Does Arlo Camera Record 24 7 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 battery life. Continuous 24/7 recording is only available with select Arlo models and a paid subscription plan, such as the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra when paired with an Arlo SmartHub and Arlo Smart service. This feature ensures uninterrupted surveillance but requires additional hardware and ongoing costs.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default: They use motion-activated recording to save storage and battery.
• Continuous recording requires a subscription: Arlo Secure Plus plan enables 24/7 video recording for supported models.
• Check your camera model’s compatibility: Only newer Arlo models support 24/7 recording with a plan.
• Local storage options are limited: SD card backups don’t offer true 24/7 recording without manual management.
• Adjust motion sensitivity to reduce false alerts: Optimize recordings to capture only meaningful activity.
• Cloud storage is essential for 24/7 access: Footage is securely stored and accessible from anywhere.

Does Arlo Camera Record 24/7? Find Out Here

Let’s be honest—when we invest in a home security camera, we want to feel confident that our home is being watched all the time. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just sleeping, you’d probably sleep a lot easier knowing your Arlo camera is recording 24/7, right?

But here’s the thing: most Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default. And if you’ve been assuming yours does, you might be in for a surprise. I learned this the hard way when I thought my Arlo Pro 4 was capturing everything, only to find gaps in the footage when my neighbor’s trash cans were mysteriously knocked over. (Spoiler: It was the raccoons. But I didn’t have proof because the camera wasn’t recording continuously.)

So, does Arlo camera record 24/7? The short answer is: it depends. Some models and setups can, but most rely on motion detection or event-based recording. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from how Arlo records, to whether you can get true 24/7 coverage, and what you can do to make it happen (or at least get as close as possible). Whether you’re a new Arlo user or have been with the brand for years, this guide will help you understand your system better and make smarter choices for your home security.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Recording: The Basics

Before we dive into 24/7 recording, let’s get clear on how Arlo cameras actually work. Unlike traditional security systems that might use wired, always-on cameras, Arlo is designed with wireless, battery-powered, and smart motion detection in mind. That means efficiency and battery life are top priorities—which directly impacts how and when your camera records.

Event-Based vs. Continuous Recording

Arlo cameras use event-based recording by default. This means your camera doesn’t record all day. Instead, it activates when it detects motion or sound (depending on your settings). Once triggered, it starts recording for a set duration—usually 10 to 30 seconds, though you can adjust this in the app.

This method saves battery life and reduces cloud storage usage. For example, if your Arlo Pro 3 is set to record for 20 seconds after detecting motion, and it sees 10 events in a day, you’ll get 200 seconds of footage total—not 24 hours.

Now, continuous recording (24/7) is a different beast. It means the camera records nonstop, regardless of motion. This gives you full coverage but uses more storage, power, and bandwidth. Arlo doesn’t offer this feature on all models or plans, and it’s not enabled by default.

Local vs. Cloud Storage Options

Arlo gives you two main ways to store footage:

• Cloud storage: Requires a subscription (Arlo Secure or Secure Plus). Stores videos online, accessible from anywhere. Limited to event-based clips unless you’re using a compatible model with 24/7 recording.
• Local storage: Uses a microSD card or Arlo SmartHub with USB drive. No subscription needed. Can support continuous recording, but only on select models.

Here’s a real-world example: My cousin has an Arlo Ultra 2 set up with a 256GB microSD card in a SmartHub. She enabled continuous recording and now has a full day’s worth of footage stored locally. But she still uses cloud storage for motion events because it’s easier to review. It’s a hybrid approach—smart and practical.

Battery Life and Power Considerations

Most Arlo cameras (like the Pro 4, Go, or Essential) run on rechargeable batteries. Recording 24/7 would drain them in a matter of hours—not days. That’s why Arlo prioritizes event-based recording for wireless models.

But if you’re using a wired Arlo model (like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight or Arlo Wired Doorbell), you have more flexibility. These are powered continuously, so they can support longer recordings or even 24/7 with the right setup.

Tip: If you’re considering 24/7 recording, think about power. Battery-powered cameras are convenient, but not ideal for nonstop recording. Wired or solar-powered models are better suited.

Which Arlo Models Support 24/7 Recording?

Not all Arlo cameras can record 24/7—even if you want them to. The capability depends on the model, power source, and storage method. Let’s break it down.

Cameras That Can Record 24/7 (With the Right Setup)

These models support continuous recording, but only under specific conditions:

• Arlo Ultra 2: Supports 24/7 recording when connected to a SmartHub with a USB drive or microSD card. Requires wired or solar power for sustained recording.
• Arlo Pro 4 Floodlight: Wired model that can record continuously when paired with local storage. Ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Arlo Essential Wired Doorbell: Can record 24/7 with a local storage setup. Great for monitoring entry points around the clock.
• Arlo SmartHub (with USB): This isn’t a camera, but it’s the gateway for local 24/7 recording. Works with compatible cameras like the Ultra 2 and Pro 4 Floodlight.

