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 question that many Ring camera owners have is: how do I get my Ring camera to record 24/7? In this article, we will delve into the world of Ring cameras and explore the various options available to enable continuous recording.
Understanding Ring Camera Recording Options
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of 24/7 recording, it’s essential to understand how Ring cameras record video footage. By default, Ring cameras are set to record motion-triggered events, which means that the camera will only record video when it detects motion within its field of view. This recording mode is designed to conserve battery life and reduce unnecessary footage. However, this mode may not be suitable for users who want to record continuous footage.
Motion-Triggered Recording vs. Continuous Recording
To understand the difference between motion-triggered recording and continuous recording, let’s break down the key characteristics of each mode:
| Recording Mode | Motion-Triggered Recording | Continuous Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Trigger | Motion detection | Continuous recording, regardless of motion |
| Recording Duration | Up to 60 seconds per event | Continuous recording, with optional time limits |
| Battery Life | Longer battery life, as the camera only records when motion is detected | Shorter battery life, as the camera records continuously |
As you can see, motion-triggered recording is designed to conserve battery life, while continuous recording provides a more comprehensive view of your property.
Enabling 24/7 Recording on Your Ring Camera
Now that we’ve explored the different recording options, let’s discuss how to enable 24/7 recording on your Ring camera. Please note that not all Ring cameras support continuous recording, so be sure to check your camera’s specifications before proceeding.
Ring Protect Plans
To enable 24/7 recording on your Ring camera, you’ll need to subscribe to a Ring Protect plan. These plans offer various features, including video recording, photo capture, and sharing. There are three Ring Protect plans available:
- Ring Protect Basic: This plan includes video recording for up to 60 days, photo capture, and sharing.
- Ring Protect Plus: This plan includes video recording for up to 60 days, photo capture, sharing, and extended warranties for your devices.
- Ring Protect Pro: This plan includes video recording for up to 60 days, photo capture, sharing, extended warranties, and 24/7 professional monitoring.
To enable 24/7 recording, you’ll need to subscribe to the Ring Protect Plus or Ring Protect Pro plan.
Camera Settings
Once you’ve subscribed to a Ring Protect plan, you can enable 24/7 recording on your camera by following these steps:
- Open the Ring app and navigate to the camera settings.
- Scroll down to the “Recording Settings” section.
- Toggle the “24/7 Recording” switch to the “On” position.
Please note that enabling 24/7 recording may reduce your camera’s battery life. You may need to recharge your camera more frequently or consider using a wired power source.
Alternative Options for 24/7 Recording
If you’re not interested in subscribing to a Ring Protect plan or if your camera doesn’t support continuous recording, there are alternative options available.
Third-Party Cloud Storage Services
You can use third-party cloud storage services, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store your Ring camera footage. These services often offer more storage space than Ring’s cloud storage, and you can access your footage from anywhere.
Local Storage Options
Another option is to use local storage devices, such as external hard drives or network-attached storage (NAS) devices. These devices can store your Ring camera footage locally, eliminating the need for cloud storage.
Conclusion
Enabling 24/7 recording on your Ring camera can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind. By understanding the different recording options and subscribing to a Ring Protect plan, you can unlock continuous recording on your camera. Alternatively, you can explore third-party cloud storage services or local storage options to store your footage. Remember to always check your camera’s specifications and adjust your recording settings accordingly to ensure optimal performance.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can unlock the full potential of your Ring camera and enjoy continuous recording, 24/7.
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.