In the world of home security, Blink is a household name. With its affordable prices and sleek designs, it’s no wonder why millions of homeowners rely on Blink to keep their properties safe. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of using Blink is the subscription requirement for cloud storage. But what if you want to record Blink without breaking the bank or committing to a monthly fee? Is it possible?
Understanding Blink’s Subscription Model
Before we dive into the ways to record Blink without a subscription, it’s essential to understand how the company’s subscription model works. Blink offers two subscription plans: Blink Plus and Blink Premium.
The Blink Plus plan costs $3 per month per camera and offers 60 days of cloud storage, motion detection alerts, and live view. The Blink Premium plan, on the other hand, costs $10 per month per camera and includes everything in the Plus plan, plus additional features like extended warranty, priority support, and enhanced motion detection.
While these plans might seem affordable, they can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple cameras. Moreover, if you’re on a tight budget or only need to record for a short period, committing to a monthly subscription might not be the most cost-effective option.
Method 1: Local Storage with a microSD Card
One way to record Blink without a subscription is by using a microSD card for local storage. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any additional software or hardware.
How to Set Up Local Storage on Blink
To set up local storage on your Blink camera, follow these steps:
- Insert a compatible microSD card into the camera’s microSD slot.
- Go to the Blink app and navigate to the camera’s settings.
- Tap on “Storage” and select “Local Storage” as the storage option.
- Choose the microSD card as the storage location.
By using a microSD card, you can store up to 256 GB of footage locally on the camera. This means you can record for an extended period without worrying about cloud storage fees.
Method 2: Third-Party Recording Software
Another way to record Blink without a subscription is by using third-party recording software. These programs can capture footage from your Blink camera and save it to your computer or NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device.
Popular Third-Party Recording Software
Here are some popular third-party recording software that support Blink cameras:
- Blue Iris: A popular security software that supports over 500 camera models, including Blink. It offers features like motion detection, alerts, and scheduling.
- iSpy: A free, open-source security software that supports Blink cameras. It offers features like motion detection, alerts, and remote access.
- Zoneminder: A free, open-source security software that supports Blink cameras. It offers features like motion detection, alerts, and scheduling.
How to Set Up Third-Party Recording Software
To set up third-party recording software, follow these general steps:
- Download and install the software on your computer or NAS device.
- Add your Blink camera to the software by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Configure the software to capture footage from your Blink camera.
- Set up motion detection, alerts, and scheduling according to your needs.
Keep in mind that third-party recording software might require some technical expertise, and not all software is compatible with Blink cameras.
Method 3: DIY NAS Solution
If you’re comfortable with DIY projects, you can create a NAS solution to record Blink footage without a subscription.
What You’ll Need
- A NAS device (e.g., Synology or QNAP)
- A compatible hard drive or SSD
- A Blink camera
- Ethernet cables
How to Set Up a DIY NAS Solution
To set up a DIY NAS solution, follow these general steps:
- Connect your NAS device to your router using an Ethernet cable.
- Install a compatible hard drive or SSD into the NAS device.
- Configure the NAS device to support your Blink camera.
- Set up motion detection, alerts, and scheduling according to your needs.
This method requires some technical expertise and investment in hardware, but it offers a cost-effective and customizable solution for recording Blink footage.
Method 4: FTP Server
Another way to record Blink without a subscription is by using an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server. This method involves setting up an FTP server on your computer or NAS device and configuring your Blink camera to upload footage to the server.
How to Set Up an FTP Server
To set up an FTP server, follow these general steps:
- Install an FTP server software (e.g., FileZilla) on your computer or NAS device.
- Configure the FTP server to allow access from your Blink camera.
- Set up your Blink camera to upload footage to the FTP server.
This method requires some technical expertise and might not be as user-friendly as other methods, but it offers a free and customizable solution for recording Blink footage.
Conclusion
Recording Blink without a subscription is possible, and there are several methods to choose from. Whether you prefer local storage, third-party recording software, a DIY NAS solution, or an FTP server, there’s an option that suits your needs and budget.
