It would be nice if you could make another video on how to view the blink camera for 90 minutes on alexa and on your phone since that is probably there newest feature
I have a problem with mine and was wondering if you or anyone else have experienced this. My flash drive on sync was working perfectly until a couple of weeks ago. Then, it stopped saving the clips to the drive and said it needed to be configured to work in the drive. In order to do this it will wipe my drive and delete all of the files. I would like to keep the files on the drive if possible. I tried plugging it in to the computer but it doesn’t recognize it.
A very important omission not mentioned in the video but is EXTREMELY important to potential Blink buyers when their free trial subscription ends is that if you are someone who plans to use the camera for 'instant' views, for example, you hear something going on outside so activate the Blink 'live view' to see what is going on and think it needs recording, you cannot do this whilst using a sync module, it does not allow you. If you do not buy one of Blinks monthly plans, the ONLY way 'live' videos can be recorded is if you have motion detection activated. I do not need my Blink camera active all the time but I do need it to record 'incidents' that occur out side my property and 'live view' does this perfectly. If I hear a disturbance I can use 'live view' to see what is happening and then make a decision whether to record or not. Once the free subscription ends the Blink camera will be useless to me because Blink have blocked every method to allow it's customers to record 'live view' unless you pay for one of their monthly plans. As I already mentioned, if your the person that needs a CCTV camera in use 24hrs a day to detect things that go on outside your property 'motion detection' then a Blink camera with a sync module will work for you if you do not want to pay for one of the monthly plans BUT if your someone like me who just wants to use a CCTV camera to record incidents when they are actually in the property and do not want to pay for a monthly subscription then the Blink camera's are not for you. And for the record, not everyone lives in a house, many people live in blacks of flats or other high rise buildings where motion detection is not required. I shall be looking for a new CCTV camera forthwith and be throwing away the Blink Mini (which I have) because it will become useless to me. Shame on Blink for putting blocks in the way of customers being able to record live view without the need for a monthly subscription.
@@paulantonelli6185 @GoatedJoe, both of you obviously do not realise that once the free trial is over, you cannot live view at all. I tired it and every time I click on the icon for live view it kept telling me live view was not allowed and that I had to pay for a 'plan' for live view to work.
It was unclear to me what I could expect without a cloud subscription. Your crystal clear explanation answered all my questions. Well done! I've also benefited from your videos regarding T Mobile Home Internet. Keep up the good work!
I agree, wasn't sure what to expect after free trial runs out. I bought the 256gb usb drive dongle, likely no subscription then if get the same features. ☺️
The only real thing you get out of a cloud subscription other than the cloud storage is the ability to save live views or record live views and set the doorbell to take a clip / photo every hour and if your on unlimited devices subscription you get extended warranty you can still watch live view without subscription with sync module 2 you just will not be able to save the live view motion detection will still work and record and two way communication will also work and it will save recordings to an external storage device that is not bigger than 256gb and is formatted to exFat if the external storage device is not formatted to the exFat it will not backup it might work for a short time in a different format like ntfs or fat32 but will eventually fail for it to work correctly the external storage device must be reformatted to use exFat this can easily be done using a pc or laptop and I am sure there are tutorials online that can tell you how to reformat a usb external storage device
I still not sure how it works .. can you save all the videos you have stored on your phone already ? My computer crapped out when it updated twice, with not enough memory, so I can't even open it anymore. But I have all these videos I " really" need to save for a legal issue, and can't figure out how to get them out of my phone, other than paying geek squad $100, or buying a burner, which I will also be afraid I may lose those very important videos trying to save them myself.. Maybe I should listen again.. I'll listen again.. Don't hold your breath, I'm not really good with this.
@@NaterTater I bought a blink doorbell camera but can’t get live view. Do I need to buy the sync module 2 in order to see live view from my app? I’m not worried about saving anything…any help, thanks
Thanks for this. When I bought the Blink system I was told that I would never have to buy a subscription as it was early 2020. But unfortunately I somehow unwittingly trialled the free cloud feature this week. I don't know how this happened but it came up when i opened the app today so I cancelled it immediately. When I cancelled it, it left me with no choice but to take a subscription, or thanks to this handy guide, use local storage. It would appear the small amount of free cloud storage we had as legacy customers was taken away because I used the trial. Unfortunately i bought from Currys not Amazon so they say they can't see my history to prove I'm a legacy customer. Pretty sure there is software in there if they really wanted to see when it was first set up. Such is life. Anyway, this works, maybe a little slower but its fine
THANK YOU. This was super useful. I have the original sync module and two outdoor cameras and the subscription was free. I added two new cameras and Amazon changed my subscription to the 30 day trial. I'm sick of paying for subscriptions and plan to get the Sync 2 module with local storage. My biggest question (which you answered) was if I could view the locally stored clips via the app when I'm away from home. Thank you for addressing this as it was hard to find this info anywhere else.
