Do Arlo Cameras Record Everything You Need to Know

Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default, instead using motion-activated recording to capture key moments and conserve storage. With optional 24/7 recording available on select models via subscription, users can choose constant monitoring for complete peace of mind. This smart approach balances convenience, privacy, and security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras only record when triggered by motion or sound detection to save storage.
• Enable continuous recording with a 24/7 plan or local storage for full coverage.
• Customize detection zones to reduce false alerts and focus on key areas.
• Check subscription plans—cloud storage requires a paid plan for saved footage.
• Review recording history via the Arlo app to monitor activity and gaps.

Do Arlo Cameras Record? What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping coffee, and suddenly you get a notification from your Arlo camera. A delivery person just dropped off a package. But here’s the thing — you’re not sure if the camera actually *recorded* the event or just sent a motion alert. Did it capture the moment? Is there footage you can review later? Or did it just take a snapshot?

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions people have about Arlo cameras is: Do Arlo cameras record? The short answer? Yes, but it’s not as simple as “on” or “off.” Arlo cameras are designed to record video, but *how* and *when* they record depends on several factors — your subscription plan, camera settings, motion detection, and even where you place the camera. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Arlo recording capabilities, including how to set it up, what to expect, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a new Arlo user or just upgrading your home security setup, this guide will help you get the most out of your cameras.

How Arlo Cameras Record: The Basics

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Arlo cameras are smart, Wi-Fi-enabled security devices that use motion detection and video recording to keep your home safe. But unlike traditional security systems that record 24/7, Arlo cameras are designed to be more efficient — they record only when something *interesting* happens. This saves storage space, reduces false alerts, and helps you focus on what matters.

Motion-Triggered Recording (The Default)

By default, Arlo cameras use **motion-triggered recording**. That means they don’t record continuously. Instead, they start recording when the camera’s motion sensor detects movement. The camera captures video for a set amount of time — usually between 10 seconds to a few minutes, depending on your settings.

For example: Let’s say a raccoon wanders into your backyard at 3 AM. The Arlo camera sees motion, starts recording, and saves a 30-second clip to the cloud (if you have a subscription) or to a local storage device (like a USB drive). You get a notification, and you can review the footage later. No need to scroll through hours of empty footage.

Tip: You can adjust the recording length in the Arlo app. Go to your camera settings > Video Settings > Clip Length. Most users set it between 15–60 seconds. Longer clips capture more context but use more storage.

Smart Alerts and AI Detection

Not all motion is worth recording. A leaf blowing in the wind? Not important. A delivery person? Definitely worth keeping. Arlo’s newer models (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential) come with **AI-powered detection**. This means the camera can tell the difference between a person, animal, vehicle, and other motion.

So, if you set your camera to only record when it detects a *person*, it won’t start recording when a cat walks by. This reduces false alerts and saves storage space. For instance, my Arlo Pro 4 in the backyard ignores squirrels but records every time my neighbor walks their dog — perfect for tracking foot traffic without clutter.

Note: AI detection requires an active Arlo Secure subscription (more on that below). Without it, the camera treats all motion the same.

Snapshot vs. Full Video

When motion is detected, Arlo cameras take a **snapshot** (a still image) immediately and send it to your phone as a push notification. The full video clip starts recording a few seconds *before* the motion (this is called pre-buffering) and continues for the duration you set.

This pre-buffering is crucial. It ensures you don’t miss the beginning of an event — like someone approaching your front door before they trigger the motion sensor. My Arlo Ultra caught a delivery person walking up the driveway *before* they stepped into the camera’s main field of view, thanks to this feature.

Arlo Recording: Subscription vs. Local Storage

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Arlo cameras *can* record without a subscription, but your options are limited. To get the full recording experience, you’ll likely need to choose between cloud storage (subscription) or local storage (no monthly fee).

Cloud Recording (Arlo Secure Subscription)

If you subscribe to **Arlo Secure**, your videos are stored in the cloud. This means you can access them anytime, from any device, even if your camera is damaged or stolen. Arlo offers several subscription tiers:

• Arlo Secure (Standard): $2.99/month per camera. 30-day video history, AI detection, 24/7 emergency response (in some regions).
• Arlo Secure Plus: $12.99/month for up to 10 cameras. 60-day video history, 24/7 emergency response, e911, and 24/7 live agent support.
• Arlo Secure Premium: $17.99/month for up to 20 cameras. Everything in Plus, plus 4K video, advanced AI, and priority support.

