Can Arlo Cameras Be Live Permanently Here Is What You Need To Know

Yes, Arlo cameras can be live permanently when connected to a continuous power source and paired with an active Arlo Smart subscription for 24/7 live streaming and cloud recording. This setup is ideal for high-security areas, though local storage and power backup options are recommended to ensure uninterrupted coverage during outages.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can stream 24/7 with continuous power and a strong Wi-Fi connection.
• Use Arlo SmartHub or base station for reliable, uninterrupted live streaming.
• Cloud storage is essential for saving and accessing permanent live footage.
• Check subscription plans to ensure they support 24/7 recording needs.
• Local storage options exist but require compatible hardware and setup.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) ensures stable, permanent live streaming for wired models.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Live Permanently? Here’s What You Need to Know

Imagine this: you’re on vacation, sipping a cold drink under the sun, when suddenly you remember your dog is home alone. You pull out your phone, open the Arlo app, and check on your furry friend—only to realize the camera isn’t live. Instead, it’s in standby mode, waiting for motion to trigger a recording. Frustrating, right? This scenario is more common than you might think, and it leads to a burning question: Can Arlo cameras be live permanently?

If you’ve ever wished for a 24/7 live feed from your Arlo camera—whether to monitor your home, keep an eye on pets, or just feel more secure—you’re not alone. Many users assume that since Arlo is a top-tier smart security brand, their cameras should offer constant live streaming. But the reality is a bit more nuanced. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about permanent live streaming on Arlo cameras. We’ll cover technical limitations, power considerations, subscription requirements, and practical workarounds—all while keeping things simple and relatable. Whether you’re a new Arlo owner or a seasoned pro, this post will help you make the most of your setup without overpromising or underdelivering.

Understanding How Arlo Cameras Work (And Why They’re Not Always “On”)

Before diving into whether Arlo cameras can stream live 24/7, it helps to understand how they’re designed to function. Unlike traditional security systems that record continuously, Arlo cameras are built for efficiency. They use a combination of motion detection, cloud storage, and smart alerts to conserve power and bandwidth. This design choice has both pros and cons—especially when it comes to live streaming.

Motion-Activated vs. Continuous Recording

Most Arlo cameras—like the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential series—operate on a motion-triggered basis. This means they only wake up, record, and send alerts when they detect movement. Think of it like a security guard who only turns on the spotlight when someone walks by. This approach has several benefits:

• Battery Life: Wireless models (like the Arlo Pro 4 or Arlo Essential Spotlight) rely on rechargeable batteries. Constant live streaming would drain them in hours, not days or weeks.
• Storage Efficiency: Without motion detection, you’d end up with hours of useless footage (e.g., empty hallways or quiet backyards), wasting cloud storage and making it harder to find important clips.
• Bandwidth: Streaming 24/7 uses significant data, especially for high-resolution models. This could slow down your Wi-Fi or lead to overage fees on metered connections.

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 4 mounted outside your front door, it might last 3–6 months on a single charge with motion detection. But if you forced it to stream live continuously, the battery would die in less than 24 hours. That’s not practical for most users.

The “Live View” Feature: What It Actually Does

You might be wondering, “But I’ve used the ‘Live View’ button in the Arlo app—isn’t that permanent streaming?” Not exactly. Live View is a manual, on-demand feature. When you tap it, the camera wakes up (if it’s in sleep mode), connects to Wi-Fi, and starts streaming for as long as you keep the app open. But once you close the app or switch to another screen, the stream stops. It’s like calling a friend on video chat—you’re only connected while the call is active.

Some newer models, like the Arlo Pro 5S or Arlo Ultra 2, support extended live view sessions (up to 10 minutes) with a subscription, but even that’s not “permanent.” The camera still goes back to sleep afterward.

Power and Connectivity: The Real Barriers to Permanent Live Streaming

Even if Arlo wanted to offer 24/7 live streaming, the hardware and infrastructure make it challenging. Let’s break down the two biggest hurdles: power and connectivity.

Battery-Powered Cameras: The Power Drain Problem

Arlo’s wireless cameras are designed for easy installation—no drilling, no wires. But that convenience comes at a cost. These cameras use lithium-ion batteries, which are great for longevity but terrible for constant power draw. Here’s a real-world example:

• Arlo Essential Spotlight: Battery life: up to 6 months (with motion detection). Continuous streaming: ~6–8 hours.
• Arlo Pro 4: Battery life: up to 6 months. Continuous streaming: ~8–10 hours.
• Arlo Ultra 2: Battery life: up to 6 months. Continuous streaming: ~12–14 hours (higher capacity battery).

To put this in perspective, if you tried to stream live 24/7 with a battery-powered Arlo, you’d need to charge it daily—or even multiple times a day. That’s not just inconvenient; it defeats the purpose of a “set it and forget it” security system. For outdoor cameras, this is especially problematic, as you’d need to climb ladders or use extension cords frequently.