Some apps have such a minimalistic feel to them it can seem like things are hidden. It can take a little poking around in settings and all to figure out where the things you need are really.
Great review. I have 10 blinks; 3 wireless and 7 wired mini's. I added them to my network as slowly as possible to prolong my 30 day free subscriptions (lasted about 6mos). However, now that I'm beyond the freebie time, I added the usb storage to my sync 2 module. You're right, it is annoying that you cannot easily cleanup the thumbdrive from the app. Mine were recording to the drive seamlessly until last week. Every single camera just stopped recording altogether. I have verified that the sync module drive is not full, it's at 14%. To top it off, two of my cameras now keep going offline. I swapped the location of one of the non-working cams with one that was working (litterally 10' from each other) and now both of those are working fine. I love these cameras, but the sync module recording could use some work - allowing for easy cleanup from the app.
Renee, great job on the extended free subscription! I did the same 🙂 Interesting issue you have there, I assume they all have good wifi signal? I think their motivation is slim to make the local storage "great".
You know, I have a theory that once you run out of the free trial and you don’t sign up for there cloud, it slows down the entire app and purposely causes malfunctioning. Just a conspiracy theory that I wouldn’t be surprised actually being true.
Thanks for this video. I am contemplating buying a couple of Blink cameras and doorbell. Don't want to pay for a subscription so the sync module was the answer and you have confirmed that.
Oh wow! So glad you made this video. I bought 2 Mini's as add-ons to my XT2 system. Of course, after 30 days they were basically useless to me. Amazon sent me the Sync Module 2 for free (for my 1-star review), but I gave up trying to make it work. I decided to try it again today (after a year) and found your video when I was looking for a workaround. Got it capturing video clips finally, so thank you!
Great information. I have a subscription and was getting "USB full" notices, and was frustrated that I was unable to manage that storage using the app. Now I know I can just eliminate my subscription and still have access to all my files. I have about 6 months on a 64GB USB, which is equivalent to your experinece of around 128GB per year
Good summary, very useful. Wished you they did a POE powered connected module, or the ability to access the USB drive on the local network. The latter would be a choice for local home automation (but guess could hack something together with a microcontroller to act as a USB drive and enable that feature) My year trial ends soon, so exploring options, this video was very handy in clarifying things.
Thank you Sir Tater. Our subscription just expired and I started to panic a little thinking it wasn't going to record to my USB. Your video helped immensely.
You’re lucky because that’s exactly what I’ve run into. Subscription ends, so I get their flash drive for the 2nd camera, and the damn thing won’t record anymore.
USB works fine for my needs, but one thing I do find annoying is there's no way to directly mass select & delete clips, like you can with the cloud subscription interface. Probably the easiest way to get around this would be to safely eject the USB drive, plug it into a computer, and delete them there through a file manager.
@@SSH01 you can use a NAS, you can backdate your account so that the 7,200 minutes are free without a subscription and you can also use more than just the "up to 256Gb" USB storage by simply making volumes. I don't think it's the best, but it is pretty damn incredible. It uses the least amount of data, the only downside is that you can't let it live view for as long as you want (but you can watch 4 at a time now) and you can only record up to 60 seconds and you have to have a minimum 10 seconds between retriggering the cameras. If you really wanted to then you could trips the camera wait for the indicator light to go off and have 10 seconds to get by the camera without someone seeing! It's probably because it takes up to 10 seconds to upload and save the videos, but you can hit continue to keep it going as long as you want and there are many new features for the Blink Outdoor/Indoor and Mini that the older ones don't have. There are definitely a lot more pros than cons and it's what I use, other than my hardwired camera. I'd you have 2mbps of upload speed, you won't have any issues with lag etc.
@@RBRM3 wow ok i'm a little confused,which cam thing would you choose for a apartment that doesn't have any camera's,one that i can get an alert if i'm away that someone is at the door then it records and also i can view it live for more than 60 seconds like unlimited live viewing and recording possible ? Is there one where you can even use your phone to start recording and what if someone takes the camera off or worse breaks in,so which is g would be the best for that ?,thank you.
