Does Arlo Camera Record 247 Find Out Here

Arlo cameras do not record 24/7 by default, but select models support continuous recording via an optional subscription to Arlo Secure Plus or with a compatible base station and local storage. Most Arlo devices rely on motion-activated recording, conserving storage and bandwidth while ensuring critical moments are captured—ideal for users seeking smart, efficient surveillance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record 24/7 by default: They use motion-activated recording to save storage and battery.
• Enable 24/7 recording via Arlo SmartHub: Requires compatible hardware and a continuous power source.
• Subscription needed for full features: Arlo Secure plans unlock advanced recording and cloud storage options.
• Local storage alternatives exist: Use microSD or USB drives with base stations for uninterrupted footage.
• Check power and internet reliability: 24/7 recording demands stable connections and consistent power supply.
• Customize activity zones to reduce false alerts: Focuses recording on high-priority areas only.

Does Arlo Camera Record 24/7? The Real Story Behind Continuous Surveillance

Imagine this: you’re on vacation, sipping coffee on a beach, and you suddenly wonder—did I lock the back door? Or worse, was there movement near the garage last night? That’s when the idea of a 24/7 recording security camera starts to sound less like a luxury and more like a necessity. I’ve been there. After a close call with a package thief last winter, I dove headfirst into the world of home security cameras. Arlo kept popping up as a top contender, but one question haunted me: does Arlo camera record 24/7?

Let’s be honest—no one wants to miss a critical moment because their camera was “off duty.” Whether it’s a break-in, a lost pet, or a delivery mix-up, you want eyes on your property around the clock. But here’s the catch: not all Arlo cameras are built the same, and their recording capabilities vary. Some models offer continuous recording, while others rely on motion detection. And even when 24/7 recording is possible, it comes with trade-offs—like storage costs, power needs, and data privacy concerns. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Arlo’s recording capabilities, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

How Arlo Cameras Work: Motion vs. Continuous Recording

Before we answer “does Arlo camera record 24/7,” we need to understand how these cameras actually function. Arlo’s ecosystem is built around two main recording modes: motion-triggered recording and continuous recording (CVR). Let’s break down the differences.

Motion-Triggered Recording: The Default Mode

Most Arlo cameras—especially the popular battery-powered models like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential—use motion detection as their default recording method. Here’s how it works:

• The camera constantly monitors its field of view using PIR (passive infrared) sensors and AI-powered motion detection.
• When motion is detected, the camera wakes up, records a clip (typically 10–30 seconds), and saves it to the cloud or local storage.
• You get a notification on your phone, and the clip is stored for later viewing.

This is great for saving battery life and reducing storage clutter. For example, my Arlo Pro 4 only records when my neighbor’s cat walks through the yard or when a delivery driver arrives. No need to sift through hours of empty footage.

But here’s the downside: if motion detection fails—say, a slow-moving person or something just outside the sensor range—you might miss the event entirely. It’s like having a security guard who only wakes up when someone shouts.

Continuous Video Recording (CVR): The 24/7 Option

This is where things get interesting. Arlo does offer continuous video recording—but not on all models, and not without conditions.

• CVR records video non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• It’s available on select models: Arlo Pro 3, Arlo Ultra, Arlo Pro 4 (with a base station), and Arlo Go (LTE model).
• You need a paid Arlo Secure plan to enable CVR. The free plan only includes motion-triggered clips.

Think of CVR like a live feed that’s constantly being saved. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas—your front porch, backyard, or garage—where you want every second documented. For instance, if you run a small home business and want to monitor deliveries or employee access, CVR gives you peace of mind.

But—and this is a big but—CVR requires a constant power source. Most battery-powered Arlo cameras can’t support it unless they’re plugged in. And even then, you’ll need a base station (like the Arlo SmartHub) to handle the constant data stream.

Which Arlo Cameras Support 24/7 Recording?

Now that we know CVR exists, let’s get specific: which Arlo cameras actually support 24/7 recording? Not all models are created equal, and the answer depends on both hardware and subscription plans.

