Do Arlo Cameras Record Continuously Find Out Here

Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default—they use motion-activated recording to conserve storage and battery life. However, with a subscription plan and compatible hub, select Arlo models can enable 24/7 continuous video recording for round-the-clock surveillance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record continuously by default: They use motion-activated recording to save storage and battery.
• Enable CVR for 24/7 recording: Subscribe to Arlo’s Continuous Video Recording service for non-stop footage.
• Check subscription plans: CVR requires an Arlo Secure plan—review costs and storage limits before committing.
• Local storage options exist: Use microSD cards or base stations for continuous recording without a subscription.
• Adjust motion sensitivity: Fine-tune settings to balance recording frequency and false alerts effectively.
• Review power sources: Continuous recording drains batteries; use wired or solar options for uninterrupted performance.

Do Arlo Cameras Record Continuously? Find Out Here

Imagine this: you’re at work, sipping your third cup of coffee, and suddenly your phone buzzes. Your Arlo camera just sent a motion alert. A delivery person? A squirrel? Or worse—something suspicious? You tap the notification, and within seconds, you’re watching a crisp video of what just happened outside your front door. But then a question pops into your head: What if I want to see what happened before the alert? Or maybe, Can my Arlo camera record all the time, like a security guard with a clipboard?

If you’re like me, you want total peace of mind. You don’t just want alerts—you want to know do Arlo cameras record continuously, or are they only triggered by motion or sound? Maybe you’re setting up a new system, or you’ve had Arlo for a while and never really dug into the settings. Either way, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners ask this same question every month. In this post, I’ll walk you through how Arlo’s recording works, what “continuous” really means, and how to get the most out of your cameras—without overcomplicating things. No jargon, no fluff. Just real talk, practical tips, and answers to the questions you actually care about.

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

Let’s start with the foundation: how Arlo cameras actually capture video. Most Arlo models—like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential lines—are designed with motion-activated recording as the default. That means they’re not constantly rolling 24/7 like traditional CCTV systems. Instead, they “wake up” when they detect movement or sound.

Motion Detection: The Smart Way to Save Battery and Storage

Arlo’s motion detection is pretty clever. It uses PIR (passive infrared) sensors to detect heat changes—like a person walking by or a pet darting across the yard. Once triggered, the camera starts recording and sends an alert to your phone. This is great for a few reasons:

• Energy efficiency: Battery-powered Arlo cams (like the Arlo Pro 4) can last weeks or even months on a single charge because they’re not recording all the time.
• Storage savings: You’re not filling up your cloud or local storage with hours of empty sky or trees swaying in the wind.
• Faster alerts: Motion-based recording means you get notified quickly when something happens.

For example, my Arlo Pro 3 in the backyard only records when the dog runs outside or a package is delivered. It’s smart, efficient, and perfect for everyday use.

But What About “Before” the Motion?

Here’s a neat trick: many Arlo cameras include pre-motion recording. When motion is detected, the camera saves a few seconds (usually 3–5) of video *before* the trigger. This is called a “pre-roll” or “pre-capture.” It’s like having a security camera that starts recording *just* before something happens. So if a delivery driver walks up and drops a package, you’ll see them approaching, not just the moment they appear on camera.

This feature is especially useful for avoiding “cut-off” footage. Without it, you might only see the back of someone’s head—not very helpful!

So… Do Arlo Cameras Record Continuously?

The short answer? Not by default. But that doesn’t mean they can’t. Some Arlo models *do* support continuous recording—but only under specific conditions, which we’ll cover in the next section. For now, just know that “continuous” isn’t the standard mode. It’s more of a special setting you can enable, and it comes with trade-offs (like storage and battery life).

Which Arlo Models Support Continuous Recording?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. While most rely on motion-based recording, a few models and configurations *do* allow for continuous video recording (CVR). Let’s break it down.

Arlo Pro Series (Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S)

The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 don’t have built-in continuous recording. But if you plug them into a power source (via a weatherproof power adapter), you can enable CVR through the Arlo Secure subscription. Yes—this is a subscription feature, not a hardware one.

The Pro 5S (the latest in the Pro line) supports CVR *only* when connected to continuous power and with an active Arlo Secure plan. So if you’re thinking, “I want my Pro 5S to record 24/7,” you’ll need:

• Power adapter (sold separately)
• Arlo Secure subscription (Basic, Premium, or Elite)
• Wi-Fi or cellular connection

Tip: If you’re using battery-powered Pro models, forget about CVR. The battery drain would kill it in hours.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2

The Arlo Ultra series is the closest thing Arlo has to a “full-time” security cam. These models support CVR *only* when connected to continuous power and with an Arlo Secure plan. The Ultra 2 also includes 4K HDR video, which makes continuous footage look stunning—if you have the storage to back it up.