@@SSH01 well a doorbell cam can be set to motion activated, but if there's a road directly in front, then the traffic can activate it. If you're getting something definitely do it right now before the Black Friday sales are over because it's prime day and Black Friday when you really save a bunch of money, up to 65% off and up to 80% off if it's something used on eBay. It will record up to 60 seconds by itself but if you're doing a live view then occasionally it'll pop up continue to keep the video going and you just tap it and you can click save live view. You get to choose between anchoring it or using a quick connect, but someone can take literally any camera or doorbell camera off with nothing but a allen wrench or a screwdriver and you can simply grab a hold of one and then Yank on it and it'll come off whether it's wired or wireless. Even the ones at a gas pump or inside at a convenience store, you can jump up and smack it with your hand and it'll come right off, but with these they are linked to your account and you have to sign into your actual accounts in order to deactivate it and use it on a different system. I hate leaving long comments but there's no way to shorten it, the best thing that you can get for all around the house would be this because they have indoor and outdoor and you can choose whether to use a solar panel, batteries or hardwire it. Other than all around protection, you can get a peephole camera which simply replaces your peephole and there's actually a camera inside of it and a microphone as well as choosing whether to put a monitor on the inside of the door that way you don't actually have to look through it, but you still have the option to do so like you would with a regular one.
No thumbnail is stupid, but we know why, they crippled the app so you'll pay. It's also relatively stupid that they've slowed down local storage versus cloud I'm pretty sure people's local storage should be faster than the internet.
It’s not. How? Something that is already in the internet (cloud) is *always* faster then a local device that need to connect first. It’s like an uber. An uber (or cab) driver will always be faster to pick you up as your wife because he already is sitting in the car 🚕 💨 but your wife need to get ready first 🅿️🚗___🚶🏼♀️. Kind of an awkward analogy but I got nothing better at the top now. I hope that makes sense. lol
I agree, I have cameras that take 100s of videos in a day if there is snow, or wind blowing the trees around. With no thumbnail, I simply do not have time to sit down for 45 minutes and review the first few seconds of each clip lol. I have a Littleelf camera from amazon, which does this the best and faster. You can scroll and filter through the list of 100 video clip thumbnails in 1 minute. But this is an indoor corded pant-tilt camera that I have pointed out the window above my door (which works fine with infrared turned off and lights on outside). Also is a subscription free local storage camera.
@@jetmuchacho I would like the thumbnail as well, but I just safe remove the USB and use the computer. The view large icon in File Explorer seems to work well for this.
Really good video, Mr. Gary Sinise! ;-) (You sound like him and even kind of look like him.) Seriously - really good video and very informative. Helped me to decide if I should get the sync module. Thanks!
Found that there have been times when the backup fails on the sync 2 module. There is no manual option, which is a little frustrating. And yes, I am aware of the download option to the device your app is on.
Thanks very much for this. Puts me more at least of getting this. I'll get the 256GB drive and delete when I have to. Sounds like the comment section on Amazon was indicating you did need the subscription for this to work. Sounds like the people just don't know how to use it.
For those of you who's subscription has ended.., if you haven't done so already, you can delete all the clips saved to the cloud if you don't need to keep them. The reasons for this suggestion will become clear shortly but first locate your cloud storage clips and long press on one of them to select it, then using the three dots in the top righthand corner click to 'select all' then delete them. The reasons for this is that now when you click to open your clips it will go straight to your USB storage, not the cloud storage which was the default view.
I have 5 blink cameras and because I don't like changing batteries they are all wired models. Created some weather covers and have had no trouble using them outside and they are cheaper than the outside ones. As far as the Sync Module 2 goes, taking the flash drive out and putting it in my computer seems easy to me. I get a lot of motion so I just clean the files and pop the drive back into the module.
im wondering if my indoor Blink mini if under an outside cover would that be good enough? I sm unable to see a thing when I set my indoor mini inside to look thru a front window to the outside. It is all black, and a glare or reflection is definitely I the video clips. I have it set on Auto for night vision but its pure darkness and window reflection. useless. HELP?
A huge problem with the local storage is its inability to overwrite older files. This makes it unusable as a security device. There isn't a dvr on the market that DOESNT overwrite. You have to delete 1 file at a time from within the app or eject and clean up on a pc. My 256GB fills in 5 days because I have 10 cameras per sync module and lots of motion.
Not sure if it was mentioned in the video and I'm also not sure if this was changed due to an update but after my free trial ended I am no longer able to bulk delete videos. It has to be done one by one which is very painstaking If they stack up and you're not home to eject the USB drive and plug it into your computer and do it that way. It's really a bummer that Amazon would do this and make it a feature of a subscription. I heard it could have been changed in an update but why make it less user friendly right? Kind of disappointed now. Just wanted to give everybody heads up if you are one to go through your videos daily. Great video by the way!
@@NaterTater I just rewatched this video and noticed you have two cameras connected and you mentioned you had no subscription. My question is how many camera can be connected to the Sync module 2 (without a subscription) or do I need to buy multiple Sync module 2's?
Sync 1 modules also have a USB port. They just don't work with a USB drive. Later firmware and outside cameras would record on a Sync1 USB drive but not supported, clearly they were gradually adding the feature in preparation for the sync2 release
I just bought a sync module 2 and I’m so happy I did and don’t have to pay for subscription. Thank you for your explanation on the pros and cons. Do you know how I can watch the clips from my smart tv?
