Does Ring Record 24/7? The Truth About Ring's Recording

Ring security cameras offer homeowners a reliable solution for monitoring their property remotely. With features like motion detection, live view, and two-way audio, Ring cameras provide peace of mind by allowing users to keep an eye on their home from anywhere. However, some users have been expressing dismay over the lack of continuous recording — a valuable feature for those who want to keep an eye on their property day and night.

Unlike its top competitors such as Arlo and Google Nest, Ring does not offer this feature in its cameras despite having the same price points. However, Ring does support options such as motion-activated recording, live-view footage, and manual recording that you can tailor to your security needs.

How Ring Cameras Record

Ring cameras offer multiple recording modes to accommodate diverse user requirements. While Ring cameras do not support 24/7 continuous recording, you can utilize motion-activated recording or manual recording options to capture footage when activity is detected or when they initiate recording through the Ring app.

Ring cameras detect motion using advanced sensors and algorithms, triggering recording when movement is detected within the camera's field of view. You can customize motion detection settings to adjust sensitivity and specify areas of interest, minimizing false alerts.

You can also access real-time footage of their property through the Ring app, enabling instantaneous monitoring and response to events as they unfold. Live view offers flexibility in observing specific areas or activities without relying solely on motion detection triggers.

Continuous Recording: Debunking the Myths

Contrary to common belief, Ring cameras do not offer 24/7 continuous recording. While continuous recording may seem desirable for comprehensive surveillance, it presents challenges such as excessive storage consumption and increased battery usage. Additionally, continuous recording may not align with Ring's prioritization of motion-activated recording to conserve resources and capture relevant footage effectively.

However, Ring offers an alternative solution through its Ring Protection Plan, which provides professional monitoring of cameras on a 24/7 basis. At the moment, Ring devices only start recording when they detect motion. Users also have the option to set up specific zones within their property for monitoring purposes. This helps reduce false alarms, making the security of users' homes more effective.

To access motion detection and recording features, users need to subscribe to the Ring Protect Plan. This service ensures that any footage captured is securely stored on Amazon servers. While there may be concerns about potential data leaks, it's worth noting that the stored footage is automatically deleted after a certain period, reducing privacy risks.

Motion-Activated Recording

Ring cameras detect motion using built-in motion sensors that are designed to detect changes in the camera's field of view. When the camera detects motion, it initiates recording and captures footage of the activity. Ring cameras are equipped with passive infrared (PIR) sensors or other types of motion detection technology. These sensors detect changes in heat signatures or movement within the camera's range.

Users can define specific areas within the camera's field of view where they want motion to be detected. Users can also adjust the motion sensitivity of the motion detection feature. This helps reduce false alarms triggered by motion in areas of no interest, such as trees swaying in the wind or passing cars.

When motion is detected within the defined detection zones and meets the sensitivity threshold set by the user, the camera automatically starts recording. The footage is then stored either locally (if the camera has onboard storage) or in the cloud, depending on the user's Ring subscription plan.

Live View

The live view feature on Ring devices allows owners to access real-time video footage from their cameras through the Ring mobile app. Here's how it works:

1. Accessing Live View: Open the Ring mobile app on your smartphone or tablet and navigate to the specific camera you want to view live footage from.

2. Activating Live Video: Once you select the desired camera, you'll have the option to activate the live view. Tap on the "Live View" button or icon within the app to initiate the live video stream.

3. Viewing Live Footage: Once activated, the app will start streaming live video footage from the selected camera. You can observe what's happening in real time within the camera's field of view.

4. Automatic Stream End: The live view session typically lasts for up to 10 minutes before the Ring app automatically ends the stream. This helps conserve battery life and prevents unnecessary data usage.

5. Accessing Recorded Footage: As a Ring Protect member, the live video footage you view can be saved to the Ring cloud storage. This allows you to access and review the recorded footage later, providing additional security and peace of mind.

It's worth noting that while Live View provides immediate access to real-time video footage, it relies on a stable internet connection and may experience delays or interruptions in areas with poor connectivity. Additionally, the automatic end of the live stream after 10 minutes helps optimize battery usage for battery-powered devices and prevents excessive data usage.

Ringing the Doorbell

If you have a Ring Video Doorbell, pressing the button will activate it and trigger the recording function to capture video footage of the person at the door. After the doorbell is pressed, the Ring doorbell continues to record video footage until motion is no longer detected. This ensures that the entire interaction at the door, including any subsequent movements or actions, is captured for review.

Smart home owners can choose to open the Ring app and access the live view from their video doorbell to see who is at the door in real time. This feature allows them to communicate with the visitor via two-way audio and visually confirm their identity before deciding to answer the door. If they are unable to respond immediately or miss the live view notification, they can later access the recorded footage of the doorbell interaction. Ring doorbells have a video recording length of between 15 and 120 seconds.

Subscription Plans and Continuous Recording

While Ring cameras cannot continuously record footage, subscribing to a Ring Protect Plan can give you 24/7 professional monitoring, Live Snapshot, and other features that are as good as having Ring cameras record continuously. Here are the three tiers of Ring's subscription plan:

1. Ring Basic: This plan is the entry-level subscription option, offering video recording for one Ring device. It costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year. With Ring Basic, users get access to video history for up to 180 days, snapshot capture, person and package alerts, rich notifications, and the ability to download up to 50 videos at once.

2. Ring Protect Plus: This is Ring's premium subscription plan, offering advanced video and notification features for all Ring doorbells and home cameras at one location. It includes all the benefits of Ring Basic, plus advanced video features, enhanced notifications, and extended warranties. Ring Protect Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year.

