Enable pre-trigger recordings for a video device

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Pre-trigger recordings can help provide context for saved video clips by saving approximately 15-30 seconds of footage preceding the trigger event. The actual amount of time depends largely on the complexity of the environment being recorded and the type of recording rule configured for the video device.

Pre-trigger recordings can be overridden by other rules.

Most Alarm.com video devices support pre-trigger recording. The only exception is the SkyBell Doorbell Camera.

To enable pre-trigger recordings for a video device:

Note: Pre-trigger recording is enabled by default for video devices that support it. All alarm-triggered recordings include pre-trigger footage even when the setting is disabled.

Log in to the Alarm.com customer website.
Click Video.
Click Settings.
Select the desired video device.
Click Video.
In Recorded Video Settings, click Clip Length Settings.
Click the Enable Pre-Trigger Recording toggle switch to configure the setting as desired.
Click Save.

Situations that override the pre-trigger recording setting

Video Analytics clips always contain pre-trigger footage even if Enable Pre-Trigger Recording is disabled. For more information about Video Analytics, see Configure a Video Analytics recording rule.
All alarm-triggered recordings include pre-trigger footage even if Enable Pre-Trigger Recording is disabled.