

  • The Arlo Secure App
    Note: Direct Storage Access is not available on my.arlo.com.
  • An Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000 or VMB4540)
  • A Wi-Fi router
    Note: To securely access your recordings from outside the home network, Arlo recommends configuring a VPN on your router and mobile device.
  • A USB or microSD device that is compatible with your Arlo SmartHub

Set up Direct Storage Access

To setup Direct Storage Access for your Arlo system, you must first insert a compatible USB or microSD device into your Arlo SmartHub. For detailed information about setting up local storage backups, visit: How do I set up local storage backups using my Arlo Base Station or SmartHub?

After you have inserted a compatible storage device, you must enable local storage recording in the Arlo Secure App. When local storage recording is enabled, you can setup Direct Storage Access.

To enable Direct Storage Access:

  1. Launch the Arlo Secure App.
  2. Tap Settings > My Devices.
  3. Select a SmartHub.
  4. Tap Storage Settings.
  5. Tap the switch next to Record Locally.
    Local storage is now activated on your Arlo device.
  6. Tap the switch next to Direct Storage Access.

After you enable Direct Storage Access, your recordings are accessible when you are on the same home network as the SmartHub. To access recordings when outside the home network, Arlo recommends configuring a VPN on your router and mobile device to establish a secure connection to your SmartHub. Please consult your router manufacturer for specific configuration details.

You can also enable Port Forwarding as an alternative to using a secure VPN to access your storage recordings in the Arlo Secure App.

Note: To enable Port Forwarding, you might need to contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to request permission for traffic to be allowed through the external port that is defined by the Arlo Secure App.

To enable Port Forwarding after Direct Storage Access is enabled:

  1. Launch the Arlo Secure App.
  2. Tap Settings > My Devices.
  3. Select a SmartHub.
  4. Tap Storage Settings > Port Forwarding.
  5. Tap the switch next to Enable Port Forwarding.
  6. Read the advisory message.
    Note: Enabling Port Forwarding can expose your network security to vulnerabilities and should be used with caution.
  7. If you understand and accept the risks, tap I accept the risk.
    Port Forwarding is activated in the Arlo Secure App.
  8. Enter the relevant Port Forwarding information in your router settings to enable access outside the local network.
    Note: Please consult your router manufacturer for specific configuration details.
    If correctly entered, the Status will change to Available.
  9. To change the ports assigned for Direct Storage Access, tap Refresh to have a new port randomly assigned.

Note: If Port Forwarding is deactivated, locally stored videos will only be accessible when you are on your home network or connected remotely via VPN. Your router settings will remain unchanged. If you deactivate Port Forwarding in the Arlo Secure App, remember to also remove the Port Forwarding settings for Arlo on your router.

 

Remotely accessing local storage recordings with Direct Storage Access

When Direct Storage Access is enabled, your Arlo recordings appear in the Library on the Arlo Secure App. Your recordings will not contain a thumbnail because they are not saved to the Arlo cloud. Direct Storage Access allows you to view the last 30 days of videos in the Arlo Library. If you want to view videos older than 30 days, you will need to connect your USB or microSD device to a PC or Mac.

Note: You can’t manually record or capture a snapshot to a local storage device. Manual recording and snapshots are only available when you record to the Arlo cloud. You also can’t delete specific recordings from your SmartHub through Direct Storage Access. Deleting recordings must be done by connecting the USB or microSD device to a PC or Mac.

To access your Direct Storage Access recordings in the Arlo Secure App:

  1. Launch the Arlo Secure App.
  2. Tap Library.
  3. Tap Cloud at the top of the screen to select a storage source.
  4. Select the SmartHub.
  5. Navigate the Arlo Library to view the last 30 days of video recordings.