Do Arlo Cameras Record Constantly Discover the Truth Here

Arlo cameras do not record constantly by default, as they are designed to conserve storage and battery life through motion-activated or scheduled recording modes. However, with a continuous recording plan and compatible hardware, you can enable 24/7 video capture for uninterrupted surveillance—perfect for high-security areas. Discover how to customize your Arlo setup to match your monitoring needs.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 unless using continuous recording plans.
• Motion detection is default—records only when triggered to save storage.
• Cloud/local storage options affect recording length and retention time.
• Continuous recording requires subscription via Arlo Secure Plus or SmartHub.
• Adjust motion zones to reduce false alerts and unnecessary clips.
• Check firmware settings to customize recording behavior and preferences.

Do Arlo Cameras Record Constantly? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Imagine this: It’s late at night, and you’re half asleep when you suddenly hear a noise outside. Your heart races—was it a raccoon, a stray cat, or something more concerning? You reach for your phone, open the Arlo app, and… nothing. The camera didn’t record. Frustrating, right? This is a common scenario for many Arlo users who wonder, do Arlo cameras record constantly? The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no,” and understanding how these cameras work can save you from sleepless nights—or false alarms.

Arlo cameras are some of the most popular smart security devices on the market. They promise peace of mind, sleek design, and advanced features like motion detection and night vision. But their recording behavior is often misunderstood. Some assume they’re always recording, like traditional security systems, while others believe they only record when motion is detected. The truth lies somewhere in between, and it depends on your settings, camera model, and subscription plan. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Arlo’s recording modes, how to get the most out of your setup, and why understanding these nuances matters for your home security.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Recording: The Core Mechanics

Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default. Instead, they use a combination of motion detection, scheduled recording, and cloud/local storage to capture footage. Here’s the lowdown on how it all works.

Motion-Activated Recording: The Default Mode

Most Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential lines) are designed to record only when they detect motion. This is called motion-activated recording. Here’s how it works:

• The camera uses passive infrared (PIR) sensors or AI-powered object detection to identify movement.
• When triggered, it starts recording for a set duration (e.g., 10 seconds to 2 minutes).
• You’ll receive a push notification and can view the clip in the Arlo app.

Example: If a delivery person walks up to your front door, the camera records a 30-second clip and saves it to the cloud (if you have a subscription). If no motion occurs, nothing is recorded. This approach saves storage space and battery life—especially important for wireless models.

But here’s the catch: Motion detection isn’t perfect. A fast-moving squirrel might trigger a false alarm, while a slow-moving intruder might slip past unnoticed. To improve accuracy, Arlo offers custom motion zones (e.g., ignore the tree in your yard but alert you if someone approaches the porch).

Continuous Recording: A Premium Feature (With a Catch)

Yes, Arlo *can* record constantly, but it’s not the default—and it’s not free. Here’s what you need to know:

• Arlo Secure Subscription: To enable 24/7 continuous recording, you need an active Arlo Secure plan (or Arlo Secure Plus/Pro). These plans include cloud storage and advanced features.
• Local Storage Option: Some models (like Arlo Pro 4/5 and Ultra 2) support microSD cards. You can set them to record continuously to the card, even without a subscription. But the footage is only accessible when you physically retrieve the card.
• Bandwidth & Storage Limits: Continuous recording eats up cloud storage fast. Arlo Secure plans typically offer 30-day rolling storage, but if you’re recording 24/7, you might fill it up quickly unless you upgrade to a higher-tier plan.

Pro Tip: If you want 24/7 recording but don’t want to pay for a subscription, use a microSD card. Just remember to check the card regularly—and be aware that it’s vulnerable to theft or damage.

Arlo Camera Models: Recording Differences You Need to Know

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. The recording behavior varies depending on the model. Let’s compare the most popular ones.

Wireless vs. Wired: Battery Life vs. Reliability

• Wireless (e.g., Arlo Essential, Pro 4): These rely on motion-activated recording to conserve battery. They’re great for spot coverage but not ideal for 24/7 recording unless plugged in (some models support solar panels).
• Wired (e.g., Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight, Ultra 2): These can handle continuous recording better because they’re always powered. The Ultra 2, for example, supports 4K continuous recording with an Arlo Secure Pro subscription.

Real-World Example: Sarah uses an Arlo Essential Spotlight (wireless) to monitor her backyard. She sets it to record only when motion is detected, which works fine for her needs. Meanwhile, her neighbor, Mark, uses a wired Arlo Ultra 2 for his garage. He enabled 24/7 recording to catch a recent package thief—and it worked.

Specialty Cameras: Doorbell, Floodlight, and Indoor Models

• Arlo Video Doorbell: Records only when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. No continuous recording option.
• Arlo Floodlight Cam: Can record continuously if wired and paired with a subscription, but motion-activated is the default.
• Arlo Indoor Cameras: Often used for nurseries or home offices. Some support continuous recording via microSD, but motion detection is more common.

Key Takeaway: If you need constant surveillance (e.g., for a high-traffic area), opt for a wired model with a subscription. For occasional monitoring, wireless + motion detection is more practical.

Subscription Plans and Storage: The Hidden Costs of 24/7 Recording

Let’s talk money. Arlo’s subscription plans are where things get complicated—especially if you want continuous recording.

