Does Arlo Camera Record Continuously Find Out Here

Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default—they use motion-activated or scheduled recording to conserve storage and battery life. However, with a paid Arlo Smart subscription and compatible hardware, you can enable 24/7 continuous recording for select indoor models, ensuring no moment goes uncaptured.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record continuously by default: They use motion-activated recording to save storage and battery.
• Enable 24/7 recording with a subscription: Requires Arlo Secure Plus plan and compatible hardware.
• Check local storage options: Some models support microSD cards for uninterrupted recording without a subscription.
• Adjust motion sensitivity settings: Customize detection zones to reduce false triggers and optimize recordings.
• Review cloud storage limitations: Continuous footage may incur higher costs depending on your plan.
• Use Smart Alerts for smarter recording: AI filters prioritize people, packages, or vehicles for relevant clips.

Does Arlo Camera Record Continuously? The Truth Behind 24/7 Surveillance

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your morning coffee, when a notification pops up on your phone. Your Arlo camera detected motion in your backyard. You open the app, expecting to see a squirrel or the neighbor’s cat, but instead, you catch a delivery person leaving a package. Relief washes over you—your camera did its job. But then a question creeps in: What if the motion happened five minutes earlier? Would I have caught it? This is where the big question comes in: Does Arlo camera record continuously?

As someone who’s tested Arlo cameras in real-life scenarios—from keeping an eye on my mischievous dog to monitoring a vacation home—I’ve wrestled with this question too. The short answer? It depends. Arlo’s recording capabilities aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some models and plans support 24/7 recording, while others rely on motion-triggered clips. In this post, we’ll dive into how Arlo handles continuous recording, what’s possible (and what’s not), and how to set it up if you’re serious about round-the-clock surveillance. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, let’s break it down together.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Recording: The Basics

Motion-Activated vs. Continuous Recording

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Most Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro or Arlo Ultra, default to motion-activated recording. This means the camera only starts recording when it detects movement. Think of it as a “smart” system: it saves storage and battery by ignoring empty scenes (like a still backyard) and kicks into action when something changes. For example, if a car drives into your driveway, the camera records a 10- to 15-second clip before and after the event. This works great for catching deliveries, visitors, or wildlife—but what about the moments between triggers?

Here’s where continuous recording comes in. Unlike motion-based systems, continuous recording captures every second, 24/7. It’s like having a security guard with a notepad who writes down everything—even the quiet moments. Arlo offers this feature, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need specific hardware and a paid subscription plan. Let’s explore why.

Why Arlo Doesn’t Default to 24/7 Recording

Continuous recording isn’t free—it’s a resource hog. Imagine storing hours of video where nothing happens. For cloud-based systems like Arlo, this would mean:

• Higher costs: More video = more storage fees. Arlo’s free cloud plan (7-day rolling) only covers motion clips. Continuous recording requires a premium plan.
• Bandwidth strain: Uploading 24/7 footage demands a strong Wi-Fi connection. Weak signals could cause lag or dropped footage.
• Battery drain: Wireless Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Essential) rely on batteries. Continuous recording would drain them in days, not weeks.

Arlo’s design prioritizes smart surveillance. By focusing on motion events, they balance performance, cost, and battery life. But if you need every second, keep reading—we’ll cover how to enable 24/7 recording in a bit.

Which Arlo Cameras Support Continuous Recording?

Hardware Requirements

Not all Arlo cameras can record continuously. Here’s the breakdown:

• Arlo Pro 3/4, Ultra, and Ultra 2: These premium models support continuous recording if you use a USB drive (for local storage) or a SmartHub (with a paid plan).
• Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor): No continuous recording. These budget-friendly cameras only do motion-activated clips.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: Motion-only. It records 30-second clips when someone presses the doorbell or walks by.

For example, my Arlo Ultra setup at my cabin uses a 256GB USB drive in its SmartHub. It records 4K footage nonstop, and I can scrub through the timeline to see exactly when a bear visited my porch (yes, really). But my Arlo Essential at home? It only catches the dog stealing a sandwich when he triggers motion.

Local vs. Cloud Storage for 24/7 Recording

To enable continuous recording, you have two options:

1. Local Storage (USB Drive):
   • Plug a USB drive (up to 2TB) into an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.
   • Footage saves directly to the drive—no monthly fees.
   • Pro: Full control, no internet needed.
   • Con: If the drive fails or is stolen, you lose footage.
2. Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure Plan):
   • Subscribe to Arlo Secure Plus ($14.99/month for up to 10 cameras).
   • Enables 24/7 recording and motion clips in the cloud.
   • Pro: Access footage from anywhere, even if the camera is damaged.
   • Con: Monthly cost, and you need strong Wi-Fi.

Tip: Use both! I keep a USB drive for local backups and subscribe to Arlo Secure for remote access. That way, if a storm knocks out my internet, I still have the local footage.

Setting Up Continuous Recording: Step-by-Step

For USB Drive (Local Storage)

Here’s how to enable 24/7 recording with a USB drive:

1. Insert the USB drive into your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. (Use a 128GB+ drive for best results.)
2. Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > Camera > Storage.
3. Select Continuous Recording and toggle it on.
4. Set your recording quality (e.g., 2K, 4K) and retention period (how long footage is saved).
5. Format the drive if prompted. (Note: This erases existing data!)

Real-life example: My neighbor set up continuous recording after a package thief hit their porch. They caught the culprit and their accomplice (who waited in a car nearby). The USB drive was key—the thief never touched the camera!

For Cloud Storage (Arlo Secure Plan)

If you prefer cloud storage, follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to Arlo Secure Plus in the app (Settings > Subscription).
2. Go to Settings > Camera > Video Quality & Recording.
3. Enable 24/7 Recording for each camera.
4. Adjust settings like recording duration (e.g., 12 hours/day) to manage costs.