This was a great i have two im installing this weekend and wanted to know what would happen after the subscription. Are you still able to use the talk setting or the two way talk wtv they call it with out a subscription that was the only thing yiu didnt mention after the trial period was up, whether or not you lose that function.
After your subscription ends, you keep the cloud and (halsey) local backup but the mobile app will update after a few days when blink deactivates your subscription the cloud tab will disappear. After that you no longer notifications and no longer record locally. The only feature you retain is the backup that is done one a day and all videos are stored in to the Blink_Backup folder only and you are no longer able to view the local video previews. This is my personal experience as of today 5/31/21.
Mine isn't functioning that way. Blink_Backup is just for cloud files. Blink folder is for local. Maybe try deleting the sync module from your app/account and re adding it?
@@NaterTater I've done all the recommended troubleshooting but issue started start blink disabled my cloud access since my subscription had had expired. I've had a ticket open with Blink support for about a month now and they cant tell me why it isn't working.
@@louietvm others reported similar issue and claim delete and re add sync module in the app fixed it. But thats just hearsay. My free trial ended a short while ago but local storage still works for me.
@@NaterTater I guess it doesn't hurt to try deleting the blink module and re-adding it again. I'll give it one more try and cross my finders. I'll post an update in a few days. thanks for the feedback
Excellent video and thanks! Just one clarification; the original Blink Sync Module does have a USB port on the side but it does not allow you to save video to a drive. Amazon is supposed to be coming out with an update patch to allow you to but I haven’t checked to see if that’s happened yet. Being the new doorbell and Sync Module 2 package was on sale I got the new one along with the doorbell so it doesn’t matter to me anymore. Now I just need to figure out what I can do with the old one, lol. Thanks again!
The first one also have a USB port too, so that will not be a good way to tell the different. I am happy to know that you can now view the local storage now and the app, so I am not willing to upgrade from the old sync module.
@@NaterTater yes, that is correct, but for people that new to the system they will not know that. So that why I comment in saying that is not a good to way to tell them apart base on your statement in the video; for they both have a USB port. To the new buyer they will not know the different between a functioning USB port and a none functioning USB port by just looking at it. It is by the labeling and color, should be how you tell them apart from each other.
Thanks for the excellent video! I was definitely confused about what to expect once the subscription ends. Are you still able to open your phone and view the live feeds of your cameras once the subscription ends?
Thanks. Even though the software changes have changed the appearance of some of the pages, I was able to figure out how to access the local USB to look at the motion recording on my phone. Thank You Again. Question: Can you update this tutorial to the latest version with the newer pages?
Thanks for the great info. I had one question. I read a review saying that after the subscription is over the live view clips will no longer be saved to local storage, only the triggered recordings get saved. This would be a deal breaker for me in my case, because if motion triggered an alert, I would want to live view to see what was going on. From my understanding of the review, without the subscription, if I live viewed what was going on it would cause the recording to stop and nothing that I viewed live would be saved to local storage. Is this your experience? I hope this question makes sense.
Basically the review indicated that you can't live view AND record to local storage at the same time from the same camera unless you have the subscription. Is that your experience, too?
@@NaterTater Sorry, I replied again before I saw this. Okay, so if it's a motion triggered event, I could still live view it without losing the recording to local storage. That's what I needed to know. Thank you!
I find this in their help site: Local Storage automatically starts when your Sync Module 2 has a recognized USB drive inserted, unless it is connected to a Blink Subscription Plan or Free Trial. When you are using Local Storage with Early Notification "on" and tap a motion notification to enter Live View, clip recording stops immediately to give you access to the camera. When you are using Local Storage with Early Notification "off" the entire motion clip saves before you can use Live View. Change clip length and Early Notification in Camera Settings. Live View sessions can only be saved to the cloud, and only with a Blink Subscription Plan. Under Blink Storage Options and Sync Module 2 Local Storage Operation
One thing that I find a little ridiculous is that, if you look at your sync module saved clips through the app, it doesn't even give you the courtesy of having thumbnail previews. They lock that basic of a basic feature behind the pay wall just because they can.
I got rid of mine because I don’t like the Blink interface and lack of features. As well as lack of compatibility with other devices. Ring is definitely a better offering.
