Do Arlo Cameras Record 24 7 Here Is What You Need to Know

Arlo cameras do not record 24/7 by default, as they rely on motion-activated or event-based recording to conserve storage and battery life. Continuous 24/7 recording is only available with specific Arlo models and a paid subscription plan, such as the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra, paired with an Arlo SmartHub or base station. For non-stop coverage, you’ll need the right hardware and an active Arlo Secure Plus plan.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default: They use motion-activated recording to save storage and battery.
• Enable Continuous Recording with a plan: Subscribe to Arlo Smart for 24/7 recording on select models.
• Check model compatibility: Only Arlo Pro 3, 4, and Ultra support 24/7 recording with a subscription.
• Local storage offers alternatives: Use a microSD card for continuous recording without a subscription.
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Reduce false alerts and optimize recording times in the Arlo app settings.

Do Arlo Cameras Record 24/7? Here’s the Real Answer

Imagine this: You’re at home, enjoying a quiet evening, and suddenly you hear a noise outside. You rush to check your Arlo camera feed—only to realize it didn’t record the incident. Frustrating, right? That’s a common concern for many Arlo users: Do Arlo cameras record 24/7? If you’re wondering whether these popular smart cameras offer nonstop recording, you’re not alone. Whether you’re using Arlo for home security, monitoring pets, or keeping an eye on deliveries, knowing when and how your camera captures footage is essential. Let’s cut through the confusion and give you the real scoop—no fluff, just facts.

Arlo cameras are known for their sleek design, easy setup, and smart features like motion detection and cloud storage. But when it comes to 24/7 recording, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Unlike traditional security systems that record every second, Arlo takes a more modern, event-based approach. That means not all Arlo models or setups offer constant recording by default. But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through exactly what’s possible, what’s not, and how to get the most out of your cameras. Whether you’re a new owner or considering an upgrade, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

How Arlo Cameras Record: The Basics of Motion-Activated vs. Continuous Recording

To understand whether Arlo cameras record 24/7, you first need to know how they’re designed to capture video. At their core, most Arlo models are built around motion-activated recording. This means the camera stays idle until it detects movement—then it starts recording. Think of it like a security guard who only takes notes when something happens. This approach saves storage, reduces data usage, and extends battery life (especially for wire-free models).

Motion-Activated Recording: How It Works

When motion is detected—whether it’s a person, animal, or even a swaying tree—the camera triggers a recording. Most Arlo cameras record for 10 to 120 seconds, depending on your settings. You can customize this duration in the Arlo app. For example, you might set a 30-second clip for your front porch and a 60-second one for your backyard, where activity is less frequent.

Here’s a real-life example: Sarah, a homeowner in Seattle, installed an Arlo Pro 4 on her front door. She gets alerts whenever someone approaches, and the camera records a 20-second clip. It’s perfect for checking deliveries, but she noticed a raccoon sneaking in at 3 a.m.—the camera didn’t catch it because it was outside the motion zone. That’s the trade-off: motion detection is efficient, but it can miss things if not set up carefully.

Why Arlo Doesn’t Default to 24/7 Recording

You might wonder: Why don’t Arlo cameras just record all the time? There are a few key reasons:

• Battery Life: Wire-free models like the Arlo Pro 5S or Arlo Essential Spotlight rely on rechargeable batteries. Constant recording would drain them in hours, not days.
• Storage Limits: Even with cloud or local storage, 24/7 video generates massive files. A single camera recording 24/7 could use 100+ GB per month.
• Data Usage: Streaming nonstop video requires a strong internet connection. For users with data caps or spotty Wi-Fi, this isn’t practical.
• Privacy Concerns: Recording 24/7 raises privacy issues, especially if the camera points toward a neighbor’s yard or a shared space.

So, while motion-activated recording has limitations, it’s a smart compromise for most users. But if you need constant coverage, there are ways to get it—more on that later.

Which Arlo Cameras Support 24/7 Recording?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to continuous recording. Some models support 24/7 recording, but only under specific conditions. Let’s break down the options.

Arlo Pro 5S, Pro 4, and Ultra 2: The 24/7 Powerhouses

The Arlo Pro 5S, Pro 4, and Ultra 2 are the only Arlo models that can record 24/7—but only when hardwired to a power source. This means you can’t get constant recording on battery power. When plugged in, these cameras can switch to continuous recording mode via the Arlo app.

For example, Mark, a small business owner in Austin, uses an Arlo Pro 5S hardwired to his store’s power. He enabled 24/7 recording for the back alley, where deliveries happen at all hours. The camera now captures every second, and he can review footage anytime—no gaps. But he keeps his front-door camera on motion-only to save storage.

