Does the Arlo Camera Always Record Find Out Here

The Arlo camera does not always record continuously by default, as it relies on motion detection or scheduled settings to activate recording. Users can enable 24/7 recording with a subscription and compatible plan, ensuring no moment is missed—ideal for comprehensive home security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras don’t record continuously: They use motion-activated recording to save storage and battery life.
• Customize recording settings: Adjust motion sensitivity and zones to control when your Arlo camera records.
• Subscription required for full features: Cloud storage and advanced AI detection need an Arlo Secure plan.
• Local storage option available: Use a microSD card for continuous recording without a subscription.
• Check recording status easily: The Arlo app shows real-time activity and recording history at a glance.

Does the Arlo Camera Always Record? Find Out Here

Imagine this: You come home after a long day, only to find your front porch light smashed and your favorite potted plant knocked over. You rush to check your Arlo camera, hoping it caught the culprit. But instead, you’re met with a blank timeline. No footage. No alerts. Just silence. It’s a heart-sinking moment that leaves you wondering: Does the Arlo camera always record?

If you’ve ever felt that frustration, you’re not alone. Whether you’re using Arlo for home security, pet monitoring, or keeping an eye on deliveries, the last thing you want is to discover gaps in your footage. In this guide, we’ll break down how Arlo cameras record, when they do (and don’t), and what you can do to make sure you never miss a moment. Think of this as your honest, no-BS walkthrough—like I’m sitting across from you with a cup of coffee, sharing what I’ve learned after years of using Arlo in my own home.

How Arlo Cameras Record: The Basics You Need to Know

Before we dive into whether Arlo cameras always record, let’s get clear on how they actually work. Unlike traditional security cameras that record 24/7, Arlo uses a motion-activated recording system. That means the camera isn’t constantly filming—it only starts recording when it detects movement. This design has pros and cons, and understanding it is key to managing your expectations.

Motion Detection: The Heart of Arlo’s Recording

Arlo cameras rely on built-in motion sensors (usually PIR—passive infrared) to detect changes in heat and movement. When someone walks past your front door or your dog darts into the backyard, the sensor triggers a recording. The camera then captures a short clip (typically 10–60 seconds, depending on settings) and uploads it to the cloud if you have a subscription.

For example: I once set up an Arlo Pro 4 in my backyard to watch my kids play. It worked great—every time they ran past, I got a notification and a clip. But one afternoon, my neighbor’s cat strolled through the yard, and nothing happened. Why? Because the cat was moving slowly and didn’t trigger the motion threshold. This taught me that motion detection isn’t foolproof.

Smart Alerts and Activity Zones

Arlo’s app lets you customize what counts as “motion.” You can draw activity zones—areas where you want the camera to pay attention—and ignore others (like a busy street). You can also set sensitivity levels and filter alerts by type (person, vehicle, animal, package).

Pro tip: If your camera misses events, check your activity zones. I once had mine set too narrowly and missed a delivery driver walking up my driveway because he stayed just outside the zone. Adjusting the zone fixed the issue.

Recording Duration and Clip Length

Each motion event creates a clip. By default, Arlo records for 10 seconds, but you can extend this to 30 or even 60 seconds in the app. The longer the clip, the more likely you’ll capture the full event—but it also uses more data and battery (for wireless models).

Note: Some Arlo models (like the Arlo Essential) have shorter max clip lengths (15 seconds), so check your model’s specs.

When Arlo Cameras Don’t Record: The Gaps You Should Know

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Arlo cameras don’t always record. Here are the most common reasons why you might find gaps in your footage.

1. Motion Wasn’t Triggered

As we mentioned, Arlo only records when motion is detected. But motion detection isn’t perfect. Factors like:

• Speed of movement: Slow walkers (like cats) may not trigger the sensor.

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• Distance: The camera’s range varies by model (e.g., Arlo Pro 4 detects up to 25 feet).
• Weather: Heavy rain or snow can reduce sensitivity.
• Obstacles: A person behind a bush or in shadow might go unnoticed.

Real-life example: My Arlo missed a package theft because the thief walked slowly, kept to the edge of the driveway (outside my activity zone), and wore a dark hoodie. The motion sensor didn’t pick it up. Lesson learned: adjust zones and sensitivity.

2. Cloud Recording Isn’t Enabled

Arlo cameras can record locally (to a USB drive or microSD card) or to the cloud. But if you’re relying on cloud storage and don’t have a subscription, you’ll only get live viewing—no recorded clips. Without a plan, motion events trigger alerts, but no footage is saved.

Even with a subscription, there’s a catch: cloud storage has a clip limit (e.g., 30 days of clips). Older clips get deleted automatically.

3. Power and Connectivity Issues

Wireless Arlo cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3 or Essential) run on batteries. If the battery dies or the camera goes offline due to Wi-Fi issues, it won’t record anything.

Tip: Check your camera’s status in the app. A yellow or red icon means it’s offline. I once went on vacation and forgot to charge my camera—came home to a dead battery and zero footage of a storm that knocked down a tree.

4. False Positives and Missed Alerts

Sometimes Arlo detects motion that isn’t human—like a swaying tree or a passing car. If you’ve set strict filters (e.g., “only record people”), these false triggers won’t generate clips. Conversely, if your filter is too broad, you’ll get too many alerts and might miss real ones.

Arlo’s 24/7 Recording: Myth vs. Reality

You might have heard rumors about “24/7 recording” with Arlo. Let’s clear that up.

No, Arlo Doesn’t Record 24/7 by Default

Arlo’s core design is event-based recording. The camera sleeps until motion is detected, then wakes up to record. This saves battery (for wireless models) and reduces data usage. But it means there’s no continuous footage between motion events.

