App crash after trying to view locally stored recordings

[Wall-Enberg]

Hi,

I'm unable to view locally stored videorecordings. App crashes everytime.

Tried reinstalling app, formatting microSD card.

All other things work except locally stored videorecordings.

They worked to watch, after press download in app for appr 3 weeks. 

[ShayneS]

The symptom where viewing locally stored videos causing the app to crash should now be resolved with Arlo app version 5.4.2.

Please make sure you have the latest version of the Arlo app installed. 

[ShayneS]

This symptom has been identified and a fix for this is coming soon. The update is in a slow roll out phase at the moment and looks to be completed soon. 

Thank you for your patience

[Wall-Enberg]

For me I get a updated thumbnail for each videorecording even arlo ultra 2 (always old cams) without a subscription under devices NOT library - before app version 5.4.0

I had a subscription until last year and I had Arlo even when it was Netgear and free. But I can agree that all new limitations are ridiculous. It's only one of Arlos ways to push users to subscription. 

[Papy361]

Hi All,
Has anyone else noticed that the Android Arlo Secure App crashes when attempting to access locally stored videos, coinciding with Arlo Secure's recent announcement of a significant rate hike for monthly subscriptions?

[sesser]

Same. Samsung S24U in the US on 5.4.0_28783.

Any update on this?

[mcctnt2000]

I also had thumbnails with no subscription. I believe the disconnect is that he's talking about thumbnails on the main device screen which shows all devices showing a snapshot of what triggered the recording. He's not talking about thumbnails of recordings in the Library.

[StephenB]

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@Papy361 wrote:

Has anyone else noticed that the Android Arlo Secure App crashes when attempting to access locally stored videos, coinciding with Arlo Secure's recent announcement of a significant rate hike for monthly subscriptions?

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No need for a conspiracy theory.  It's just a bug, and is fixed with app update 5.4.2.

It can take a while for an app update to reach everyone - sometimes uninstalling the app and reinstalling it will speed the process up.

[GG429]

I purchased Arlo 4 system from Costco, this was my second Arlo purchase since I had good experience with first one. I didn't have to use the subscription, I was able to view videos no problem. The smart hub it came with also allowed for USB connected drive to record videos similar to my first Arlo. I let the trial subscription run out and found that the new app requires you to download the videos to view, no problem, not ideal and it seems Arlo is making the user experience more difficult b/c they want you to pay subscription. Anyway, all was working fine a month ago; however, now I try and click on video and the app closes, no download, no video.  What's going on or am I missing a setting? Arlo needs to fix their app and the experience or I'll need to find a new system.

[StephenB]

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@GG429 wrote:

I purchased Arlo 4 system from Costco, this was my second Arlo purchase since I had good experience with first one. I didn't have to use the subscription, I was able to view videos no problem. The smart hub it came with also allowed for USB connected drive to record videos similar to my first Arlo. I let the trial subscription run out and found that the new app requires you to download the videos to view, no problem, not ideal and it seems Arlo is making the user experience more difficult b/c they want you to pay subscription. Anyway, all was working fine a month ago; however, now I try and click on video and the app closes, no download, no video.  What's going on or am I missing a setting? Arlo needs to fix their app and the experience or I'll need to find a new system.

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It's a bug - the 5.4.2 app update fixes it. 

[Wall-Enberg]

👍🏻 I'm sorry, as there are not many pictures in the Arlo app I thought it was pretty obvious what I ment by thumbnails under devices.

The snapshots/thumbnails are gone with the solution/update.

If you want any clue what triggered the camera now you need to download the videorecording and view it under the library. In version 5.4.2.

Very annoying.

[TheGarratt]

Thanks for confirming - still showing V5.4.0 in the Google Play Store for me at the moment, so will hang tight 🙂

[StephenB]

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@mcctnt2000 wrote:

I also had thumbnails with no subscription. I believe the disconnect is that he's talking about thumbnails on the main device screen which shows all devices showing a snapshot of what triggered the recording. He's not talking about thumbnails of recordings in the Library.

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Yes, you normally will see a thumbnail from the last video captured by the camera on the devices screen.  But no thumbnails on the recordings.

[StephenB]

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@TimothyB wrote:

Same issue! I'm travelling this week and can't see any of the recordings (I'm base only, no subscription). Why does Arlo fail exactly when I need it to work?!

Is your answer above suggesting I need to side load an old version from a 3rd party site?

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FWIW, Arlo never suggested that.

The problem is fixed in in the app update to 5.4.2

[SaggitariusA]

Arlo deliberately only allows reduced/degraded functionality in order to prompt users to upgrade to their cloud storage. Because of the these various issues, I have been looking at subscription free alternatives and already in process of migrating to TP-Link and Eufy cameras. 

[Wall-Enberg]

Eufycam S3 pro or something wired and working 24/7 is my next move. Anyone with experience of those?

