Do Arlo Cameras Record 247 Find Out Here

Arlo cameras do not record 24/7 by default, as they rely on motion-activated or event-based recording to conserve storage and power. For continuous recording, select models like the Arlo Pro 3 or Ultra support 24/7 video recording when connected to a wired power source and subscribed to an Arlo Smart Cloud plan, ensuring every moment is captured without gaps.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default: Requires subscription for continuous recording.
• Enable CVR for non-stop footage: Continuous Video Recording stores clips in cloud storage.
• Local storage options are limited: MicroSD cards offer 24/7 recording but lack cloud backup.
• Motion-activated recording saves power: Most models use event-based recording to extend battery life.
• Check subscription plans: CVR features vary by plan; higher tiers offer longer retention.
• Adjust settings for 24/7 needs: Customize recording modes in the Arlo app for full coverage.

Do Arlo Cameras Record 24/7? Let’s Clear the Confusion

Imagine this: You’ve just installed your shiny new Arlo camera, excited about the peace of mind it promises. You’re picturing crisp footage of your front porch, the backyard, or maybe even your pet’s antics. But then a question pops up—*“Do Arlo cameras record 24/7?”* It’s a fair question, especially when you’re trying to decide if this is the right system for your home.

You’re not alone. Whether you’re a busy parent, a frequent traveler, or just someone who wants to keep an eye on things, knowing whether your camera is constantly rolling or only when it detects motion makes a big difference. Arlo cameras are popular for their sleek design, easy setup, and smart features—but 24/7 recording? That’s a bit more nuanced. Let’s dive into how Arlo handles recording, what you can expect, and how to get the most out of your system without overpaying or overcomplicating things.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Recording (It’s Not All or Nothing)

Here’s the short answer: Most Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default. Instead, they’re designed to use motion-activated recording. This means the camera only starts recording when it senses movement, saving you storage and battery life. But that doesn’t mean 24/7 is impossible—just that it requires a few tweaks and sometimes extra costs.

Motion Detection: The Default Setting

Arlo cameras come equipped with motion sensors (PIR sensors) that detect heat and movement. When something triggers the sensor—like a person, a car, or even a raccoon—the camera wakes up and records a clip. This clip is then uploaded to the cloud (if you have a subscription) or saved locally (if you’re using a USB drive).

For example, if your Arlo Pro 4 detects someone at your front door at 3 PM, it records a 30-second clip (or longer, depending on your settings) and sends a notification to your phone. This is great for catching events, but it won’t show you what happened *before* the motion or what’s happening in the background (like a tree branch swaying).

Why 24/7 Recording Isn’t the Default

There are a few practical reasons why Arlo doesn’t enable 24/7 recording out of the box:

• Battery life: Most Arlo cameras are wireless and battery-powered. Continuous recording drains the battery quickly. Even the Arlo Ultra, which has a larger battery, won’t last more than a day or two on 24/7 mode.
• Storage costs: Recording 24/7 generates *a lot* of footage. Without a hefty cloud subscription or local storage setup, your clips could fill up fast and overwrite older footage.
• Data usage: If you’re using cloud storage, constant uploads can eat into your internet data cap (especially with 4K cameras).

So, while motion-activated recording isn’t perfect, it’s a smart compromise for most users.

Can You Set Up 24/7 Recording with Arlo? (Yes, But Here’s How)

Good news: If you *really* want 24/7 recording, Arlo does offer options. It’s not as simple as flipping a switch, but with the right setup, you can achieve near-constant recording. Let’s break it down.

Option 1: Arlo SmartHub + Local Storage (Best for 24/7)

The Arlo SmartHub (or Arlo Base Station) is your best bet for 24/7 recording. Here’s why:

• Local USB storage: Plug a USB drive (32GB–2TB) into the SmartHub, and your cameras can record continuously to the drive. This bypasses cloud costs and keeps your footage private.
• No battery drain: If you’re using wired cameras (like the Arlo Essential Wired), they’ll record 24/7 without worrying about batteries. For wireless models, you’ll need to recharge more often or use a solar panel.
• Customizable schedules: You can set the camera to record 24/7, only at night, or during specific hours (e.g., when you’re at work).

Example: A small business owner uses an Arlo SmartHub with a 1TB USB drive. They set their outdoor cameras to record 24/7 for security. The footage is stored locally, and they review clips via the Arlo app without paying for a cloud subscription.