@@trevienseager1755 WTF CALM DOWN!!! HERES CALM DOWN... ALL I SIMPLY SAID WAS, WHY WOULD YOU SAVE NOTHING MORE THAN A TREE BLOWING IN THE WIND OR A DOG RUNNING ACROSS THE YARD... I'VE HAD BLINK & EUFY!! PLUS ALEXA IN 3 DIF ROOMS. CHANCES OF ANY OF THOSE ALERTS BEING SOMETHING YOU NEED TO KEEP ARE SLIM TO NOTHING!!! MOST WILL GO A LIFE TIME WITHOUT ANYTHING SERIOUSLY BEING A VIDEO YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO KEEP, NEED TO KEEP. SO I WILL SAY AGAIN!!!! WHY KEEP A SHIZ LOAD OF VIDEOS USING UP SPACE FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! IF YOUR GOING BACK LOOKING AT OLD VIDEOS WITH THE TREES BLOWING IN THE WIND, DUDE YOU NEED TO SEE A DR. IF UR HOUSE IS BEING HIT SO MUCH THAT U NEED MORE SPACE I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU MOVE!! ONCE YOU HAVE REPORTED ANYTHING OF ANY CONCERN TO THE AUTHORITIES, SHOWN THEM, THEN WHY KEEP?? IF U DO CHOOSE TO EVEN KEEP CLICK ON VIDEO, PUSH DOWNLOAD, SAVE TO A FILE AND WAAAAA LAAAAA THERE YA GO BUDDY!!! YOU HAVE UR VIDEO. HELL SAVE THE TREE BLOWING ONES FOR ALL I CARE. BUT ITS THAT EASY... 1-2-3 SAVED
Just set my first sync module up today. I already had three blink mini's installed, and it was a bit of a pain setting them up with the sync module. Found out that you need to set up a new "system" for the module and then add new cams to it. Can't add existing cams unfortunately, so I had to delete them and re-set them up in the sync system.
You should really let your viewers know that local storage is not really "local storage" when these are cloud based cameras. All clips are sent to the cloud, formatted and then sent back to the USB for "local storage". If you use the app to view the clips, the USB files are uploaded back to the cloud and ten back down to your device. There is no recording storage or playback without an upload.
I disagree. The files are certainly locally stored on the usb drive and can be played directly off the drive. They are cloud "processed" and do need an active internet to record but locally stored.
@@NaterTater There is some confusion here and I will try to explain better. There IS a copy of the clip stored on the local USB. That Local USB can be removed and played back locally on a PC or other device without any internet connectivity needed. If you use the App, it pulls the request over the internet from the cloud server and the cloud server requests the clip from the USB and sends it back to your phone. The process of using the App to view clips or live stream the cameras requires an internet connection to function. You can test this by disconnecting your incoming internet connection and trying to use the app to view videos using just the local network without internet.
I appreciate your video. I was having a problem after filling up my first thumb-drive on local storage, (I did not have the cloud storage option). I plugged a new thumb-drive in and it would still always say that I had no cloud storage, ( which it did when I filled up my old thumb-drive). Finally i saw your video and that gave me the option to format my new thumb-drive drive on the module, (I had formatted it on my PC but it apparently had to be done by the Blink module). Then I got the Cloud vs Home choice which i had not had. I clicked on home and i was off to the races. THANK YOU!!
Excellent video, my good friend has Blink and suggesting I buy in, this gives me more confidence that I will be purchasing in the right direction. We need a 10 camera set up, we have a huge garage that needs monitoring. I plan on buying a 5 set then 5 more cameras plus the sync module about $847ish... or maybe 2 - 5 sets plus module... Not sure which way I'll be buying yet.
Highly suggest you get a dedicated NVR system. It will be much more reliable and have much more capabilities and you will be a lot more happy with it. The Blink cameras have no AI capabilities, have many false triggers and miss many events since they do not record 24x7. Basically, a poor toy.
A good review. Just bought a sync module 3 months after the mini camera trail period ended. both camera and sync module connected, how it doesn't recorded the clip on thee usb. Not sure if you had a similar experience before? Thanks
Please...I'm only a Lt. but I'll take the promotion to Capt. Wyze allows you to use 3rd party software to control/record the cam which may be of desire to you. Less plug n play to do that but more capable. With blink its very plug n play but not a lot of choices.
@@NaterTater Oh, crimeny! It was Lt. Dan. Thanks for the Wyze cam tip. I'm looking for something I can view on my other devices. Desktop, laptop, tablet ...etc...Gary Senise would be shocked if I sent him a screen grab of you.
Thank you so much for your video. Very informative. I have purchased the Blink system but have not installed them. I wanted all the technical aspect understood before proceeding with install and app setup. What's the max flash drive can you use with the Sync 2?
Hi there, can I delete the saved videos on the USB connected to the Sync Module 2 remotely? I have no subscription. I am away from home for extended periods of time and don't want to run out of USB space to record videos. Thanks for your (anyone's) reply
Hi, I would like to be able to detect and manage the module from my internal network and store directly to one of my network drives. I would also like to live view the camera from my computer, change settings etc, in short the need to manually manage the data is a huge oversight. Great Vid, Very informative !!
