Can I Continuous Stream Arlo Camera A Complete Guide

Yes, you can continuously stream Arlo cameras using the “Always-On” feature available on select models like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra, which allows 24/7 live video feed via local storage or cloud plans. Continuous streaming requires a strong Wi-Fi connection, sufficient storage, and a compatible subscription to avoid interruptions and ensure seamless monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Enable 24/7 streaming: Use Arlo SmartHub for uninterrupted, continuous video recording.
• Check subscription plans: Continuous recording requires an active Arlo Secure plan.
• Optimize storage: Use local or cloud storage to save continuous footage efficiently.
• Ensure power supply: Wired connections prevent battery drain during extended streaming.
• Adjust motion settings: Customize alerts to reduce false triggers and save storage.
• Monitor bandwidth usage: High-resolution streaming may impact your internet speed.

Can I Continuous Stream Arlo Camera? A Complete Guide

Let’s be honest—when you install a security camera, you want to know what’s happening right now, not just what happened 10 minutes ago. That’s why one of the most common questions I get is: Can I continuous stream Arlo camera? Whether you’re keeping an eye on your kids, pets, or just want to feel safer at home, the idea of watching a live feed without interruptions sounds like a dream. But here’s the thing: it’s not as simple as pressing “play” and walking away. I’ve been there—setting up my first Arlo system, expecting 24/7 video, only to realize it wasn’t quite that straightforward. That’s why I’ve put together this guide: to help you understand what’s possible, what’s not, and how to get the most out of your Arlo camera when it comes to continuous streaming.

Arlo is one of the most popular home security brands out there, known for its sleek design, easy setup, and wireless convenience. But like all smart cameras, it has its quirks. While Arlo doesn’t offer true 24/7 live streaming out of the box, there are ways to get closer to that experience. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a DIY security pro, this guide will walk you through everything—from how Arlo’s default recording works, to workarounds, subscription options, and even tips to reduce delays. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make your Arlo camera work for your needs.

Understanding Arlo’s Default Streaming and Recording Behavior

Before we dive into continuous streaming, it’s important to understand how Arlo cameras work by default. Arlo is designed primarily for event-based recording, not constant video. This means your camera isn’t recording 24/7 unless you set it up that way (and even then, it’s limited). Instead, it uses motion and sound detection to trigger recordings. When something happens—like someone walking by or a loud noise—it starts recording and sends you a notification. That’s great for conserving battery life and storage, but it’s not ideal if you want to watch a live stream nonstop.

How Motion Detection Triggers Recordings

Arlo cameras use PIR (passive infrared) sensors to detect motion. When heat and movement are detected, the camera wakes up, records a clip (usually 10–30 seconds), and uploads it to the cloud. This process takes a few seconds, which means there’s a small delay between when motion happens and when you see it. For example, if your dog runs past the camera, you’ll get a notification, but you might miss the first few seconds of the action. This is a trade-off for longer battery life and reduced data usage.

Some users think they can just open the Arlo app and watch a live feed whenever they want. And yes, you can! But it’s not a continuous stream in the traditional sense. When you tap “Live View,” the camera powers on, connects, and shows you a real-time feed—but only for a limited time (usually up to 5 minutes per session) unless you have a subscription plan that extends it.

Live View Limitations Without a Subscription

If you’re using Arlo without a paid subscription (like Arlo Smart or Arlo Secure), your live view sessions are limited. You can manually start a live stream, but it will automatically end after about 5 minutes. This is to prevent excessive data usage and battery drain. Think of it like a “preview” mode—great for checking in quickly, but not for monitoring a room all day.

Also, during a live view session, the camera is using more power and data than usual. For battery-powered Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro series), this can significantly shorten battery life. If you’re constantly streaming, you might need to recharge every few days instead of every few months.

The Role of Arlo Smart and Secure Subscriptions

This is where things get interesting. Arlo’s subscription plans—Arlo Smart (legacy) and Arlo Secure (newer)—offer extended live view capabilities. With a subscription, you can:

• Extend live view sessions up to 30 minutes (or even longer in some cases)
• Get 30 days of cloud storage for video clips
• Enable AI detection (person, vehicle, animal, package)
• Access activity zones to reduce false alerts

So while you still can’t “continuously stream” 24/7 without manual intervention, the 30-minute live view gives you a much longer window to monitor a scene. For example, if you’re expecting a delivery, you can start a live stream and watch the front porch for up to 30 minutes to catch the moment the package arrives.

