Blink cameras have become a popular choice for home security due to their affordability, ease of use, and wireless design. However, one question that often arises among potential buyers is whether they can use their Blink cameras without a subscription. In this article, we will delve into the details of Blink’s subscription plans, the features you can access without a subscription, and the limitations you may face.
Understanding Blink’s Subscription Plans
Blink offers two main subscription plans: the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan. The Basic Plan is free, while the Plus Plan requires a monthly or yearly fee. Here’s a brief overview of what each plan offers:
Basic Plan (Free)
The Basic Plan is free and includes the following features:
- Live view: You can access live footage from your Blink cameras at any time.
- Motion detection: Your cameras will detect motion and send notifications to your phone or email.
- Video recording: Your cameras will record video clips when motion is detected.
- Cloud storage: Your video clips will be stored in the cloud for a limited time (more on this later).
Plus Plan (Paid)
The Plus Plan requires a monthly or yearly fee and includes the following additional features:
- Extended cloud storage: Your video clips will be stored in the cloud for a longer period.
- Unlimited cameras: You can connect multiple Blink cameras to your account without any additional fees.
- Person detection: Your cameras will detect people and send notifications to your phone or email.
Using Blink Cameras Without a Subscription
So, can you use your Blink cameras without a subscription? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. With the Basic Plan, you can access live footage, motion detection, video recording, and cloud storage. However, there are some limitations to consider:
Cloud Storage Limitations
Without a Plus Plan subscription, your video clips will be stored in the cloud for a limited time. The exact duration varies depending on your location:
- In the US, video clips are stored for 60 days.
- In the EU, video clips are stored for 30 days.
- In other regions, video clips are stored for 60 days.
If you don’t download or save your video clips within this timeframe, they will be deleted automatically.
No Person Detection
Without a Plus Plan subscription, your cameras will not detect people. This means you won’t receive notifications when a person is detected, and you’ll need to manually review your footage to identify any suspicious activity.
No Extended Cloud Storage
Without a Plus Plan subscription, your video clips will not be stored in the cloud for an extended period. This means you’ll need to download or save your video clips regularly to avoid losing them.
Alternatives to Cloud Storage
If you don’t want to pay for a Plus Plan subscription, there are alternative storage options available:
Local Storage
You can store your video clips locally on a USB drive or a NAS device. This requires a one-time purchase of a storage device, but it eliminates the need for a subscription.
Third-Party Cloud Storage
You can also use third-party cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3. These services often offer free storage options or affordable paid plans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can use your Blink cameras without a subscription, but with some limitations. The Basic Plan offers live view, motion detection, video recording, and cloud storage, but with limited cloud storage duration and no person detection. If you want extended cloud storage, person detection, and unlimited cameras, you’ll need to upgrade to the Plus Plan. Alternatively, you can explore local storage options or third-party cloud storage services to store your video clips.
| Feature | Basic Plan (Free) | Plus Plan (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Live View | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Video Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | Limited (60 days in the US, 30 days in the EU) | Extended ( varies depending on the plan) |
| Person Detection | No | Yes |
| Unlimited Cameras | No | Yes |
By understanding the features and limitations of Blink’s subscription plans, you can make an informed decision about whether to use your Blink cameras with or without a subscription.
Can I use my Blink cameras without a subscription?
You can use your Blink cameras without a subscription, but you’ll be limited to live viewing and motion alerts. You won’t have access to cloud storage for recorded clips, and you’ll only be able to store a limited number of clips locally on the camera’s internal storage. This means that if you want to review footage from a specific event, you’ll need to do so promptly before the clips are overwritten.
However, if you’re looking for a basic security solution and don’t need to store a lot of footage, using your Blink cameras without a subscription might be sufficient. You’ll still be able to receive motion alerts and view live footage, which can be useful for monitoring your home or business in real-time.
What features do I get with a Blink subscription?
A Blink subscription provides access to cloud storage for recorded clips, which means you can store and review footage from your cameras for a longer period. The exact length of time will depend on the subscription plan you choose, but it can range from 60 days to a full year. You’ll also get additional features like extended warranty, enhanced motion detection, and the ability to share clips with others.
With a Blink subscription, you’ll also get access to more advanced features like person detection, which can help reduce false alerts. Additionally, you’ll be able to customize your motion detection settings and receive alerts only when motion is detected in specific areas of the camera’s field of view.
How much does a Blink subscription cost?
The cost of a Blink subscription varies depending on the plan you choose. The Basic plan starts at $3 per month per camera, while the Plus plan starts at $10 per month for a single camera or $15 per month for multiple cameras. The Premium plan, which offers the most features and longest storage period, starts at $15 per month for a single camera or $20 per month for multiple cameras.
It’s worth noting that Blink often offers discounts for annual payments, so if you’re planning to use the subscription service for an extended period, it might be more cost-effective to pay upfront for a year.
Can I use my Blink cameras with other smart home devices?
Yes, Blink cameras are compatible with other smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can use voice commands to view live footage, arm and disarm your cameras, and receive motion alerts. You can also integrate your Blink cameras with other smart home devices, such as doorbells and thermostats, to create a more comprehensive smart home system.
To integrate your Blink cameras with other smart home devices, you’ll need to use the Blink app or the app of the device you’re trying to integrate with. The process is usually straightforward, and you can find instructions in the Blink app or online support resources.
Do I need a Blink subscription to use the Blink app?
No, you don’t need a Blink subscription to use the Blink app. The app is free to download and use, and you can use it to view live footage, receive motion alerts, and customize your camera settings without a subscription. However, if you want to access cloud storage or use advanced features like person detection, you’ll need to subscribe to a Blink plan.
The Blink app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it’s designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. You can use the app to monitor your cameras remotely, receive notifications, and adjust your camera settings to suit your needs.
Can I use my Blink cameras with a third-party storage solution?
Yes, you can use your Blink cameras with a third-party storage solution, such as a NAS drive or a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This can be a cost-effective alternative to a Blink subscription, especially if you already have a storage solution in place.
However, keep in mind that using a third-party storage solution may require more technical expertise, and you’ll need to ensure that your storage solution is compatible with your Blink cameras. You may also need to configure your cameras to upload footage to the third-party storage solution, which can be a bit more complicated than using the Blink cloud storage.
What happens to my recorded clips if I cancel my Blink subscription?
If you cancel your Blink subscription, you’ll no longer have access to cloud storage for your recorded clips. Any clips that are stored in the cloud will be deleted after a certain period, which varies depending on the subscription plan you had. If you want to keep your recorded clips, you’ll need to download them to a local storage device before canceling your subscription.
It’s worth noting that if you cancel your subscription, you can still use your Blink cameras for live viewing and motion alerts. You just won’t have access to cloud storage or advanced features like person detection.