Blink cameras are an excellent choice for monitoring your home and keeping your family safe. However, one question that potential buyers repeatedly ask is — does Blink require a subscription?
Well, we’re here to answer that question. The short answer is no. Blink doesn’t need a subscription for live monitoring and motion alerts. However, many advanced features, such as cloud storage of videos, are not available to unsubscribed users.
So, what’s the real deal? Can you use Blink without a subscription? Here’s our rundown of Blink subscriptions and what you can and cannot get from the free plan.
Does Blink Require a Subscription?
Does Blink require a subscription? Technically, no. Your Blink products provide standard features (such as motion alerts, live view, and two-way audio) without a subscription. You always have the option for a Basic or Plus plan, starting at $3 per month. However, you can use a Blink camera without a subscription plan or via free trial.
Does Blink Require a Subscription to Use Their Outdoor Camera?
Blink allows you to use your outdoor camera without a subscription. That makes Blink outdoor cameras a better option for people who want a budget-friendly camera option. All you need to do is set up the camera and install it wherever you want outside your house.
However, you will find that some features of the Blink camera are only available for subscribers. These features include storing and recording footage and sharing videos directly to your phone.
Without a subscription, you can still use your Blink Outdoor Camera to view live footage from the camera. Additionally, you can monitor motion outside your front door and get regular alerts. Blink also allows you to communicate with anyone outside the door via its two-way audio feature for free.
Subscription Options for Blink Outdoor Cameras
Currently, Blink offers two subscription options for their Blink Outdoor cameras. The features of these are listed below:
Blink Basic Plan
The Blink Basic Plan is a budget-friendly option for people who only need to operate one Blink Outdoor camera. The plan covers basic features not available on the free plan, including video recording and cloud storage. With this plan, you can stream live videos continuously for up to 90 minutes on the Blink Mini.
Additionally, you get 60 days of unlimited storage and video history. You can share the videos directly with your mobile devices or others. Blink Video Doorbell and indoor and outdoor cameras also allow you to capture images periodically. These images are stored in the cloud for up to 60 days.
The Blink Basic Plan does not have extended warranty coverage or any special offers on Amazon. But you can opt for a monthly or a yearly plan. The monthly plan charges $3 for each device, and the yearly plan gives you a small discount at $30.
Blink Plus Plan
The Blink Plus Plan is Blink’s premium subscription plan. It has all the features of a Blink Basic Plan plus a few additional options not available on any other plan.
For starters, you can connect an unlimited number of devices to the Blink Plus Plan. This means you enjoy the benefits of your premium subscription on all of the cameras in your house.
Additionally, the Blink Plus Plan features extended warranty coverage. So, you get free repairs and replacements according to the conditions of the plan. And that’s not all. If you subscribe to this plan, you get 10% off all Blink devices bought through Amazon.
If you choose this plan, you can either pay $10 monthly for an infinite number of devices or $100 yearly.
What Features Does A Blink Subscription Provide?
If you want to take advantage of some of the more advanced features, you’ll need to subscribe to Blink’s subscription plans. To be more specific, here are the features that a subscription will get you:
Longer Live View Streaming
The first benefit that you get from a Blink subscription is that you can view live streams for longer periods. With a free plan, you can watch live streams from your camera for only 5 minutes. However, with a Blink subscription plan, you can watch them continuously for up to 90 minutes. This feature is currently available on the Blink Mini only.
Video Recording
Another useful feature that a Blink subscription provides you with is video recording. Unfortunately, you cannot perform any video recording through the free plan. On the other hand, the subscription plan allows you to record videos.
To be more specific, you can record video whenever motion is detected. Additionally, you can record your live view streams. This feature records valuable evidence automatically, which can be a lifesaver in some instances.
Video Storage and History
Perhaps the most crucial benefit of a subscription is being able to store video footage and access recording history. With a subscription, you get 60 days of video history.
This means all your video recordings are uploaded to the Blink cloud and can be accessed by you anytime. The recordings are only kept for 60 days, even with the Basic and the Plus plans. Remember to download the video footage to your mobile device or computer if you want to retain it for longer than 60 days.
Rapid Video Access and Video Sharing
Another feature you can enjoy with a Blink subscription plan is rapid video access. This means you can watch your videos immediately after recording them. So, you don’t have to wait to watch recorded footage or have it processed further.
All videos recorded through the Blink Outdoor camera are high-definition. And being able to view them immediately means there’s no significant delay between what you’re seeing and what’s happening. In the context of security, this can make all the difference.
But the features don’t end there. You also get the benefit of Blink Video Sharing. Through this option, you can immediately share video recordings from the cloud with other individuals. This allows you to save the videos to your Android or iOS devices.