Important: Even with these models, 24/7 recording is not enabled by default. You have to manually activate it in the Arlo app under camera settings.

Cameras That Cannot Record 24/7

These models are designed for event-based recording only and do not support continuous recording, even with local storage:

• Arlo Go (4G LTE)
• Arlo Essential (wireless, battery-powered)
• Arlo Pro 3 (wireless, unless using SmartHub with USB)
• Arlo Baby
• Arlo Q and Q Plus (discontinued but still in use)

Wait—what about the Arlo Pro 3? It’s a gray area. While it doesn’t natively support 24/7 recording, if you connect it to a SmartHub with a USB drive, some users report being able to enable it. But Arlo hasn’t officially confirmed this, and it’s not guaranteed. So, proceed with caution.

Hybrid Workarounds for Battery-Powered Cameras

If you’re using a battery-powered Arlo camera but want more coverage, here are a few smart workarounds:

• Use shorter recording clips: Set event recording to 5–10 seconds. This increases the chance of capturing the full motion event without missing the start.
• Adjust sensitivity: Lower sensitivity reduces false triggers but increases coverage. Higher sensitivity catches more motion but may miss subtle movements.
• Use activity zones: Focus the camera on high-priority areas (like your front door). This reduces unnecessary recordings and improves efficiency.
• Add a solar panel: Keeps the battery charged, so the camera stays active longer between charges. Doesn’t enable 24/7, but helps maintain consistent monitoring.

My neighbor did this with his Arlo Pro 4: he added a solar panel, set recording to 10 seconds, and used activity zones. Now, he gets nearly full coverage during daylight hours—close to 24/7, without the power drain.

How to Enable 24/7 Recording on Arlo (Step-by-Step)

If you have a compatible model, enabling 24/7 recording is straightforward—but you’ll need the right gear and settings. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Check Your Camera and Hub Compatibility

First, confirm your setup supports 24/7 recording:

• Camera: Must be Ultra 2, Pro 4 Floodlight, or another model that supports local continuous recording.
• Hub: You need an Arlo SmartHub (not the base station) with a USB port.
• Storage: A USB drive (at least 32GB, formatted to FAT32) or microSD card (if the hub supports it).

Tip: Buy a high-endurance USB drive (like SanDisk High Endurance) designed for 24/7 recording. Regular USB drives can fail under constant write cycles.

Step 2: Set Up Local Storage

1. Connect your USB drive to the SmartHub.
2. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Hub] > Storage.
3. Select your USB drive and format it if needed.
4. Enable Continuous Video Recording (CVR) for your camera.

Note: Once CVR is enabled, the camera will record nonstop to the local drive. You’ll still get motion alerts, but the full timeline will be stored locally.

Step 3: Configure Recording Settings

After enabling CVR, fine-tune your settings:

• Video quality: Choose 1080p or 4K. Higher quality = more storage used. For 24/7, 1080p is usually sufficient.
• Recording duration: Set to “Continuous” (not event-based).
• Audio recording: Enable if you want sound. Disable to save storage space.
• Retention period: How long videos are stored before being overwritten. Default is 7–14 days, depending on storage size.

Example: With a 128GB USB drive, 1080p CVR, and 14-day retention, you can expect about 7–10 days of continuous footage before older clips are erased. Larger drives (256GB+) can store up to 30 days.

Step 4: Monitor and Maintain

24/7 recording is powerful, but it requires upkeep:

• Check storage regularly: The app will notify you if the drive is full or failing.
• Backup important clips: Download key footage to your phone or computer before it’s overwritten.
• Test the system: Trigger the camera manually and verify the full video is saved.

I once forgot to check my USB drive for weeks—only to find it had failed silently. Lost 10 days of footage. Lesson learned: set a monthly reminder to verify storage health.

Limitations and Trade-Offs of 24/7 Recording

While 24/7 recording sounds ideal, it’s not without downsides. Let’s talk about the real trade-offs—because nothing in home security is perfect.

Storage and Bandwidth Costs

Continuous recording eats up storage fast. A single 1080p camera can generate 10–20 GB per day. That’s 300–600 GB per month. If you’re using cloud storage, you’ll need a massive plan (which Arlo doesn’t offer). That’s why most people use local storage for CVR.

Bandwidth is another concern. If your camera uploads 24/7 footage to the cloud (not recommended), it could saturate your home internet. Local storage avoids this issue.

Battery Drain (Even with Power)

Even wired cameras generate heat and use more power when recording constantly. Battery models? Forget it—they’ll die in hours. That’s why 24/7 is best for wired, solar, or always-powered setups.

Reviewing Footage Becomes Harder

With event-based recording, you get short clips of important moments. With 24/7, you get hours of “nothing happening.” Finding a specific event means scrubbing through long timelines—which can be tedious.

Tip: Use the “Event Timeline” feature in the Arlo app. It shows motion events over time, so you can jump to key moments without watching hours of footage.

Privacy and Legal Concerns

Recording 24/7 in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (like a shared backyard or apartment hallway) can raise legal issues. Always check local laws and inform neighbors if needed.

