As a homeowner, one of the most significant investments you can make is in a home security system. Among the various options available, Ring cameras have gained immense popularity due to their ease of use, affordability, and advanced features. One of the most sought-after features of Ring cameras is the ability to record 24/7. However, this feature is not enabled by default, and many users are unsure about how to activate it. In this article, we will delve into the world of Ring cameras and explore the steps required to unlock 24/7 recording.
Understanding Ring Camera Recording Options
Before we dive into the process of enabling 24/7 recording, it’s essential to understand the different recording options available on Ring cameras. By default, Ring cameras are set to record motion-based events, which means they only record when motion is detected. This feature is designed to conserve battery life and reduce unnecessary recordings. However, this feature may not be sufficient for users who want to record continuously.
Ring cameras offer two primary recording options:
- Motion-Based Recording: This is the default recording option, where the camera records only when motion is detected.
- Continuous Recording: This option allows the camera to record continuously, 24/7, without any interruptions.
Requirements for 24/7 Recording
To enable 24/7 recording on your Ring camera, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Ring Protect Plan: You’ll need to subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan, which offers additional features, including 24/7 recording.
- Wired Power: Your Ring camera must be connected to a power source using a wired connection. Battery-powered cameras do not support 24/7 recording.
- Sufficient Storage: You’ll need to ensure that your Ring camera has sufficient storage capacity to store the recorded footage.
Enabling 24/7 Recording on Your Ring Camera
Now that we’ve covered the requirements, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of enabling 24/7 recording on your Ring camera.
Step 1: Subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan
To enable 24/7 recording, you’ll need to subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan. You can do this by following these steps:
- Open the Ring app and navigate to the “Account” section.
- Click on “Ring Protect” and select the plan that suits your needs.
- Follow the prompts to complete the subscription process.
Step 2: Connect Your Ring Camera to a Wired Power Source
To enable 24/7 recording, your Ring camera must be connected to a wired power source. You can do this by following these steps:
- Locate the power cord that came with your Ring camera.
- Connect the power cord to a nearby power outlet.
- Ensure that the power cord is securely connected to the camera.
Step 3: Configure Your Ring Camera Settings
Once you’ve subscribed to a Ring Protect Plan and connected your camera to a wired power source, you can configure your camera settings to enable 24/7 recording. You can do this by following these steps:
- Open the Ring app and navigate to the “Devices” section.
- Select the camera you want to enable 24/7 recording for.
- Click on “Camera Settings” and select “Recording Settings.”
- Toggle the switch next to “24/7 Recording” to enable it.
Managing Your Recorded Footage
Once you’ve enabled 24/7 recording, you’ll need to manage your recorded footage to ensure that it doesn’t consume too much storage space. Here are a few tips to help you manage your recorded footage:
- Set a Recording Schedule: You can set a recording schedule to determine when your camera records and when it doesn’t. This feature is useful if you want to record only during specific hours of the day.
- Adjust Your Video Quality: You can adjust your video quality to reduce the file size of your recorded footage. This feature is useful if you want to conserve storage space.
- Delete Unnecessary Footage: You can delete unnecessary footage to free up storage space. You can do this by navigating to the “Recorded Footage” section of the Ring app and selecting the footage you want to delete.
Benefits of 24/7 Recording
Enabling 24/7 recording on your Ring camera offers several benefits, including:
- Increased Security: 24/7 recording provides an additional layer of security, allowing you to monitor your home continuously.
- Improved Evidence: 24/7 recording provides a continuous record of events, which can be useful in case of a security breach or other incident.
- Enhanced Peace of Mind: 24/7 recording provides peace of mind, allowing you to monitor your home remotely and respond to any incidents promptly.
Conclusion
Enabling 24/7 recording on your Ring camera is a straightforward process that requires a Ring Protect Plan, a wired power connection, and sufficient storage capacity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can unlock 24/7 recording on your Ring camera and enjoy the benefits of continuous recording. Remember to manage your recorded footage regularly to ensure that it doesn’t consume too much storage space. With 24/7 recording, you can enjoy increased security, improved evidence, and enhanced peace of mind.
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.