Can You Achieve True 24/7 Continuous Streaming?

Now, let’s tackle the big question: Can I continuous stream Arlo camera 24/7? The short answer is: not directly through the Arlo app without workarounds. But there are ways to get closer to that experience, depending on your setup, goals, and willingness to tweak things.

Option 1: Use a Local MicroSD Card (For Wired Models)

If you have a wired Arlo camera (like the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell or Arlo Pro 4 Wired), you can insert a microSD card directly into the device. This enables local continuous recording—meaning the camera records 24/7 to the card, regardless of cloud or Wi-Fi issues.

Here’s how it works:

• Insert a compatible microSD card (up to 256GB, Class 10 recommended)
• Enable “Continuous Recording” in the Arlo app under device settings
• Access the footage via the app or by removing the card and using a card reader

Pros:

• True 24/7 recording, even without Wi-Fi
• No subscription needed
• Lower latency and no cloud delays

Cons:

• Only available on select wired models
• You need physical access to the card to review long footage
• No real-time remote viewing of the full 24/7 feed (you can only view recent clips or live view)

So while the camera records continuously, you can’t “stream” the full 24/7 feed remotely in real time. But you can check in via live view and know that everything is being saved locally.

Option 2: Combine Cloud and Local Recording with Arlo Secure

With an Arlo Secure subscription, you can enable both cloud and local recording (if your camera supports microSD). This gives you a hybrid approach: motion-triggered clips in the cloud plus 24/7 local storage. It’s like having a backup of everything, just in case.

For example, if your Wi-Fi goes down, the microSD card keeps recording. When the connection is restored, the cloud clips sync up. This is ideal for users who want peace of mind and redundancy.

Option 3: Third-Party RTSP and NVR Integration (Advanced Users)

If you’re tech-savvy, you can unlock true continuous streaming by enabling RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) on compatible Arlo cameras (like Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential models). This allows you to stream video to a local NVR (Network Video Recorder) or software like Blue Iris, Synology Surveillance Station, or Home Assistant.

Here’s what you need:

• An Arlo camera that supports RTSP (check Arlo’s compatibility list)
• A local server or NVR with enough storage
• Basic networking knowledge to set up the stream

Once configured, your camera sends a continuous video feed to your NVR, which records it 24/7. You can then access the stream remotely via your NVR’s app or web interface. This method gives you full control—no 5-minute limits, no subscription fees (after initial setup), and no cloud delays.

Tip: Enable RTSP through the Arlo app under “Device Settings” > “Advanced” > “RTSP.” You’ll get an IP address and stream URL to plug into your NVR software.

Note: RTSP disables some smart features like AI detection and push notifications. You’ll need to rely on your NVR for alerts.

Factors That Affect Streaming Quality and Reliability

Even if you set up continuous streaming, the quality and reliability depend on several factors. I’ve learned this the hard way—after setting up RTSP on my Arlo Pro 4, I had to troubleshoot buffering and dropouts for days. Here’s what matters most:

Wi-Fi Signal Strength and Bandwidth

Arlo cameras rely heavily on Wi-Fi. A weak signal or congested network can cause:

• Delayed live views
• Buffering during streaming
• Failed cloud uploads

Tip: Place your camera within 30–50 feet of your router, or use a Wi-Fi extender. If possible, connect to the 2.4 GHz band (better range) instead of 5 GHz (faster but shorter range). Run a speed test near the camera location—Arlo recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed for smooth streaming.

Power Source: Battery vs. Wired

Battery-powered Arlo cameras (like Pro 3, Pro 4) go into low-power mode when not in use. This means there’s a slight delay (1–3 seconds) when you start a live view. Wired models (like Arlo Ultra 2) stay “awake” and respond instantly. If you want true continuous streaming, a wired camera is the better choice—it’s always on and ready.

