Enable continuous 24/7 recording on your Arlo cameras in 2026 by upgrading to an Arlo Secure subscription with CVR (Continuous Video Recording) and connecting compatible cameras to a SmartHub or Base Station. This setup ensures non-stop footage storage, eliminating gaps caused by motion-only triggers. For reliable all-the-time recording, ensure your camera firmware is updated and local storage (via microSD) is configured as a backup.

“`html

How to Make Arlo Cameras Record All the Time in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Enable Continuous Recording: Use Arlo Secure subscription for 24/7 cloud storage.
• Upgrade Firmware: Ensure cameras run the latest 2026 firmware version.
• Use Local Storage: Insert a microSD card for uninterrupted local recording.
• Adjust Motion Settings: Disable motion-only mode in camera settings.
• Check Power Source: Use wired power for non-stop operation, not batteries.
• Schedule Recording: Set custom schedules if 24/7 isn’t needed.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever missed a critical moment because your Arlo camera only records on motion? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a package delivery, a curious raccoon, or a suspicious figure, relying solely on motion detection means you’re missing hours of footage. That’s where knowing how to make Arlo cameras record all the time in 2026 comes in handy.

Continuous recording gives you a full timeline, peace of mind, and eliminates the “blind spots” between triggers. But here’s the catch: not all Arlo models support 24/7 recording, and even those that do require specific settings, subscriptions, and hardware. I’ve been there—setting up my backyard cam for a week only to realize it wasn’t recording during the night when the raccoons visited. Frustrating, right?

The good news? With the right setup, your Arlo can capture every second. This guide walks you through everything—from hardware needs to pro tricks—so you don’t end up with a “smart” camera that’s actually half-blind.

What You Need

Before diving in, let’s gather your toolkit. Here’s what you’ll need to make Arlo cameras record all the time in 2026:

• Compatible Arlo Camera: Only select models support 24/7 recording. Check your model below (Step 1).
• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station: Most continuous recording requires this hub for local storage or cloud backup.
• MicroSD Card (for local recording): At least 32GB, Class 10 or UHS-I. I recommend 64GB or 128GB for longer retention.
• Arlo Secure Subscription (for cloud recording): Needed for 24/7 cloud storage (optional but recommended).
• Stable Wi-Fi Connection: Even with local storage, your hub needs internet for setup and alerts.
• Arlo App (Latest Version): Available on iOS and Android. Update it before starting.

Pro Insight: I once used a 16GB card and filled it in 3 days. Go bigger—you’ll thank yourself later.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Make Arlo Cameras Record All the Time in 2026

Step 1: Confirm Your Camera Supports 24/7 Recording

Not all Arlo models can record continuously. Here’s the quick rundown:

• ✅ Supports 24/7 Recording:
  • Arlo Pro 5S (2K)
  • Arlo Pro 4 (2K)
  • Arlo Pro 3 (2K)
  • Arlo Ultra 2 (4K)
  • Arlo Ultra (4K)
  • Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)
  • Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
• ❌ Does NOT Support 24/7:
  • Arlo Go 2 (uses cellular, not continuous)
  • Older models like Arlo Pro 2 (motion-only)

Check your camera’s model in the Arlo app: Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Device Information. If it’s not on the “yes” list, you’re limited to motion-triggered clips. But don’t worry—there are workarounds (see FAQs).

Warning: Don’t assume newer = better. My friend bought an “Arlo Pro 2” thinking it had 24/7—it didn’t. Always verify!

Step 2: Set Up Your Arlo SmartHub or Base Station

Your hub is the brain of continuous recording. Here’s how to get it ready:

1. Plug the SmartHub into a power outlet near your router.
2. Connect it to your router via Ethernet (strongly recommended for stability).
3. Power on the hub. Wait for the LED to turn solid blue (takes 2–3 minutes).
4. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > Add Device and follow prompts to pair the hub.

Once paired, the hub creates a local network for your cameras, reducing Wi-Fi congestion. This is crucial for 24/7 recording, which generates *a lot* of data.

Pro Tip: Use a wired Ethernet connection. Wi-Fi hubs drop signals under heavy load—exactly what happens with continuous recording.

Step 3: Insert a MicroSD Card for Local Storage

Local recording stores footage directly on the card, bypassing the cloud. Here’s how:

1. Power off your SmartHub.
2. Locate the MicroSD slot (usually on the side or back).
3. Insert a 32GB+ card (format it as FAT32 if it’s new).
4. Power the hub back on.
5. In the Arlo app, go to Settings > My Devices > SmartHub > Local Storage.
6. Tap “Format MicroSD Card” (this erases everything—backup first!).
7. Wait for the “Ready” status.

Now your hub can store up to 30 days of 24/7 footage (depending on card size and video quality). I use a 128GB card and get about 14 days at 2K resolution.

Step 4: Enable Continuous Recording in the App

Time to turn on the feature:

1. Open the Arlo app. Tap your camera.
2. Go to Settings > Video Settings > Continuous Video Recording (CVR).
3. Toggle “CVR” to ON.
4. Choose a retention period (7, 14, 30 days). This is how long footage stays on the card before looping.
5. Set a schedule (optional). Want 24/7? Select “Always On.”

Your camera will now record non-stop. You’ll see a red recording icon in the live view. Footage saves to the MicroSD card first, then syncs to the cloud *if* you have a subscription.

Note: Without a subscription, only local recording works. Cloud CVR requires an Arlo Secure plan (see Step 5).