My apologies if this question has been asked and/or answered already, but what I really want to know is about the backup and offline redundancy. If the internet is down, are the cameras still communicating with the sync module and recording video events to the USB?
I have 5 outdoor blink cameras. Also 2 Sync module 2’s. Trial is over. I have 256gb usb flash drives in each sync modules. I never got any clip backup while on trial and have no clips saving on either sync modules. I enjoy your videos and curious if you have suggestions to get my clips to save on the usb drives?
Thanks for the video. I use the sync module with max sized USB. I have 100mpbs UP and down internet, excellent Wi-Fi - with all Blink devices (3 cameras, 1 sync mod) w/in 100' of my router. I'm very disappointed with my Blink system! The delay between motion detection and alert and clip recording is way too long. By the time I'm alerted that someone is at my front door or robbing my house - the person is long gone. I would have expected real-time or near-real-time alerts and recorded clips. Absent the level of performance one would expect with a security system - It's worthless for that purpose!
I just bought a sync module 2. Without a subscription, can I still answer the door bell and direct audio talk to them when I am away from home? Can I still do live view without subscription with a sync mod 2?
Video is a help. I called blink because one of my users is deleting videos (when they stay out later than they should) and was told if i keep the subscription and add a USB drive when they deleted a video it would delete from the cloud not the USB. Hopefully blink support was correct but looks like from this video they still may be able to delete. Hoping there can be something that can limit who deletes videos
I would think changing the password would solve the problem so they can't get in there and delete. Also in Manage Devices, you can delete their device access to the account.
After the subscription ended, I bought a blink local storage, plugged it in the sync module 2, and I do not see any clips being recorded in the local storage. Is there another setting??
Joanne P I bought the Blink camera in 2020. A good friend suggested I buy this camera because it showed clear videos. It was also advertised on Amazon that it DID NOT HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION PLAN. My cameras have been active for 2 years efficiently and effectively. Fast forward 2 years ''2022'' and I receive an email saying that I must now pay a subscription plan. I feel like I've been scammed. Isn't that selling under false pretense ? This is not acceptable. Blink has rendered my cameras useless. They do not work at all. How deceiving. I want to return them and get my money back. I still have the packaging and receipt. I've reached out to them several times and I get an automated email reply every single time. Do you have any suggestions ? Thank you kindly.
Great video, thank you! Sorry but it still unclear: what this device does: synchronizing between multiple cameras? Allows to record when subscription ended? Allows to store video after subscription ended? Will the multiple cameras setup work without subscription and without sync device simply doing the "motion sensor + notification + video preview"?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Sorta, some cameras require a sync module to work at all. Without a subscription or module you cant save any videos but you can view a past motion even once before it is deleted.
ours worked for a year and then we didn't even have access to the files unless we purchased a subscription. The app also randomly deleted all the cameras.
My biggest issue, not being on the plan, is that you can't select multiple files on your phone to delete at once, which you can do while on the plan. This is a simple item they removed to make you pay for a plan instead. Having to watch through every video to delete is BS.
I have been researching cameras and doorbells. For local storage Reolink seems to offer best without subscription. Cost doesn’t seem much more. Why not go that route? The big tech brand wireless subscription ones usually don’t have best camera quality and cost more long term.
I am not a fan of Blink. I have tested (videos on my channel: th-cam.com/play/PL8d9FovK2dNTiRc3a9Vn5bjYNZuaqcVNh.html ) Ring, Blink, Eufy, Wainsview, Reolink, etc. Eufy has some good hardware as does Reolink and they let you choose local or cloud or both.
Can you simply avoid the free subscription completely and use local storage from the beginning? It seems like everyone is starting with a 30-day free subscription, then having issues with local storage when the subscription ends.
Another TH-cam video of someone else's stated that his local storage videos have no thumbnails so you have to watch them one by one based on a time factor, also the video tab does not tell you how videos you have by count.
Enjoyed both videos. I noticed on your phone your two cameras are on same screen, mine I have to swipe left or right to see both. Is there a setting that you know of that allows me to both and my new Sync 2, on one phone screen?
I never used the Cloud storage, at all - never sync'd the Blink and Amazon, and never signed up for an acct. Until the other day when my software changed and the system changed and requires a subscription. Before the change, the Live video, etc all recorded to the USB and I saw everything real time, and was able to review right after it occurred to the USB. I was able to remove the USB and copy to my computer right after the event or download on my phone. Nothing to Cloud, at all, ever before. Now it has all changed. Most annoying, I wouldn't have bought if I knew they were going to change everything.
