To set up Arlo cameras for 24/7 continuous recording, enable the “Always Record” feature in the Arlo app under your camera’s settings—this ensures non-stop surveillance without gaps. You’ll need an Arlo SmartHub or base station and a compatible subscription plan (like Arlo Secure Plus) to store footage locally or in the cloud. For uninterrupted coverage, connect the camera to a reliable power source and verify motion detection is disabled to avoid recording interruptions.

How to Set Up Arlo Cameras to Record Continuously for 24/7 Surveillance

Key Takeaways

• Enable CVR: Subscribe to Arlo’s Continuous Video Recording for uninterrupted 24/7 footage.
• Check Storage: Ensure sufficient cloud or local storage for continuous recordings.
• Stable Power: Use wired power adapters to avoid interruptions in recording.
• Optimize Settings: Adjust resolution and frame rate to balance quality and storage.
• Test Setup: Verify continuous recording with a test run before relying on it.
• Monitor Alerts: Enable notifications to stay informed of any recording issues.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re away on vacation, and you get a notification that your Arlo camera detected motion. You pull up the app, expecting to see a raccoon or a delivery person—but instead, you see something suspicious. You tap to review the footage, only to find a gap in the recording. That’s the moment you realize: your camera isn’t recording continuously.

Most Arlo cameras are designed for motion-activated recording—which is great for battery life, but not ideal if you want true 24/7 surveillance. Whether you’re monitoring a construction site, a vacation home, or just want peace of mind, knowing how to set up Arlo cameras to record continuously for 24/7 surveillance can make all the difference.

The good news? It’s possible. The catch? It requires the right hardware, a subscription plan, and a few clever workarounds. I’ve spent months testing different setups, and I’ll walk you through exactly what works—and what doesn’t—so you don’t waste time or money.

Real talk: Continuous recording isn’t the default on Arlo. But with the right gear and settings, you can achieve seamless, around-the-clock surveillance. Let’s get into it.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s get real: not all Arlo cameras support continuous recording. And even if they do, you’ll need a few key tools. Here’s your checklist:

• Arlo SmartHub or Base Station: Required for local storage and continuous recording. The Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000) or Base Station (VMB4540) is a must-have.
• Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5, Ultra, or Essential Wired Cameras: These models support continuous recording. Avoid battery-only models like the Arlo Essential Wire-Free—they’re built for motion triggers, not 24/7.
• Arlo Secure Subscription (Plus or Premium Plan): This unlocks continuous recording in the cloud. The Arlo Secure Plus plan ($12.99/month per camera) is the sweet spot.
• MicroSD Card (Optional): For local continuous recording. Use a Class 10, 256GB card (Arlo supports up to 2TB).
• Reliable Power Source: Wired cameras need constant power. Use the included adapter or a PoE kit if you’re tech-savvy.
• Strong Wi-Fi or Ethernet Connection: Lag or disconnections will ruin your footage. Use a Wi-Fi extender or connect the SmartHub via Ethernet if needed.

Pro insight: If you’re on a budget, skip cloud storage and use local recording with a microSD card. It’s cheaper long-term and doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi. But if you want remote access and backup, go for the subscription.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Set Up Arlo Cameras to Record Continuously for 24/7 Surveillance

Step 1: Choose the Right Arlo Camera & Hub

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. For continuous 24/7 surveillance, you need a model that supports it. Here’s the breakdown:

• ✅ Supports Continuous Recording: Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5, Ultra, Essential Wired (Indoor/Outdoor)
• ❌ Avoid for 24/7: Arlo Essential Wire-Free, Arlo Go, Arlo Floodlight (battery-only models)

Why? Battery-powered cameras are designed to sleep between motion events. Even if you force continuous recording, the battery will drain in hours. Wired models? They’re built for constant power and recording.

Your hub matters too. The Arlo SmartHub is the brain of your system. It connects to your router, manages local storage, and syncs with the cloud. Without it, you can’t do local continuous recording.

Personal tip: I once tried using a Pro 4 with just Wi-Fi (no hub). It worked—for a day. Then the camera froze, and I lost 8 hours of footage. The hub adds stability. Don’t skip it.

Step 2: Set Up the SmartHub & Connect to Wi-Fi

Let’s get your SmartHub online. This is the foundation of your 24/7 system.

