The Arlo camera is a popular choice for home security, offering a range of features such as motion detection, night vision, and weather resistance. However, one of the drawbacks of using an Arlo camera is the need for a subscription to access some of its features. In this article, we will explore how to use an Arlo camera without a subscription, and what features you can still access without paying a monthly fee.
Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Model
Before we dive into how to use an Arlo camera without a subscription, it’s essential to understand Arlo’s subscription model. Arlo offers two main plans: the Basic plan and the Premier plan. The Basic plan is free and allows you to store up to 7 days of cloud recordings, while the Premier plan costs $2.99 per month and offers 30 days of cloud storage.
Features Available Without a Subscription
While a subscription is required to access some of Arlo’s features, there are still several features you can use without paying a monthly fee. These include:
- Live streaming: You can still stream live footage from your Arlo camera to your smartphone or tablet without a subscription.
- Motion detection: Arlo cameras can detect motion and send notifications to your device, even without a subscription.
- Local storage: You can store footage locally on a USB drive or microSD card, eliminating the need for cloud storage.
Using Arlo Camera Without a Subscription: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to use your Arlo camera without a subscription, follow these steps:
Step 1: Set Up Your Arlo Camera
Before you can start using your Arlo camera without a subscription, you need to set it up. To do this:
- Download the Arlo app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Create an Arlo account or log in to an existing one.
- Follow the in-app instructions to set up your Arlo camera.
Step 2: Enable Local Storage
To store footage locally on your Arlo camera, you need to enable local storage. To do this:
- Open the Arlo app and go to Settings.
- Select “Storage” and then “Local Storage.”
- Insert a USB drive or microSD card into your Arlo camera.
- Format the storage device using the Arlo app.
Step 3: Configure Motion Detection
Motion detection is a key feature of the Arlo camera, and you can still use it without a subscription. To configure motion detection:
- Open the Arlo app and go to Settings.
- Select “Motion Detection” and then “Sensitivity.”
- Adjust the sensitivity settings to your liking.
- Set up notifications to alert you when motion is detected.
Alternatives to Arlo’s Cloud Storage
If you don’t want to pay for Arlo’s cloud storage, there are several alternatives you can use. These include:
- Local storage: As mentioned earlier, you can store footage locally on a USB drive or microSD card.
- Third-party cloud storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive offer cloud storage that you can use with your Arlo camera.
- NAS devices: Network-attached storage (NAS) devices can provide a local storage solution for your Arlo camera footage.
Using Third-Party Cloud Storage with Arlo
If you want to use third-party cloud storage with your Arlo camera, you’ll need to set it up manually. Here’s how:
- Open the Arlo app and go to Settings.
- Select “Storage” and then “Cloud Storage.”
- Choose your third-party cloud storage provider from the list.
- Follow the in-app instructions to set up your third-party cloud storage.
Limitations of Using Arlo Camera Without a Subscription
While you can still use your Arlo camera without a subscription, there are some limitations to be aware of. These include:
- Limited cloud storage: Without a subscription, you’ll only have access to 7 days of cloud storage.
- No advanced features: Some advanced features, such as person detection and package detection, require a subscription.
- No continuous recording: Without a subscription, your Arlo camera will only record when motion is detected.
Workarounds for Limited Cloud Storage
If you’re concerned about the limited cloud storage offered by Arlo’s free plan, there are a few workarounds you can use. These include:
- Increasing local storage: You can increase local storage by using a larger USB drive or microSD card.
- Using third-party cloud storage: As mentioned earlier, you can use third-party cloud storage services to store your Arlo camera footage.
- Deleting old footage: You can delete old footage to free up space in your cloud storage.
Conclusion
While a subscription is required to access some of Arlo’s features, you can still use your Arlo camera without a subscription. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up your Arlo camera to use local storage, configure motion detection, and access live streaming. However, be aware of the limitations of using an Arlo camera without a subscription, including limited cloud storage and no advanced features.
What is Arlo and how does it work?
Arlo is a popular brand of wireless security cameras that allow users to monitor their homes or businesses remotely. The cameras are equipped with motion detection, night vision, and weather resistance, making them a reliable choice for surveillance. Arlo cameras can be connected to a Wi-Fi network, and users can access live footage and recorded videos through the Arlo app.
The cameras can be placed indoors or outdoors, and they can be powered by batteries or plugged into a power outlet. Arlo also offers a range of features, including motion alerts, cloud storage, and two-way audio. However, some of these features require a subscription to Arlo’s cloud storage service. Fortunately, there are ways to use Arlo cameras without a subscription, which we will explore in this article.
What are the limitations of using Arlo cameras without a subscription?
Using Arlo cameras without a subscription has some limitations. For example, users will not be able to access cloud storage, which means they will not be able to view recorded videos or access motion alerts. Additionally, users will not be able to use advanced features such as person detection, package detection, and custom alerts.
However, users can still access live footage and use the camera’s motion detection feature to receive notifications when motion is detected. Users can also use the camera’s local storage feature, which allows them to store recorded videos on a USB drive or microSD card. This means that users can still use their Arlo cameras for basic surveillance purposes without a subscription.
How do I set up my Arlo camera without a subscription?
To set up an Arlo camera without a subscription, users will need to download the Arlo app and create an account. Once the account is created, users can connect their camera to their Wi-Fi network and start streaming live footage. Users can also set up motion detection and receive notifications when motion is detected.
To access local storage, users will need to insert a USB drive or microSD card into the camera’s base station. The camera will then store recorded videos on the local storage device, which can be accessed through the Arlo app. Users can also set up the camera’s two-way audio feature, which allows them to communicate with visitors or intruders.
Can I still receive motion alerts without a subscription?
Yes, users can still receive motion alerts without a subscription. The Arlo camera’s motion detection feature can be set up to send notifications to the user’s smartphone or tablet when motion is detected. However, the notifications will not include a video clip or image of the motion event.
To receive motion alerts, users will need to set up the motion detection feature in the Arlo app. Users can adjust the sensitivity of the motion detection feature and set up custom alerts for specific times of the day or night. Users can also set up the camera’s alert feature to send notifications to multiple users or devices.
How do I access recorded videos without a subscription?
To access recorded videos without a subscription, users will need to use the camera’s local storage feature. This feature allows users to store recorded videos on a USB drive or microSD card, which can be accessed through the Arlo app.
To access recorded videos, users will need to insert the USB drive or microSD card into the camera’s base station. The camera will then store recorded videos on the local storage device, which can be accessed through the Arlo app. Users can view recorded videos, delete them, or download them to their smartphone or tablet.
Are there any alternative cloud storage options available?
Yes, there are alternative cloud storage options available for Arlo cameras. For example, users can use third-party cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive to store recorded videos. These services offer a range of storage plans, including free and paid options.
To use alternative cloud storage options, users will need to set up the service in the Arlo app. Users can then select the cloud storage service as the default storage option for their recorded videos. This means that recorded videos will be stored in the cloud storage service instead of Arlo’s cloud storage service.