Can I Use Arlo CVR on Multiple Cameras A Complete Guide

Yes, you can use Arlo Continuous Video Recording (CVR) on multiple cameras, but each camera requires its own separate CVR subscription plan. This means you’ll need to manage individual subscriptions per device, which can add up quickly—ideal for comprehensive surveillance, but costly if not planned wisely.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo CVR works on multiple cameras with a single plan, simplifying surveillance management.
• Check plan limits to ensure your subscription supports all desired cameras.
• Each camera needs a CVR base station for continuous video recording functionality.
• Sync cameras via Arlo app for seamless integration and centralized control.
• Storage is shared across cameras in the plan, so allocate space wisely.
• Upgrade plans for more cameras if your current one exceeds device limits.
• Test camera feeds regularly to confirm CVR is recording on all devices.

Understanding Arlo CVR and How It Works

What Is Arlo CVR?

Arlo Continuous Video Recording (CVR) is a premium feature designed for users who want uninterrupted, 24/7 video recording from their Arlo cameras. Unlike standard motion-triggered recordings, which only capture footage when movement is detected, CVR records everything—every second, every movement, every detail. This makes it ideal for high-security areas, businesses, or homes where you want a complete visual log of what’s happening, regardless of motion.

For example, if you have a camera pointed at your front porch, motion-triggered recording might only start when someone walks up the steps. But with CVR, you’ll see everything—from the moment the delivery person parks their car to when they place the package and leave. That extra context can be crucial, especially in disputes or security incidents.

Arlo CVR is available as an add-on to your Arlo Secure subscription. It’s not a standalone service, so you need both the base plan and the CVR add-on to use it. Think of it like a DVR for your security cameras, but cloud-based and accessible from anywhere.

How CVR Integrates with Arlo Cameras

Not all Arlo cameras support CVR, and this is a common point of confusion. As of now, CVR is only available for select models, including:

• Arlo Ultra (1st and 2nd gen)
• Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4
• Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell (when paired with a base station)
• Arlo Floodlight Camera

Older models like the original Arlo Pro or Arlo Q do not support CVR. If you’re thinking about upgrading, keep this in mind—CVR is a game-changer for those who need constant coverage.

When you enable CVR for a camera, it records non-stop and stores the footage in the cloud. The length of storage depends on your plan—typically 14 or 30 days. After that, the oldest footage is automatically overwritten. This means you’re not storing infinite video, but you do get a rolling window of full-time coverage.

One thing I’ve learned from using CVR: it’s best to use it on cameras where you truly need constant visibility. For example, I have it enabled on my driveway camera (Arlo Ultra), where cars come and go all day. But for my backyard camera, where motion is rare, I stick with standard motion recording to save on subscription costs.

Can I Use Arlo CVR on Multiple Cameras?

Yes, But There Are Limits

The short answer is: yes, you can use Arlo CVR on multiple cameras, but with some important caveats. You can’t just enable CVR on every camera you own and expect it to work seamlessly. There are technical, financial, and practical limitations you need to consider.

First, each camera that uses CVR requires its own CVR subscription. This means if you have three Arlo Ultra cameras and want CVR on all of them, you’ll need to purchase the CVR add-on three times. It’s not a one-size-fits-all upgrade for your entire system. This can get expensive, especially if you have a large setup.

For example, if the CVR add-on costs $3 per camera per month, and you have five CVR-compatible cameras, that’s $15 extra per month on top of your base Arlo Secure plan. That’s $180 a year just for continuous recording. It’s not cheap, but for some, it’s worth the peace of mind.

Another limitation is bandwidth. Continuous recording means your cameras are streaming video to the cloud non-stop. This can strain your home internet, especially if you have multiple 4K cameras. I noticed a slight slowdown in my Wi-Fi when I enabled CVR on two Arlo Ultras. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to monitor.

How to Enable CVR on Multiple Cameras

Enabling CVR on multiple cameras is straightforward, but you’ll need to do it one camera at a time. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings.
2. Tap Subscription and then Add-ons.
3. Select Continuous Video Recording (CVR).
4. Choose the camera you want to enable CVR for.
5. Follow the prompts to purchase the add-on for that specific camera.
6. Repeat for each additional camera.

You’ll see a CVR icon appear next to each camera that has the feature enabled. You can also manage CVR settings per camera—like adjusting recording quality or enabling audio recording.

Pro tip: I recommend starting with one camera to test how CVR affects your network and storage. Once you’re confident, gradually add it to others. This way, you avoid overwhelming your internet or your wallet all at once.