Option 2: Cloud Storage with Activity Zones (Partial 24/7)

If you don’t have a SmartHub, you can get *close* to 24/7 with a cloud subscription. Here’s how:

• Enable “Continuous Video Recording” (CVR): Available with Arlo Secure Plus or Secure Elite plans. CVR records *all* footage, not just motion clips. But—and this is a big but—it only works if the camera is plugged in (no battery-powered models).
• Use Activity Zones: Even without CVR, you can reduce “false alerts” by setting activity zones. For example, you might exclude a busy street from triggering recordings, so your camera only captures relevant motion.

Tip: If you’re using CVR, monitor your data usage. A 4K camera recording 24/7 can upload 30–50GB of data per day!

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Even with these options, there are caveats:

• Wireless cameras still have gaps: If the battery dies or the camera goes offline, you’ll have missing footage.
• No audio in CVR: Some plans don’t include audio recording with CVR, so you’ll see what happened but not hear it.
• Storage limits: Cloud CVR typically stores footage for 30 days. After that, it’s deleted.

Arlo Cameras: Battery vs. Wired vs. Solar (Which One Fits Your 24/7 Needs?)

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to 24/7 recording. The type of camera you choose—battery, wired, or solar-powered—plays a huge role in how practical continuous recording is.

Battery-Powered Cameras (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Essential)

Pros:

• Easy to install (no wires).
• Flexible placement (mount anywhere).
• Great for renters or temporary setups.

Cons:

• 24/7 recording drains the battery in hours (not days). You’d need to recharge daily.
• Motion-only recording is the norm. CVR isn’t available.
• Risk of missing footage if the battery dies unexpectedly.

Real-world tip: If you’re using a battery camera, set it to record only during high-risk times (e.g., nighttime or when you’re away). Use a solar panel (sold separately) to extend battery life.

Wired Cameras (e.g., Arlo Essential Wired, Arlo Pro 5S)

Pros:

• No battery worries. Plug it in, and it runs 24/7.
• Supports CVR with a cloud subscription.
• Higher video quality (often 2K or 4K).

Cons:

• Installation requires drilling holes and running power cables.
• Less flexible for repositioning.

Example: A homeowner installs an Arlo Pro 5S (wired) at their front door. They enable CVR with an Arlo Secure Elite plan, capturing every visitor, package delivery, and suspicious activity—no gaps.

Solar-Powered Options (Arlo Solar Panel Add-On)

For wireless cameras, the Arlo Solar Panel can keep the battery charged. But there’s a catch: Solar panels work best with direct sunlight. If your camera is in a shaded area, the battery might still die.

Tip: Pair a solar panel with a high-capacity battery (like the Arlo Pro 4’s 6,000mAh battery) for the best results. Test it during winter—shorter days mean less sunlight!

Cloud vs. Local Storage: Which Is Better for 24/7 Recording?

Storage is the unsung hero of 24/7 recording. Without enough space, your footage will be overwritten, or worse—lost entirely. Arlo offers two main storage options: cloud and local. Let’s compare them.

Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure Plans)

How it works: Clips are uploaded to Arlo’s servers and accessible via the app. Plans start at $2.99/month per camera.

Pros:

• No physical setup. Everything is handled online.
• Footage is backed up off-site (safe from theft or damage).
• Easy to share clips with law enforcement or family.

Cons:

• Cost adds up: $36/year per camera. For 4 cameras, that’s $144/year.
• Data usage: Uploads count toward your internet data cap.
• Privacy concerns: Some users worry about third-party access to footage.

Local Storage (SmartHub + USB Drive)

How it works: Footage is saved to a USB drive plugged into your SmartHub. No monthly fees.

Pros:

• One-time cost (USB drive). No recurring fees.
• Full control over footage. No data sent to the cloud.
• Faster playback (no buffering).

Cons:

• USB drive can fail (always back up important clips).
• Not accessible remotely unless you’re on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Risk of theft—if someone steals the SmartHub, they get the footage too.

Hybrid Option: Use both! Record locally for 24/7 footage and enable cloud backup for critical clips (e.g., motion at night).

Real-World Examples: How People Use 24/7 Recording (And What They’ve Learned)

Let’s look at how real users have set up 24/7 recording with Arlo—and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Example 1: The Frequent Traveler

Setup: Arlo Pro 5S (wired) + SmartHub + 1TB USB drive + CVR (cloud backup).

