Can Arlo Camera Be Set to Record Continuously Find Out Here

Yes, Arlo cameras can be set to record continuously, but only with a compatible model and an active Arlo Smart subscription or local storage via an Arlo SmartHub. This feature ensures 24/7 surveillance, ideal for high-traffic areas, though it may impact battery life on wireless models.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras support continuous recording with a compatible plan and hub.
• Enable CVR in settings via the Arlo app for 24/7 footage capture.
• Requires Arlo SmartHub or base station to store continuous video locally.
• Subscription needed for cloud CVR—check plan details before setup.
• Adjust motion zones to reduce gaps and improve recording accuracy.
• Local storage limits apply—format SD cards regularly for uninterrupted recording.

Understanding Arlo Cameras and Their Recording Capabilities

Let’s be honest—home security is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. Whether you’re keeping an eye on your front porch, checking in on your pet, or making sure the kids got home safely from school, smart cameras like Arlo have become our digital sentinels. I remember when I first installed my Arlo Pro 4. I was excited, but also a little overwhelmed. One question kept popping up: can Arlo camera be set to record continuously?

At first glance, Arlo cameras seem to offer everything: crisp 2K video, night vision, motion alerts, and two-way audio. But when you dig a little deeper, you realize that “recording” works a bit differently than with traditional security systems. Instead of rolling 24/7 like a DVR, Arlo cameras are designed around event-based recording—meaning they only record when motion or sound is detected. This is great for conserving battery life (especially on wireless models), reducing cloud storage costs, and avoiding hours of useless footage. But what if you want constant monitoring? What if you need to know exactly what happened during a power outage, a delivery mishap, or a mysterious midnight noise? That’s where the real question lies: can Arlo camera be set to record continuously? Let’s explore this together, like we’re sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee, figuring it out step by step.

How Arlo’s Default Recording System Works

Event-Based Recording: The Core of Arlo’s Design

Arlo cameras, by default, use event-triggered recording. This means they stay in a low-power “sleep” state until something happens—motion, sound, or a manual trigger. When that happens, the camera wakes up, captures a short video clip (usually 10–30 seconds), and uploads it to the cloud if you have an Arlo Secure subscription. No subscription? You’ll still get alerts, but you won’t save the video unless you have a local storage option.

Think of it like a security guard who only starts writing a report when something suspicious happens. This design makes sense for most users because:

• Battery life is extended: Wireless models (like the Arlo Pro 3 or Arlo Ultra) can last months on a single charge.
• Storage is efficient: You’re not paying for 24/7 cloud storage of empty hallways.
• Alerts are timely: You get notified the moment something occurs.

But here’s the catch: if the motion detection misses something—say, a slow-moving intruder or a quiet event—you might miss critical footage. That’s why many people ask: can Arlo camera be set to record continuously? The short answer is: not in the traditional sense, but there are workarounds.

Limitations of Motion-Triggered Recording

Let’s talk about real-world limitations. I once had a package stolen from my porch. The Arlo detected the delivery (motion), but the thief walked slowly, just outside the motion zone, and the camera didn’t trigger again. No second clip. No continuous footage. I had to rely on a neighbor’s camera to piece things together.

This highlights a key weakness: motion detection is not foolproof. Factors like:

• Slow movement (under the sensitivity threshold)
• Low light (reduces motion detection accuracy)
• Obstructions (like a tree branch or fog)
• Camera placement (blind spots)

…can all lead to missed events. And since Arlo doesn’t record continuously by default, those gaps can be frustrating. So while event-based recording is efficient, it’s not perfect for every scenario.

Can Arlo Camera Be Set to Record Continuously? Exploring the Options

Local Storage: The Key to Continuous Recording

Here’s the good news: yes, Arlo camera can be set to record continuously—but only with local storage. If you’re willing to skip the cloud and use a microSD card, you unlock a powerful feature: continuous video recording (CVR).

