Reolink cameras and NVRs support two primary recording schedule modes: Timer Recording and Alarm Recording. Understanding the differences between these modes will help you choose the right recording strategy for your surveillance needs and optimize your storage usage.

Applies to: Which Reolink Devices Support Timer and Alarm Recording

Overview of Reolink Timer Recording vs. Alarm Recording

  Timer Recording Alarm Recording
Also known as Continuous Recording Motion Recording
How it works Records continuously without stopping Records only when motion or a smart detection event is detected
Missed events None — captures everything May miss events outside detection range or tiny unrecognized movements
Storage consumption High — fills storage quickly Low — only event-triggered clips are saved
Best for Areas requiring full documentation (entry points, cash registers, etc.) Locations where event-based monitoring is sufficient
Can combine with Alarm? Yes Yes

How to Set Up Reolink Timer Recording And Alarm Recording

If you would like to configure Timer Recording or Alarm Recording, refer to How to Set Up Record Schedule for Reolink Cameras. That article provides detailed setup instructions, while this guide focuses on explaining the differences, advantages, and recommended use cases of each recording mode.

Note: On NVRs and the Reolink Client, the schedule interface uses Timer and Alarm as tab names. On the Reolink App, you'll see Continuous Recording Schedule and Motion Recording Schedule instead. These refer to the same modes.

FAQs

You may have some questions about timer recording and alarm recording while setting them up. The FAQs below provide detailed explanations and answers.

  • How do I know if recording is working, and where can I view the recordings?

    You can check the Playback page after setting up the recording schedule. If recording is working properly, recorded videos will appear on the timeline and thumbnails. You can access recordings from Reolink App, Reolink Client, NVR Playback, and Web browser. If you want to playback the recordings, refer to How to Playback Recordings.

  • Will Timer Recording and Alarm Recording conflict?

    No. They serve different purposes and can work together on supported devices.

  • Can timer recording and alarm recording be enabled at the same time?

    Yes. On supported devices, Timer Recording and Alarm Recording can work together. For example, you can set Timer Recording to run 24/7 as a baseline, while Alarm Recording adds detection types to make playback search easier.

  • Can I enable only alarm recording without timer recording?

    Yes. On supported devices, Alarm Recording can work independently. If Alarm Recording cannot be enabled alone, check your Record Schedule settings.

  • Why are there no video recordings saved to microSD card even though settings are enabled?

    It may be related to the microSD card status, recording settings, or network conditions. Follow this troubleshooting guide--No Recording Saved to microSD Card – Troubleshooting Guide. It will help you quickly identify the root cause and restore normal recording.

Timer Recording and Alarm Recording serve different purposes. Choose Timer Recording when you need complete video coverage and do not want to miss any activity. Choose Alarm Recording when you want to save storage space and focus on important events.

For many users, combining continuous recording with event detection provides the best balance between comprehensive monitoring and efficient playback management.

Related Articles

Introduction to Pre-Motion Record

How to Set up Record Schedule for Reolink Battery-powered Cameras

Reolink NVR Not Recording

Reolink Camera Playback Not Working

SD Card Format Failed on Reolink Device

If you have any questions, click “Submit a request” below to contact the Reolink Support Team.