Models with CVR Support (When Conditions Are Met)

Here’s the lineup of Arlo cameras that can record continuously—if you meet the requirements:

Camera Model	Power Source	CVR Supported?	Required Base Station?	Subscription Plan
Arlo Pro 4	Battery (or wired)	Yes (if wired + base station)	Yes (SmartHub)	Arlo Secure (paid)
Arlo Ultra	Wired	Yes	Yes (SmartHub)	Arlo Secure (paid)
Arlo Pro 3	Wired	Yes	Yes (SmartHub)	Arlo Secure (paid)
Arlo Go (LTE)	Battery + solar (optional)	Yes (with LTE plan)	No	Arlo Secure + LTE data plan
Arlo Essential	Battery	No	No	N/A

As you can see, the Arlo Essential—a budget-friendly option—doesn’t support CVR at all. It’s strictly motion-based. The Arlo Go, designed for remote locations (like cabins or construction sites), can record 24/7, but only with a cellular data plan and a paid Arlo Secure subscription.

Real-World Example: My Garage Setup

I upgraded to the Arlo Pro 4 and installed it in my garage, which I converted into a workshop. Since I store tools and materials there, I wanted full coverage. I:

• Plugged the camera into a wall outlet (no battery drain).
• Connected it to an Arlo SmartHub (sold separately).
• Subscribed to Arlo Secure for $9.99/month (covers one camera).

Now, my garage is recorded 24/7. I can rewind to any time—like when I left my drill near the door or when my teenager “borrowed” the bike without asking. It’s like having a time machine for security.

Pro tip: If you’re using CVR, position your base station close to your router. The constant video stream needs a strong, stable connection to avoid buffering or dropped footage.

The Role of Arlo Secure: Subscriptions and Storage

Here’s the elephant in the room: Arlo’s 24/7 recording isn’t free. To enable CVR, you need an Arlo Secure subscription. Let’s unpack what that means.

What Does Arlo Secure Include?

Arlo offers tiered subscription plans, but for CVR, you’ll need at least the Arlo Secure plan (starting at $2.99/month per camera). Here’s what you get:

• Cloud storage: Up to 30 days of video history (for both motion clips and CVR).
• Smart detection: AI that distinguishes between people, vehicles, animals, and packages (reduces false alarms).
• Emergency response: One-touch access to emergency services (optional).
• CVR access: Enables continuous recording on supported cameras.

Without a subscription, you’re limited to live viewing and 7 days of motion clips (on some models). No CVR, no smart alerts, no cloud storage beyond a week.

CVR Storage: How Much Footage Can You Keep?

Continuous recording generates a lot of data. Here’s what to expect:

• A single 1080p CVR camera uses about 1–2 GB of storage per day.
• With Arlo Secure, you get 30 days of cloud storage. So, one camera uses roughly 30–60 GB of cloud space monthly.
• If you have multiple CVR cameras, storage adds up fast. The “Unlimited Cameras” plan ($14.99/month) covers all your devices.

Personal experience: I started with one CVR camera and quickly realized I needed the “Unlimited” plan when I added a second one for my backyard. The $14.99/month felt steep at first, but after catching a vandal on camera (and using the footage for a police report), it paid for itself.

Local Storage Option: A Workaround?

Arlo also supports local storage via microSD cards (in base stations). This lets you save CVR footage without a subscription—but with caveats:

• You lose cloud backups and smart detection.
• The footage is stored on your home network, so it’s vulnerable to theft or damage.
• You’ll need to manually manage the SD card (delete old footage, replace when full).

For example, my neighbor uses a 256GB microSD card in his SmartHub. He gets 2–3 weeks of CVR footage, but he has to check it every few days to avoid overwriting. It’s a budget-friendly option, but not as reliable as cloud storage.

Power and Connectivity: Can Your Setup Handle 24/7?

Even if your Arlo camera supports CVR, your power and internet setup might not. Let’s address the practical hurdles.

Power Requirements: Battery vs. Wired

Most Arlo cameras are battery-powered—great for flexibility, bad for CVR. Here’s why:

• Battery life drops dramatically with CVR. A fully charged Arlo Pro 4 lasts about 6 months in motion mode, but only 1–2 weeks with CVR.
• For true 24/7 recording, you must use a wired connection. That means running a power cable to your camera (or using a solar panel).

Tip: If you’re installing a camera outdoors, use weatherproof extension cords or hire an electrician to hardwire it. I learned this the hard way when my first outdoor camera died after a rainstorm (the power adapter wasn’t rated for wet conditions).