Not all Arlo models support this, but many do. Here’s how it works:

• Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Series (wired or with battery) support microSD card recording.
• Insert a compatible microSD card (up to 256GB) into the base station or directly into the camera (if it has a slot).
• Go to your Arlo app → Settings → Device → Recording → Enable “Continuous Video Recording.”

Once enabled, the camera records 24/7 to the SD card. When the card fills up, it overwrites the oldest footage—just like a traditional DVR. This is a game-changer for:

• Monitoring high-traffic areas (garages, driveways)
• Recording during power outages (if you have a battery backup for the base station)
• Keeping evidence without monthly cloud fees

Pro Tip: Use a high-endurance microSD card (like SanDisk High Endurance or Samsung PRO Endurance). Regular cards can wear out quickly from constant writing.

Limitations of Local Continuous Recording

Before you rush to buy a 256GB card, let’s talk about the downsides:

• No cloud backup: If the camera is stolen or damaged, the SD card goes with it.
• No remote playback: You need to physically remove the card and plug it into a computer to view footage (unless you use the Arlo app, which allows some remote access).
• Storage limits: A 256GB card might hold only 2–4 days of 2K video, depending on settings.
• Not all models support it: Older Arlo cameras (like the original Arlo) don’t offer CVR.

Also, continuous recording drains battery life fast on wireless models. If you’re using a battery-powered Arlo Pro 4, expect the battery to last only 1–2 weeks instead of 3–6 months. So, can Arlo camera be set to record continuously? Yes—but it works best with wired models or those connected to a power source.

Arlo Secure Plans and Cloud Recording: What You Get

Cloud vs. Local: The Trade-Offs

If you prefer cloud storage (and most Arlo users do), you’re limited to event-based recording. But Arlo’s subscription plans, called Arlo Secure, do offer some flexibility:

• Arlo Secure (Single Camera): $2.99/month: 30-day cloud storage, AI detection (person, vehicle, pet), and e911.
• Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras): $9.99/month: Same perks for up to 20 cameras.
• Arlo Secure Plus: $14.99/month: Adds 4K video, 24/7 professional monitoring, and emergency response.

While these plans don’t offer true continuous cloud recording, they do include:

• Extended event recording: Clips up to 10 minutes long (instead of 30 seconds).
• Activity zones: Reduce false alerts by focusing on specific areas.
• AI filtering: Only alerts you when a person or vehicle is detected (not a passing squirrel).

So while you can’t get 24/7 cloud recording, the longer clips and smarter alerts help fill the gaps. Think of it as “continuous-ish” recording—better than basic event mode, but not quite full CVR.

Smart Recording: A Middle Ground

Arlo’s AI-powered detection is a big step toward more reliable monitoring. For example, if the camera detects a person, it might extend the recording to 5 minutes, capturing the full event. This is called smart recording and is available with any Arlo Secure plan.

Here’s a real-life example: A delivery person drops off a package, then lingers. With basic motion detection, the camera might record a 15-second clip and stop. With smart recording, it sees a person, keeps recording for 2 more minutes, and captures the entire interaction.

It’s not continuous, but it’s much more thorough. And for many users, this is the best compromise: efficient storage with better coverage.

Setting Up Continuous Recording on Your Arlo Camera (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• An Arlo camera that supports local recording (Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, Essential)
• A compatible microSD card (64GB or 256GB, high endurance)
• An Arlo SmartHub or base station (for models that require it)
• Power source (for continuous recording, a wired connection is ideal)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Insert the microSD card

• For Arlo Pro/Ultra: Insert into the base station’s SD slot.
• For Arlo Essential: Insert directly into the camera (if it has a slot).

2. Open the Arlo app

• Go to Settings → Device → [Your Camera Name] → Recording.
• Tap “Continuous Video Recording” and toggle it ON.

3. Adjust recording quality

• Lower resolution (e.g., 1080p instead of 2K) to save space.
• Reduce frame rate (15fps instead of 30fps) for longer storage.

4. Set up alerts (optional)

• You can still get motion alerts even with CVR enabled.
• Use activity zones to avoid false alerts from trees or traffic.