Also, keep in mind that if you cancel CVR on a camera, you lose access to its past continuous footage. Only motion-triggered clips remain in your cloud history. So, plan your CVR usage carefully.

Cost and Subscription Management for Multiple CVR Cameras

Understanding the Pricing Structure

Arlo’s pricing for CVR is per camera, not per account. This means every camera using CVR needs its own subscription. As of 2024, the CVR add-on typically costs between $2.99 and $3.99 per camera per month, depending on your region and plan.

Let’s say you have a mix of Arlo cameras:

• 1 Arlo Ultra (4K) – CVR enabled
• 1 Arlo Pro 4 – CVR enabled
• 1 Arlo Essential Doorbell – CVR enabled
• 2 Arlo Pro 3 (no CVR)

In this case, you’d pay the CVR add-on for three cameras, totaling around $9–$12 per month extra. Your base Arlo Secure plan (which includes motion recording and smart alerts) covers all five cameras, but only the three with CVR add-ons get 24/7 footage.

One thing I wish Arlo offered: a bulk discount for multiple CVR cameras. Right now, there’s no tiered pricing. It’s strictly pay-per-camera. For larger homes or small businesses with 5+ CVR cameras, this can add up fast.

Managing Subscriptions and Avoiding Overpaying

Here’s a practical tip: use CVR strategically. Don’t enable it on every camera just because you can. Focus on high-traffic or high-risk areas. For example:

• Driveway or garage – Cars, deliveries, and visitors come and go frequently. CVR here gives you full context.
• Front door – Especially if you have a doorbell camera. CVR captures every interaction, not just when someone presses the button.
• Backyard or side yard – If it’s a blind spot or has limited motion detection, CVR can fill the gaps.

I made the mistake early on of enabling CVR on my backyard camera, which is mostly quiet. After a month, I realized I was paying $3/month for footage of squirrels and trees. I switched it back to motion-only and saved the money for my front door camera instead.

You can also rotate CVR based on your needs. For instance, during holidays or when you’re on vacation, enable CVR on more cameras. When you’re home and active, scale back. The Arlo app lets you add or remove CVR anytime, so it’s flexible.

Another cost-saving idea: if you have a local storage option (like an Arlo SmartHub with a microSD card), consider using that for secondary backup. It won’t give you cloud-based CVR, but it can store continuous footage locally for free. Just make sure you have a large enough card (64GB+ recommended).

Performance and Technical Considerations

Bandwidth and Internet Usage

Continuous recording means constant data upload. Each CVR-enabled camera streams video to the cloud 24/7. This can eat up a significant chunk of your monthly internet bandwidth.

Here’s a rough estimate of monthly data usage per camera:

Camera Model	Resolution	Estimated Monthly Data (GB)
Arlo Ultra	4K	120–150 GB
Arlo Pro 4	2K	80–100 GB
Arlo Essential Doorbell	1080p	50–70 GB

So, if you have two Arlo Ultras and one Pro 4 on CVR, you could be using 300+ GB per month just for video uploads. For reference, the average U.S. household uses about 500–600 GB monthly. Add streaming, gaming, and work-from-home, and you might hit your ISP’s data cap.

I learned this the hard way. After enabling CVR on two 4K cameras, I got a notice from my ISP about nearing my 1TB limit. I had to either upgrade my plan or reduce CVR usage. I chose to keep CVR on the driveway and front door but switched the backyard back to motion-only.

To avoid surprises, check your current internet usage in your router settings or ISP app. If you’re already close to your limit, CVR might push you over. Consider upgrading to an unlimited data plan if you plan to use CVR on multiple cameras long-term.

Storage and Footage Retention

Arlo CVR stores continuous footage in the cloud for 14 or 30 days, depending on your plan. After that, the oldest video is overwritten. This is a fixed window—you can’t extend it.

For example, if you have a 30-day CVR plan, you’ll always have the last 30 days of continuous footage. But if you need footage from 45 days ago, it’s gone. This is different from motion-triggered recordings, which are stored for the same duration but only include clips where motion occurred.

One thing I like about CVR: it’s easy to scroll through a timeline and see exactly what happened, when. No guessing if something was missed due to motion sensitivity. But it also means you need to review or save important footage quickly.

Pro tip: use the “Download” feature in the Arlo app to save critical CVR clips to your phone or computer. This is especially useful for evidence or sharing with authorities. Just don’t rely on it as your only backup—cloud storage can have outages, and downloaded clips take up local space.

