As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your property is secure and protected at all times. One way to achieve this is by investing in a Ring camera, a popular smart security camera that allows you to monitor your home remotely. However, one common concern among Ring camera users is the limited recording time. By default, Ring cameras only record motion-triggered events, which can leave gaps in your security coverage. In this article, we will explore the ways to get your Ring camera to record 24/7, providing you with uninterrupted security footage.
Understanding Ring’s Recording Options
Before we dive into the methods for 24/7 recording, it’s essential to understand Ring’s recording options. Ring cameras offer two primary recording modes:
- Motion-Triggered Recording: This is the default recording mode, where the camera only records when motion is detected. This mode is designed to conserve battery life and reduce unnecessary recordings.
- Continuous Recording: This mode allows the camera to record continuously, without any gaps in footage. However, this mode requires a constant power source and can consume more data.
Ring’s Subscription Plans
To access 24/7 recording on your Ring camera, you’ll need to subscribe to one of Ring’s plans. Ring offers two primary plans:
- Ring Protect Basic: This plan costs $3 per month per device and provides 60 days of cloud storage for motion-triggered recordings.
- Ring Protect Plus: This plan costs $10 per month and provides 60 days of cloud storage for motion-triggered recordings, as well as 24/7 recording for wired cameras.
Methods for 24/7 Recording on Ring Cameras
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the methods for achieving 24/7 recording on your Ring camera.
Method 1: Wired Ring Cameras with Ring Protect Plus
If you have a wired Ring camera, such as the Ring Stick Up Cam Wired or the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, you can enable 24/7 recording by subscribing to the Ring Protect Plus plan. This plan allows you to record continuously, without any gaps in footage.
To enable 24/7 recording on your wired Ring camera:
- Ensure your camera is connected to a constant power source.
- Subscribe to the Ring Protect Plus plan.
- Open the Ring app and navigate to the camera settings.
- Toggle the “24/7 Recording” switch to the “On” position.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party NVR or DVR
Another method for achieving 24/7 recording on your Ring camera is by using a third-party Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR). These devices allow you to record footage from your Ring camera continuously, without relying on Ring’s cloud storage.
To use a third-party NVR or DVR with your Ring camera:
- Purchase a compatible NVR or DVR device.
- Connect your Ring camera to the NVR or DVR using an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
- Configure the NVR or DVR settings to record footage continuously.
- Ensure the NVR or DVR has sufficient storage capacity to store the recorded footage.
Method 3: Using a MicroSD Card (For Select Ring Cameras)
Some Ring cameras, such as the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery and the Ring Video Doorbell 3, support local storage using a microSD card. By inserting a microSD card into your camera, you can record footage continuously, without relying on Ring’s cloud storage.
To use a microSD card with your Ring camera:
- Ensure your camera supports local storage using a microSD card.
- Purchase a compatible microSD card.
- Insert the microSD card into your camera.
- Configure the camera settings to record footage continuously to the microSD card.
Benefits of 24/7 Recording
Achieving 24/7 recording on your Ring camera provides several benefits, including:
- Uninterrupted Security Footage: With 24/7 recording, you can ensure that your property is protected at all times, without any gaps in footage.
- Increased Peace of Mind: Knowing that your camera is recording continuously can provide you with increased peace of mind, especially when you’re away from home.
- Improved Evidence: In the event of a security incident, 24/7 recording can provide valuable evidence to help identify perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Conclusion
Achieving 24/7 recording on your Ring camera is possible, but it requires some configuration and investment. By understanding Ring’s recording options, subscription plans, and using the methods outlined in this article, you can ensure that your property is protected at all times. Whether you choose to use a wired Ring camera with Ring Protect Plus, a third-party NVR or DVR, or a microSD card, 24/7 recording can provide you with uninterrupted security footage and increased peace of mind.
| Method | Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Wired Ring Camera with Ring Protect Plus | Wired Ring camera, Ring Protect Plus subscription | Uninterrupted security footage, increased peace of mind |
| Third-Party NVR or DVR | Compatible NVR or DVR device, Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi | Uninterrupted security footage, local storage options |
| MicroSD Card (For Select Ring Cameras) | Compatible microSD card, Ring camera with local storage support | Uninterrupted security footage, local storage options |
By following the methods outlined in this article, you can unlock 24/7 recording on your Ring camera and enjoy uninterrupted security footage.
What is 24/7 recording on Ring cameras, and how does it work?
24/7 recording on Ring cameras allows users to continuously record footage from their cameras, providing a comprehensive view of their surroundings. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring high-traffic areas or for users who want to capture specific events that may occur at any time.
To enable 24/7 recording, users need to have a Ring Protect Pro subscription and a compatible Ring camera. Once enabled, the camera will continuously record footage, which can be stored in the cloud for up to 60 days, depending on the user’s subscription plan. Users can access and review the recorded footage through the Ring app.
Which Ring cameras support 24/7 recording?
Not all Ring cameras support 24/7 recording. Currently, the feature is available on the Ring Pro, Ring Pro 2, Ring Elite, and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro. These cameras have the necessary hardware and software capabilities to support continuous recording.
To check if your Ring camera supports 24/7 recording, you can refer to the Ring website or the Ring app. If your camera is compatible, you can enable the feature through the app by going to the camera’s settings and selecting the “24/7 Recording” option.
Do I need a subscription to enable 24/7 recording on my Ring camera?
Yes, to enable 24/7 recording on your Ring camera, you need to have a Ring Protect Pro subscription. This subscription plan provides the necessary cloud storage and features to support continuous recording.
The Ring Protect Pro subscription costs $20 per month or $200 per year, and it provides 60 days of cloud storage for an unlimited number of cameras. Without a subscription, you can still record motion-based events, but you won’t be able to access 24/7 recording.
How much cloud storage do I need for 24/7 recording?
The amount of cloud storage needed for 24/7 recording depends on several factors, including the number of cameras, the resolution, and the recording duration. With a Ring Protect Pro subscription, you get 60 days of cloud storage for an unlimited number of cameras.
However, if you need more storage or want to keep your recordings for a longer period, you can upgrade to a higher storage plan or consider using a local storage device, such as a NAS or an external hard drive. It’s essential to note that 24/7 recording can generate a large amount of data, so it’s crucial to plan your storage needs accordingly.
Can I use 24/7 recording with multiple Ring cameras?
Yes, you can use 24/7 recording with multiple Ring cameras, as long as they are compatible and you have a Ring Protect Pro subscription. This feature is particularly useful for users who have multiple cameras installed in different locations.
To enable 24/7 recording on multiple cameras, simply go to the camera settings in the Ring app and select the “24/7 Recording” option for each camera. You can also manage and review the recorded footage from all your cameras in a single dashboard.
Does 24/7 recording affect my internet bandwidth?
Yes, 24/7 recording can affect your internet bandwidth, as it requires a continuous upload of video data to the cloud. The amount of bandwidth used depends on the camera’s resolution, frame rate, and the number of cameras.
To minimize the impact on your internet bandwidth, you can adjust the camera’s settings, such as reducing the resolution or frame rate. Additionally, you can consider using a wired connection for your cameras instead of Wi-Fi, which can provide a more stable and faster connection.
Is 24/7 recording secure, and how does Ring protect my data?
Ring takes the security and privacy of its users’ data seriously. The company uses end-to-end encryption to protect the video data transmitted from the camera to the cloud. Additionally, Ring complies with various data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA.
To further protect your data, Ring recommends using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating your camera’s firmware. You can also control who has access to your recorded footage by managing user permissions in the Ring app.