I tested this at my parents’ house. We plugged in an Ultra 2 in the living room (for indoor monitoring during renovations) and turned on CVR. The video quality was incredible, but after 48 hours, the cloud storage was nearly full. That’s 4K for you!

Arlo Essential Wired Cameras

The Arlo Essential Wired (indoor and outdoor) is a budget-friendly option that *does* support continuous recording—again, only when powered continuously and with a subscription. Since these are wired, you don’t have to worry about batteries, making them ideal for CVR.

One thing to note: the Essential series records in 1080p, so it’s less storage-heavy than 4K models. If you’re on a tight budget but want 24/7 coverage, this is a solid choice.

Arlo SmartHub and Local Storage Options

If you’re not into subscriptions, you can use the Arlo SmartHub (or base station) to save footage locally via a microSD card. But here’s the catch: local storage still follows motion-based recording unless you enable CVR through a subscription. You can’t get true continuous recording on local storage without the Arlo Secure plan.

So, in short: No subscription = no continuous recording, even with a SmartHub.

Arlo Secure Subscription: The Key to 24/7 Recording

Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter: Arlo Secure is what unlocks continuous recording. Think of it as the “premium” layer that gives you more control, better features, and—yes—24/7 video capture.

What Does Arlo Secure Include?

Arlo Secure isn’t just about continuous recording. It’s a full package of smart features:

• Continuous Video Recording (CVR): Records 24/7 when camera is powered.
• 30-day cloud storage: Save all your motion events and CVR footage.
• AI-powered detection: Distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages.
• Activity zones: Tell the camera which areas to monitor (e.g., ignore the street, focus on the porch).
• Emergency response: Call for help directly from the app.

There are three tiers: Basic ($2.99/cam/month), Premium ($9.99/cam/month), and Elite ($14.99/cam/month). CVR is available on all tiers, but Elite includes 4K video and extended storage.

How to Enable Continuous Recording

Here’s how to turn on CVR in the Arlo app (tested on my Pro 5S):

1. Open the Arlo app and select your camera.
2. Tap “Settings” > “Video Settings” > “Recording Options.”
3. Toggle “Continuous Video Recording” to ON.
4. Confirm you have continuous power and an active subscription.

Once enabled, the camera will record non-stop. You’ll see a small “CVR” icon in the app. Footage is stored in the cloud and can be reviewed in the “Library” tab.

Real-World Use Case: Monitoring a Construction Site

A friend of mine used CVR to monitor a backyard renovation. He plugged in an Arlo Ultra 2 and enabled CVR. Every day, he could review the full timeline—workers arriving, materials being delivered, even a squirrel stealing a sandwich from the lunchbox. Without CVR, he’d have missed the full story. With it, he had complete visibility.

But he did learn a lesson: 4K CVR fills up cloud storage fast. He upgraded to the Elite plan to avoid running out of space.

Pros and Cons of CVR with Arlo Secure

• Pros: Full timeline coverage, no missed events, peace of mind.
• Cons: Monthly cost, storage limits, requires continuous power.

Tip: If you’re on a budget, consider using CVR only on your most important camera (e.g., front door) and motion recording on others.

Storage and Power: The Trade-Offs of Continuous Recording

Let’s be real: continuous recording isn’t free. It costs money, power, and storage space. Before you flip the CVR switch, understand the trade-offs.

Cloud Storage: How Much Do You Get?

Here’s a breakdown of Arlo Secure storage per camera:

Plan	Monthly Cost (per camera)	Storage Duration	Max Resolution	CVR Available?
Basic	$2.99	30 days	1080p	Yes
Premium	$9.99	30 days	1080p/2K	Yes
Elite	$14.99	60 days (with 2 cameras)	4K	Yes

Note: The Elite plan gives 60-day storage only if you have 2+ cameras. Otherwise, it’s still 30 days.

For example, a single 1080p camera on CVR will generate about 10–15 GB of video per day. Over 30 days, that’s 300–450 GB. The cloud compresses it, but you still need a robust plan.

Power Requirements: Wired or Nothing

Remember: CVR only works when the camera is powered continuously. That means:

• For battery-powered cams: You *must* use a weatherproof power adapter (sold separately).
• For indoor cams: Plug into a wall outlet.
• For outdoor cams: Use outdoor-rated extension cords or hardwiring.

I learned this the hard way. I tried CVR on a Pro 4 with a solar panel. It worked for a week, but then a cloudy day killed the battery. No power = no recording. Lesson learned: if you want 24/7, you need a reliable power source.