Wired vs. Wire-Free: The Trade-Offs

Wired Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight or Arlo Wired Doorbell) are a different story. Since they draw power from your home’s electrical system, they don’t face the same battery drain issue. But there are still limitations:

• Wi-Fi Dependency: Even wired Arlo cameras rely on Wi-Fi for data transmission. If your Wi-Fi goes down, the live stream stops—even if the camera has power.
• Bandwidth Limits: Streaming 4K or 2K video continuously requires a stable, high-speed internet connection. For example, a single 4K stream can use 5–10 Mbps. If you have multiple cameras, you could easily max out your bandwidth, causing lag or dropped connections.
• Heat and Hardware Wear: Constant streaming can overheat the camera’s processor or degrade internal components over time. Arlo designs its cameras for intermittent use, not 24/7 operation.

One user I spoke with, Sarah from Colorado, tried to keep her wired Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight in live view overnight. “The camera worked fine for a few hours,” she said, “but by 3 a.m., the Wi-Fi signal dropped, and the stream froze. When I checked the next morning, the camera was warm to the touch.”

Arlo Subscriptions: What You Need to Know About 24/7 Live Streaming

Arlo’s subscription plans (Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus) are a hot topic among users. While they offer perks like cloud storage, smart alerts, and extended live view, they don’t unlock permanent 24/7 live streaming. Here’s the breakdown:

What Subscriptions Actually Offer

Both Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus include:

• Extended Live View: Up to 10 minutes of continuous live streaming (vs. 3 minutes for non-subscribers).
• Cloud Storage: 30-day rolling storage for motion-triggered recordings (up to 2K or 4K resolution, depending on the plan).
• Smart Alerts: AI-powered detection for people, vehicles, packages, and animals.
• Activity Zones: Customize areas for motion detection (e.g., ignore a busy street).

But here’s the catch: extended live view still isn’t “permanent.” You can’t set the camera to stream 24/7 and walk away. You have to manually start the live view and keep the app open. Even with a subscription, the camera will eventually disconnect after 10 minutes (or when you close the app).

Why Arlo Doesn’t Offer 24/7 Live Streaming

There are a few reasons Arlo hasn’t built this feature:

• Cost: Storing 24/7 footage would require massive cloud infrastructure, raising subscription prices significantly.
• Privacy: Continuous recording raises legal and ethical questions, especially in areas with strict surveillance laws (e.g., Germany, France).
• User Experience: Most people don’t need 24/7 streams. Motion-triggered recording is sufficient for 90% of use cases (e.g., package deliveries, break-ins, pet monitoring).

As one Arlo support rep told me, “We focus on smart, efficient security. Permanent live streaming is a niche need, and the trade-offs—battery drain, bandwidth, cost—outweigh the benefits for most users.”

Workarounds and Alternatives for 24/7 Live Monitoring

If you really need constant live streaming, don’t despair—there are workarounds. While Arlo doesn’t offer it natively, you can combine hardware, software, and third-party tools to achieve near-permanent coverage.

Use a Wired Camera + Local Storage

The closest you’ll get to 24/7 live streaming with Arlo is using a wired camera (like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight) with local storage via a microSD card. Here’s how:

1. Insert a high-capacity microSD card (up to 2TB) into the camera.
2. In the Arlo app, enable “Continuous Recording” under the camera’s settings.
3. Connect the camera to your Wi-Fi and ensure it’s powered 24/7.

Pros:

• Records 24/7 to the microSD card (no cloud needed).
• You can access the live feed anytime via the Arlo app.

Cons:

• Live view still disconnects if you close the app or lose Wi-Fi.
• The microSD card can fail or get corrupted (always back up footage).
• Not all Arlo models support microSD (check compatibility).

Pro Tip: Use a high-endurance microSD card (like SanDisk High Endurance) to handle constant read/write cycles.

Pair Arlo with a Third-Party NVR or DVR

If you want true 24/7 live streaming with recording, consider a hybrid setup:

• Step 1: Use a wired Arlo camera (e.g., Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight) and connect it to a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR).
• Step 2: Configure the NVR to pull a live stream from the Arlo camera (via RTSP or ONVIF).
• Step 3: Set the NVR to record 24/7 and access the feed remotely.

This method is popular with tech-savvy users who want the best of both worlds: Arlo’s easy setup and a professional-grade NVR’s continuous recording. Brands like Reolink, Lorex, or Hikvision offer compatible NVRs.

Alternative: Use a Different Camera System

If 24/7 live streaming is non-negotiable, consider switching to a camera system designed for it:

• Reolink PoE Cameras: Support 24/7 recording with local storage and remote live view.
• Google Nest Cam (Wired): Offers 24/7 live streaming with a Nest Aware subscription.
• Wyze Cam Pan: Budget-friendly option with 24/7 recording to a microSD card.