Photo Capture (Available On Some Devices)
Photo capture is capturing images through the Blink Outdoor camera at periodic intervals. It lets you record important video evidence of certain events, such as intruders or incorrect deliveries. This feature is not available on the free plan. However, only the Blink indoor and outdoor cameras are eligible, along with the Blink Video Doorbell.
The photos are stored in your cloud for up to 60 days and should be downloaded if you want to keep them longer.
Extended Warranty Coverage and Other Offers
With a Blink Plus subscription, you also get extended warranty coverage. The warranty covers non-user-inflicted damages and faults within the Blink camera. You only get a warranty extension if the original warranty period for the device hasn’t ended. Once applied, you will get a warranty extension until you decide to unsubscribe from the Blink Plus Plan.
The Blink plus Plan also offers you 10% off on Blink devices purchased through Amazon. This will encourage you to install more devices in your home for added security.
What Can You Do Without A Subscription On Blink Cameras?
Here are the many features that you can access without a Blink subscription:
Motion Alerts
Blink cameras feature a built-in motion sensor. They will send alerts to your connected device when motion is detected. This is a great way to spot porch pirates and potential intruders.
The good news is that Blink does not require a subscription for this feature. So, you can receive alerts for motion on your porch without paying for it. It’s one of the many ways Blink cameras ensure your safety.
Two-Way Audio
Most Blink cameras feature two-way audio. This free feature allows you to communicate with people at the door. It lets you get all the necessary information when interacting with strangers before letting them into your house. Making this a free feature means you get more out of your Blink camera.
Live Feeds
If you have a Blink camera, you can use the live feed feature without a subscription. This feature lets you watch live videos of your front door or porch on your connected device. It lets you monitor people, animals, and children walking in front of your porch.
Does Blink Offer Local Storage?
Yes, Blink offers local storage for people who don’t have a subscription. This allows you to benefit from video storage without purchasing any subscriptions. Blink allows you to store your video recordings on external storage devices such as SD cards or USB flash drives. However, this storage form is much harder to set up and manage than simple cloud storage.
There is one option for people who don’t want to go through local storage hassles with the Blink Outdoor Camera. It’s called the Sync Module 2 hub. The Blink Sync Module 2 is a control unit that can be purchased separately. It lets you manage communications between the cloud and Blink devices.
But if you don’t have a subscription that lets you store videos to a cloud, the module can still store footage locally. That’s why it’s a great option for paying customers and those using the free plan.
So, how do you configure your Blink Sync Module 2 and store your data locally? Here’s a step-by-step guide on keeping footage locally with the Blink Sync Module 2.
- First, buy a Blink Sync Module 2. These don’t require a subscription, only a one-time fee.
- Follow the user guide instructions to connect the hub to your Blink app and your Blink Outdoor cameras.
- Figure out how much disk space you’ll need to store footage locally and buy a USB drive with sufficient storage. Preferably, buy a USB drive with “buffer” space available, just to be safe.
- Insert the drive into Sync Module 2. If the module doesn’t recognize your USB drive, the Blink app will prompt you to insert it correctly.
- The module will automatically store any future footage on the USB drive. And you can view the recorded footage right in the Blink app. And the best part is that, unlike the cloud storage option, the footage is yours to keep forever. There is only one downside to this — you cannot record live video feeds without a subscription plan.
Stuck on a step? Here’s a helpful video guide to watching how to store blink footage locally with the Blink Sync Module 2.
Can You Use The Blink Mini Without A Subscription?
Yes! Like the Blink Outdoor camera, the Blink Mini can be used without a subscription. To be more specific, it does the following without a subscription:
- Lets you watch live footage from your camera on your Blink app.
- Sends you alerts about motion sensed in front of the camera.
However, you still need a subscription for recording and storing footage. Hence, you should consider subscribing to the Blink Basic or Plus plans if you want to record and store footage. Or you can use a Blink Sync Module 2 and automatically back up your footage on a USB pen drive.
Does Blink Provide A Free Trial?
Blink provides a free trial for the Blink plus Subscription Plan that lasts 30 days. You can test different camera features and store your videos on the cloud during this time. The trial will automatically end after 30 days, and you will have to buy the subscription to continue to use these features.
After the free trial ends, no new footage will be stored in the cloud. And existing footage may even be deleted, depending on the settings on your Blink app.
Certain models of Blink cameras, like the Blink XT, XT2, and some Indoor cameras, do not need a subscription to save videos. Instead, 2 hours (7,200 seconds) of videos will be held for every Sync Module connected to the camera. So, if the free trial ends, you still get 2 hours of video recording.