Local Storage: Can You Avoid the Cloud?

Yes and no. You can use the Arlo SmartHub with a microSD card to save motion events locally. But for continuous recording, you still need the Arlo Secure subscription. The SmartHub doesn’t support CVR without it.

So if you hate subscriptions, you’re stuck with motion-only recording—even with local storage.

Alternatives to Continuous Recording: Smart Workarounds

Not ready to commit to CVR? Or maybe you’re looking for a middle ground. Here are some smart alternatives that give you more coverage without the cost or complexity.

Motion Zones + Activity Zones

Instead of recording everything, fine-tune your camera’s sensitivity. Use activity zones to tell Arlo which areas to monitor. For example:

• Ignore the street and sidewalk.
• Focus on the front porch, driveway, and backyard gate.
• Set sensitivity to “high” for people, “low” for animals.

This reduces false alerts and increases the chance of catching important events.

Scheduled Recording

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

• Record from 8 PM to 6 AM when you’re asleep.
• Turn off recording during the day if you’re home.

Go to Settings > Schedule > and set your preferred hours. This is a great way to simulate “semi-continuous” coverage without 24/7 recording.

Multiple Cameras with Overlapping Coverage

Place cameras so their fields of view overlap. That way, if one misses something, another might catch it. For example:

• One camera on the front porch.
• One on the garage, angled toward the driveway.

Even with motion-only recording, overlapping views increase your chances of capturing full events.

Use a Smart Doorbell for Entry Points

Arlo Video Doorbells have built-in pre-motion recording and 2K HDR. They’re perfect for capturing people approaching your door—even if they don’t ring the bell. Pair it with a front-yard camera for full coverage.

Tip: Combine Motion and CVR Strategically

My setup: I use CVR *only* on my front door (Arlo Ultra 2, powered). For the backyard and garage, I use motion-based recording (Arlo Pro 5S, battery-powered). This gives me 24/7 coverage where it matters most, without blowing my budget.

Conclusion: Should You Use Continuous Recording with Arlo?

So, back to your original question: Do Arlo cameras record continuously? The answer is: they can—but only if you set them up that way.

Continuous recording is a powerful tool, but it’s not for everyone. It works best in high-traffic areas (like front doors, garages, or construction zones) where you need a complete timeline. But it comes with costs: subscription fees, storage limits, and power requirements. For most people, a mix of motion-based recording, activity zones, and scheduled recording is more practical.

Think of it like this: motion recording is like a spotlight—it shines when something happens. Continuous recording is like a floodlight—it illuminates everything, all the time. Which one do you need? It depends on your home, your habits, and your budget.

My advice? Start with motion-based recording. Get comfortable with the app, tweak your activity zones, and see how often you miss events. If you find yourself thinking, “I wish I could see what happened before the alert,” then consider upgrading to CVR on your most important camera. But don’t feel pressured to go 24/7 on all of them. Smart, targeted coverage is better than constant, overwhelming footage.

At the end of the day, Arlo gives you the flexibility to choose. Whether you want to record continuously or just when it matters, the tools are there. Now that you know how it works, you can build a system that gives you real peace of mind—without the hassle or the hefty price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras record continuously or only on motion?

Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default. They use motion-activated recording to capture clips when activity is detected, helping conserve storage and battery life. Continuous recording is available on select models with an optional subscription plan.

Can I set my Arlo camera to record continuously?

Yes, some Arlo models (like Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wired) support continuous recording via the “24/7 Continuous Video Recording” (CVR) feature. This requires a paid Arlo Secure subscription and a compatible base station or smart hub.

How does continuous recording work with Arlo cameras?

With a CVR subscription, your Arlo camera records and stores all footage in the cloud 24/7, not just motion-triggered clips. This ensures you never miss a moment, but it requires sufficient storage and a stable power source for the camera.

Is continuous recording available on all Arlo cameras?

No, only specific Arlo models support continuous recording. Battery-powered cameras like the Arlo Essential Wireless typically don’t offer CVR unless hardwired. Check your camera’s specs or the Arlo app to confirm compatibility.

Does continuous recording drain Arlo camera batteries faster?

Yes, enabling continuous recording significantly reduces battery life. For uninterrupted 24/7 recording, most users opt for wired models or keep their Arlo camera plugged into a power source.

Can I access continuous recordings from my Arlo camera without a subscription?

No, the 24/7 Continuous Video Recording feature requires an active Arlo Secure subscription. Without it, you’ll only receive motion-triggered alerts and short clips based on your plan’s settings.