Example: I use the Arlo Secure Standard plan for my two front-door cameras. It’s affordable, and I get 30 days of footage. I can scroll back and find a package delivery from two weeks ago if needed.

Pros of Cloud Storage:

• Accessible from anywhere
• No risk of losing footage if the camera is stolen
• AI detection and smart alerts
• Longer video history (up to 60 days)

Cons:

• Recurring monthly cost
• Requires reliable internet
• Some features (like 4K) only in higher tiers

Local Storage (No Subscription)

Don’t want to pay a monthly fee? Arlo cameras support **local storage** via a microSD card or a USB drive connected to an Arlo SmartHub or base station.

How it works:

• Insert a microSD card (up to 2TB) into the SmartHub or base station.
• Go to the Arlo app > Settings > Storage > Local Storage.
• Enable local recording. Videos are saved to the card and can be viewed in the app.

Example: My neighbor uses a 128GB microSD card in their Arlo SmartHub. They get about 30 days of continuous motion-based recording before the card fills up. They manually review footage and delete clips they don’t need.

Pros of Local Storage:

• No monthly fees
• Full control over your data
• Works offline (no internet needed)

Cons:

• Limited storage (depends on card size)
• No AI detection or smart alerts (unless you have a subscription)
• Footage is lost if the SmartHub or card is stolen/damaged
• No pre-buffering in some older models

Hybrid Option: Cloud + Local

Want the best of both worlds? You can use **both cloud and local storage**. For example, you might subscribe to Arlo Secure for AI detection and cloud access, while also using a microSD card as a backup. If your internet goes down, the camera still records locally. When the connection is restored, the cloud syncs with the local files.

Tip: Set your local storage to overwrite old clips automatically. This way, you never run out of space. Just remember to back up important footage manually.

Do Arlo Cameras Record 24/7?

This is a big one. Many people assume security cameras record all the time — like a dash cam. But Arlo cameras are different. By default, they do **not** record 24/7. Here’s why:

Why Arlo Doesn’t Record Continuously

There are three main reasons:

1. Battery Life: Most Arlo cameras (especially wireless models) run on batteries. Continuous recording would drain them in hours, not days.
2. Storage Limits: Even with a 2TB microSD card, 24/7 recording fills up fast. A single 4K camera can use 10–20GB per day.
3. User Experience: Who wants to sift through hours of empty footage? Motion-based recording is more efficient and practical.

For example, my Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera (wireless) lasts about 3–4 months on a single charge *because* it only records when motion is detected. If it recorded 24/7, I’d be recharging it every week.

Can You Enable 24/7 Recording?

Yes, but with caveats. If your Arlo camera is **plugged into power** (like the Arlo Pro 5S or Ultra 2), you *can* enable continuous recording. Here’s how:

• In the Arlo app, go to your camera settings.
• Tap on “Video Settings” or “Recording Settings.”
• Look for “Continuous Recording” or “24/7 Recording” (not available on all models).
• Enable it. The camera will now record non-stop.

Important Notes:

• 24/7 recording is only available for wired or plug-in cameras.
• You still need a subscription for cloud storage of continuous footage.
• Local storage is recommended — cloud plans have limits (e.g., 30 days), while a 2TB card can hold weeks of 24/7 video.

Example: My friend has an Arlo Pro 5S in their garage, plugged into an outlet. They enabled 24/7 recording with a 1TB microSD card. They get full coverage and can review any time — perfect for a high-traffic area.

Common Recording Issues and How to Fix Them

Even the best cameras have hiccups. Here are the most common Arlo recording problems — and how to solve them.

Camera Not Recording at All

Possible Causes:

• Motion detection is turned off.
• Camera is in “Away” mode but no motion zones are set.
• Battery is dead (wireless models).
• Wi-Fi or internet connection is down.

Quick Fixes:

• Check the Arlo app for camera status (online/offline).
• Verify motion detection is enabled in settings.
• Set motion zones to cover important areas (e.g., driveway, front door).
• Charge or replace the battery.
• Restart your router or move the camera closer to the Wi-Fi source.

Pro Tip: Use the “Test Motion” feature in the app. Wave your hand in front of the camera to see if it triggers a notification.