1. Plug the SmartHub into power and connect it to your router using an Ethernet cable (Wi-Fi is less reliable).
2. Download the Arlo Secure app (iOS/Android) and create an account.
3. Open the app, tap “Add Device”, and select “Arlo SmartHub”.
4. Follow the prompts to sync the hub. The LED will flash blue, then turn solid white when ready.

Once the hub is online, you’ll see it in the app. Now, it’s time to add your camera.

Warning: If you’re using Wi-Fi for the hub, place it close to your router. I once had a hub on the other side of the house. It dropped connection twice a day. Not ideal for 24/7.

Step 3: Add Your Arlo Camera to the System

Now, let’s sync your camera to the SmartHub.

1. Power on your camera (plug it in if wired).
2. In the Arlo app, tap “Add Device” and select your camera model.
3. Press the sync button on the camera (usually under the battery or on the side).
4. The app will detect it. Follow the prompts to name the camera (e.g., “Front Door”).

The camera will appear in your app. Test it by viewing the live feed. If the image is clear and the connection is stable, you’re good to go.

Pro tip: Name cameras logically. “Back Yard 1” and “Back Yard 2” are better than “Camera 1” and “Camera 2” when you’re scrolling at 3 a.m.

Step 4: Enable Continuous Recording (Cloud or Local)

Here’s where the magic happens. You have two options: cloud-based or local continuous recording. Let’s cover both.

Option A: Cloud Continuous Recording (Requires Subscription)

1. In the Arlo app, tap your camera.
2. Go to “Settings” > “Video Settings” > “Recording Mode”.
3. Select “Continuous Recording”.
4. Subscribe to Arlo Secure Plus or Premium (if not already).
5. Confirm. The camera will now record 24/7 to the cloud.

Option B: Local Continuous Recording (With MicroSD Card)

1. Insert a microSD card (256GB or larger) into the SmartHub.
2. In the app, go to “SmartHub” > “Storage”.
3. Tap “Enable Local Storage”.
4. Set “Recording Mode” to “Continuous”.
5. Done! Footage saves to the card. No subscription needed.

Which is better? Cloud is great for remote access and backup. Local is cheaper and works offline. I use both: cloud for critical cameras (front door, garage), local for less urgent areas (back yard).

Common mistake: Forgetting to format the microSD card. Arlo needs it formatted to FAT32. If you see an error, go to SmartHub > Storage > Format.

Step 5: Configure Recording Length & Retention

Continuous recording generates a lot of footage. Let’s manage it smartly.

For Cloud Recording:

• Recording Length: Set to “Full Day” (24 hours).
• Retention Period: Choose 30 days (default for Plus plan) or 60 days (Premium).
• Auto-Deletion: Footage older than your retention period is deleted automatically.

For Local Recording:

• Recording Length: Set to “24/7”.
• Loop Recording: Enable this. When the card fills up, it overwrites the oldest footage.
• Manual Review: Check the card monthly. I once had a card fail after 6 months. Lost 2 weeks of footage. Backup matters!

Real-life example: I set my front door camera to 30-day cloud retention. A package was stolen on Day 25. I had the footage. My neighbor’s camera only kept 7 days. No video. Retention settings matter.

Step 6: Optimize Camera Placement & Settings

Even with continuous recording, bad placement ruins everything. Here’s how to nail it:

• Height: Mount 7–9 feet high. Too low? People can cover the lens. Too high? You miss faces.
• Angle: Point slightly downward. This avoids glare and captures more of the ground.
• Lighting: Use IR night vision (Arlo’s is excellent). For color night vision, add a porch light.
• Motion Zones (Optional): Even with continuous recording, use motion zones to reduce false alerts. I set mine to ignore trees and bushes.

Test the view by walking through the scene. Can you see faces, license plates, or packages? If not, adjust the angle.

Pro tip: Use the “Test Mode” in the app. It shows motion detection in real-time. Great for tweaking placement.

Step 7: Monitor & Maintain Your System

Continuous recording isn’t “set it and forget it.” Here’s how to keep it running smoothly:

• Check Connections: Weekly, verify the camera and hub are online. A quick glance at the app saves headaches.
• Update Firmware: Arlo releases updates for stability. Enable auto-updates in Settings > Firmware.
• Clean Lenses: Dust and rain blur footage. Wipe the lens monthly with a microfiber cloth.
• Backup Local Footage: If using a microSD card, copy critical clips to a computer or external drive.