Wi-Fi and Data Usage: The Hidden Cost

CVR is a bandwidth hog. Here’s what to watch for:

• A single 1080p CVR camera uses about 50–100 GB of data per month.
• If you have multiple cameras or 4K models (like the Arlo Ultra), usage jumps to 150+ GB/month.
• Your Wi-Fi must handle the constant stream. Weak signals cause dropped footage or buffering.

I had to upgrade my router when I added CVR to two cameras. My old router couldn’t handle the load, and I lost several hours of footage during a storm. Now, I use a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Eero) for full coverage.

Bonus tip: Schedule CVR during off-peak hours if you’re on a data-capped internet plan. For example, record only from 8 PM to 6 AM if your daytime usage is high.

Pros and Cons of 24/7 Recording with Arlo

So, is continuous recording worth it? Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks based on real-world use.

The Good: Why CVR Might Be Right for You

• No missed events: Unlike motion detection, CVR captures everything—even slow-moving intruders or animals.
• Time-stamped footage: You can pinpoint exactly when something happened (e.g., “The package was taken at 3:42 PM”).
• Legal protection: Full recordings are more reliable in court than short motion clips.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your property is always monitored is priceless.

Example: My friend caught a thief on CVR footage who entered her home through an unlocked window at 2 AM. The motion sensor didn’t trigger because the person moved slowly, but the continuous feed captured every step.

The Bad: Trade-Offs to Consider

• Cost: Subscriptions, power cables, and base stations add up. A full CVR setup can cost $300+ upfront.
• Storage management: You’ll need to review and delete footage regularly to avoid clutter.
• Privacy concerns: Recording 24/7 means you’re also capturing neighbors, delivery drivers, and pets. Be mindful of local laws.
• Power dependency: If the power goes out, so does your recording (unless you have a backup battery or solar).

My take: CVR is a powerful tool, but it’s not for everyone. If you live in a low-crime area or only need occasional monitoring, motion-triggered recording might be enough. But for high-risk zones or legal protection, CVR is worth the investment.

Final Thoughts: Should You Enable 24/7 Recording?

So, does Arlo camera record 24/7? The answer is: sometimes, but not by default. You need the right model (like Arlo Pro 4, Ultra, or Go), a wired power source, a base station, and a paid Arlo Secure subscription. It’s a system designed for serious users—not casual homeowners.

After two years of using Arlo CVR, I can say this: it’s transformed how I think about home security. I no longer worry about gaps in footage or false alarms. But it’s also taught me that security isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for my garage (CVR) might be overkill for your front porch (motion detection).

Here’s my advice: start small. Try motion-triggered recording first. If you find yourself missing events or needing more detail, then upgrade to CVR. And if you do go the 24/7 route, invest in:

• A reliable power source (wired or solar).
• A strong Wi-Fi network (mesh system recommended).
• A storage plan that fits your needs (cloud vs. local).

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to record 24/7—it’s to feel safe. Whether Arlo’s continuous recording is the right tool for that job depends on your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. But now, at least, you know exactly how it works—and what it takes to make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo camera 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, but continuous recording is available on select models with a subscription plan.

Which Arlo cameras support 24/7 recording?

Only certain Arlo models like the Arlo Pro 4 XL, Arlo Ultra 2, and Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell (with a hub) support 24/7 recording when paired with an Arlo SmartHub and a paid subscription.

Can I enable 24/7 recording on my Arlo camera without a subscription?

Unfortunately, 24/7 recording requires an Arlo Secure subscription to store footage in the cloud. Without it, you’ll only get motion-triggered clips, even on compatible cameras.

Does Arlo camera record 24/7 if I use local storage?

Yes, if your Arlo camera supports local storage (via a microSD card or USB drive in a SmartHub), you can enable 24/7 recording without a subscription, but motion detection settings still apply.

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

For 24/7 recording, storage needs depend on resolution and usage. A 256GB microSD card can hold about 1–2 weeks of 1080p footage, but cloud storage (via subscription) offers more flexibility.

Is 24/7 recording worth it for Arlo cameras?

It depends on your needs. Continuous recording ensures no missed moments, ideal for high-traffic areas, but it requires a subscription and more storage. Motion-activated recording is cost-effective for most users.