Also, be aware that higher resolution = larger file sizes. 4K CVR footage takes up more cloud storage than 1080p. If you’re on a tight budget, consider lowering the resolution of CVR cameras to 2K or even 1080p. The trade-off is slightly less detail, but it can save on both data and cost.

Best Practices for Using CVR on Multiple Cameras

Strategic Camera Placement

Not every camera needs CVR. In fact, using it everywhere can lead to information overload. The key is strategic placement.

Start by identifying your “high-value” areas—spots where constant visibility matters most. These usually include:

• Entry points (front door, back door, garage)
• Driveways and parking areas (for vehicle monitoring)
• Blind spots (where motion detection might miss activity)
• Business or office spaces (for inventory or employee oversight)

I have a small home office in my garage. I enabled CVR on the garage camera because it’s where I store equipment. Even though I’m home most days, I wanted a full record in case something went missing. It’s been worth the $3/month.

For areas with low activity—like a side yard or a rarely used shed—stick with motion recording. You’ll save money and reduce clutter in your video library.

Another tip: use CVR on cameras with poor motion detection. Some Arlo cameras struggle with small animals or shadows. CVR eliminates that issue because it records everything, regardless of triggers.

Balancing CVR with Motion Recording

You don’t have to choose between CVR and motion recording—they can work together. In fact, I recommend using both for a layered security approach.

Here’s how:

• Use CVR on 1–2 high-priority cameras for 24/7 coverage.
• Use motion recording on the rest for cost-effective monitoring.
• Enable smart alerts (like person, vehicle, or package detection) on all cameras to reduce false notifications.

This way, you get the best of both worlds: constant footage where it matters, and efficient recording everywhere else. I call it the “hybrid approach,” and it’s saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.

Also, remember that CVR doesn’t replace local storage. If your internet goes down, CVR stops working. But motion-triggered clips can still be saved to a local microSD card (if your camera supports it). So, for critical areas, consider combining CVR with local backup for redundancy.

Finally, review your CVR usage every few months. Are you using all the footage? Is it worth the cost? If not, adjust. Flexibility is key to making CVR work for you—not the other way around.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Arlo CVR

Using Arlo CVR on multiple cameras is absolutely possible, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a powerful tool that shines when used strategically—not everywhere, but where it matters most.

From my experience, the biggest wins come from focusing CVR on high-traffic, high-risk areas like driveways, front doors, and blind spots. The peace of mind from knowing you have a complete, uninterrupted record is priceless—especially when something goes wrong.

Yes, it costs extra. Yes, it uses more data. And yes, it requires some planning. But when you balance cost, performance, and security, CVR becomes a smart investment, not just an expense.

So, can you use Arlo CVR on multiple cameras? Absolutely. Just do it wisely. Start small, monitor your usage, and adjust as needed. And remember: the goal isn’t to record everything—it’s to record what matters.

Whether you’re protecting your home, your business, or just want better visibility, Arlo CVR can be a game-changer. Use it well, and you’ll never miss a moment again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Arlo CVR on multiple cameras at the same time?

Yes, Arlo Continuous Video Recording (CVR) can be used on multiple cameras simultaneously, but each camera requires its own CVR subscription plan. This ensures 24/7 recording for all enrolled devices without interruption.

How many Arlo cameras can I enable with a single CVR plan?

Each Arlo CVR subscription is tied to one camera only. To use CVR on multiple cameras, you must purchase a separate plan for each camera, regardless of location or camera model.

Is there a way to manage CVR for multiple Arlo cameras efficiently?

Yes, the Arlo app allows centralized management of CVR settings for all your cameras. You can enable, disable, or adjust recording schedules for each camera individually, even when using CVR on multiple cameras.

Do I need different storage plans for Arlo CVR on multiple cameras?

Each CVR plan includes cloud storage specific to one camera. If you use Arlo CVR on multiple cameras, each will have its own storage allocation and retention period based on the plan selected.

Can I mix Arlo CVR with other subscription plans for multiple cameras?

Yes, you can combine CVR with other Arlo plans (like Arlo Smart) across different cameras. For example, one camera may have CVR for 24/7 recording, while others use event-based recording with a Smart plan.

Will using Arlo CVR on multiple cameras affect my internet bandwidth?

Yes, enabling CVR on multiple cameras increases upload bandwidth usage since all footage is streamed continuously to the cloud. Ensure your internet plan supports the combined data demands of your CVR-enabled cameras.