Learn About Arlo Service Cancellation Options

Understanding Arlo Service Plans and Cancellation Basics

Arlo is a company that provides wireless security camera systems and cloud storage services for video footage. When you subscribe to Arlo, you're paying for cloud storage that keeps your video recordings safe and lets you access them from anywhere using your phone or computer. Like most subscription services, Arlo offers different plan options, and each plan comes with different storage amounts and features.

Before you cancel, it's important to understand what service you currently have. Arlo offers both free and paid tiers. The free plan typically includes 7 days of rolling storage for video clips, while paid plans offer 30 days of storage or more, depending on which plan you choose. Some people have multiple subscriptions if they have more than one camera system or devices connected to their account.

Arlo also offers what they call "Arlo Secure" plans, which bundle video storage with additional features like person detection, vehicle detection, and package detection. These are higher-level subscriptions that cost more than basic storage plans. Understanding which plan you're currently paying for is the first step in the cancellation process.

The company allows cancellations through their website or mobile app. Unlike some services that make cancellation difficult, Arlo's process is straightforward. You can cancel directly from your account settings without needing to contact customer service, though that option is also available if you prefer it.

Practical takeaway: Log into your Arlo account and check your current subscription details. Write down which plan you have, how much you're paying monthly, and when your next billing date is. This information will help you make an informed decision about whether and when to cancel.

How to Cancel Your Arlo Subscription Through the Website

Canceling your Arlo subscription online is the most direct method. To start, you'll need to go to the Arlo website and sign into your account using your email address and password. Once you're logged in, look for the account settings or subscription settings option. This is typically found in a menu that appears when you click on your name or profile picture in the corner of the screen.

Within your account settings, you should see a section labeled "Subscription" or "Billing." Click on this section to view your current subscription details. You'll see information about your plan, the cost, and your renewal date. On this page, there will be an option to cancel or modify your subscription. Click on the cancel option to proceed.

Arlo will likely show you a confirmation screen asking why you want to cancel. You'll see options like "Too expensive," "Don't need it anymore," "Switching to another service," or "Other." Selecting one of these reasons is not required for cancellation to go through, but Arlo may use this feedback to improve their service. After selecting a reason (or skipping this step), you'll see a final confirmation asking if you're sure you want to cancel.

Once you confirm the cancellation, the process is complete. You should receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your account. This email will state your cancellation date and what happens to your footage. Most importantly, your subscription will not renew after your current billing period ends. You can continue using your Arlo cameras and any free features until that date arrives.

Practical takeaway: Before you cancel, take screenshots of your account settings and the cancellation confirmation page. Keep your confirmation email in a folder. These documents show proof that you canceled on a specific date, which is useful if any charges appear on your bill after the cancellation date.

Canceling Through the Arlo Mobile App

If you use the Arlo mobile app on your phone or tablet, you can also cancel your subscription directly from the app. This method is useful if you prefer managing your account on your phone or if you don't have easy access to a computer. The process is similar to canceling on the website, but the steps are adapted for the mobile interface.

First, open the Arlo app and make sure you're signed in to your account. At the bottom of the screen or in a menu, look for an option labeled "Account," "Profile," or "Settings." Tap on this to access your account information. Within the account section, look for "Subscription," "Billing," or "Plans." The exact wording varies depending on which version of the app you're using.

Once you've found your subscription information, you'll see a button or option to manage or cancel your plan. Tap this button. The app will show you details about your current subscription, including the amount you're paying, how often it renews, and when your next billing date is. Below this information, there will be a "Cancel Subscription" button or similar option.

Tapping the cancel button will take you through the same confirmation steps as the website version. You may see a survey asking why you're canceling, and you'll need to confirm your cancellation choice. Once you've confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation message in the app and an email confirming that your subscription will not renew.

One benefit of using the app is that you can cancel at any time, even in the middle of the night or while you're away from home. The app also stores all your account information, so you can easily check details about your subscription whenever you want. If you switch phones or lose access to the app, you can always cancel through the website instead.

Practical takeaway: If canceling through the app, take a screenshot of your confirmation message. Also note the date and time you performed the cancellation in case you need to reference it later. If you have multiple Arlo accounts (for example, one personal and one for business), make sure you're signed into the correct account before canceling.

What Happens to Your Footage and Access After Cancellation

A common question people have about canceling Arlo is what happens to the videos they've already recorded. This is important because you may want to keep certain footage before you cancel. The answer depends on which plan you currently have and whether you're downgrading to the free plan or canceling completely.

If you're on a paid plan and cancel, you have a window of time during which you can still view and download your existing footage. The exact length of this window varies, but typically Arlo gives you access to your videos for a period after your subscription ends. This means you're not locked out immediately; you have time to download or review any videos you want to keep.

To download your footage, open the Arlo app or website and navigate to your video library. You should see an option to download individual videos or clips. Depending on how many videos you have, you may need to do this over several sessions. Downloaded videos are saved to your phone, computer, or cloud storage, so you own them permanently once they're on your device.

It's worth noting that after your subscription expires, Arlo's cloud servers will eventually delete your stored footage. This is why downloading important videos before cancellation is a good idea. If you have footage of something important—like a security incident, accident, or damage to your property—download these videos to keep them for insurance or legal purposes.

If you decide you want to keep your cameras but don't want to pay for cloud storage, you can switch to Arlo's free plan instead of canceling completely. The free plan includes 7 days of rolling video storage, which is enough for many people. This option is available when you manage your subscription and may be shown to you as an alternative before the cancellation is finalized.

Practical takeaway: Before finalizing your cancellation, spend time in your Arlo account downloading any videos you want to keep. Label these files with dates and what they show so you can find them later. This is especially important if the footage relates to a crime, accident, or property damage.

Downgrading Instead of Canceling: The Free Plan Option

Not everyone needs to completely cancel their Arlo subscription. Some people find that switching to Arlo's free plan works better for their situation. The free plan gives you basic functionality without the cost of a paid subscription. This is a middle option between staying on a paid plan and canceling entirely.

Arlo's free plan includes 7 days of rolling video storage, which means the system keeps your most recent 7 days of footage. Older videos are automatically deleted to make room for new ones. This is less storage than paid plans offer, but it's enough if you check your videos regularly or if