Your storage options depend on the equipment and services you have. This article describes the storage options and, if applicable, which Subscription Plan you need for storage.
- Subscription based Cloud Storage
- Clip backup on USB
- Local Storage on USB
- Existing Account Storage
To save clips without a subscription, use Local Storage on a Sync Module 2 with USB drive (sold separately).
I. Subscription based Cloud storage
Blink Subscription Plans safely store your motion clips and Live View sessions on Blink's cloud servers. You view Cloud based clips in the Blink app. Subscriptions are for all Blink cameras, but newer features are only available on newer devices. Devices considered eligible for subscription features are the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only), Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini camera. These cameras automatically begin using a free trial of the Blink Plus Plan when you first set them up.
You can purchase a Blink Subscription at any time, and cancel when you wish. When you cancel, you have the option to end your plan on your renewal date or now. If you cancel, your subscription plan will end immediately and you will be refunded for any unused portion of it. Your clips stay viewable in the Blink app until they are deleted either manually, or automatically when they reach 60 days old (30 days in the EU/UK). With a Blink Subscription plan you also have unlimited cloud video recording. For your security, all deletions from the cloud are immediate and permanent; deleted cloud files cannot be recovered.
II. Clip Backup on USB
This Subscription feature is only for eligible cameras which include the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only), Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini camera.
When you join a Sync Module 2 with recognized USB drive to an active Blink Subscription Plan, it begins a once-daily backup of unsaved eligible clips stored in the cloud.
Clip Backups can only be viewed on the USB drive after it is safely ejected from the Sync Module 2 and inserted into a PC. Lean more about how to use Clip Backup.
III. Local Storage on USB
No subscription is for Local Storage on a USB, and applies to eligible cameras only. These eligible cameras are the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only), Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini camera.
If a Sync Module 2 with a recognized USB drive is not attached to an active subscription, clips from eligible cameras connected to that Sync Module are saved to USB. .
Local Storage clips are viewed in the clip list of the Blink app. Find the clip list when you tap the media icon . Click to learn about Sync Module 2 Local Storage operation.
Live View sessions can only be saved with an active Blink Subscription Plan, and viewed in the Blink app.
IV. Existing Account Storage
Accounts that were created on or before April 15, 2020 continue to have the original 7200 seconds per Sync Module of cloud storage.
No storage option, Alerts and Live View only
Even without a Blink Subscription, or existing cloud storage, owners of Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only), Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), or Mini cameras receive Motion Alerts in the Blink app that you tap to enter the camera's Live View. No clips are saved, but you have two-way talk and video from the camera through the Blink app.
Live View sessions are never saved to USB, but you can save them to the cloud with a Blink Subscription.
Common Questions
How does the subscription plan work?
Blink Subscription Plans allow you to store all motion detection and live view recordings in the cloud. Clips stay viewable until they're manually deleted or automatically when 60 days old (30 days in the EU/UK). Learn more about Blink Subscription Plans!
Do I get a free trial of the subscription plan?
When you create a new account after April 15, 2020, and set up your Blink Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only), Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (2nd Generation), or Mini camera, you automatically begin a free trial of the Blink Plus Plan subscription.
What does the subscription plan include?
Your subscription plan lets you save motion clips and Live View sessions on our secure servers then access them from the Blink mobile app. Additional camera features and extended warranty (US and Canada only) are also provided. Learn more here about our subscription plan offerings and additional benefits.
What if I don’t want to subscribe to the subscription plan or use Local Storage?
Without a subscription plan or free trial, your Blink system can only send motion alerts that connect you to that camera's Live View in the Blink App. Accounts that were created before April 15, 2020, can use their existing cloud storage as normal with newer cameras, but some features are only available with a subscription (or trial subscription).
How does Local Storage work?
The Blink Sync Module 2 can accept a USB flash drive (sized 1GB to 256 GB, sold separately) to store clips from eligible cameras in one of two ways. Eligible cameras are Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only), Indoor (gen 2), Outdoor, Mini, and Video Doorbell.
- With Subscription - a once-daily backup of eligible clips in cloud storage. Clip backups do not appear in the Blink app.
- No Subscription - Motion Clips are stored to USB from eligible cameras on the system, and shown in the Blink app.
You must safely eject your USB drive from the Sync Module 2 to view the clips on your computer.
Click to visit the Blink USB drive purchase page at Amazon.com.
Are my older cameras compatible with Local Storage?
Clips from legacy cameras, the XT2, XT, and Indoor (gen 1), are not stored on your USB drive.
Local Storage (including clip backup) with the Sync Module 2 is only compatible with Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only), Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini cameras.