Tip: Use “Scheduled Recording” if you only need coverage at certain times (e.g., 9 AM–5 PM). This saves storage and reduces costs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• “USB Drive Not Detected”: Reformat the drive as exFAT (not NTFS).
• Cloud Upload Fails: Check Wi-Fi strength. Use a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
• Footage Gaps: This can happen if the camera’s battery dies or Wi-Fi drops. Use a wired camera (like the Arlo Wired Floodlight) for reliability.

Pros and Cons of Arlo’s Continuous Recording

The Good: Why 24/7 Recording Is Worth It

Continuous recording isn’t just about catching crimes. It’s about peace of mind. Here’s what I’ve loved:

• No missed moments: Once, my dog escaped at 3 AM. Motion clips would’ve missed it—but continuous recording showed the exact time he dug under the fence.
• Detailed evidence: When a tree branch fell on my roof, I could prove it happened during a storm (not before).
• Time-lapse flexibility: Skip to any moment in the day. Want to see if the mail arrived? Just scrub to 10:15 AM.

The Not-So-Good: Limitations and Trade-offs

Of course, there are downsides:

• Cost: USB drives ($20–$100) + cloud plans ($14.99+/month) add up. For 5 cameras, that’s ~$80/month.
• Storage management: A 256GB USB drive holds ~10 days of 1080p footage. You’ll need to delete old files manually.
• Wi-Fi dependency: Cloud recording requires a stable connection. Rural users might struggle.
• No audio: Arlo’s 24/7 clips don’t include audio due to privacy laws. (Motion clips do.)

My take: Continuous recording is a luxury, not a necessity. If you’re monitoring a high-risk area (like a storefront) or need legal evidence, it’s worth the cost. For casual use, motion clips often suffice.

Alternatives to Arlo’s Continuous Recording

Third-Party Integrations

Can’t afford Arlo’s cloud plan? Try these workarounds:

• Home Assistant: Use an open-source hub to record Arlo footage locally (no USB drive needed).
• IFTTT: Trigger recordings when other devices (like smart lights) turn on.
• RTSP Stream: Some Arlo models (like the Pro 4) support RTSP, letting you stream to apps like Blue Iris for 24/7 recording.

Example: A friend uses Home Assistant to record their Arlo Pro 4 to a NAS drive. It costs $0/month after setup!

Competing Brands with Built-in 24/7 Recording

If Arlo’s limitations frustrate you, consider:

• Eufy Security: Offers free 24/7 recording (local only) with no subscription.
• Google Nest Cam (Indoor): Continuous recording with a Nest Aware plan (~$6/month/camera).
• Reolink: Wired cameras with built-in 24/7 recording to microSD cards.

Note: These brands often trade features for cost. Eufy’s cameras lack Arlo’s AI detection, and Reolink’s app isn’t as polished.

Data Table: Arlo Cameras and Recording Capabilities

Arlo Model	Motion Recording	Continuous Recording (USB)	Continuous Recording (Cloud)	Battery Life
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	Yes (SmartHub)	Yes (Secure Plus)	3–6 months
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes	Yes (SmartHub)	Yes (Secure Plus)	3–6 months
Arlo Essential	Yes	No	No	6 months
Arlo Wired Floodlight	Yes	Yes (SmartHub)	Yes (Secure Plus)	N/A (wired)

Final Thoughts: Is 24/7 Recording Right for You?

So, does Arlo camera record continuously? Yes—but with caveats. You’ll need a compatible camera (like the Pro or Ultra series), a USB drive or cloud plan, and a solid Wi-Fi connection. It’s not magic, but it’s powerful. After years of testing, I’ve learned that continuous recording shines in high-stakes situations: monitoring a rental property, protecting valuables, or keeping an eye on pets. For everyday use, motion clips are often enough.

Here’s my advice: Start with motion recording to see if it meets your needs. If you find gaps—like missing a suspicious loiterer or not knowing when your kid got home—then invest in 24/7 coverage. And remember, no system is perfect. Pair Arlo with smart lights, door/window sensors, and a loud siren for full protection. At the end of the day, surveillance isn’t just about cameras—it’s about creating a safety net you trust. Whether you choose Arlo’s continuous recording or stick with motion alerts, you’re taking a smart step toward peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlo Camera Record Continuously?

Most Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default to conserve storage and battery life. Instead, they use motion-activated recording unless you enable continuous recording via a subscription plan or local storage settings.

How Can I Enable Continuous Recording on My Arlo Camera?

To enable continuous recording, you need an Arlo Secure subscription (Pro or Premier plan) or a compatible local storage solution like an Arlo SmartHub. This feature ensures 24/7 footage, ideal for high-security areas.

Which Arlo Cameras Support Continuous Recording?

Wired or plug-in models like the Arlo Pro 4, Ultra 2, and Essential Wired cameras support continuous recording. Battery-powered models typically lack this feature unless connected to a continuous power source and a subscription.

Does Continuous Recording Drain My Arlo Camera’s Battery?

Yes, continuous recording significantly reduces battery life on Arlo’s wireless cameras. For uninterrupted recording, use a wired power source or an Arlo SmartHub with local storage to minimize battery drain.

Is Continuous Recording Available Without a Subscription?

Only if you use local storage (e.g., microSD card via Arlo SmartHub). Without a subscription, cloud-based continuous recording is unavailable, but local storage offers 24/7 footage access.

What’s the Best Way to Store Continuous Arlo Footage?

For cloud storage, an Arlo Secure plan is best. For privacy or cost savings, opt for local storage (microSD or USB) via an Arlo SmartHub—no subscription required for continuous recording.