Are Arlo Cameras Always Recording Find Out Here

Arlo cameras are not always recording—they operate primarily on motion detection or scheduled modes, capturing footage only when triggered. This saves storage and battery life, but means continuous monitoring requires a paid subscription or specific Pro models with 24/7 recording capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record continuously by default, conserving storage and battery.
• Motion detection triggers recordings instantly, ensuring no critical moment is missed.
• Customize activity zones to reduce false alerts and focus on key areas.
• Enable 24/7 recording only with specific Arlo models and subscriptions.
• Check local storage options for uninterrupted access without cloud dependency.
• Adjust recording length to balance detail and storage efficiency.
• Review privacy settings to control when and how your camera records.

Are Arlo Cameras Always Recording? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Imagine you’re away on vacation, sipping a margarita on a tropical beach, and your phone buzzes—an Arlo notification. A shadowy figure is creeping near your back door. You tap the alert, and there they are: crisp, clear footage of someone trying to jimmy your lock. Your Arlo camera just saved the day. But as you rewind the clip, a question pops into your head: *Is my Arlo camera always recording?* It’s a fair question—one that’s probably crossed your mind if you’re a homeowner, renter, or just someone who values peace of mind.

Arlo cameras are a household name in home security, praised for their sleek designs, wireless setup, and smart features. But their recording habits? That’s where things get murky. Maybe you’ve noticed gaps in your footage. Or perhaps you’re worried about privacy, wondering if your camera is silently watching 24/7. The truth is, Arlo’s recording behavior isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your settings, subscription plan, and even the model you own. In this deep dive, we’ll unpack everything: how Arlo records, when it records, and how to tweak it to fit your needs—no tech jargon, just real talk.

How Arlo Cameras Record: The Basics

Motion-Activated Recording: The Default Mode

Here’s the good news: **Arlo cameras aren’t always recording**—at least not in the way you might think. By default, they use motion-activated recording. Think of it like a security guard who only starts writing notes when something suspicious happens. The camera stays in standby mode, monitoring for movement, sound, or heat (depending on the sensor). When it detects activity, it springs into action, recording a clip—usually 10 to 60 seconds long—and sending you a notification.

For example, my neighbor’s cat used to trigger my Arlo Pro 4 daily. Every time Mr. Whiskers strolled through my yard, my phone would buzz. I’d check the clip, sigh, and adjust the motion sensitivity. This feature is great for saving storage and battery life. Why record 24/7 when 99% of the footage is just trees swaying?

Continuous Recording: The Premium Option

Want non-stop footage? Arlo offers Continuous Video Recording (CVR)—but it’s not free. You’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription (more on that later). With CVR enabled, your camera records 24/7, storing every second in the cloud. This is ideal for high-risk areas, like a home with frequent deliveries or a rental property. I once used CVR after a break-in attempt. The footage showed the suspect’s face clearly, even when they ducked out of frame. The downside? It’s pricey and uses more data.

Pro tip: If you’re considering CVR, start with a 30-day trial. Test it on one camera first. You might realize you don’t need 24/7 coverage after all.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: Where Does Footage Go?

Arlo cameras can save clips in two places: locally (on an SD card) or in the cloud. Most models, like the Arlo Pro 5 or Ultra 2, support both. Local storage is free but limited by card capacity (usually 256GB). Cloud storage requires a subscription but offers longer retention and remote access. For instance, my Arlo Q Plus records to a 128GB SD card. It holds about 7 days of motion clips. If the card fails, I lose everything. Cloud storage? I can access footage from anywhere, even if my camera is stolen.

Remember: Local storage still uses motion-activated recording unless you enable CVR. Cloud storage is where 24/7 recording lives.

Arlo Subscription Plans: What You Get (and What You Pay For)

Free vs. Paid: The Trade-Offs

Arlo’s free tier is generous but limited. You get 7 days of motion-triggered cloud storage for up to 5 cameras. After that, clips vanish. No CVR. No advanced AI features (like package detection). For most homeowners, this works fine. But if you want always-on recording, you’ll need to pay.

Here’s the breakdown of Arlo’s paid plans (as of 2024):

Plan	Price/Month (Billed Annually)	Storage	Features
Arlo Secure (Single Camera)	$2.99	30 days	Motion alerts, AI detection, e911
Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras)	$9.99	30 days	Same as above + 24/7 CVR (optional)
Arlo Secure+ (Unlimited Cameras)	$14.99	60 days	24/7 CVR included, 2x longer retention

For example, my cousin uses the $9.99 plan for her 4-camera setup. She pays an extra $2/month per camera for CVR. Total: $17.99. Is it worth it? “For peace of mind? Absolutely,” she says. “I caught a delivery driver stealing my packages last month. The footage was crystal clear.”

CVR: Is 24/7 Recording Right for You?

CVR isn’t for everyone. It’s expensive, uses more bandwidth, and can overwhelm your storage. But in some cases, it’s a game-changer:

• High-traffic areas: Garages, driveways, or homes with kids/pets.
• Insurance claims: Non-stop footage can prove damage or theft.
• Legal evidence: CVR captures context (e.g., a suspect’s approach before an event).

On the flip side, CVR can feel invasive. My friend disabled it after her camera recorded a private backyard party. “I didn’t need a video diary of my drunk uncle dancing,” she laughed.