Sick and tired of Arlo.

They used to be number one, but now they are just greedy.

This latest problem with the malfunction of local videorecordings is not the only problem I have faced lately.

Therefor I might sound less optimistic but for me it's over with Arlo as soon the cameras are EOL or as I feel today as I'm writing - I just sell them while they still work to some poor **bleep**.

Time is money - Arlo - and you have forced me to spend a lot of time to get my security system working again and again. In my eyes everyone who has got this problems should have a free secure plus plan from Arlo for a very long time.

[alex_loo]

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@SaggitariusA wrote:

Arlo deliberately only allows reduced/degraded functionality in order to prompt users to upgrade to their cloud storage. Because of the these various issues, I have been looking at subscription free alternatives and already in process of migrating to TP-Link and Eufy cameras. 

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this is my personal preference NOT to touch any brand from China.  Yes, they are all great by features and price, but I would never use any Chinese brand for home security.

Alex

[alex_loo]

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@alex_loo wrote:

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Keen to hear from anyone with 5.4.0 "feed", and playing local recordings without issues (under no subscription)

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or now ... anyone with 5.4.2 "feed", and playing local recordings without issues (under no subscription)?  It has arrived at my google play too.

Alex

[DLondeen]

@alex_loo  Since the last semi-official information was that the next release is on a "slow rollout", I opted to downgrade to 5.3.3.  It gives me the ability to view my recorded local videos and preview my live feeds.  The only thing I cannot do yet is to receive notifications of activity. There is nowhere to enter sms or email addresses.  The whole purpose of my system was to be completely off the net.  It was advertised that way. In today's cybercrime filled environment, we should not have to rely on a connection to a cloud account to access our equipment and recordings. I too am looking at options if Arlo is heading down this unstable path. 

Tutorials to downgrade to 5.3.3 should be coming out soon if you are interested.

[alex_loo]

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@DLondeen wrote:

... I opted to downgrade to 5.3.3.  It gives me the ability to view my recorded local videos and preview my live feeds.  The only thing I cannot do yet is to receive notifications of activity.

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"Routines" >> modes >> (current/any mode) >> device rules

for the cameras you are interested in, do you have both motion detection and "then send notification" included?

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@DLondeen wrote:

There is nowhere to enter sms or email addresses.  The whole purpose of my system was to be completely off the net.  It was advertised that way. In today's cybercrime filled environment, we should not have to rely on a connection to a cloud account to access our equipment and recordings. I too am looking at options if Arlo is heading down this unstable path. 

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I am afraid the whole ARLO architecture, even for non-subscribers, already DOES depend on ARLO's cloud.  If ARLO cloud is down, I don't think you can even change mode or stream live from the app --- even if local router, public internet are all working.  

Alex

[booxman]

I'm interested. Please tell me how to downgrade to 5.3.3.

[StephenB]

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@DLondeen wrote:

There is nowhere to enter sms or email addresses.  The whole purpose of my system was to be completely off the net. 

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Arlo dropped the option to get motion notifications via sms and email quite a while ago (2023 if I remember correctly)

email and sms were never "completely off the net", as both required the system to tell the Arlo Cloud (over the internet) that motion was detected, and then the Arlo Cloud would send the notification (by whatever method) to you.  

Whether you have a subscription or not,  Arlo's solution is centered on their cloud.

[jguerdat]

My phone and Chromebook both have updated to 5.4.2...

[mad_matt]

Do have the apk for 5.3.3? because the arlo issued a DMCA takedown on the only site I could find it, 

[GCAL]

I have Eufy now as backup cameras as I can never rely on Arlo to ever be working correctly. As I've spent so much money on the system, I feel like I can't just throw them away although that is what Arlo deserves.  My Eufys have been phenomenal and work as they should and they don't break their app every time they update. I'm considering buying more Eufys as I'm so thrilled about their functionality 

[gulax99]

Hi all, if I go to watch any recording on my phone it is crashing the app. Been doing this 2-3 days now. I have done all the things - update, uninstall, reinstall, turn off phone... am out of ideas. I'm on an Android. It is still working for my partner on their iPhone. Any ideas?

[danandy]

I have been experiencing this problem since January 10, 2025. Today I uninstalled the version from January 10, 2025, then went to arlo.com and downloaded the latest version 5.4.2_28786 and I am finally up and running again.  Good Luck all.

[alex_loo]

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@danandy wrote:

I have been experiencing this problem since January 10, 2025. Today I uninstalled the version from January 10, 2025, then went to arlo.com and downloaded the latest version 5.4.2_28786 and I am finally up and running again.  Good Luck all.

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android or iPhone?  are you seeing "library" or "feed"?  subscription or not?  are you able to record and read local recordings?

sorry with so many questions, but keen to know this is safe for me, before I update my 5.3.3 here.

Alex