5. Monitor storage

• Check the Arlo app regularly to see how much space is left.
• Set a reminder to back up footage before the card fills up.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple cameras, use different colored SD cards (e.g., red for front door, blue for backyard) to avoid mix-ups.

Comparing Arlo to Other Cameras with Continuous Recording

How Arlo Stacks Up

Let’s be fair—Arlo isn’t the only game in town. Here’s how it compares to other popular security cameras that do offer continuous recording:

Camera	Continuous Recording	Storage Type	Battery Life (CVR)	Cloud Option
Arlo Pro 4	Yes (local only)	microSD (up to 256GB)	1–2 weeks	Event-based (Arlo Secure)
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired	Yes (with Ring Protect Pro)	Cloud + local (USB)	Wired only	24/7 cloud recording
Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)	Yes (with Nest Aware)	Cloud only	Wired only	24/7 cloud recording
Reolink Argus 3 Pro	Yes (local only)	microSD (up to 256GB)	1–3 weeks	None

As you can see, Arlo is unique because it offers both local CVR and cloud-based event recording. But if you only want 24/7 cloud recording, Ring and Nest have you covered—for a price. Ring Protect Pro costs $20/month, and Nest Aware starts at $6/month (but only for 24/7 recording on one camera).

When to Choose Arlo for Continuous Recording

Arlo makes sense if:

• You want local CVR without monthly fees.
• You have a mix of wired and wireless cameras.
• You’re okay with removing the SD card to review footage.
• You value AI detection and smart alerts.

But if you want true 24/7 cloud recording with no physical access needed, Ring or Nest might be better—though they cost more over time.

Final Thoughts: Is Continuous Recording Right for You?

So, can Arlo camera be set to record continuously? The answer is a resounding yes—but with conditions. If you’re willing to use a microSD card, skip the cloud, and possibly sacrifice battery life, you can get 24/7 footage. It’s not as seamless as cloud-based continuous recording, but it’s powerful, affordable, and gives you full control.

For me, I ended up with a hybrid setup: I use local CVR on my wired Arlo Pro 4 (front porch) and event-based cloud recording on my wireless Arlo Essential (backyard). That way, I get full coverage without breaking the bank or running out of battery every week.

Remember, no system is perfect. Arlo’s event-based recording works great for 90% of situations, but if you need constant monitoring—for a home business, a high-crime area, or just peace of mind—local continuous recording is a solid option. Just plan ahead: invest in good SD cards, power your cameras if possible, and keep backups.

At the end of the day, the best security system is the one that fits your life. Whether you choose continuous recording or smart event-based alerts, the goal is the same: to feel safe, informed, and in control. And with Arlo, you’ve got options—more than you might have thought at first glance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be set to record continuously?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra) support continuous recording, but this requires a compatible base station and an active Arlo Smart subscription. Without these, recordings are limited to motion-triggered clips.

How do I enable continuous recording on my Arlo camera?

To enable continuous recording, connect your Arlo camera to an Arlo SmartHub or base station and subscribe to Arlo Smart Premier/Elite. Then, toggle “Continuous Recording” in the camera settings via the Arlo app.

Does continuous recording work on all Arlo models?

No, only select Arlo models with local storage support (e.g., Pro 3/4, Ultra, and wired floodlight cameras) can record continuously. Battery-powered models like Arlo Essential use motion-based recording unless docked.

Is an Arlo Smart subscription required for continuous recording?

Yes, an active Arlo Smart Premier or Elite plan is required to enable continuous recording. The subscription also provides cloud storage and AI-powered detection features alongside 24/7 footage access.

How much storage does continuous recording use on Arlo?

Continuous recording can use 1–2TB of storage monthly per camera, depending on resolution. Arlo SmartHubs support up to 2TB microSD cards for local storage, reducing cloud dependency.

Can I access continuous recordings remotely with Arlo?

Yes, with an Arlo Smart subscription, you can view and download 24/7 recordings remotely via the app. Local storage (SmartHub) allows remote access even without a subscription, but cloud features require one.