Short or Incomplete Clips

Sometimes, Arlo records a 10-second clip when you expect 30 seconds. This usually happens because:

• The recording length is set too short.
• Motion stops before the full clip finishes.
• The camera loses connection mid-recording.

Solutions:

• Increase the clip length in settings (up to 3 minutes for most models).
• Use AI detection to avoid false triggers (e.g., ignore pets).
• Ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal (check the app’s signal strength indicator).

No Cloud Recording (But Local Works)

If your camera records locally but not in the cloud, the issue is likely:

• Subscription expired or not active.
• Internet connection is unstable.
• Camera is offline when motion occurs.

Fix It:

• Renew your Arlo Secure subscription.
• Check your internet speed (Arlo recommends at least 2 Mbps per camera).
• Restart the camera and base station.

False Alerts and Unwanted Recordings

Too many alerts? Try these:

• Adjust motion sensitivity (lower for windy areas, higher for driveways).
• Set up activity zones to ignore irrelevant areas (e.g., tree branches).
• Enable AI detection (subscription required) to filter out animals, vehicles, etc.

Data Table: Arlo Recording Features by Model

Not all Arlo cameras record the same way. Here’s a quick comparison of popular models and their recording capabilities:

Model	Max Resolution	Recording Type	Local Storage	Cloud Subscription Needed?	24/7 Recording?	Battery or Wired?
Arlo Essential	1080p	Motion-triggered	Yes (microSD via SmartHub)	No (but AI requires it)	No	Battery
Arlo Pro 5S	2K	Motion-triggered + 24/7 (wired)	Yes	Optional	Yes (if wired)	Battery or wired
Arlo Ultra 2	4K	Motion-triggered + 24/7 (wired)	Yes	Recommended (for 4K cloud)	Yes (if wired)	Battery or wired
Arlo Go 2	1080p	Motion-triggered	Yes (microSD)	Optional (LTE model only)	No	Battery (LTE)
Arlo Wired Floodlight	1080p	Motion-triggered	No (cloud only)	Yes (for full features)	No	Wired

Key Takeaway: If you want 24/7 recording, go for a wired model like the Pro 5S or Ultra 2. For wireless flexibility, stick with motion-based recording and use local storage to avoid subscription fees.

Final Thoughts: Getting the Most Out of Your Arlo Recordings

So, do Arlo cameras record? Absolutely — but they do it *smartly*. They’re not designed to record every second of every day. Instead, they focus on capturing the moments that matter, using motion detection, AI, and flexible storage options.

Whether you choose cloud or local storage, wired or wireless, the key is understanding your needs. If you want peace of mind with easy access, a subscription might be worth it. If you prefer full control and no monthly fees, local storage is your friend. And if you have high-traffic areas, consider a wired camera with 24/7 recording.

Here’s my final advice: Start with motion-triggered recording and a small microSD card. Test it for a week. If you find yourself missing footage or getting too many false alerts, adjust your settings or consider upgrading. Arlo’s flexibility is its biggest strength — use it to build a system that works *for you*, not against you.

Remember, a camera is only as good as the footage it captures. With the right setup, your Arlo cameras won’t just record — they’ll protect, inform, and give you the confidence that your home is truly secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras record continuously or only when triggered?

Arlo cameras primarily record when motion or sound is detected, based on your sensitivity settings. Some models support 24/7 continuous recording if connected to an Arlo SmartHub or base station with a compatible subscription plan.

How long do Arlo cameras save recorded footage?

Without a subscription, recordings are stored locally (e.g., on a microSD card or USB drive) and overwritten after a set period. With an Arlo Secure subscription, cloud storage retains clips for up to 30 days, depending on your plan.

Can Arlo cameras record at night or in low light?

Yes! Most Arlo cameras feature night vision (infrared or color) to record clear footage in low-light conditions. The range varies by model, typically up to 25–30 feet in total darkness.

Do Arlo cameras record audio along with video?

Many Arlo models include built-in microphones to capture audio during recordings, but this feature can be disabled in settings. Check local privacy laws before enabling audio recording.

Do Arlo cameras record without Wi-Fi or internet?

Yes, if you use local storage (microSD/USB) with a SmartHub or base station. However, cloud recording and live streaming require a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

How do I access my Arlo camera recordings?

Recordings are accessible via the Arlo app or web portal. Cloud-stored clips appear in your library, while local recordings require direct access to the storage device (e.g., removing the microSD card).