Security devices, like Blink cameras, have many features designed to keep homeowners safe and secure. But what are the options for storing and viewing your recorded footage with Blink, and how do they work?Blink offers cloud-based storage with its servers, as well as some local storage options (depending on which model you use). Whether you’re looking for a paid cloud subscription or a free alternative, Blink has you covered.Devices like Blink security cameras can record high quality, HD video footage viewable directly on your mobile device. However, with improved quality comes the need for more storage space. In this article, we’ll examine what your options are for Blink camera storage.

Depending on your system and usage, your storage needs could vary. Blink cameras can store both motion clips and Live View sessions in their cloud servers, provided you have an active subscription. Additionally, new Blink cameras come packaged with a free trial of the Blink Subscription plans.

Note: Blink accounts created before April 15, 2020, can continue to have access to their original basic cloud storage. However, newer features are only currently supported with the additional subscription plans.

Blink owners that subscribe to the optional cloud plans have access to more features than just storage. Blink subscription services allow users to store video recording and photo captures for up to 60 days.

Users can opt for the Free Plan, a Basic Plan, or the Plus Plan. Though the free plan is compatible with local video storage with certain models, you will need to upgrade to the Basic or Plus plan to take advantage of clip storage and sharing.

To get a better understanding of Blink’s storage policy, let’s compare the available Blink camera models:

Depending on your device model, it may be worth investing in a paid subscription plan, thus alleviating storage concerns.

Now that we have a better idea of some of the paid, cloud-based options, let’s look at options for storing footage locally with Blink devices.

Local Storage Options

The Blink Sync Module 2 provides local storage options for Blink cameras. The module is also compatible with a removable USB storage drive, providing additional storage and the ability to backup data.

With local storage, users can view, download, and share stored videos directly through the Blink app. You can also plug the Sync Module’s USB flash drive into your computer to access your camera’s footage. Additionally, with the local storage functionality, no monthly fees or subscriptions are required.

Let’s look at some of the storage options available with the Sync Module 2:

  • Compatible with USB Storage Devices up to 256 GB: The Sync Module 2 recognizes USB storage devices up to 256 GB. When you first insert the storage device, your module will verify compatibility (It will automatically ask permission if the storage device needs to be reformatted). However, if the USB device is larger than 256 GB, only the maximum 256GB will be used by your Sync Module 2.Automatic Backup: In addition to being able to back up footage on your computer manually, the Sync Module 2 will automatically back up new clips on the USB storage device once every 24 hours.

It is worth mentioning that video footage viewable in the associated Blink app is independent of clips stored on the removable USB device. In other words, if you delete footage from the USB storage on your PC, you will not affect any data stored in the app. The reverse scenario is also true; footage backed up to the USB drive won’t be affected by deleting clips from the app.

Note: If you hit your cloud storage limit, your Blink camera will automatically overwrite your oldest footage with new recordings. Read this article to learn more.  

In Summary

When it comes to smart home security monitoring, storing, and accessing recorded footage is becoming a requirement. Blink offers users the ability to locally store footage on some models or opt for a paid subscription cloud-based storage plan. The additional features included with the Basic and Plus plans are strong selling points for many Blink owners.