Also, storing long-term video—especially with audio—requires secure handling. A hacked USB drive could expose sensitive footage. Use encrypted drives or keep them in a safe location.

Cost of Equipment

To get true 24/7 recording, you’ll likely need:

• A compatible camera (e.g., Ultra 2: $200+)
• SmartHub ($100)
• High-endurance USB drive ($30–$50)

Total: $330+ just for the gear. Add in a solar panel or extra cameras, and it adds up. Is it worth it? For some, yes. For others, event-based recording with smart settings may be enough.

Alternatives to 24/7 Recording: Smarter Security

You don’t need 24/7 recording to have great home security. In fact, many users get excellent results with smarter, more efficient setups. Here are some alternatives that might work better for your needs.

Smart Motion Detection and AI

Arlo’s newer models (Ultra 2, Pro 4) use AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. This means:

• Fewer false alerts (no more “leaf in the wind” notifications)
• Better event tagging (e.g., “Person at door at 8:15 PM”)
• More accurate footage when it matters

Instead of recording all day, you get high-quality clips of real events. That’s often more useful than hours of empty footage.

Activity Zones and Scheduling

Set your camera to record only in specific zones (like your front porch) and only during certain times (e.g., 6 PM–6 AM). This reduces unnecessary recordings and saves storage.

Example: My Arlo Pro 4 is set to record only when motion is detected in the front walkway, between 7 PM and 7 AM. During the day, it’s off—but I still get alerts if something happens.

Multiple Cameras for Full Coverage

Use 3–4 Arlo cameras to cover all angles. Even if each records only on motion, together they create near-continuous coverage. Place one at the front door, one in the backyard, one in the garage, and one on the side yard.

This “networked” approach often works better than a single 24/7 camera. Plus, you can mix wired and battery models to balance cost and coverage.

Cloud + Local Hybrid Setup

Use cloud storage for motion events (easy to review) and local storage for 24/7 on key cameras (like the front door). This gives you the best of both worlds—convenience and full coverage.

I use this setup: my front door camera (Pro 4 Floodlight) records 24/7 locally, while my backyard camera (Pro 4) uses event-based cloud storage. It’s flexible, efficient, and cost-effective.

Third-Party Integrations

Arlo works with smart home platforms like Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Use routines to enhance coverage:

• When the doorbell rings, turn on lights and start recording.
• If motion is detected at night, send a notification and record a longer clip.

These automations make your system smarter—without needing 24/7 recording.

Final Thoughts: Should You Record 24/7?

So, does Arlo camera record 24/7? Yes, but only if you have the right model, storage, and power setup. And even then, it’s not always the best choice.

For most people, event-based recording with smart settings is enough. It saves money, battery, and storage while still providing solid security. Use activity zones, AI detection, and multiple cameras to close the gaps.

But if you need full, uninterrupted coverage—like for a business, high-crime area, or peace of mind—then 24/7 recording with a SmartHub and USB drive is a great option. Just be ready for the setup, cost, and maintenance.

At the end of the day, the best security system is one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re recording all day or just during key moments, the goal is the same: to feel safe and in control.

So take a look at your Arlo setup. Do you really need 24/7? Or can you get the same results with smarter, more efficient settings? Either way, now you know exactly what’s possible—and how to make it work for you.

Arlo Model	Supports 24/7?	Storage Required	Power Source	Best Use Case
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes (with SmartHub + USB)	USB drive (32GB+)	Wired or Solar	Full coverage, high-traffic areas
Arlo Pro 4 Floodlight	Yes (with SmartHub)	USB drive or microSD	Wired	Front yard, entry points
Arlo Essential (wireless)	No	Cloud or microSD	Battery	Basic monitoring, low traffic
Arlo Go	No	Cloud or microSD	Battery or 4G	Remote locations, no Wi-Fi
Arlo Wired Doorbell	Yes (with SmartHub)	USB drive	Wired	Door monitoring, 24/7 entry

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo camera record 24/7 by default?

No, 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 compatible plan or local storage setup.

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

Yes, you can enable 24/7 recording on select Arlo cameras (like the Pro 3, Pro 4, or Ultra) with an Arlo SmartHub or base station and a subscription to Arlo Secure Plus or an active local storage option.

Which Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording?

Wired models like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, Ultra, and Essential Wired cameras support 24/7 recording when connected to continuous power and paired with a SmartHub/base station and proper storage or plan.

Does 24/7 recording require an Arlo subscription?

For cloud-based 24/7 recording, an Arlo Secure Plus plan is required. However, local storage via a USB drive (with a SmartHub) allows 24/7 recording without a subscription.

How much storage does 24/7 Arlo recording use?

24/7 recording consumes significant storage—up to 30 days of footage may require 1TB+ of cloud or local storage, depending on video quality and camera settings.

Does Arlo record 24/7 if motion detection is turned off?

If motion detection is disabled but 24/7 recording is enabled via a subscription or local storage, your Arlo camera will record continuously regardless of motion events.