Use this article for understanding how the Sync Module 2 works with Local Storage.
What is local storage?
Video clips are stored locally using the Sync Module 2's USB port with a compatible USB flash drive. Once the Sync Module is added to your Blink account and you've carefully inserted the USB drive into it, clips recorded by all cameras within that Sync Module's system are saved to this drive.
The Sync Module 2 will use the USB drive in one of two ways:
- Local Storage - If you are not subscribing to a Blink Subscription Plan or trial, motion clips are saved to the USB drive and it is used as a local storage device. These motion clips are viewable from the Blink app. For details on how to delete clips from local storage, visit How do I delete Motion Clips?
- Clip Backup - If you are subscribing to a Blink Plan or have a trial, motion clips are backed up to the USB drive every 24 hours from the moment it was plugged in. These clips are known as backup clips and are not viewable in the Blink app. Learn more about how to view backup clips.
Note: Legacy Blink cameras XT, XT2, and Indoor (1st Gen) cannot make use of Local Storage or Clip Backup with a Sync Module and USB flash drive. However, these cameras continue to receive 7200 seconds of cloud storage. When these cameras reach their 7,200 second limit, the oldest clips are deleted as new ones are stored in the cloud.
USB drive requirements
- Any type-A, self-powered USB flash drive formatted to ExFAT (preferred), FAT32, or FAT
- The Blink app can reformat the drive when it is first inserted into the Sync Module 2.
- Minimum storage size: 1 GB
- Maximum storage size: 256 GB
- Over 375 MB of free space available
Learn more about USB requirements and formatting.
DeleteFind your Local Storage clips
Using the Storage menu
The Storage menu is found above the bottom navbar of your Clip List. Tap this menu to switch the Clip List for a specific storage location.
- If you have multiple storage locations available, an arrow
appears next to Storage menu. - If the arrow does not appear, you have a single storage location.
Clip backup with a Blink Subscription Plan
Local storage is used differently depending on whether you have a Blink Subscription Plan, or not. See the following scenarios for a Sync Module 2 equipped with local storage.
I have a 30-day trial
Using a USB storage device with a Blink Plus Plan trial
- When you set up a new device for the first time, a Blink camera will begin its 30-day trial to Blink Plus.
- Your clips will then automatically save to the cloud with no extra steps. Learn more about Blink Subscription Plans.
- If you have a USB flash drive installed into your Sync Module 2, it is used to back up your Cloud storage clips every day.
- Backup clips cannot be viewed or removed from the USB flash drive within the app. Learn more about how to view backup clips.
I am subscribing to a Blink Subscription Plan
Using a USB storage device with a Blink Subscription Plan
- If you either begin or continue to subscribe to one of the Blink subscription plans, your Blink clips are automatically saved to the Cloud, with no extra steps.
- If you were previously on a 30-day trial, all of your clips will remain in the Clips tab. Learn more about Blink Subscription Plans.
- If you have a USB flash drive installed into your Sync Module 2, it is used to back up your Cloud storage clips every day.
- Backup clips cannot be viewed or removed from the USB flash drive within the app. Learn more about how to view backup clips.
Local Storage without a Blink Subscription Plan
I do not have a Blink Subscription Plan or free trial
Using a USB storage device without a Blink subscription or trial
- If you are not subscribing to a Blink Subscription Plan or trial, motion clips are saved to the USB drive and it is used as a local storage device.
- Local storage starts automatically and saves motion clips to the drive. No extra steps are needed.
- Clip backup is an exclusive feature of a Blink Subscription plan and not used with Local Storage.