Also Read: Our Blink vs Ring and Eufy vs Blink comparisons
Conclusion
Blink’s outdoor cameras provide a convenient and safe way to monitor what’s happening outside your house. Fortunately, you don’t need a subscription to watch live footage from the camera or get motion alerts.
However, you won’t get access to many features if you choose not to subscribe, including video storage. You can store videos locally using the Blink Sync Module 2, though.
So, in a nutshell, Blink does not require a subscription to use its cameras, but you’ll be missing out on some features.
What do you think about these features? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
FAQs
Can I still use my blink camera without subscription? ›
You can use your Blink camera without a monthly fee, but there aren't many features compared to free plans from brands like Ring, Arlo, and Google Nest. Still, it's a nice way to save some cash when you don't want cloud video storage.
Can I use Blink outdoor camera without sync module? ›Can I Use Blink Camera Without Sync Module? Yes, you can use the Blink camera without a Sync Module. So no, you do not need one. However, you will be limited to how many security cameras you can connect with it at one time, as well as not being able to view all of them at once in the mobile app.
How do I access Blink cloud storage? ›If you're using a Blink subscription or cloud storage service with your system, you can access any available motion clip on your account directly within the app. Tap the Clip Roll icon at the bottom of any screen within the Blink app to download clips directly to your mobile device, or to share them externally.
Does blink camera have local storage? ›If you aren't subscribing to a Blink plan, once you plug in a compatible and properly formatted USB flash drive into the Sync Module 2, local storage starts automatically and saves motion detection clips to the drive. No extra steps are needed.
How do I save my Blink camera footage? ›- iOS Save video button: Tap Share and then tap Save Video . It will save to the Camera Roll by default.
- Android download button: Tap in the upper left corner. It will save to the Videos folder by default.
- From your Blink home screen, you can access all of your motion clips when you tap Clips .
- Tap any clip to begin playing the video in the clip player. Newly recorded clips have an orange dot to the right of the timestamp.
How far away can camera units be placed? Under normal circumstances, the Sync Module is capable of communicating with Blink cameras up to 100 ft. away in any direction. We recommend keeping the Sync Module near your wireless router for the best signal strength.
Can you use other cameras with Blink system? ›1-1 of 1 Answer. You can have up to 10 Blink devices per sync module as long as they are all within the 100ft operating range of the sync module in any direction. The cameras on the sync module can be in any combination.
What does the blue light on the blink camera mean? ›Blink Mini blue recording status LED setting
Always On - Displays a green light on the front of the Mini camera when it is active and ready to use, then shows a blue light while recording. Always Off - Never display the Status LED.
Without a Blink Subscription, or existing cloud storage, certain Blink cameras receive Motion Notifications in the Blink app. Simply tap the notification to enter the camera's Live View. No clips are saved, but you have two-way audio and video from the camera through the Blink app.
Do you have to use cloud storage with Blink? ›
Yes. You can use local storage with a Blink Sync Module 2 in conjunction with your Blink Subscription Plan – just make sure to save locally stored videos to your computer because the USB flash drive does not sync with the cloud storage.
Will any USB flash drive work with Blink? ›In addition, you can have a max of 10 Mini cameras per account, this applies to account with and without Sync Module 2. A: You are able to use any USB flash drive up to 256GB with the sync module 2, flash drive can be 2.0 or 3.0 (hard drives, SD cards, etc. will not be compatible).
How much does Blink cloud storage cost? ›| Blink Plans | Basic | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 10% off Blink Products | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | As long as subscription is active |
| Number of Cameras | 1 | Unlimited |
| Price | $3 per month/$30 per year | $10 per month/$100 per year |
Features. Supports local video storage through the Blink Sync Module 2 on all-new Blink Outdoor, Indoor, and Mini cameras only. With 64 GB of storage view, share, and download thousands of locally stored videos from up to 10 Blink cameras by inserting the USB flash drive to your Blink Sync Module 2.
What is the max storage for Blink camera? ›The Sync Module 2 has an active USB-A port to store up to 256 GB of motion clips on your own compatible USB drive. Click to learn more about Local Storage. Eligible cameras are Blink Video Doorbell, Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen), and Blink Mini.
Can you record Live View on Blink camera? ›From the Home screen, tap the Live View icon located in the lower left corner of each camera. 2. On the Live View screen, Save in the lower left indicates the current session is saved to Cloud Storage for that camera. Tap this icon to enable or disable saving the Live View session.
Does Blink show live footage? ›Live View, as the name implies, provides live video and sound to you in the Blink app, or certain Alexa enabled devices. The camera uses your Wi-Fi network to send Live View; therefore, the connection must have 2 MB per second or faster upload speed (from your camera to the Blink app).