3. Ring Protect Pro: Ring's most advanced subscription plan, Protect Pro, covers Ring home devices at one location and includes 24/7 professional monitoring for the Ring Alarm system. It offers all the features of Ring Protect Plus, along with additional benefits like alarm cellular backup, 24/7 backup internet with optional extra data, digital security by Eero Secure, and Ring Edge with local video storage. The price for Ring Protect Pro starts at $20 per month or $200 per year.

Privacy and Data Concerns

Ring implements data retention policies to govern the storage and handling of user data, including recorded video footage. These policies typically dictate the length of time that recorded footage is stored on Ring's servers. For example, with Ring Protect plans, users can access recorded video footage for a specified period, usually ranging from 60 to 180 days, depending on their subscription level. After this period, the footage is automatically deleted unless users choose to save or download it

Ring also provides users with control over their video storage time, allowing them to customize how long to store footage in the cloud. Here's how you can adjust your video storage time and some additional tips regarding video storage:

Changing Video Storage Time

Ring provides users with control over their video storage time, allowing them to customize how long their recorded video footage is stored in the cloud. Here's how you can adjust your video storage time and some additional tips regarding video storage:

From the Ring App:

1. Tap the menu (≡) on the left side of your Dashboard.

2. Select "Control Center."

3. Tap on "Video Management."

4. Choose "Video Storage Time."

5. Next to the device, select "Edit" and choose a video storage option from the available list.

From a Web Browser:

1. Log in to your account on Ring.com.

2. Go to "Account" and select "Control Center."

3. Click on "Video Management" and then select "Video Storage Time."

4. Next to the device, select "Edit" and choose a video storage option from the available list.

Tips on Video Storage Time:

1. Ring Protect Subscription Requirement: Adjusting video storage time requires an active Ring Protect subscription. This includes trial versions of the Ring Protect plan, although you will need to subscribe to Ring Protect to keep videos in the cloud beyond your trial period.

2. Effect on Existing Videos: Changing the video storage time only affects videos captured after the device settings have been changed in the Ring app or on Ring.com. Videos captured before the change will remain stored according to the previous storage time settings.

3. Device Reset or Replacement: If a Ring device is reset or replaced, the storage time reverts back to the default, which is 60 days. New devices with a Ring Protect subscription or trial will also default to 60 days.

4. Cancellation and Reinstatement of Ring Protect Plan: If the Ring Protect plan is canceled and later reinstated, the device will retain the selected storage time.

5. Permanent Deletion: Videos will be permanently lost if they are manually deleted, if your Ring Protect plan subscription lapses, or if the video storage time expires. To retain important videos, users are encouraged to download them to their PC or mobile device.

Snapshot Capture

If you still want to monitor your property 24/7, one workaround Ring recommends is Snapshot Capture. This works by capturing still-frame photos at predetermined time intervals set by the user. These intervals can typically range from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on user preferences. Once captured, the snapshot images are automatically uploaded to the Ring cloud storage, where they are securely stored alongside video recordings and other events.

The snapshot images taken by Snapshot Capture are integrated into the user's Event Timeline within the Ring mobile app. This allows users to conveniently access and review snapshots alongside video recordings and Live View events, providing a comprehensive overview of activity around their home.

Alternatives to Ring for 24/7 Recording

If you find the lack of 24/7 recording on Ring devices a deal-breaker, there are several other security camera brands and self-hosted solutions are available, each with its own features and subscription options. Here are a few options to consider:

Arlo Pro 4

Image courtesy of Arlo

• Offers detailed 2K video performance with specialized alerts and easy installation.

• Requires a subscription to Arlo Secure for recording clips and advanced features like person, pet, package, and vehicle detection.

• Provides an optional 24/7 recording feature, but it comes with a higher subscription fee and may require additional equipment costs.

• Battery-powered, so frequent recording may require regular recharging.

For more information, check out our full comparison of Ring vs Arlo.

Google Nest Cam

Image courtesy of Google

• Offers both indoor and outdoor camera options with optional Nest Aware subscription plans.

• Basic Nest Aware plan starts at $8/month, while Nest Aware Plus adds 24/7 video support and covers all cameras for $15/month.

• 24/7 recording clips are stored on Google's cloud servers for up to 10 days, with the ability to access and download clips at any time.

• Integration with other Google Nest devices for a comprehensive home security system.

eufy Cam E330

Image courtesy of eufy

• Allows users to set up continuous recording either 24/7 or at scheduled times through the Eufy app.

• Includes 1 TB storage drive enough to store recordings from four eufyCam E330 for up to 10 days.

• Cross-camera tracking for accurate facial recognition.

• 4K Ultra HD, day or night.

FAQ

How long will a Ring camera record for?

Ring cameras record motion-triggered events for up to 120 seconds per event. Live View sessions can last for up to 10 minutes before automatically ending. Additionally, Ring offers subscription plans for extended video history storage, typically ranging from 60 to 180 days.

Why does Ring stop recording at night?

Ring cameras use infrared night vision to capture footage in low-light conditions. However, if there's insufficient light, the camera may struggle to detect motion effectively, resulting in fewer recordings. Users can enhance night vision by adjusting camera placement and adding external lighting.

Do Ring devices offer 24/7 monitoring?

Currently, Ring doesn't offer native 24/7 recording. However, users can achieve continuous monitoring by investing in Ring Alarm sensors and setting up photo intervals through the Ring app. Alternatively, consider other brands like Arlo or Google Nest that offer 24/7 recording options.