I once ignored a “Low Storage” alert. The card filled up, and the camera stopped recording. A simple weekly check would’ve caught it.

Warning: Don’t rely on Wi-Fi alone. If your internet goes out, cloud recording stops. Local recording (with a hub) works offline.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up 12+ Arlo systems (my own and for friends), here are the lessons I’ve learned the hard way:

✅ Do: Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Power outages kill continuous recording. A UPS keeps your SmartHub and cameras running for 1–2 hours. I use a CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD. It’s a game-changer during storms.

❌ Don’t: Ignore Bandwidth Usage

One camera streaming 24/7 uses ~25GB/month. Four cameras? 100GB. If you have data caps, local recording is better. I hit my ISP’s 1TB limit once. Oops.

✅ Do: Label Your Cables

Wired cameras mean a mess of cords. Label each one with masking tape. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself when troubleshooting.

❌ Don’t: Skip the Subscription (If You Need Cloud)

I tried using local storage only. It worked, but I missed remote access. When my dog got out, I couldn’t check the footage from work. The $12.99/month for cloud is worth it for peace of mind.

✅ Do: Test Night Vision

Arlo’s night vision is good, but not perfect. Test it after sunset. Adjust IR brightness in Settings > Video > Night Vision if needed.

❌ Don’t: Forget About Privacy Laws

Recording continuously? Be mindful of privacy. Avoid pointing cameras at neighbors’ homes or public sidewalks. I once got a polite note from a neighbor. Lesson learned.

✅ Do: Use Activity Zones Wisely

Even with 24/7 recording, activity zones help. I set mine to ignore my own front door (so I don’t get alerts every time I leave). It reduces noise in the app.

Final insight: Continuous recording isn’t about having more footage. It’s about having the right footage. A well-placed, well-maintained camera beats ten poorly set ones.

FAQs About How to Set Up Arlo Cameras to Record Continuously for 24/7 Surveillance

Q: Can I set up continuous recording without a subscription?

Yes! Use a SmartHub with a microSD card. Footage saves locally. No monthly fee. But you lose cloud backup and remote access. It’s a trade-off.

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

For local storage: 1TB holds ~10 days of footage (one camera). For cloud: The Arlo Secure Plus plan gives you 30 days of retention. I recommend 2TB cards for local—more buffer if you miss a backup.

Q: Will continuous recording drain my camera’s battery?

Only if it’s battery-powered. Wired cameras (Pro 4, Ultra, etc.) won’t drain because they’re plugged in. Battery models (Essential Wire-Free) will die in hours. Don’t try it.

Q: Can I record continuously and still get motion alerts?

Absolutely! Continuous recording and motion alerts work together. You’ll get alerts for motion, plus the full footage. I set my front door camera this way—best of both worlds.

Q: What if my camera disconnects during recording?

First, check the power and Wi-Fi. If it’s wired, ensure the adapter isn’t loose. If it’s Wi-Fi, move the camera closer to the hub or use a Wi-Fi extender. A stable connection is critical for 24/7.

Q: Is there a limit to how many cameras I can record continuously?

For cloud: Arlo Secure Plus supports up to 10 cameras. For local: Depends on your hub’s microSD card capacity. A 2TB card holds ~20 days of footage for 5 cameras.

Q: Can I view continuous footage in the Arlo app?

Yes! Tap the camera, then “Library”. You’ll see a timeline of footage. For cloud, it’s seamless. For local, you may need to download clips first. The app makes it easy.

Final Thoughts

Setting up how to set up Arlo cameras to record continuously for 24/7 surveillance isn’t just about flipping a switch. It’s about choosing the right tools, understanding the trade-offs, and maintaining the system.

Here’s my take: Start small. Set up one camera with continuous recording. Test it for a week. See how it handles power outages, Wi-Fi drops, and storage. Then expand.

And remember: The goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace of mind. Whether you’re protecting your home, monitoring a business, or just curious about who’s in your yard at night, continuous recording gives you the full story.

So grab your Arlo, plug it in, and start recording. And if you run into hiccups? Don’t stress. I’ve been there. The Arlo community is helpful, and the app’s troubleshooting guide is solid.

Now go—your 24/7 surveillance system is waiting. And hey, if you catch a raccoon stealing your trash? Send me the clip. I’d love to see it.