@@NaterTater FYI, it didn't like that. I swear they were trying to get me to get a subscription. After a couple days everything worked again - module resync'd (I had to format it as it identified it as non-formatted, etc). Whereas my dad's just started working again too. They did move all the videos from the USB to the Cloud before the USB was blown away and I had to reformat as it didn't recognize it. Seemed like something fishy to me but it works now.
Nate, good video. Question: I want to set up a couple of these indoors to keep an eye on contractors. Instead of having video triggered by an event, can I just specify for them to be recording all the time, onto the flash drive?
Our subscription ended and tge only way it seems we can save video clips is if we have a USB flashdrive. Without that the blink module 2 doesn't save anything to the module apparently. Also one can't group videos clips and delete, you have to watch each till rge end then hit tge delete top left corner.
Blink Sync Module 2 on Amazon: amzn.to/3eJ1uw5
USB Flash Drive I purchased for storage (works well): amzn.to/3bptqD9
It would be nice if you could make another video on how to view the blink camera for 90 minutes on alexa and on your phone since that is probably there newest feature
I have a problem with mine and was wondering if you or anyone else have experienced this. My flash drive on sync was working perfectly until a couple of weeks ago. Then, it stopped saving the clips to the drive and said it needed to be configured to work in the drive. In order to do this it will wipe my drive and delete all of the files. I would like to keep the files on the drive if possible. I tried plugging it in to the computer but it doesn’t recognize it.
@@turnbowtime sounds like your flash drive failed.
If you unplug the module, will it stop recording?
@@Alucard13489 yes
A very important omission not mentioned in the video but is EXTREMELY important to potential Blink buyers when their free trial subscription ends is that if you are someone who plans to use the camera for 'instant' views, for example, you hear something going on outside so activate the Blink 'live view' to see what is going on and think it needs recording, you cannot do this whilst using a sync module, it does not allow you. If you do not buy one of Blinks monthly plans, the ONLY way 'live' videos can be recorded is if you have motion detection activated.
I do not need my Blink camera active all the time but I do need it to record 'incidents' that occur out side my property and 'live view' does this perfectly. If I hear a disturbance I can use 'live view' to see what is happening and then make a decision whether to record or not. Once the free subscription ends the Blink camera will be useless to me because Blink have blocked every method to allow it's customers to record 'live view' unless you pay for one of their monthly plans. As I already mentioned, if your the person that needs a CCTV camera in use 24hrs a day to detect things that go on outside your property 'motion detection' then a Blink camera with a sync module will work for you if you do not want to pay for one of the monthly plans BUT if your someone like me who just wants to use a CCTV camera to record incidents when they are actually in the property and do not want to pay for a monthly subscription then the Blink camera's are not for you. And for the record, not everyone lives in a house, many people live in blacks of flats or other high rise buildings where motion detection is not required.
I shall be looking for a new CCTV camera forthwith and be throwing away the Blink Mini (which I have) because it will become useless to me. Shame on Blink for putting blocks in the way of customers being able to record live view without the need for a monthly subscription.
Can’t you just screen record
Agree screen recording from your phone
@@paulantonelli6185 @GoatedJoe, both of you obviously do not realise that once the free trial is over, you cannot live view at all. I tired it and every time I click on the icon for live view it kept telling me live view was not allowed and that I had to pay for a 'plan' for live view to work.
@Dodge M live view works without a plan.
@@NaterTater Not on the Blink mini I've got.
Great video. I've watched several trying to figure out what we would give up without the cloud, and none were as clear as your presentation!
It was unclear to me what I could expect without a cloud subscription. Your crystal clear explanation answered all my questions. Well done! I've also benefited from your videos regarding T Mobile Home Internet. Keep up the good work!
Glad they all help!
I agree, wasn't sure what to expect after free trial runs out. I bought the 256gb usb drive dongle, likely no subscription then if get the same features. ☺️
The only real thing you get out of a cloud subscription other than the cloud storage is the ability to save live views or record live views and set the doorbell to take a clip / photo every hour and if your on unlimited devices subscription you get extended warranty you can still watch live view without subscription with sync module 2 you just will not be able to save the live view motion detection will still work and record and two way communication will also work and it will save recordings to an external storage device that is not bigger than 256gb and is formatted to exFat if the external storage device is not formatted to the exFat it will not backup it might work for a short time in a different format like ntfs or fat32 but will eventually fail for it to work correctly the external storage device must be reformatted to use exFat this can easily be done using a pc or laptop and I am sure there are tutorials online that can tell you how to reformat a usb external storage device
I still not sure how it works .. can you save all the videos you have stored on your phone already ? My computer crapped out when it updated twice, with not enough memory, so I can't even open it anymore. But I have all these videos I " really" need to save for a legal issue, and can't figure out how to get them out of my phone, other than paying geek squad $100, or buying a burner, which I will also be afraid I may lose those very important videos trying to save them myself.. Maybe I should listen again.. I'll listen again.. Don't hold your breath, I'm not really good with this.