Storage and Data Limits

Continuous streaming generates a lot of data. A single Arlo camera streaming 24/7 can use 50–100 GB of data per month (depending on resolution and frame rate). Make sure your:

• microSD card has enough space (256GB recommended for 30+ days of footage)
• cloud plan includes enough storage (Arlo Secure offers 30 days, but that’s for clips, not continuous)
• NVR or local server has sufficient hard drive capacity

Example: A 256GB microSD card can store about 7–10 days of 1080p continuous footage at 15 fps. If you want 30 days, you’ll need at least 750GB of storage.

Camera Firmware and App Updates

Outdated firmware can cause streaming issues. Always keep your Arlo app and camera firmware up to date. I once had a camera that wouldn’t stream via RTSP until I updated it—simple fix, but easy to overlook.

Best Use Cases for Continuous Streaming with Arlo

Not everyone needs 24/7 streaming. But for certain situations, it’s a game-changer. Here are the most practical use cases:

Monitoring Babies, Kids, or Elderly Family Members

If you’re using Arlo as a baby monitor, continuous streaming lets you watch your child sleep, play, or nap without missing a moment. With RTSP + NVR, you can even set up motion zones to alert you only when the baby moves or gets out of bed.

Tip: Use a wired Arlo camera (like Arlo Pro 4 Wired) near the crib and stream to a local tablet or phone. Disable sound detection to avoid false alerts from crying.

Pet Monitoring and Behavior Tracking

Got a dog that barks when you’re away? A cat that knocks things over? Continuous streaming helps you observe patterns and train your pets. With local recording, you can review hours of footage to see what triggers bad behavior.

Example: I used my Arlo Pro 4 (with microSD) to catch my dog digging in the garden every afternoon. Once I knew the pattern, I could address it.

Construction Sites, Home Renovations, or Vacation Homes

For remote property monitoring, 24/7 recording ensures you don’t miss anything—like deliveries, trespassers, or workers arriving late. A wired Arlo camera with RTSP and an NVR is perfect for this.

Pro tip: Set up a local Wi-Fi hotspot (like a 4G router) if the site has no internet. The microSD card will keep recording even if the connection drops.

Small Business or Retail Monitoring

Small shops, garages, or offices can benefit from continuous surveillance. Use Arlo with RTSP to stream to a Synology NAS or Blue Iris. You’ll get real-time alerts, facial recognition (via NVR software), and encrypted storage.

Comparison Table: Arlo Streaming Options at a Glance

Streaming Method	Available On	Continuous 24/7?	Remote Access	Storage Location	Subscription Needed?	Best For
Live View (App)	All Arlo cameras	No (5–30 min sessions)	Yes (app)	Cloud (with subscription)	Yes (for >5 min)	Quick check-ins
Local MicroSD (Wired)	Wired models only	Yes	Limited (recent clips)	microSD card	No	Home monitoring, backups
Cloud + Local (Arlo Secure)	Supported models	Yes (local only)	Yes (app + card)	Cloud + microSD	Yes	Redundancy, smart alerts
RTSP + NVR	RTSP-enabled models	Yes	Yes (via NVR app)	Local server/NVR	No	Advanced users, 24/7 monitoring

Final Thoughts: Should You Continuous Stream Your Arlo Camera?

So, can you continuous stream Arlo camera? The answer is: yes, but not out of the box. Arlo’s default setup is built for event-based recording and short live views—perfect for most users, but not ideal if you need constant monitoring. However, with a few tweaks, you can achieve 24/7 streaming. Whether you use a microSD card, RTSP with an NVR, or a hybrid cloud/local approach, the tools are there.

For casual users, I’d recommend starting with a wired Arlo camera and a microSD card. It’s simple, affordable, and gives you true continuous recording without a subscription. If you want smart alerts and cloud backups, add an Arlo Secure plan. And if you’re comfortable with tech, RTSP + NVR unlocks the most powerful streaming experience—no limits, no fees, just pure control.

At the end of the day, it’s about finding the right balance. Continuous streaming is great, but it comes with trade-offs: more power use, more storage, and more data. Ask yourself: Do I really need 24/7 video, or will 10-second clips do? For most people, the answer is the latter. But if you’re monitoring a vulnerable family member, a remote property, or a high-traffic area, then yes—go for it. Just do it the right way.

And remember: your Arlo camera is a tool, not a magic eye. Set it up thoughtfully, maintain it regularly, and use it with purpose. That’s how you get the most value—and the peace of mind you deserve.

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