Customizing Your Arlo: Settings That Control Recording

Motion Zones: Focus on What Matters

Not all motion is created equal. Arlo lets you create motion zones—areas where you want alerts (e.g., your front porch) and ignore others (e.g., a busy street). I once had a camera pointing at a tree. Birds triggered alerts every 5 minutes. After setting a zone to ignore the tree, my notifications dropped by 80%.

How to set zones:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap your camera > “Activity Zones.”
3. Draw boxes on the live feed to include/exclude areas.

Pro tip: Use zones to avoid “alert fatigue.” Fewer false alarms mean you’ll actually pay attention when something important happens.

Scheduling: Record Only When You Need To

Arlo’s scheduling feature lets you set recording times. For example:

• Daytime: Turn off indoor cameras when you’re home.
• Night: Activate outdoor cameras after dark.
• Work hours: Monitor your home office only when you’re away.

I use this for my basement camera. It only records from 9 PM to 7 AM—when the kids are asleep and the space is empty. Saves battery and storage!

Sensitivity & AI: Fine-Tuning Detection

Arlo’s AI can distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages (on supported models). Adjust sensitivity to reduce false alarms:

• High sensitivity: Catches small movements (but more alerts).
• Low sensitivity: Only triggers for larger objects (e.g., people).

My Arlo Pro 4 once flagged a falling leaf as “motion.” After lowering sensitivity and enabling “person detection,” alerts dropped by 90%.

Privacy & Ethical Concerns: What to Watch For

Is Always-On Recording a Privacy Risk?

Yes—and no. 24/7 recording can capture private moments (e.g., neighbors, family). To avoid issues:

• Aim cameras carefully: Avoid pointing at bedrooms or bathrooms.
• Use schedules: Disable recording in private areas when you’re home.
• Notify visitors: Post signs if cameras cover shared spaces (e.g., a backyard fence).

In some states (like Illinois), recording audio without consent is illegal. Arlo cameras don’t record audio unless you enable it—but check local laws first.

Data Security: Protecting Your Footage

Arlo uses 128-bit encryption for cloud storage. But no system is hack-proof. To stay safe:

• Enable 2FA: Adds a login step (e.g., a code from your phone).
• Use strong passwords: Avoid “password123” or your pet’s name.
• Update firmware: Arlo releases security patches regularly.

A friend once found her Arlo feed on a sketchy website. She hadn’t enabled 2FA. Lesson learned?

Real-World Scenarios: When Always Recording Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)

Case Study: The Nighttime Burglar

Sarah, a homeowner in Texas, enabled CVR on her backyard camera after a rash of neighborhood break-ins. One night, her camera recorded a masked figure cutting a window screen. The 24/7 footage showed the suspect’s face before the motion alert triggered. Police used the video to make an arrest. “CVR was worth every penny,” she says.

Case Study: The False Alarm Nightmare

Mark, a renter, installed an Arlo camera facing his street. He left CVR on 24/7. Within a week, his 30-day cloud storage was full—of cars, squirrels, and raindrops. He switched to motion-only recording with zones. “Now I only get alerts when someone approaches my door,” he says. “Much less stress.”

When to Skip 24/7 Recording

• Battery-powered cameras: CVR drains batteries fast (e.g., Arlo Go).
• Low-risk areas: A backyard with a 6-foot fence might not need CVR.
• Budget constraints: If you can’t afford the subscription, stick to motion alerts.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Balance

So, are Arlo cameras always recording? The answer is a resounding it depends. By default, they’re not—but with the right settings and subscription, you can get 24/7 coverage. The key is understanding your needs. Do you want to catch a package thief? Monitor a high-crime area? Or just keep an eye on the kids while they play outside? Arlo’s flexibility lets you choose.

Here’s my advice: Start simple. Use motion-activated recording with smart zones. If you find gaps in coverage (e.g., a burglar who avoids motion triggers), consider CVR. And always—always—think about privacy. A camera that records your neighbor’s backyard might feel like security to you… but to them, it feels like surveillance.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are tools. They’re not magic. But with the right setup, they can give you the peace of mind you deserve—without turning your home into a surveillance state. Whether you’re team “motion-only” or team “always-on,” you’ve got options. Now go tweak those settings, adjust those zones, and sleep a little easier tonight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras always recording by default?

No, Arlo cameras are not always recording by default. They operate on motion-activated recording, meaning they only capture footage when motion is detected, helping to save storage and battery life.

Can I set my Arlo camera to record 24/7?

Yes, select Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra) support continuous 24/7 recording when connected to an Arlo SmartHub and compatible storage plan. This feature is ideal for high-traffic areas where constant monitoring is needed.

How does Arlo’s recording system work?

Arlo cameras use motion detection and customizable activity zones to trigger recordings. When activated, they save clips to the cloud or local storage, depending on your setup. Always recording requires a specific plan and hardware.

Do Arlo cameras record when disarmed?

No, when your Arlo system is disarmed, the cameras do not record or send alerts. However, schedules and modes can be customized to automatically arm/disarm the system based on your routine.

Is there a way to ensure my Arlo camera is always recording?

To enable always recording, subscribe to the Arlo Secure Premier or Elite plan and use a SmartHub with a microSD card for local storage. Not all models support this feature, so check compatibility first.

Why do some people think Arlo cameras are always recording?

Misunderstanding often arises from Arlo’s “Always Recording” feature (available on select models and plans). Without this setup, cameras only record when motion is detected, but users may confuse this with constant surveillance.