As a homeowner, one of the most significant investments you can make is in a home security system. With the rise of smart doorbells and security cameras, it’s easier than ever to keep an eye on your property and loved ones. Ring cameras, in particular, have become a popular choice for many homeowners due to their ease of use, affordability, and advanced features. However, one question that often arises is: how long do Ring cameras keep footage? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Ring camera footage storage, exploring the different factors that affect video retention, the various plans available, and some tips on how to manage your footage effectively.
Understanding Ring Camera Footage Storage
Ring cameras are designed to provide you with a sense of security and peace of mind. They allow you to monitor your property remotely, receive motion alerts, and even communicate with visitors through two-way audio. However, the footage captured by these cameras is only useful if it’s stored for a sufficient amount of time. This is where Ring’s footage storage plans come into play.
Ring offers two main plans: the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan. The Basic Plan is free and comes with all Ring devices, while the Plus Plan requires a subscription. The key difference between the two plans is the length of time that footage is stored.
Basic Plan: Free Footage Storage for 30 Days
The Basic Plan is a great starting point for those who want to try out Ring’s features without committing to a subscription. With this plan, you’ll get free footage storage for 30 days. This means that any videos captured by your Ring camera will be stored in the cloud for 30 days, allowing you to review and share them as needed.
However, it’s essential to note that the Basic Plan has some limitations. For example, you can only store footage from one camera, and you won’t have access to advanced features like person detection or motion zones.
Plus Plan: Extended Footage Storage for 60 Days
The Plus Plan is designed for those who want more advanced features and longer footage storage. With this plan, you’ll get extended footage storage for 60 days, allowing you to review and share videos for a longer period. Additionally, you’ll get access to features like person detection, motion zones, and the ability to store footage from multiple cameras.
The Plus Plan requires a subscription, which costs $3 per month or $30 per year. While this may seem like an additional expense, it’s a small price to pay for the added security and peace of mind that comes with extended footage storage.
Factors That Affect Ring Camera Footage Storage
While Ring’s footage storage plans provide a general guideline for how long your videos will be stored, there are several factors that can affect the actual retention period. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Camera Settings
Your camera settings can significantly impact footage storage. For example, if you have your camera set to record continuously, you’ll use up more storage space than if you have it set to record only when motion is detected. Additionally, if you have a high-resolution camera, you’ll use up more storage space than if you have a lower-resolution camera.
Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is essential for uploading footage to the cloud. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, it may take longer for your footage to upload, which can affect the retention period.
Cloud Storage Space
Ring provides a certain amount of cloud storage space for each plan. If you exceed this space, you may need to upgrade your plan or delete some of your footage to free up space.
Managing Your Ring Camera Footage Effectively
Managing your Ring camera footage effectively is crucial to getting the most out of your device. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your footage:
Regularly Review Your Footage
Regularly reviewing your footage can help you identify any potential security issues and ensure that your camera is working correctly. You can review your footage through the Ring app, which allows you to watch live video, view recorded videos, and even share videos with others.
Delete Unnecessary Footage
Deleting unnecessary footage can help free up storage space and ensure that you don’t exceed your cloud storage limit. You can delete footage through the Ring app, which allows you to select specific videos or delete all footage from a particular date range.
Upgrade Your Plan
If you find that you need more storage space or advanced features, you may want to consider upgrading your plan. Ring offers a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets, so you’re sure to find one that meets your requirements.
Conclusion
Ring cameras are a popular choice for homeowners due to their ease of use, affordability, and advanced features. However, one question that often arises is: how long do Ring cameras keep footage? In this article, we’ve explored the different factors that affect video retention, the various plans available, and some tips on how to manage your footage effectively.
By understanding how Ring camera footage storage works, you can make the most of your device and enjoy added security and peace of mind. Whether you opt for the Basic Plan or the Plus Plan, you can rest assured that your footage will be stored safely in the cloud, allowing you to review and share it as needed.
| Plan | Footage Storage Period | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | 30 days | Free |
| Plus Plan | 60 days | $3 per month or $30 per year |
By choosing the right plan and managing your footage effectively, you can enjoy the benefits of Ring camera footage storage and keep your home and loved ones safe.
