Set up your Arlo camera for continuous recording by enabling the “Always On” feature in the Arlo app and ensuring your camera is connected to a power source for uninterrupted operation. This professional-grade setup eliminates motion-trigger gaps, giving you 24/7 surveillance with seamless cloud or local storage options—ideal for comprehensive security coverage.

How to Set Up Arlo Camera to Continuously Record Like a Pro

Key Takeaways

• Enable CVR: Subscribe to Arlo’s Continuous Video Recording for non-stop footage.
• Check storage: Ensure sufficient cloud or local storage for uninterrupted recordings.
• Adjust settings: Customize resolution and frame rate to balance quality and storage.
• Stable connection: Use a strong Wi-Fi signal to prevent recording interruptions.
• Power source: Opt for wired power to avoid battery-related downtime.
• Test setup: Verify continuous recording works with a test before relying on it.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re on vacation, sipping a cocktail on a beach, when you get a notification. A package was delivered. You check the Arlo app, but the video cuts off after 15 seconds. Or worse—nothing shows up at all. That’s the frustration of relying on motion-activated clips when what you really want is a full record of every moment.

That’s where learning how to set up Arlo camera to continuously record like a pro comes in. Most Arlo cameras default to motion-triggered recordings (short clips). But for full coverage—think monitoring a construction site, keeping an eye on pets all day, or securing a high-traffic entryway—you need continuous video. No gaps. No missed seconds.

And here’s the kicker: Arlo doesn’t make it obvious. Their system is built around event-based recording. But with the right tools and settings, you can get 24/7 footage. I’ve done it—on my front porch, in my garage, even for a pet cam. It’s not magic. It’s just knowing where to look.

This guide walks you through every step, from hardware choices to app tweaks. No fluff. No jargon. Just real-world advice to help you get the most out of your Arlo setup. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or small business owner, this is your roadmap to peace of mind.

What You Need

Before we dive in, let’s get your toolkit ready. The good news? You don’t need to buy a new camera. Most Arlo models (Pro, Ultra, Essential, etc.) support continuous recording—but only with the right accessories and subscriptions. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Arlo Camera: Any model (Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Ultra, Essential, etc.). Older models like Pro 2 may require a firmware update.
• Arlo Base Station or SmartHub: Required for local storage. The Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000) or Base Station (VMB4000/VMB4500) connects to a USB drive for 24/7 recording. Without this, continuous recording isn’t possible.
• USB Drive: Minimum 16GB (32GB recommended). Use a high-quality, high-endurance drive (like SanDisk Ultra Fit). Avoid cheap USBs—they fail fast under constant writing.
• Arlo Subscription (Optional but Helpful):
  • Arlo Secure (or Arlo Secure Plus) for cloud storage and AI features (e.g., person detection). Not required for local recording, but great for backup.
  • Arlo Smart (legacy): Still works if you have an older plan.
• Stable Wi-Fi: For remote access and alerts. A strong signal (at least -60 dBm) is crucial.
• Arlo App: Updated to the latest version (iOS/Android).

Pro Tip: I once tried using a 8GB USB drive from an old laptop. It lasted 3 days before corrupting. Spend $15 on a 32GB drive—it’s worth it.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Up Arlo Camera to Continuously Record Like a Pro

Step 1: Choose the Right Arlo Base Station or SmartHub

First things first: You can’t record continuously without a base station or hub. The Arlo app won’t even show the option if you’re using Wi-Fi-only mode (like the Arlo Essential).

• If you have an older Arlo system (Pro 2, Pro 3), use the VMB4000/VMB4500 base station.
• For newer models (Ultra, Pro 4, Essential with Hub), use the Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000).
• Plug the base station/hub into a power outlet and connect it to your router via Ethernet (not Wi-Fi). This ensures stable connectivity.

Once connected, the base station will appear in the Arlo app. If it doesn’t, restart both the hub and your router. I’ve spent hours troubleshooting this—just reboot first.