Pro Tip: If you want 24/7 recording, use a weatherproof outlet or a power adapter kit. The Arlo Solar Panel can also help, but it won’t provide 24/7 power in low-sun conditions.

Arlo Essential Series: Limited Continuous Options

The Arlo Essential cameras (like the Spotlight and Wire-Free models) are budget-friendly but don’t support 24/7 recording—even when plugged in. They’re strictly motion-activated. This is due to hardware limitations and design choices to keep costs low.

However, you can get closer to continuous coverage by:

• Setting a very short motion cooldown (e.g., 10 seconds) so the camera re-triggers quickly.
• Using activity zones to focus on high-traffic areas, reducing missed events.
• Placing multiple cameras to cover overlapping zones.

For instance, Lisa uses two Arlo Essential cameras in her backyard—one facing the gate, the other the patio. By overlapping their zones, she rarely misses activity, even though neither records 24/7.

Arlo SmartHub and Base Station: The Local Storage Game-Changer

If you’re serious about 24/7 recording, the Arlo SmartHub or Base Station is a must. These devices support local storage via a microSD card (up to 2 TB), which can store continuous footage without relying on the cloud. But again, only hardwired Pro/Ultra cameras can record 24/7 to the hub.

Why use local storage? It’s more private, doesn’t require a subscription, and works during internet outages. Just remember: local storage means you’ll need to manually review footage on the hub or transfer files to a computer.

How to Set Up 24/7 Recording on Your Arlo Camera

Ready to switch to 24/7 recording? Here’s a step-by-step guide for Arlo Pro 5S, Pro 4, and Ultra 2 users. (Note: Essential models can’t do this, but we’ll share workarounds later.)

Step 1: Ensure Your Camera Is Hardwired

This is non-negotiable. Plug your camera into a power outlet using the included adapter. For outdoor setups, use a weatherproof outlet cover. If you’re using solar, note that 24/7 recording may drain the panel faster—consider a larger one or supplemental power.

Step 2: Connect to a SmartHub or Base Station (Optional but Recommended)

For local storage, plug a microSD card (128 GB minimum recommended) into your SmartHub. This lets you store 24/7 footage without a subscription. Without a hub, you’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription to access cloud storage for continuous recordings.

Step 3: Enable Continuous Recording in the Arlo App

1. Open the Arlo app and select your camera.
2. Go to Settings > Video Settings > Recording Mode.
3. Choose Continuous instead of Motion-Activated.
4. Set your video quality (higher quality = more storage used).
5. For local storage, ensure the hub is connected and the microSD card is detected.

Example: Tom set up 24/7 recording on his Arlo Pro 4 in his garage. He uses a 256 GB microSD card in the SmartHub and set the quality to “Standard” (1080p). After 7 days, the card is about 40% full—enough for a full month of footage.

Step 4: Manage Storage and Review Footage

24/7 recording eats storage fast. Here’s how to stay organized:

• Cloud Storage: With Arlo Secure (subscription), you get 30-day rolling cloud storage. But 24/7 recording can fill it quickly. Consider upgrading to a higher tier.
• Local Storage: Set up alerts when the microSD card is nearing capacity. You can also use the Arlo app to download clips or format the card remotely.
• Smart Alerts: Even in 24/7 mode, you can enable person/animal/vehicle detection to get notified about specific events.

Tip: Use the Arlo app’s timeline view to scrub through hours of footage quickly. Tap the clock icon to jump to a specific time.

Limitations and Workarounds for 24/7 Coverage

Even with 24/7 recording, Arlo cameras have limitations. Let’s address the common challenges and how to work around them.

Storage and Cost: The Biggest Hurdles

Recording 24/7 is expensive. Here’s a quick breakdown of storage needs:

Camera Model	Video Quality	Storage Used (Per Day)	128 GB Card Lifespan
Arlo Pro 5S	1080p (Standard)	~15 GB	~8 days
Arlo Pro 5S	2K (Enhanced)	~22 GB	~5 days
Arlo Ultra 2	4K	~35 GB	~3 days

As you can see, 4K recording on an Ultra 2 will fill a 128 GB card in just 3 days! To manage this:

• Use motion zones to reduce unnecessary recording in empty areas.
• Lower video quality when possible (e.g., use 1080p at night).
• Upgrade storage to a 2 TB microSD card or multiple cards (rotate them monthly).
• Subscribe to Arlo Secure+ for 24/7 cloud recording (but costs $29.99/month for 4+ cameras).