Step 5: Add Cloud Backup (Optional but Recommended)

Local storage is great, but what if your hub gets stolen or damaged? That’s why I always use cloud backup:

1. Go to Arlo.com > My Account > Subscription.
2. Choose a plan:
   • Arlo Secure (Single Camera): $2.99/month – 30 days of CVR.
   • Arlo Secure (Unlimited Cameras): $9.99/month – 30 days of CVR for all cameras.
   • Arlo Secure Plus: $14.99/month – 60 days of CVR + 4K recording.
3. Link your SmartHub to the subscription.
4. Enable “Cloud CVR” in your camera’s settings.

Now your footage is backed up in the cloud. I sleep better knowing my hub can fail without losing weeks of recordings.

Step 6: Optimize Settings for Performance

24/7 recording is data-heavy. Tweak these settings to avoid issues:

• Video Quality: Lower to 1080p if you have bandwidth/storage limits. I use 2K for detail but 1080p for longer retention.
• Frame Rate: Reduce to 15 fps (default is 30). Saves 50% storage with minimal quality loss.
• Night Vision: Set to “Auto” or “Color” for better low-light footage.
• Power Source: Use a wired power adapter (not batteries) for uninterrupted recording.

Pro Insight: I once ran 4 cameras on 2K/30fps. My card filled in 5 days. Dropped to 1080p/15fps—now it lasts 20 days.

Step 7: Test & Monitor Your Setup

Don’t assume it’s working. Test it:

1. Record a test clip (wave your hand in front of the camera).
2. Check the timeline in the Arlo app. You should see a solid blue bar (continuous) instead of green spikes (motion).
3. Verify local storage: SmartHub > Local Storage > View Files.
4. Check cloud: Library > Filter by “Continuous”.

Set up alerts for “Recording Failed” (Settings > Alerts). I once had a card error—got a push notification and fixed it before losing footage.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of tweaking my Arlo setup, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Power outages kill recordings. I use a $50 UPS for my hub—saved my footage during a storm.
• Format Cards Monthly: MicroSD cards degrade. I format mine every 30 days to prevent corruption.
• Label Your Cams: “Front Door” vs. “Backyard” helps when reviewing 24/7 footage.
• Check Bandwidth: 24/7 recording uses 1–2 Mbps per camera. Use Ethernet for hubs to avoid Wi-Fi lag.
• Disable Motion Detection: If you’re recording continuously, motion alerts become redundant. Turn them off to reduce app clutter.

Common Mistake: Not checking storage space. My neighbor’s cam stopped recording because his card was full. Set a reminder to check monthly.

Pro Tip: For outdoor cams, use a waterproof cover over the hub’s Ethernet port. Rainwater kills connections.

Warning: 24/7 recording drains batteries fast. If you’re using a wireless cam, hardwire it. My Pro 4 lasted 2 months on batteries—switched to a solar panel and it’s been running for a year.

FAQs About How to Make Arlo Cameras Record All the Time in 2026

Q: Can I record continuously without a subscription?
A: Yes—but only locally. Insert a MicroSD card into your SmartHub, enable CVR, and you’re set. The cloud is optional. I run one cam locally for privacy (no data leaves my home).

Q: How much storage do I need?
A: Roughly 1GB per hour per camera at 1080p/30fps. So a 64GB card holds ~64 hours (2.7 days). For 24/7, I recommend 128GB+ for at least a week of retention. Pro tip: Lower the resolution or frame rate to save space.

Q: What if my camera doesn’t support CVR?
A: You’re stuck with motion-triggered clips. But here’s a workaround: Set motion sensitivity to “Low” and place the cam where it triggers often (e.g., near a path). It’s not 24/7, but you’ll get more clips. Or upgrade to a CVR-compatible model—I did, and it’s worth it.

Q: Does 24/7 recording work with battery-powered cams?
A: Technically yes, but not practically. A battery-powered Pro 4 lasts ~2 months on motion-only. With CVR, it’s a few *days*. Always hardwire CVR cameras. I use a $20 power adapter—no more battery anxiety.

Q: Can I access 24/7 footage remotely?
A: Yes! The Arlo app shows your continuous timeline from anywhere. Just tap the camera > Library > “Continuous” filter. Cloud recordings are accessible instantly. Local files sync to the cloud *if* you have a subscription.

Q: Is there a limit to how many cameras can record continuously?
A: Your hub can handle up to 15 cameras, but bandwidth matters. I run 4 cams on 1080p/15fps without issues. More than that? Use Ethernet for the hub and consider a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Q: What happens if my MicroSD card fails?
A: You lose local recordings. That’s why I always use cloud backup. If your card dies, cloud footage is safe. Test your card monthly—format it if it’s sluggish.

Final Thoughts

Making your Arlo cameras record all the time in 2026 isn’t just about flipping a switch—it’s about smart setup. You need the right hardware, storage, and settings to avoid headaches. But once it’s running? It’s like having a security guard who never blinks.

Start with a compatible camera and SmartHub. Add a 64GB+ MicroSD card for local storage, then enable CVR in the app. For peace of mind, get an Arlo Secure subscription for cloud backup. Tweak the quality and frame rate to balance detail and storage.

Remember: 24/7 recording is a marathon, not a sprint. Monitor your setup monthly, format cards regularly, and hardwire your cameras. And if you’re ever unsure, just ask: “Would I want this footage if something happened?” If the answer’s yes, you’re on the right track.

Now go set up that continuous recording—your future self will thank you when the raccoons come back. 🦝

“`