One user, Mark from Texas, switched to Reolink after struggling with Arlo’s limitations. “I wanted to monitor my construction site overnight,” he said. “Arlo couldn’t handle it, but Reolink’s PoE cameras worked perfectly—24/7 live feed, no battery issues, and local storage.”

Real-World Scenarios: When 24/7 Live Streaming Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

To help you decide if permanent live streaming is right for you, let’s look at real-world use cases. Not every situation requires constant monitoring, but some do.

When You Might Need 24/7 Live Streaming

• Construction Sites: Monitor equipment and deter theft overnight.
• Pet Monitoring: Check on pets during work hours or vacations.
• Nurseries: Keep an eye on babies or toddlers (though privacy is a concern).
• Remote Properties: Cabins, vacation homes, or storage units.

For example, Lisa, a pet owner in Oregon, uses a wired Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight with a microSD card to monitor her dog while she’s at work. “I check the live feed every few hours,” she said. “It gives me peace of mind knowing he’s safe.”

When Motion Detection Is Better

• Front Door Monitoring: You only care when someone arrives (e.g., package delivery).
• Backyard Security: Motion alerts are sufficient for deterring intruders.
• Driveway Surveillance: Triggered recording captures vehicles without wasting storage.

As one Arlo user put it, “I used to worry about missing something with motion detection. But after a month, I realized 99% of the time, nothing happens. The alerts work great for what I need.”

Data Table: Arlo Camera Models and 24/7 Live Streaming Compatibility

Model	Type	Battery Life (Motion Detection)	24/7 Live Streaming Possible?	Local Storage (microSD)	Notes
Arlo Essential Spotlight	Wireless	Up to 6 months	No (6–8 hours max)	No	Battery drains too fast for continuous use.
Arlo Pro 4	Wireless	Up to 6 months	No (8–10 hours max)	No	Same as above; requires frequent charging.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight	Wired	N/A (Hardwired)	Yes (with microSD)	Yes (up to 2TB)	Best option for near-24/7 recording.
Arlo Ultra 2	Wireless/Wired	Up to 6 months (wireless)	No (wireless); Yes (wired + microSD)	Yes (up to 2TB)	Wired mode enables continuous recording.
Arlo Wired Doorbell	Wired	N/A	No (live view only)	No	No local storage; relies on cloud.

Final Thoughts: Is Permanent Live Streaming Right for You?

So, can Arlo cameras be live permanently? The short answer is: not natively, but there are workarounds. For most users, motion-triggered recording is the smarter, more efficient choice. It saves battery, reduces clutter, and delivers the alerts you actually need. But if you have a specific use case—like pet monitoring, construction sites, or 24/7 surveillance—you can achieve near-continuous coverage with wired cameras, local storage, or third-party NVRs.

My advice? Start by asking: What am I trying to protect or monitor? If the answer is “my dog,” “my construction site,” or “my baby,” then explore the wired + microSD or NVR options. But if you just want to see who’s at the door or check on your backyard, trust Arlo’s motion detection. It’s designed for real-world needs, not hypothetical ones.

At the end of the day, no camera system is perfect. Arlo excels at smart, efficient security—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding its limits and leveraging workarounds, you can build a setup that truly works for you. And who knows? Maybe one day, Arlo will add 24/7 live streaming as a premium feature. Until then, you’ve got the tools to make it happen—just not in the way you might have expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be live permanently without interruption?

Yes, Arlo cameras can stream live footage permanently, but this requires a continuous power source (like a wired connection or solar panel) and a stable Wi-Fi connection. Battery-powered models will need frequent recharging if used for 24/7 live streaming.

How do I set up my Arlo camera for permanent live streaming?

To enable permanent live streaming, connect your Arlo camera to a power source (e.g., Arlo Solar Panel or AC adapter) and ensure it’s linked to a strong Wi-Fi network. Use the Arlo app to adjust settings for continuous recording and live view.

Will leaving my Arlo camera live permanently drain the battery quickly?

Yes, battery-powered Arlo cameras will deplete much faster during permanent live streaming. For uninterrupted use, opt for a wired power solution or solar panel to avoid frequent battery replacements.

Can Arlo cameras be live permanently with cloud storage?

Permanent live streaming doesn’t require cloud storage, but if you want to save footage, Arlo’s subscription plans (like Arlo Smart) offer 24/7 cloud recording for compatible cameras. Without a subscription, only motion-triggered clips are saved.

Does Arlo support 24/7 live viewing on all camera models?

Most Arlo cameras support 24/7 live viewing, but features vary by model. Wired cameras (like Arlo Pro 4 XL) are better suited for permanent streaming, while battery models need power accessories for non-stop use.

Are there any drawbacks to keeping my Arlo camera live permanently?

Continuous streaming may increase Wi-Fi bandwidth usage and generate more heat in the camera. Ensure your network can handle the load and monitor camera performance to avoid overheating or connectivity issues.