Understanding Arlo's Recording: Why There Is No 24/7 Recording by Default
If you're a new Arlo user, you might be wondering why your camera isn't recording footage around the clock. It's a common question, and the answer lies in Arlo's core design philosophy: to be a wire-free, battery-powered security solution. This guide explains why Arlo cameras work the way they do and what options you have for continuous recording. We'll use clear, professional British English to explain the system.
The Arlo Standard: Motion-Activated Recording
Most Arlo cameras, especially the popular battery-powered models like the Arlo Pro and Arlo Essential series, are designed to be event-based. This means they operate in a low-power standby mode until they detect an event.
- What is an 'event'? An event is typically motion or, in some cases, sound, that triggers the camera to wake up and start recording.
- Why is this the default? The primary reason is battery conservation. Recording video continuously would exhaust a battery in less than a day. By only recording when something happens, Arlo cameras can last for weeks or even months on a single charge.
- How it works: When motion is detected, the camera records a short clip (the length of which you can often customise in the settings) and sends you a notification. This clip is then saved to your cloud library for review.
This event-based system is highly efficient and, for many users, provides the perfect balance of security and convenience. You are alerted to important events without having to sift through hours of uneventful footage.
The Solution for Continuous Recording: The Arlo CVR Plan
For users who require uninterrupted surveillance, Arlo does offer a solution: Continuous Video Recording (CVR). However, this feature comes with some important requirements.
### CVR Plan Requirements
To enable 24/7 recording, you need two things:
- A Compatible, Wired Camera: CVR is a power-intensive feature and is therefore only available on select Arlo cameras that are plugged into a mains power source. This typically includes models like the Arlo Ultra, Pro 4, Pro 3, Pro 2, and the Arlo Video Doorbell when they are connected to constant power. Battery-powered cameras cannot use CVR.
- A CVR Subscription Plan: 24/7 recording is a premium feature that requires a specific, paid CVR subscription. This is separate from the standard Arlo Secure plans that store motion-activated clips. The CVR plan provides a rolling 14 or 30 days of continuous footage stored securely in the cloud.
### How CVR Works
Once you have a compatible powered camera and an active CVR plan, the camera will record everything without interruption.
- Timeline Interface: In the Arlo app, you will see a timeline interface instead of just a list of clips. You can scroll back through this timeline to any point in time to see what was happening.
- Event Markers: Even though it's recording everything, the timeline will still place markers for when motion or sound was detected, making it easy to find specific moments of interest.
- Cloud Storage: All CVR footage is stored in the Arlo cloud, so it doesn't use any local storage and is safe from tampering.
Is CVR Right for You?
Choosing between motion-based recording and CVR depends on your specific security needs.
- Choose standard motion-based recording if: You value long battery life, want notifications for specific events, and prefer the flexibility of placing cameras anywhere without worrying about wires.
- Choose the CVR plan if: You need a complete, uninterrupted record of a high-traffic area (like a business front or a busy driveway), require the highest level of surveillance, and have a compatible camera connected to mains power.
Understanding this distinction is key to getting the most out of your Arlo security system.