Run your Arlo Pro 2 cameras 24/7 by switching to a wired power connection and enabling “Always On” mode in the app, eliminating battery limitations for true continuous surveillance. Pair each camera with a weather-resistant power adapter and ensure your base station is connected to a stable network to maintain seamless, uninterrupted recording across all devices.

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How to Run Arlo Pro 2 Continuously with All Cameras for 24/7 Surveillance

Key Takeaways

• Use AC power adapters: Connect all Arlo Pro 2 cameras to continuous power sources.
• Enable “Always On” mode: Adjust settings in the Arlo app for nonstop recording.
• Upgrade to a high-capacity base station: Ensure it supports 24/7 video storage needs.
• Opt for wired Ethernet connection: Stabilize camera feeds and reduce power interruptions.
• Schedule regular battery checks: Prevent downtime even with primary power sources.
• Subscribe to Arlo Smart: Access cloud backups and advanced activity zones for surveillance.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest: security cameras should be reliable, not just when they feel like it. If you own an Arlo Pro 2 setup, you might have noticed it doesn’t run continuously out of the box. Instead, it records only when motion is detected. That’s great for saving battery, but not ideal if you want real 24/7 surveillance.

Imagine this: you’re away on vacation, and a delivery person drops a package at your door. The camera catches them leaving, but nothing before or after. What if someone tampered with the package while you were gone? Without continuous recording, you’re missing critical context.

This is where learning how to run Arlo Pro 2 continuously with all cameras for 24/7 surveillance becomes a game-changer. It’s not just about peace of mind—it’s about having a complete timeline of events, whether it’s a break-in, a lost pet, or a neighbor’s tree falling on your fence.

Now, the Arlo Pro 2 wasn’t designed for true 24/7 recording like wired systems, but with a few smart tweaks, you can get very close. The key? Power, storage, and settings. Let’s break it down.

Personal Insight: I once missed a raccoon breaking into my garage because my camera only recorded 10 seconds after motion. If I’d had continuous recording, I’d have caught the full scene—and saved my trash cans!

What You Need

Before you jump in, let’s make sure you have everything to pull off how to run Arlo Pro 2 continuously with all cameras for 24/7 surveillance without hiccups. Here’s your checklist:

• Arlo Pro 2 Cameras (all units): Obviously, but make sure they’re updated to the latest firmware.
• Arlo SmartHub (VMB4000 or VMB4500): This is crucial. The SmartHub allows local storage and enables continuous recording via USB.
• USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive (32GB–2TB): For local continuous recording. I recommend at least 64GB for 24/7 use with multiple cameras.
• Weatherproof Outdoor Power Adapters (for each camera): You can run on battery, but for true 24/7, hardwired power is the way to go.
• Ethernet Cable: Connect the SmartHub directly to your router for stable, high-bandwidth local storage.
• Arlo App (iOS or Android): You’ll use this to configure settings.
• Arlo Secure Subscription (Optional but recommended): For cloud backup and AI detection, even if you’re using local recording.

Pro Tip: Use a USB 3.0 drive with high write endurance—like a Samsung BAR Plus or SanDisk Extreme. Cheap drives fail fast under constant writing.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Run Arlo Pro 2 Continuously with All Cameras for 24 7 Surveillance

Step 1: Power All Cameras with Outdoor Adapters

The first step to how to run Arlo Pro 2 continuously with all cameras for 24/7 surveillance is eliminating battery limitations. The Arlo Pro 2 runs on rechargeable batteries, which last 4–6 months under normal use—but that drops to hours with continuous recording.

Plug in the outdoor-rated Arlo power adapters (sold separately) to each camera. These are weatherproof and designed for year-round use. I’ve had mine running through three winters with zero issues.

• Locate a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet (safety first!).
• Plug in the adapter and connect it to the camera’s charging port.
• Secure the cable with outdoor-rated clips or conduit to prevent tripping or damage.

Warning: Never use indoor USB chargers or extension cords outdoors. They’re not rated for moisture and can short or overheat.

Step 2: Set Up the Arlo SmartHub for Local Storage

The Arlo Pro 2 can’t record continuously to the cloud without a hefty subscription fee. That’s where the SmartHub comes in. It lets you record directly to a USB drive—no monthly fees, no bandwidth caps.

Here’s how to set it up:

• Connect the SmartHub to your router using an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi won’t cut it for 24/7 recording—it’s too unstable.
• Power on the SmartHub and wait for the status light to turn solid blue.
• Insert your USB drive into the SmartHub’s port. Format it if prompted (this erases all data, so back up first).
• Open the Arlo app and go to Settings > My Devices > SmartHub > Local Storage.
• Enable “Continuous Video Recording (CVR)” and select your USB drive.

Now your cameras will record 24/7 to the USB drive, even if the internet goes down. That’s huge for reliability.

Step 3: Enable Continuous Recording in the Arlo App

Even with the SmartHub and USB drive ready, you need to tell each camera to record continuously. Here’s how:

• In the Arlo app, tap on a camera.
• Go to Settings > Video Settings > Recording Mode.
• Select “Continuous Recording” instead of “Motion Detection.”
• Repeat for every camera in your setup.

Note: Continuous recording uses more storage. A single camera can fill a 64GB drive in about 3–4 days at 1080p. Plan accordingly.

Personal Insight: I started with a 32GB drive and ran out of space in 48 hours. Upgraded to a 256GB Samsung T7 and now have 2+ weeks of footage. Worth it!

Step 4: Optimize Video Settings for Storage & Quality

You don’t need 4K for 24/7 surveillance. The Arlo Pro 2 records in 1080p, but you can tweak settings to balance quality and storage life.