Warning: Using Wi-Fi for the hub is a bad idea. I tried it once. The hub disconnected daily, and my recordings had gaps. Ethernet is non-negotiable for reliability.

Step 2: Format the USB Drive for Local Recording

Now, let’s prep your USB drive. Arlo requires the drive to be formatted in a specific way (FAT32 or exFAT). Here’s how:

1. Insert the USB drive into the base station/hub.
2. Open the Arlo app → tap the ≡ menu → Settings → My Devices → select your base station/hub.
3. Tap Local Storage → Format USB Drive.
4. Confirm the action. This erases everything on the drive.

The formatting takes 1–5 minutes. Once done, the app will show “USB Drive Ready” or “Storage Available.”

Pro Tip: Label your USB drive “Arlo Only” and never unplug it while recording. I once yanked mine out to transfer files—and lost 48 hours of footage. Oops.

Step 3: Enable Continuous Recording in the Arlo App

Here’s where the magic happens. With the hub and USB ready, you can now set up 24/7 recording:

1. In the Arlo app, tap the ≡ menu → Settings → My Devices → select your camera (not the hub).
2. Tap Video Settings → Record Settings.
3. Toggle Continuous Video Recording (CVR) to On.
4. Choose your recording mode:
   • 24/7: Records non-stop. Best for high-security areas.
   • During Scheduled Times: Records only during set hours (e.g., 9 PM–6 AM). Saves storage and battery (for wire-free cams).
5. Set the Recording Quality:
   • High: 1080p (uses more storage).
   • Standard: 720p (good balance).
   • Low: 480p (for long-term storage).

The camera will now record to the USB drive. You’ll see a “CVR Active” badge in the app.

Warning: CVR disables motion-activated recordings. If you want both, use Arlo Secure (see Step 5). I learned this the hard way—my motion alerts stopped working until I upgraded my plan.

Step 4: Configure Storage and Retention Settings

Storage fills up fast. A 1080p camera can eat 1GB/hour. Here’s how to manage it:

• Loop Recording: Automatically overwrites the oldest footage when the USB is full. Enable this unless you need long-term archives.
• Retention Period: In the app, go to Settings → Local Storage → set how long to keep footage (e.g., 7 days, 30 days).
• Storage Usage: Check the app to see how much space is left. I set a monthly reminder to review mine.

For example, a 32GB drive at 1080p holds ~32 hours of 24/7 video. With loop recording, it’ll always keep the last 32 hours.

Pro Tip: Use lower resolution (720p) if you need more days. I run my garage cam at 720p—it’s clear enough for faces, and I get 5 days of footage.

Step 5: (Optional) Add Cloud Backup with Arlo Secure

Local storage is great, but what if the USB fails or the camera gets stolen? That’s where Arlo Secure saves the day.

• Subscribe to Arlo Secure ($2.99–$12.99/month, depending on camera count).
• In the app, go to Settings → Arlo Secure → enable Cloud Backup.
• Choose backup frequency:
  • All Recordings: Every CVR clip (expensive).
  • Only Motion Events: Saves only when motion is detected (budget-friendly).

Cloud backup gives you a safety net. I use it for my front door cam—local for 24/7, cloud for motion-triggered clips.

Warning: Cloud backup uses data. A 1080p clip can be 100MB. I once hit my ISP’s data cap—check your plan first.

Step 6: Test and Fine-Tune Your Setup

Don’t assume it’s working. Test it:

• Check Live View: Tap the camera in the app. You should see a real-time feed.
• Verify CVR: Tap the “CVR Active” badge. It should show a timeline of recorded footage.
• Review Footage: Go to the Library tab. Look for continuous clips (not short motion events).
• Test Alerts: If using cloud, walk in front of the camera. You should get a notification.

If something’s off:
– Restart the camera and hub.
– Check USB connection.
– Ensure Wi-Fi/Ethernet is stable.

Pro Tip: I set a weekly “Arlo Check-In” on my phone. It takes 2 minutes to verify everything’s running.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of setting up Arlo cameras for friends and family, here’s what I’ve learned—the hard way.