Think of it like a motion-activated security light—it only turns on when needed.

Can You Get 24/7 Recording? Yes, But With Caveats

Arlo offers a 24/7 continuous recording option—but only for wired cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight or Arlo Ultra 2) and only if you use a local storage solution (microSD card or USB drive). Here’s how it works:

• The camera records non-stop to the local storage.
• You can view the footage anytime via the Arlo app.
• No cloud subscription needed for local storage (but you can still use cloud for motion clips).

Limitations:

• Local storage has limited capacity (e.g., a 32GB card holds ~24 hours of 1080p video).
• You must manually review footage—no motion alerts or smart filters.
• Not available for battery-powered models (like Arlo Essential).

Example: I set up 24/7 recording on my wired Arlo Pro 3 in the garage. It caught my neighbor’s car scraping my fence at 2 a.m.—something motion detection would’ve missed. But I had to scroll through hours of footage to find it. Not ideal, but useful for critical areas.

Maximizing Your Arlo’s Recording: Tips and Tricks

Now that you know the limitations, let’s talk about how to get the most out of your Arlo camera and minimize gaps in recording.

1. Optimize Motion Detection Settings

• Adjust sensitivity: In the app, go to Settings > Device > Motion Detection. Increase sensitivity for low-light areas or slow-moving targets.
• Use activity zones: Draw zones around key areas (e.g., front door, driveway). Avoid including trees or roads.
• Filter alerts: Enable “Person” or “Vehicle” filters to reduce false positives.

My setup: I set my backyard camera to high sensitivity and created a zone around the gate. It now catches deliveries and kids playing—without alerting me every time a bird flies by.

2. Use Local + Cloud Storage

For critical areas, use both:

• Local storage (24/7): For continuous footage (e.g., garage, basement).
• Cloud storage (motion clips): For quick access to recent events.

This way, you have a backup if the cloud fails or the camera goes offline.

3. Monitor Battery and Wi-Fi

• Check battery levels weekly (especially in winter—cold drains batteries fast).
• Place the camera within 30 feet of your router for strong Wi-Fi.
• Use an Arlo Solar Panel for continuous charging (great for outdoor cameras).

Pro tip: I use a smart plug to power my outdoor Arlo. If the power goes out, the camera shuts down—so I get a notification and can switch to battery mode.

4. Test Your Camera Regularly

Walk in front of the camera at different speeds and distances to test motion detection. Adjust settings if needed. I do this every few weeks, especially after storms or when moving furniture.

Arlo Recording: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Not all Arlo cameras record the same way. Here’s a quick comparison of popular models to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Model	Recording Type	24/7 Recording?	Storage Options	Battery/Wired	Best For
Arlo Essential (Wireless)	Motion-activated	No	Cloud only (no local)	Battery	Indoor/outdoor, budget-friendly
Arlo Pro 4	Motion-activated	No (unless wired + local)	Cloud + local (microSD)	Battery or wired	Outdoor, high-quality video
Arlo Ultra 2	Motion-activated	Yes (wired + local)	Cloud + local (USB)	Wired	Premium outdoor, 4K video
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight	Motion-activated	Yes (wired + local)	Cloud + local (microSD)	Wired	Driveway, dark areas
Arlo Go 2 (LTE)	Motion-activated	No	Cloud only (LTE data)	Battery + LTE	Remote locations (no Wi-Fi)

Key takeaway: If you want 24/7 recording, go for a wired model with local storage. For flexibility, battery-powered models are great—but they’ll never record continuously.

Final Thoughts: Does the Arlo Camera Always Record?

So, does the Arlo camera always record? The honest answer is: No, not by default. Arlo is designed for motion-activated recording, which means it only captures clips when it detects movement. This saves battery, data, and storage—but it also means there are gaps between events.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. With the right setup—like using activity zones, optimizing sensitivity, and combining local and cloud storage—you can minimize those gaps and get the most reliable footage possible. And if you need true 24/7 recording, wired models with local storage are a solid option.

At the end of the day, Arlo is a powerful tool—but like any tool, it works best when you understand its limits and use it smartly. I’ve had my share of “missed moments,” but over time, I’ve learned to trust the system (with a few tweaks). Whether you’re monitoring your home, pets, or business, knowing when and how your Arlo records puts you back in control.

So go ahead—check your settings, test your camera, and rest easy knowing you’ve got the full picture. And if you ever find a blank timeline? Don’t panic. You now know exactly how to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arlo camera always record continuously?

No, most Arlo cameras do not record continuously by default. They use motion detection or sound triggers to start recording, helping conserve storage and battery life.

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

Yes, select Arlo models support continuous 24/7 recording when connected to Arlo SmartHub or Base Station with a compatible subscription plan. Check your device’s specifications for feature availability.

How does the Arlo camera decide when to record?

The Arlo camera uses customizable motion detection zones and sensitivity settings to trigger recordings. You can also enable sound detection or schedule recording times via the Arlo app.

Does the Arlo camera record if there’s no motion?

Unless you’ve enabled continuous recording, the Arlo camera typically won’t record without motion or sound triggers. This feature helps save storage space and extends battery life for wireless models.

Does the Arlo camera always record audio along with video?

No, audio recording depends on your settings and model capabilities. Some Arlo cameras allow you to disable audio recording for privacy, even when video is triggered by motion.

What happens if my Arlo camera misses a motion event?

If motion is missed, the event won’t be recorded unless it falls within the camera’s pre-roll or post-roll buffer time. Optimize placement and adjust motion sensitivity to reduce missed recordings.