Power and Connectivity Issues

Hardwired cameras can still fail if the power goes out or Wi-Fi drops. To mitigate this:

• Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for indoor base stations.
• Connect your SmartHub to a wired Ethernet connection for stable uploads.
• For outdoor cameras, install them near a reliable power source (e.g., an exterior outlet).

Workarounds for Non-24/7 Models

Own an Arlo Essential or another model that can’t record 24/7? Try these tricks:

• Reduce motion cooldown: Set it to 10–15 seconds so the camera reactivates quickly after each event.
• Use a schedule: Enable motion recording only during high-risk hours (e.g., 9 p.m.–6 a.m.).
• Add a second camera: Place it at a different angle to catch missed activity.
• Pair with other sensors: Use Arlo door/window sensors or floodlights to trigger recordings more reliably.

For example, Jake uses two Arlo Essential cameras in his driveway—one at each end. He set both to a 10-second cooldown and overlapping zones. Now, even if one misses a car, the other usually catches it.

When 24/7 Recording Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

Before you enable 24/7 recording, ask yourself: Do I really need it? Here’s when it’s worth the effort—and when it’s overkill.

Best Use Cases for 24/7 Recording

• High-Risk Areas: Backyards, garages, or alleys where break-ins are common.
• Business Monitoring: Retail stores, warehouses, or parking lots with 24-hour activity.
• Pet or Child Supervision: Nurseries or play areas where you need constant visibility.
• Evidence Collection: If you’ve had prior incidents and need a full record.

Real Story: Maria, a pet sitter, uses 24/7 recording on her Arlo Pro 4 in her home office. She watches dogs all day and needs to prove she didn’t leave them unattended. The footage also helps her train new staff.

When Motion-Only Is Better

• Battery-Powered Cameras: Stick to motion-only to save battery life.
• Low-Traffic Areas: Front porches or side yards with minimal activity.
• Budget Constraints: Skip 24/7 to avoid high storage or subscription costs.
• Privacy Concerns: Avoid recording neighbors’ properties or shared spaces.

Example: David has an Arlo Essential on his front porch. He gets 3–4 deliveries a week and a few visitors. Motion-only works perfectly—he saves storage and gets the alerts he needs.

The Middle Ground: Hybrid Approach

Many users mix both modes. For instance:

• Use 24/7 recording on a hardwired camera in the backyard.
• Use motion-only on battery cameras at the front door and garage.
• Schedule 24/7 mode only at night when activity is riskier.

This gives you flexibility without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: Is 24/7 Recording Right for You?

So, do Arlo cameras record 24/7? The answer is: Yes, but only under the right conditions. If you have a hardwired Arlo Pro 5S, Pro 4, or Ultra 2—and you’re willing to invest in storage and power—you can get constant recording. For everyone else, motion-activated recording is the smart default.

Remember, 24/7 recording isn’t just a feature—it’s a commitment. It requires planning, maintenance, and ongoing costs. But for high-risk areas or critical monitoring, it’s worth it. For everyday use, motion detection with smart settings often does the job just fine.

At the end of the day, the best security setup is one that fits your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re a homeowner, pet parent, or small business owner, Arlo gives you the tools to choose. Just take the time to understand your options, test different settings, and adjust as needed. And if you’re ever unsure, start small—enable 24/7 on one camera and see how it goes. You might find that motion-only is enough… or you might discover you’ve been missing the bigger picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras record 24/7 by default?

No, most Arlo cameras do not record 24/7 by default. They use motion-activated recording to conserve storage and battery life unless you enable continuous recording via a subscription plan.

Can I set my Arlo camera to record 24/7?

Yes, you can enable 24/7 recording on compatible Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 4/5 or Ultra) with an Arlo Secure Plus subscription. This feature ensures non-stop video capture, ideal for high-traffic areas.

Which Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording?

Wired models like the Arlo Pro 3/4, Ultra, and Essential Wired support 24/7 recording with a subscription. Battery-powered models typically lack this feature due to power constraints.

Is 24/7 recording available without an Arlo subscription?

No, 24/7 recording requires an Arlo Secure Plus subscription. Without it, cameras only record when motion is detected, and footage is stored locally or in the cloud for limited periods.

How much storage is needed for Arlo 24/7 recording?

Storage depends on video quality and usage. Arlo Secure Plus offers cloud storage (up to 30 days of footage), while local storage options vary by model—typically 8GB–256GB microSD cards.

Does 24/7 recording drain Arlo camera batteries faster?

Yes, continuous recording significantly reduces battery life. For 24/7 recording, use wired Arlo cameras or keep battery-powered models plugged in to avoid frequent recharging.