• Use High-Endurance USB Drives: Regular USBs fail under constant writing. I recommend SanDisk Ultra Fit or Kingston DataTraveler. They’re built for surveillance.
• Don’t Rely on Wi-Fi for the Hub: I’ve seen hubs drop connection daily on Wi-Fi. Use Ethernet. Always.
• Balance Resolution and Storage: 1080p is sharp, but eats space. For 24/7, 720p is often enough. I use 720p for my backyard—it’s clear, and I get 5 days of footage.
• Enable Loop Recording: Without it, the USB fills up and stops recording. I once missed a package delivery because the drive was full.
• Check Battery Life (Wire-Free Cams): CVR drains battery fast. My Arlo Pro 3 lasts 2 weeks with CVR (vs. 6 weeks with motion-only). Recharge monthly.
• Secure the USB Drive: Hide the hub in a locked cabinet. A thief who steals the camera might take the USB too.
• Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Power outages kill recordings. I use a small UPS for my hub—it keeps running for 2 hours during outages.

Common Mistake: Assuming CVR works without a hub. I’ve had clients call me, frustrated, because they “can’t find” the CVR option. It’s not in the app unless you have a base station.

One last thing: Test after setup. I once set up a camera, walked away, and came back to find it disconnected. A quick test would’ve caught it.

FAQs About How to Set Up Arlo Camera to Continuously Record Like a Pro

Q: Can I set up continuous recording on any Arlo camera?

Yes—but only with a base station or SmartHub. Cameras like the Arlo Essential (Wi-Fi-only) need the SmartHub to enable CVR. Older models (Pro 2, Pro 3) work with the VMB4000/VMB4500 base station.

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

It depends on resolution:

• 1080p: ~1GB/hour. A 32GB drive holds ~32 hours.
• 720p: ~0.5GB/hour. 32GB = ~64 hours.
• 480p: ~0.25GB/hour. 32GB = ~128 hours.

Use loop recording to overwrite old footage. I run my 720p cam on a 32GB drive—it keeps 5 days of video.

Q: Does continuous recording drain the battery faster?

Absolutely. My Arlo Pro 3 lasts 2 weeks with CVR (vs. 6 weeks with motion-only). For wire-free cams, recharge every 1–2 months. Or use a solar panel (sold separately).

Q: Can I access continuous recordings remotely?

Yes! The Arlo app shows CVR footage from anywhere. Tap the camera → “CVR Active” → browse the timeline. But you need internet. If your home Wi-Fi goes down, you can’t access the USB remotely.

Q: What if the USB drive fails?

That’s why I recommend:

• Use a high-endurance drive.
• Subscribe to Arlo Secure for cloud backup.
• Check storage monthly.

I once lost a month of footage because a cheap USB died. Never again.

Q: Can I schedule continuous recording for specific times?

Yes! In the app, go to Record Settings → select “During Scheduled Times.” Set start/end hours (e.g., 9 PM–6 AM). Saves storage and battery.

Q: Is continuous recording legal?

In most places, yes—as long as you’re not recording private areas (e.g., neighbor’s bedroom). Check local laws. I always tell people: “Record what you own.”

Final Thoughts

Setting up your Arlo camera for continuous recording isn’t just about flipping a switch. It’s about understanding your needs, choosing the right tools, and testing your setup. Whether you’re monitoring a home, business, or pet, 24/7 footage gives you peace of mind—no more gaps, no more “what happened in those missing 10 seconds?”

Remember: how to set up Arlo camera to continuously record like a pro starts with the hub and USB drive. Without those, you’re stuck with motion clips. Add a high-endurance USB, enable loop recording, and (optionally) cloud backup, and you’ve got a system that’s reliable and future-proof.

My advice? Start small. Pick one camera, follow these steps, and test it for a week. Once you’ve got one working, the rest is easy. And if you run into trouble? Restart everything. I’ve fixed 90% of issues with a reboot.

You’ve got this. Now go get that continuous coverage you’ve always wanted.