Local recordings no longer able to view in app

[Ageorge]

Have 3 Ultra cameras connected to VMB5000 base station all connected to home wifi. For 3 years have been able to view saved videos on the local storage through the Arlo app. All of a sudden this is no longer possible. Just get the following message. Haven’t changed anything network wise for this to happen. 
have tried removing all devices and re adding, deleted and reinstalled the app. Log in, log out. 
Have checked sd card in computer and recordings are there but just unable to view in app.

Has anyone got anymore suggestions? I’m nearly positive it’s an Arlo app problem… 

 

[BrookeN]

Are you still seeing this same behavior?

[Ageorge]

Yes.

I check the app every now and then to see if it’s working. Last time it did was the 23rd December. 

[BrookeN]

Can you try getting the app on the newest software and see if that helps with the behavior you are seeing.

[Ageorge]

As in update the app? I’ve tried that multiple times. 

[jguerdat]

I think she's referring to migrating to the new interface that uses Feed to view recordings rather than the old Library. To do so, choose to install a Pro 5 camera even though you don't have one. The first step is to migrate the account after which you can just back out of the bogus install. The new interface is significantly different and custom modes don't transfer (and you can't create one). You have to use the 3 default modes to do what you want. Here' an FAQ that may help you get started:

https://kb.arlo.com/000062777/About-Arlo-Routines-Modes-Rules-and-Automations

[Ageorge]

That seems like a very unnecessary work around. Why has the user interface changed? And why wasn’t anything sent out to inform users that this was the case? 

[jguerdat]

The UI changed a couple of years ago when the security system (hub and sensors) was released. However, no one was being forced into migrating to it unless adding new cameras, etc. There has been a slow movement of causing users to migrate (all new users automatically get the new interface) so it's been a mixture of how and when any particular user gets migrated.

Shared cameras are a notable example of this where someone changes the interface and then everyone else is forced to do the same to maintain the same experience. There's nothing other than migrating all users to the new interface that can fix this.

[Ageorge]

Ok. I feel like there should be an easier way to do so though? The link you sent seems to be all about rules etc. which is quite different to what you said about installing a camera I don’t even have. Is there any more instructions detailed from start to finish anywhere? 

[Ageorge]

As in do I need to uninstall everything before I start etc? 

[jguerdat]

No uninstalls are required. ALso, I understand that my link was not about this issue but just wanted to give you an idea of how the new interface works before you migrated. Eventually, everyone will be automatically migrated but right now you have a choice as to whether to do so or stay put.

The "addition" of a non-existent camera is a workaround to simply cause the migration to occur. Yes, there could be an official solution built into the app but I suspect Arlo isn't ready to handle the storm of complaints afterwards. In any event, by choosing to install a camera newer than the Pro 4, the migration is forced as a first step since the new interface is required. Once the migration is complete, there's no need to continue with the install which would fail anyway.