Note: This article is based on our current product line and its features as of July 2023, and device compatibility with continuous recording may be subject to future changes.
Understanding your surveillance device's recording capabilities is crucial, especially if you want it to record continuously or even 24/7. Whether your device can remain "always on" or record "all day" depends on the type of device you have: battery-operated or plug-in.
Battery Cameras and Continuous Recording
Battery-operated cameras prioritize power conservation, which means they cannot record continuously or 24/7, even when a microSD card is present. The microSD card's role in these cameras is to store local backup videos, rather than enabling constant recording.
However, there is a way to maximize the recording duration of these cameras. By setting the recording duration to "Auto", your device can record for up to 3 minutes when it detects motion. For more details on setting the motion detection duration, you can visit How to Set the Recording Duration?
Why don't these cameras support continuous recording? The primary reason is power conservation. Constant recording requires significant power and would greatly reduce the overall battery life. Hence, these cameras are designed to record only when they detect motion, providing efficient security monitoring without excessive power consumption.
Plug-in Cameras and Continuous Recording
Plug-in cameras, on the other hand, offer different recording functionalities.
Regardless of the presence of a microSD card, these cameras record videos of a fixed duration and save them in the cloud, accessible in the app's "Library" section.
With a microSD card inserted, plug-in cameras can record continuously, storing the footage directly onto the microSD card. Since these cameras are constantly powered, they can record all the time without power-related concerns.
If you're unsure about your device's ability to record continuously, we're here to help. Reach out to us with your device's serial number (S/N), and we'll help verify its recording capabilities. Remember, we aim to provide the assistance needed to help you leverage your device's potential, no matter what your surveillance needs may be.