Do Blink cameras delete footage? ›The Blink camera saves the videos on a cloud server for 60 days, after which they are automatically deleted. However, users have a choice to store videos on local storage, such as a USB, depending on the camera model.
Why didn t my Blink camera record? ›Network. If the camera has a weak connection to your wireless router, it may cause the camera to record false motion clips. Increasing the Retrigger Time should resolve this issue. You can also move the camera closer to your wireless router.
Why is Blink not recording clips? ›The underlying cause of this problem is usually the incorrect settings in the camera's motion detection zones. Rectifying this issue requires tinkering with the motion detection zone settings in your Blink app.
Does Blink work if WiFi goes out? ›
Blink cameras cannot record and store footage on the Blink Cloud servers without a solid WiFi connection. Additionally, they lose out on almost all the features it is advertised to do such as remote device monitoring, security notifications, and two-way audio without a WiFi connection.
Where is the best place to put a Blink sync module? ›- On a window sill, in a central location between your indoor and outdoor cameras.
- On TV stand or cabinet, and no less than 3 ft. (1m) and no more than 10 ft. (3m) away from your Wi-Fi router.
- Near other equipment that may also be using your Wi-Fi.
Blink cameras use either Passive Infrared (PIR) or Pixel Difference Analysis (PDA) to detect motion. Both technologies provide similar motion detection. Blink cameras detect motion best from about 7 to 19 feet (2m to 6m) away, and can respond to motion at 30 feet (10m).
Can 2 phones use the same Blink camera? ›Can the Blink app be accessed from more than one device? Yes! You can download our app and log into the same account from as many iOS and Android devices as you'd like, so the entire household can receive alerts or check in at home.
Do Blink cameras record audio? ›All Blink cameras record audio as well as video on the motion clips. However, the Blink indoor cameras do not have two-way (ability to speak into). This feature has been introduced into the XT2 camera.
What color is night vision on Blink camera? ›Does Blink Outdoor camera have color night vision? No, the Blink outdoor camera uses IR night vision, which means it can only take black-and-white images at night.
Are Blink cameras worth it? ›For the price, Blink cameras are good quality. And they have really long battery lives. We may earn money when you click our links. Blink cameras are for people who want high-quality video in an affordable, minimalist package.
Do Blink cameras require a hub? ›Do Blink Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen) cameras require a hub? Yes, we call it a Sync Module. Each Sync Module manages a system and can have up to ten devices attached. The Sync Module 2 adds local storage features for Blink Indoor (3rd Gen), Outdoor, and Mini cameras.
How many cameras can I connect to my Blink sync module? ›Each Sync Module added to your account allows you to group and manage up to ten cameras in a single system.
Does Blink use a lot of data? ›A five-second motion clip with audio when quality is set to Best will use up to 750KB of data. This is important to note if you are accessing clips via a cellular network, rather than a WiFi connection.
Can I download Blink videos? ›
iOS Save video button: Tap Share and then tap Save Video . It will save to the Camera Roll by default. Android download button: Tap in the upper left corner. It will save to the Videos folder by default.
Why is Blink camera not saving clips to local storage? ›To fix problems where clips are not being saved to Local Storage, first make sure that the USB drive is recognized by the Sync Module 2. If the USB drive is recognized and has enough free space then you can explore the router settings listed below.
Why is there a USB port on Blink camera? ›The USB port on the back of the camera can be used with a Micro USB cable and power adapter (not included with your camera) to power your cameras instead of batteries. For proper safety, only use 5 volt, 1 Amp, USB power adapters.
What is the difference between Blink module 1 and 2? ›With Module 2, you can either view your video clips on the Blink Home Monitor app or plug your drive into your computer and upload any clips you wish to save. For comparison, the Blink XT2 ships with the Sync Module 1, which offers free video cloud storage but has no local storage option.
How much should you pay for cloud storage? ›| Service: | Price per 1TB (yearly 1TB plan or closest) |
|---|---|
| MEGA | $4.75* per month |
| Dropbox | $4.99 per month |
| OneDrive | $5.83 per month |
| Koofr | $11.80* per month |
The Blink app can be added to a maximum of 100 devices. If there's an attempt to log in to over 100 devices, the account owner will see the screen below.
Can you view all Blink cameras at once? ›Can You View All Blink Cameras at Once? Yes, you can view multiple Blink cameras at once. This system is entirely expandable, so you can add up to 10 cameras.