How long does Ring store my camera footage?
Ring stores your camera footage for a certain period, depending on your subscription plan. If you have a free plan, your videos are stored for 30 days. However, if you have a paid plan, such as the Ring Protect Basic or Plus plan, your videos are stored for 60 days. It’s essential to note that these storage periods apply to all Ring devices, including doorbells, security cameras, and stick-up cams.
It’s also worth mentioning that you can download and save your videos locally before they are deleted from Ring’s servers. This way, you can keep your footage for as long as you want, even after the storage period has expired. To download your videos, simply go to the Ring app, select the video you want to save, and choose the “Download” option.
Can I extend the storage period for my Ring camera footage?
Yes, you can extend the storage period for your Ring camera footage by upgrading to a paid subscription plan. As mentioned earlier, the Ring Protect Basic and Plus plans offer 60 days of video storage, which is double the storage period of the free plan. Additionally, you can also consider purchasing a microSD card for your Ring device, which allows you to store videos locally on the device.
By using a microSD card, you can store videos for as long as the card has available storage space. This way, you can keep your footage for an extended period without relying on Ring’s cloud storage. However, keep in mind that using a microSD card requires you to physically remove the card from the device and transfer the videos to your computer or other storage device.
How do I access my stored Ring camera footage?
To access your stored Ring camera footage, simply open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. From there, navigate to the “History” or “Library” section, where you’ll find a list of all your recorded videos. You can browse through the list and select the video you want to watch.
Once you’ve selected a video, you can play it back, download it, or share it with others. You can also use the Ring app to filter your videos by date, time, or device, making it easier to find specific footage. Additionally, you can also access your stored footage from the Ring website by logging into your account and navigating to the “Video” section.
Can I share my Ring camera footage with others?
Yes, you can share your Ring camera footage with others. To do this, open the Ring app and select the video you want to share. From there, choose the “Share” option, which will allow you to send the video to others via email, text message, or social media.
When sharing your footage, you can choose to share the entire video or a specific clip. You can also add a message or description to the video, which can be helpful when sharing footage with law enforcement or insurance companies. Additionally, you can also share your footage with neighbors or community groups through the Ring Neighbors app.
How do I delete my stored Ring camera footage?
To delete your stored Ring camera footage, open the Ring app and navigate to the “History” or “Library” section. From there, select the video you want to delete and choose the “Delete” option. You can also delete multiple videos at once by selecting them and choosing the “Delete” option.
When you delete a video, it will be permanently removed from Ring’s servers and will no longer be accessible. However, if you’ve downloaded or shared the video previously, it may still exist on your local device or with others who have received the video. It’s essential to note that deleting footage is permanent and cannot be undone.
Is my Ring camera footage secure and private?
Yes, Ring takes the security and privacy of your camera footage seriously. All videos are encrypted and stored on secure servers, which are protected by robust security measures. Additionally, Ring has implemented various measures to prevent unauthorized access to your footage, including two-factor authentication and secure login protocols.
Ring also allows you to control who can access your footage, including the ability to share videos with specific individuals or groups. You can also set up custom permissions and access controls, which enable you to restrict access to certain features or devices. Furthermore, Ring complies with various data protection regulations, including GDPR and CCPA, to ensure that your footage is handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Can I use my Ring camera footage as evidence in court?
Yes, you can use your Ring camera footage as evidence in court, but it’s essential to follow the proper procedures to ensure its admissibility. First, make sure to download and save the footage locally, as Ring’s cloud storage may not be considered a reliable source of evidence.
When submitting your footage as evidence, it’s crucial to provide context and authentication, including information about the device, location, and time of recording. You may also need to provide testimony or certification to verify the authenticity of the footage. It’s recommended to consult with law enforcement or a legal professional to ensure that your footage is properly handled and presented as evidence.