Why 24/7? They wanted to monitor their empty home while traveling. Motion-only recording wasn’t enough—they needed to see who entered, when, and for how long.

Lessons:

• Wired cameras are a must for 24/7. Battery-powered ones died mid-trip.
• Local storage saved them money (no cloud fees for 30 days).
• They discovered a neighbor’s cat triggered false alerts—fixed by adjusting activity zones.

Example 2: The Small Business Owner

Setup: 4 Arlo Essential Wired cameras + SmartHub + 2TB USB drive.

Why 24/7? They needed evidence for insurance claims and employee monitoring.

Lessons:

• USB drives fill up fast. They now delete footage older than 60 days.
• Night vision is critical. They added infrared floodlights to improve low-light footage.
• They use the “record only at night” schedule to save storage.

Example 3: The Parent Watching Kids

Setup: Arlo Pro 4 (battery) + solar panel + motion-only recording.

Why 24/7? They didn’t need 24/7 but wanted to see their kids playing in the backyard.

Lessons:

• Motion recording worked well for this use case. 24/7 was overkill.
• The solar panel kept the battery charged during summer but struggled in winter.
• They added a second camera for wider coverage.

Data Table: Arlo Cameras & 24/7 Recording Compatibility

Camera Model	24/7 Recording Possible?	Storage Type	Battery Life (24/7 Mode)	Notes
Arlo Pro 4 (Battery)	❌ No	Cloud only (motion clips)	6–8 hours	Use solar panel + motion-only
Arlo Pro 5S (Wired)	✅ Yes	Cloud (CVR) or Local (SmartHub)	Unlimited (plugged in)	Best for 24/7 with CVR
Arlo Essential Wired	✅ Yes	Cloud (CVR) or Local (SmartHub)	Unlimited (plugged in)	Budget-friendly wired option
Arlo Ultra 2	✅ Yes (wired only)	Cloud (CVR) or Local (SmartHub)	Unlimited (plugged in)	4K quality, but data-heavy
Arlo Go (LTE)	❌ No	Cloud only (motion clips)	3–4 hours (LTE drains battery)	For remote locations

Final Thoughts: Should You Record 24/7 with Arlo?

So, do Arlo cameras record 24/7? The answer is: It depends on your needs, setup, and budget. Motion-activated recording is efficient and cost-effective for most homes. But if you’re serious about 24/7 coverage—like monitoring a business, a remote property, or a high-crime area—it’s absolutely doable with the right tools.

Here’s my advice:

• Start with motion recording. See if it meets your needs before investing in 24/7.
• Go wired or solar-powered. Battery cameras won’t cut it for 24/7.
• Use local storage to save money. A USB drive is cheaper than years of cloud fees.
• Test your setup. Check for gaps, false alerts, and storage limits before relying on it.

At the end of the day, Arlo gives you the flexibility to choose. Whether you want a simple motion-triggered system or a full 24/7 surveillance setup, there’s a way to make it work. Just remember: More recording means more storage, more power, and more data. Plan accordingly, and you’ll get the most out of your Arlo system—without the headaches.

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 save storage and battery life, but continuous recording is available on select models with a subscription plan.

Which Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording?

Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, and wired/floodlight cameras support 24/7 recording when paired with an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station and an active Arlo Secure subscription. This feature ensures non-stop video capture.

Can I set my Arlo camera to record 24/7 without a subscription?

No, 24/7 recording requires an Arlo Secure subscription to store continuous footage in the cloud. Without it, only motion-triggered clips are saved, even on supported camera models.

How much storage do Arlo cameras need for 24/7 recording?

For 24/7 recording, Arlo uses cloud storage via subscription (up to 30 days of rolling footage). Local storage options (like microSD) are also available but depend on the model and storage capacity.

Does 24/7 recording drain Arlo camera batteries faster?

Yes, continuous recording significantly reduces battery life on wireless Arlo cameras. For 24/7 use, wired models or constant power sources (like solar panels) are recommended for uninterrupted operation.

Can I customize when my Arlo camera records 24/7?

Yes! With Arlo Secure, you can schedule 24/7 recording for specific times or zones. For example, record continuously at night but only during motion alerts during the day.