Arlo Secure Plans: What You Get (and What You Don’t)

Plan	Price/Month	Continuous Recording	Storage Duration	Other Features
Arlo Secure	$2.99–$4.99	No (motion only)	30 days	Cloud storage, AI object detection
Arlo Secure Plus	$9.99–$14.99	Yes (select cameras)	30 days	24/7 recording, emergency response
Arlo Secure Pro	$19.99–$24.99	Yes (all cameras)	60 days	4K recording, professional monitoring

What This Means:

• Without a subscription, you’re limited to 7-day free cloud storage (and only motion-triggered clips).
• For 24/7 recording, you need at least the Arlo Secure Plus plan—and even then, not all cameras support it.
• If you have multiple cameras, the costs add up. A 4-camera setup with continuous recording could cost $40–$60/month.

Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, mix and match. Use motion detection for low-risk areas (e.g., backyard) and continuous recording for high-risk spots (e.g., front door).

Local Storage: The Subscription-Free Alternative

Some Arlo cameras support microSD cards (up to 256GB). Here’s how it works:

• Footage is stored directly on the card, so no subscription is needed.
• You can set the camera to record continuously or only when motion is detected.
• To view clips, remove the card and plug it into your computer.

Downsides:

• If someone steals your camera, you lose the footage.
• No remote access—you can’t check live feeds from the app.
• Card can fail (corruption, wear and tear).

Customizing Your Recording Settings: Tips and Tricks

Arlo’s app lets you fine-tune recording behavior to match your needs. Here’s how to get the most out of it.

Motion Sensitivity and Zones

To reduce false alarms and improve accuracy:

• Adjust the motion sensitivity (lower for busy areas, higher for quiet zones).
• Create custom motion zones (e.g., ignore the street but alert you if someone steps on the porch).
• Enable AI object detection (if available) to distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles.

Example: John lives near a busy road. He set his Arlo Pro 4 to ignore motion in the street but trigger when someone approaches his front door. Result? Fewer false alerts, more relevant recordings.

Scheduling Recording Times

You can set your camera to record only during certain hours. For example:

• Record continuously at night but only on motion during the day.
• Disable recording when you’re home (privacy mode).

How to Do It: In the Arlo app, go to Device Settings > Recording > Schedule. Set start/end times for each mode.

Activity Zones and Smart Alerts

Advanced Arlo models (like Ultra 2) offer activity zones—areas where motion will trigger recording. You can also enable smart alerts to get notified only for specific events (e.g., “Person detected” vs. “Leaf blowing in the wind”).

The Pros and Cons of Constant Recording: Is It Worth It?

So, should you enable 24/7 recording? Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

Pros of Continuous Recording

• No Missed Events: Even if motion is subtle (e.g., a shadow), the camera catches it.
• Evidence for Investigations: If something happens, you have a full timeline, not just snippets.
• Peace of Mind: Great for high-security areas (e.g., a home with valuables).

Cons of Continuous Recording

• Higher Costs: Subscription fees and cloud storage add up.
• Privacy Risks: Always-on recording means more data to protect (e.g., hackers accessing your feed).
• Storage Overload: 30 days of 4K footage takes up ~1.5TB of cloud space.
• Battery Drain (Wireless Models): Constant recording kills battery life fast.

When to Use It:

• High-risk areas (front door, garage).
• Wired cameras with reliable power.
• If you have a subscription and can afford it.

When to Avoid It:

• Low-traffic areas (backyard, basement).
• Battery-powered cameras.
• If you’re on a tight budget.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance for Your Home

So, do Arlo cameras record constantly? The answer is: it depends. Most Arlo cameras default to motion-activated recording to save storage and battery life. But with the right setup—wired cameras, a subscription plan, or a microSD card—you can enable 24/7 recording for critical areas.

The key is to customize your settings based on your needs. For example:

• Use motion detection for general surveillance.
• Add continuous recording for high-risk spots.
• Leverage local storage if you want to avoid subscriptions.

Remember, no system is perfect. False alarms, storage limits, and subscription costs are trade-offs. But by understanding how Arlo’s recording modes work, you can design a setup that’s both effective and cost-efficient. Whether you’re protecting your home, monitoring a pet, or keeping an eye on deliveries, the right Arlo configuration can give you the peace of mind you deserve—without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras record constantly or only when motion is detected?

Arlo cameras do not record constantly by default. They use motion-activated recording to conserve storage and battery life, capturing footage only when activity is detected.

Can I set my Arlo camera to record 24/7 like traditional security systems?

Yes, select Arlo models (e.g., Arlo Pro 4, Ultra) support continuous recording via an Arlo SmartHub and a compatible subscription plan. This feature requires local storage and is not available on all plans.

How does Arlo’s “constant recording” feature work with cloud storage?

Arlo’s continuous recording relies on local storage (via SmartHub) rather than cloud. Cloud plans still prioritize event-based recordings, so 24/7 footage is stored locally unless manually uploaded.

Why doesn’t my Arlo camera record constantly even with a subscription?

Most Arlo subscriptions focus on event-based recording. To enable constant recording, you need a supported camera, SmartHub, and local storage—cloud plans alone don’t activate this feature.

Are Arlo cameras always recording in standby mode?

No, Arlo cameras remain in standby until triggered by motion or sound. They don’t constantly record but instead activate based on customizable detection settings to save power and storage.

What’s the difference between Arlo’s motion recording and constant recording?

Motion recording captures clips when activity is detected (default setting), while constant recording saves all footage 24/7. The latter requires specific hardware and local storage to function properly.