Can you save Blink videos without subscription? ›Can I use Blink cameras without a plan? Blink cameras offer motion-activated notifications and limited live viewing without a Blink subscription. You need a plan if you want video recording, sharing, and better camera performance.
How do I use my Blink camera without sync module? ›You can't use it to record live view, but all motion-triggered alerts will be saved locally and can be accessed at any time through the Blink app. If you don't have the Sync Module 2, then you'll either have to rely on only getting notifications and having live view, or subscribe to one of the Blink plans.
How long does Blink store footage? ›It also adds a discount for purchasing Blink devices in the future, and an extended warranty. Video storage still lasts for 60 days, and you still get an option to automatically back up your cloud clips on a USB drive if you have the Sync Module 2.
Is there a monthly fee for Blink camera? ›
Blink Pricing: Monitoring and Storage
With the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera, Outdoor, Indoor, and Mini, we chose from one of two subscription plans: the Basic plan for $3 per month, or the Plus plan for $10 per month. Both offer 60 days of cloud storage, which is quite generous in our view.
If you aren't subscribing to a Blink plan, once you plug in a compatible and properly formatted USB flash drive into the Sync Module 2, local storage starts automatically and saves motion detection clips to the drive. No extra steps are needed.
Can I use any flash drive for Blink camera? ›In addition, you can have a max of 10 Mini cameras per account, this applies to account with and without Sync Module 2. A: You are able to use any USB flash drive up to 256GB with the sync module 2, flash drive can be 2.0 or 3.0 (hard drives, SD cards, etc. will not be compatible).
Why is my Blink local storage not working? ›The most common reason for local storage failure is the Sync module not detecting and recognizing the USB drive. Again, it could be due to low storage capacity or a corrupt USB. Safely eject the USB, power cycle the sync module, and reconnect the USB. Check the storage status on the Blink app.
Why is my Blink camera not recording? ›This issue typically arises due to incorrect motion sensitivity settings. To address this issue, you must fine-tune the motion sensitivity settings in your Blink app. To achieve this, navigate to your camera's settings and select “Motion Sensitivity” to modify the sensitivity level according to your preference.
How do I use my Blink camera without storage plan? ›Without a Blink Subscription, or existing cloud storage, certain Blink cameras receive Motion Notifications in the Blink app. Simply tap the notification to enter the camera's Live View. No clips are saved, but you have two-way audio and video from the camera through the Blink app.
Why is Blink not storing clips to USB? ›Power cycling the camera may also resolve this issue. Try removing and then reinserting the batteries or the USB cable connection.
Can you put SD card in Blink? ›It's fully cloud-based, meaning there are no SD or Micro SD card slots. In exchange, there are no recurring cloud storage fees.
Do you have to pay for Blink storage now? ›Is a Blink Subscription Plan required to use my Blink products? No. Your Blink products provide their standard features (such as motion alerts, live view, and two-way audio) without any subscription. Blink Subscription Plans offer additional features for those who want them.
Does Blink charge for storage? ›Without a subscription, users can still access live video and turn on motion alerts from the Blink Home Monitor app. With monthly cloud storage fees as low as $3, Blink's subscriptions are inexpensive compared to rivals in the industry.
Are Blink cameras easy to hack? ›
The Blink cameras often stream the footage and operate using the Wi-Fi connection. In such cases, proper encryption prevents hacking through any wireless device. These devices usually use WPA2 Wi-Fi channels for encrypted streaming of footage.
How far away does Blink detect motion? ›What's the maximum distance Blink cameras sense motion detection? The maximum motion detection range is approximately 20 feet for all blink cameras. Some factors that influence motion detection are the app sensitivity setting, camera placement, object size, infrared illumination and object temperature.
How long do Blink cameras last? ›Battery life of up to two years is expected based on default settings. Battery life will vary based on device settings, use, and environmental factors.
Is my Blink camera recording all the time? ›Do Blink Cameras Record Continuously? Unfortunately, Blink cameras do not record 24/7, they are purely motion-based clips. With a subscription plan, you'll only be able to look at Live View continuously, but even that has a time limit. After 90 minutes, Live View will stop.
Why is my Blink camera offline but still recording? ›If you receive a "Camera Offline" notification that "Your Blink Mini is offline", it means the Blink servers lost communication with the camera. This will normally fix itself when the network comes back up, or when there is less traffic on the Wi-Fi network.
What does it mean when a Blink camera flashes red? ›When the batteries are failing, the camera LED flashes Red 5 or 6 times after the Blue recording light goes out. Please make sure you have 2 fresh size AA 1.5 volt Lithium non-rechargeable batteries installed. The blink XT2 and XT cameras activate a shared 7200 seconds of storage when they are set up.