Are Ring Cameras Always Recording?

One frequently asked question is whether Ring cameras are always recording. In this article, we aim to provide you with accurate information to help you make informed decisions about your home’s security.

Understanding Ring Camera Recording

Ring cameras do not record continuously; they are designed to record when they detect motion.

This feature ensures that the cameras capture relevant footage, minimizing unnecessary storage and preserving the battery life of the devices. 

However, you can opt for a Ring Protect Plan to enjoy continuous recording functionality.

The Role of Ring Protect Plan

By subscribing to a Ring Protect Plan, you unlock enhanced features for your Ring Camera. These plans enable your camera to record and store footage when detecting motion.

Your camera will also record and log activities like doorbell rings and live view sessions.

When setting up your Ring Camera, you are eligible for a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect. Following the trial period, you can continue subscribing for a monthly fee or utilize the camera’s free features.

Ring Protect Plans

Three Ring Protect Plans are available to cater to different needs and preferences: Ring Protect Basic, Ring Protect Plus, and Ring Protect Pro.

Ring Protect Basic

The Ring Protect Basic plan covers a single device and offers a range of valuable features. Although it does not provide 24/7 monitoring capability or backup internet during power outages, it is still an excellent option for those seeking basic protection.

Ring Protect Plus

The Ring Protect Plus plan offers unlimited device support and enhanced benefits for those seeking more extensive coverage.

While it does not include 24/7 monitoring or backup internet, it provides valuable features such as extended warranties and exclusive discounts on future Ring purchases.

Ring Protect Pro

The Ring Protect Pro plan encompasses all the benefits of the previous plans and goes a step further by offering 24/7 professional monitoring capability.

With this plan, your Ring Cameras and Ring alarm system can be monitored around the clock, providing additional security for your home or business.

Please keep in mind that Ring Protect plans are only valid for one address per subscription. You must purchase separate subscriptions for each address if you have multiple addresses, such as a business and a home.

Adjusting Ring Camera Recording Length

The default recording length of Ring cameras varies depending on the device. However, if your Ring camera is hardwired, you can adjust the recording length to your preference. The following Ring camera models can be hardwired:

• Ring Indoor Cam
• Ring Video Doorbell
• Ring Spotlight Cam Plus
• Ring Video Doorbell Elite
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus

To change the recording length of your hardwired Ring Camera, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Ring app on your device.
2. Tap on “Devices” in the main menu.
3. Select the camera you wish to modify.
4. Press “Device Settings.”
5. Choose “Video Settings.”
6. Tap on “Video Recording Length.”
7. Toggle “Auto” off and select your desired recording length, such as “120 seconds.”

Following these steps, you can ensure that your Ring camera records for the specified duration whenever motion is detected.

Enhancing Awareness with Ring Snapshot Capture

To stay informed about the activities captured by your Ring Camera throughout the day, we recommend enabling the Snapshot Capture feature in the Ring app.

This feature provides you with regular updates and snapshots of your camera’s Live View, even without a Ring Protect subscription.

To enable Snapshot Capture, please follow these steps:

1. Open the Ring app on your device.
2. Tap the menu icon in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Devices.”
4. Choose the camera from which you want to view snapshots.
5. Tap “Device Settings.”
6. Press “Snapshot Capture.”
7. Select your desired Snapshot Frequency, ideally choosing the highest frequency available.
8. Finally, tap “Save” in the upper-right corner to save your preferences.

Once you’ve enabled Snapshot Capture, you’ll have a history of your Ring Camera’s captured snapshots, providing valuable insights into your home’s activities.

Accessing Your Snapshot Capture History

When you wish to review the snapshots taken by your Ring Camera, follow these steps:

1. Open the Ring app on your device.
2. Select the camera for which you want to view snapshots.
3. Tap “Live View.”
4. Scroll to the left side of the app to view previously taken snapshots.

Please be aware that snapshots are saved to the cloud for seven days, after which they are automatically deleted.

Exploring Other Security Camera Options

While Ring cameras excel in their motion-based recording capabilities, other security cameras on the market offer continuous recording features. 

These cameras are suitable for both indoor and outdoor surveillance purposes.

Indoor Security Cameras

• Nest Cam IQ

• Eufy Indoor Cam 2K

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Outdoor Security Cameras

• Arlo Pro 3

• Eufy Solo OutdoorCam

• Arlo Ultra 2

• Eufy 2K Pro Wired Doorbell

These alternative options provide continuous recording functionality, catering to specific surveillance needs.

Troubleshooting Ring Camera Motion Detection

If your Ring camera or doorbell is not detecting motion as expected, you may encounter a few common issues. Some of the potential problems and troubleshooting steps include:

1. Motion alerts are disabled: Ensure that motion alerts are enabled in the Ring app settings.
2. Inadequate motion zones: Check if your motion zones are properly set up and cover the desired areas.
3. Connectivity issues: If your doorbell is offline, ensure it has a stable internet connection by checking your Wi-Fi settings.

By addressing these potential issues, you can ensure optimal motion detection functionality for your Ring camera.

Power and Wi-Fi Outages

In the event of a power or Wi-Fi outage, Ring cameras without a Ring Protect Pro Plan cannot record footage. 

However, subscribe to the Ring Protect Pro Plan, which includes cellular backup. Your devices will still be able to receive internet connectivity and record footage during such outages, ensuring continuous security coverage.

Monitoring Recording Status and Notifications

As a Ring Camera owner, you can access valuable tools within the Ring app that allow you to monitor recording activities and stay informed about your camera’s status. 

The app displays a red indicator light on Ring doorbells to indicate recording. You can also receive push notifications on your mobile device whenever your Ring Camera starts recording. 

Ring cameras also have a Motion Warning feature that alerts visitors that their actions are being recorded. Although this feature is, by default, enabled, you can change its settings to suit your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ring cameras do not record continuously by default. However, subscribing to a Ring Protect Plan will unlock enhanced recording features and capabilities.

Adjusting the recording length of your hardwired Ring Camera and enabling Snapshot Capture in the Ring app are additional ways to maximize your Ring Camera experience.

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