• Resolution: Keep it at 1080p for clarity, but reduce to 720p if storage is tight.
• Frame Rate: Lower to 15fps (from 30fps). It’s smooth enough for surveillance and cuts storage use by ~50%.
• Bitrate: The Arlo app doesn’t let you adjust this directly, but lower resolution and frame rate naturally reduce it.
• Night Vision: Use Auto mode. IR LEDs kick in when needed, saving power and storage during the day.

These tweaks help your USB drive last longer without sacrificing too much detail.

Step 5: Schedule Recording (Optional but Smart)

Want to save even more storage? Use recording schedules. For example, record continuously at night (high risk) but switch to motion-only during the day.

• Go to Settings > Recording Schedule in the Arlo app.
• Create a new schedule (e.g., “Night CVR” from 8 PM to 6 AM).
• Set recording mode to “Continuous” during those hours, “Motion” otherwise.
• Apply the schedule to all cameras.

This hybrid approach gives you 24/7 coverage when it matters most, without blowing through your USB drive in a week.

Step 6: Monitor & Maintain Your System

Running Arlo Pro 2 continuously isn’t “set it and forget it.” You need to check in regularly to avoid surprises.

• Check USB Drive Health: Every few weeks, review footage in the Arlo app. If it’s choppy or missing chunks, your drive may be failing.
• Clean Cameras: Dirt, spider webs, or snow can block the lens. Wipe them monthly with a microfiber cloth.
• Update Firmware: Arlo releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Go to Settings > My Devices > Firmware Update regularly.
• Backup Footage: Copy important clips to your phone or computer. USB drives can fail—don’t rely on them as your only backup.

Warning: Avoid cheap USB drives. I lost 10 days of footage when a $10 drive corrupted. Spend $20–$30 for a reliable one.

Step 7: Add Cloud Backup (Optional but Recommended)

Local recording is great, but what if your USB drive fails or gets stolen? That’s where Arlo Secure comes in.

• Subscribe to Arlo Secure (plans start at $2.99/month per camera).
• Enable “Cloud Backup” in the Arlo app.
• Set it to back up only continuous recordings (not motion clips) to avoid hitting data caps.

This gives you dual storage: local for speed and privacy, cloud for redundancy. I sleep better knowing my footage is in two places.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After running my Arlo Pro 2 system 24/7 for over a year, I’ve learned a few things—some the hard way. Here are the pro tips and mistakes to avoid:

• Use a UPS for the SmartHub: Power outages can corrupt your USB drive. A small UPS keeps it running during blackouts.
• Label Your USB Drive: Use a permanent marker to write “Arlo Backup – Do Not Remove.” Prevents accidental unplugging.
• Check Camera Angles: Continuous recording is useless if the camera points at a tree or wall. Adjust for full coverage.
• Disable Audio Recording (Optional): Saves storage and avoids legal issues in states with two-party consent.
• Test Night Vision: Some cameras struggle in total darkness. Test at night and adjust placement if needed.

Common Mistake #1: Skipping the Ethernet cable. I tried Wi-Fi first—footage kept dropping. Hardwired = rock solid.

Common Mistake #2: Using motion detection and continuous recording at the same time. This doubles your storage use. Pick one.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring firmware updates. I once had a camera go offline for days because I skipped an update. Now I check monthly.

FAQs About How to Run Arlo Pro 2 Continuously with All Cameras for 24 7 Surveillance

Let’s tackle the questions I get most often—straight from real users like you.

Can the Arlo Pro 2 record 24/7 without a subscription?

Yes! With the SmartHub and a USB drive, you can record continuously without any subscription. The Arlo Secure plan is only needed if you want cloud backup or AI detection.

How much storage do I need for continuous recording?

It depends on resolution, frame rate, and camera count. As a rule of thumb:

• 1 camera at 1080p, 15fps: ~15GB per day.
• 4 cameras: ~60GB per day.

A 256GB drive lasts about 4 days with 4 cameras. Go for 1TB if you want 2+ weeks of footage.

Does continuous recording drain the battery faster?

Yes—but only if you’re not using the outdoor power adapter. With hardwired power, battery life is irrelevant. Without it, your cameras will die in hours. Always use power adapters for 24/7.

Can I view continuous recordings remotely?

Yes! The Arlo app lets you access local recordings from anywhere. Just make sure your SmartHub is connected to the internet. No subscription needed.

What happens if my USB drive fills up?

The Arlo SmartHub uses loop recording. When the drive is full, it overwrites the oldest footage. You can also set it to send a notification when storage is low.

Is continuous recording legal?

In most places, yes—but check local laws. Avoid recording public sidewalks or neighbors’ homes. Use privacy zones in the Arlo app to blur sensitive areas.

Can I use a NAS instead of a USB drive?

Not officially. The Arlo Pro 2 only supports direct USB storage. Some users have hacked NAS setups, but it’s not reliable or recommended.

Final Thoughts

Running how to run Arlo Pro 2 continuously with all cameras for 24/7 surveillance isn’t just possible—it’s practical, affordable, and gives you unmatched peace of mind.

You don’t need a fancy security company or a $1,000 system. With a few hundred dollars in accessories (power adapters, USB drive, SmartHub), you can turn your Arlo Pro 2 into a true 24/7 surveillance powerhouse.

Start with powering all cameras, set up the SmartHub, enable continuous recording, and tweak settings to balance storage and quality. Monitor your system regularly, and you’ll have a reliable, always-on security net.

And remember: security isn’t about perfection. It’s about being prepared. Whether it’s a package thief, a storm, or just a curious squirrel, you’ll have the footage to prove what happened—and protect what matters.

Now go set it up. Your future self will thank you.

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