Remember to always check the compatibility of any third-party software or hardware with your Blink camera before investing. By choosing the right method, you can enjoy the benefits of Blink’s home security system without the added expense of a subscription.
What is Blink and how does it work?
Blink is a home security camera system that allows users to monitor their homes remotely through a mobile app. It’s a wireless, battery-powered camera that can be placed indoors or outdoors to provide a clear view of your property. The camera captures video and audio, which can be streamed live to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Blink cameras are motion-activated, meaning they only record when they detect movement in their field of view. This helps to conserve battery life and reduce the amount of unnecessary footage. The cameras can also be set to record continuously, but this will drain the battery faster. Blink cameras can be connected to Wi-Fi, allowing you to access your footage remotely and receive notifications when motion is detected.
Do I need a subscription to record with Blink?
Normally, yes, you would need a subscription to record with Blink. The subscription service, called Blink Plus, allows you to store your recorded videos in the cloud for a certain period of time. This means you can access your footage at any time, even if you’re not at home. Without a subscription, your Blink camera will only store a short clip of the motion event, and you won’t be able to access any additional footage.
However, there are some workarounds that allow you to record without a subscription. One method is to use a USB drive to store your footage locally. This way, you can access your recordings without relying on the cloud. Additionally, some third-party apps and devices can be used to record and store Blink footage without a subscription.
How do I record with Blink without a subscription?
To record with Blink without a subscription, you’ll need to use a USB drive to store your footage locally. Simply plug the USB drive into the back of your Blink camera, and it will start recording and storing your footage. You can then access your recordings by plugging the USB drive into your computer. Note that this method only works with Blink XT2 and Blink Outdoor cameras.
Another method is to use third-party apps and devices that can capture and store Blink footage without a subscription. These apps and devices can be connected to your Blink camera, allowing you to record and access your footage without relying on the cloud. Some popular options include camera browsers, NAS devices, and security software.
What are the benefits of recording without a subscription?
Recording without a subscription can be beneficial in several ways. Firstly, it can save you money on subscription fees. If you only need to record occasionally, or if you’re on a tight budget, using a USB drive or third-party app can be a cost-effective solution. Additionally, storing your footage locally can provide an added layer of security and privacy, as your recordings are not being stored on a third-party server.
Recording without a subscription can also provide more flexibility and control over your recordings. With a USB drive, you can access your footage at any time, and you’re not limited by cloud storage restrictions. You can also store your footage for as long as you want, without worrying about it being deleted after a certain period.
Are there any limitations to recording without a subscription?
Yes, there are some limitations to recording without a subscription. When using a USB drive, you’re limited by the storage capacity of the drive. If you have multiple cameras or need to store a large amount of footage, you may need to use multiple USB drives or replace them frequently. Additionally, accessing your footage can be more cumbersome, as you need to physically plug the USB drive into your computer.
Another limitation is that you won’t receive notifications or alerts when motion is detected, as this feature is typically tied to the cloud subscription. You’ll need to manually check your footage to see if any motion events have occurred. Additionally, some advanced features, such as object detection and alerts, may not be available when recording without a subscription.
Can I still access my Blink footage remotely without a subscription?
When recording without a subscription, you won’t be able to access your footage remotely through the Blink app, as this feature requires a cloud subscription. However, you can use third-party apps and devices that allow remote access to your footage. These apps and devices can be connected to your Blink camera and allow you to view your footage remotely, without the need for a subscription.
Some popular options include camera browsers, NAS devices, and security software. These solutions can provide remote access to your footage, as well as additional features such as motion detection and alerts. Keep in mind that you may need to set up port forwarding or other technical configurations to enable remote access.
Is recording without a subscription secure and private?
Recording without a subscription can provide an added layer of security and privacy, as your footage is not being stored on a third-party server. This means that you have full control over your recordings, and they’re not being shared with anyone else. When using a USB drive, your footage is stored locally, and you can keep it private by keeping the drive secure.
However, it’s still important to take additional measures to ensure the security and privacy of your footage. Make sure to use strong passwords, keep your cameras and devices up to date with the latest software, and use encryption to protect your footage. Additionally, be cautious when using third-party apps and devices, as some may have access to your footage or personal data.