@@NaterTater I bought a blink doorbell camera but can’t get live view. Do I need to buy the sync module 2 in order to see live view from my app? I’m not worried about saving anything…any help, thanks
Thanks for this. When I bought the Blink system I was told that I would never have to buy a subscription as it was early 2020. But unfortunately I somehow unwittingly trialled the free cloud feature this week. I don't know how this happened but it came up when i opened the app today so I cancelled it immediately. When I cancelled it, it left me with no choice but to take a subscription, or thanks to this handy guide, use local storage. It would appear the small amount of free cloud storage we had as legacy customers was taken away because I used the trial. Unfortunately i bought from Currys not Amazon so they say they can't see my history to prove I'm a legacy customer. Pretty sure there is software in there if they really wanted to see when it was first set up. Such is life. Anyway, this works, maybe a little slower but its fine
THANK YOU. This was super useful. I have the original sync module and two outdoor cameras and the subscription was free. I added two new cameras and Amazon changed my subscription to the 30 day trial. I'm sick of paying for subscriptions and plan to get the Sync 2 module with local storage.
My biggest question (which you answered) was if I could view the locally stored clips via the app when I'm away from home. Thank you for addressing this as it was hard to find this info anywhere else.
I just wanted to comment and say thank you. I may have been rushing this but could not figure out where to find my local storage clips. You rock 👏
You're welcome!
Some apps have such a minimalistic feel to them it can seem like things are hidden. It can take a little poking around in settings and all to figure out where the things you need are really.
Great review. I have 10 blinks; 3 wireless and 7 wired mini's. I added them to my network as slowly as possible to prolong my 30 day free subscriptions (lasted about 6mos). However, now that I'm beyond the freebie time, I added the usb storage to my sync 2 module. You're right, it is annoying that you cannot easily cleanup the thumbdrive from the app. Mine were recording to the drive seamlessly until last week. Every single camera just stopped recording altogether. I have verified that the sync module drive is not full, it's at 14%. To top it off, two of my cameras now keep going offline. I swapped the location of one of the non-working cams with one that was working (litterally 10' from each other) and now both of those are working fine. I love these cameras, but the sync module recording could use some work - allowing for easy cleanup from the app.
Renee, great job on the extended free subscription! I did the same 🙂 Interesting issue you have there, I assume they all have good wifi signal? I think their motivation is slim to make the local storage "great".
@@NaterTater I just bout the 5 camera set. So you're saying if I add one to my network at a time, I can prolong my systems subscription longer?
@@ovaismalikvo yes 30 day trial per camera but only if the previous trial expires. Have to wait 31 days to add another cam.
How do you like the minis?
You know, I have a theory that once you run out of the free trial and you don’t sign up for there cloud, it slows down the entire app and purposely causes malfunctioning. Just a conspiracy theory that I wouldn’t be surprised actually being true.
Thanks for this video. I am contemplating buying a couple of Blink cameras and doorbell. Don't want to pay for a subscription so the sync module was the answer and you have confirmed that.
Is that mean I should have subscription to be able to store my files locally
Oh wow! So glad you made this video. I bought 2 Mini's as add-ons to my XT2 system. Of course, after 30 days they were basically useless to me. Amazon sent me the Sync Module 2 for free (for my 1-star review), but I gave up trying to make it work. I decided to try it again today (after a year) and found your video when I was looking for a workaround. Got it capturing video clips finally, so thank you!
much appreciated - you answered all the questions I had about the USB storage process after the Cloud subscription ends
that is what i was thinking what i want to do do not know about how much a USB storage will hole will it hold enougj fpr a weel pr a month
Great information. I have a subscription and was getting "USB full" notices, and was frustrated that I was unable to manage that storage using the app. Now I know I can just eliminate my subscription and still have access to all my files. I have about 6 months on a 64GB USB, which is equivalent to your experinece of around 128GB per year
Good summary, very useful.
Wished you they did a POE powered connected module, or the ability to access the USB drive on the local network. The latter would be a choice for local home automation (but guess could hack something together with a microcontroller to act as a USB drive and enable that feature)
My year trial ends soon, so exploring options, this video was very handy in clarifying things.
Thanks. This is helpful as I look at options to switch from paying for cloud storage to having just local storage.
Glad it helps!
Thank you Sir Tater. Our subscription just expired and I started to panic a little thinking it wasn't going to record to my USB. Your video helped immensely.
Glad it helped!
You’re lucky because that’s exactly what I’ve run into. Subscription ends, so I get their flash drive for the 2nd camera, and the damn thing won’t record anymore.
USB works fine for my needs, but one thing I do find annoying is there's no way to directly mass select & delete clips, like you can with the cloud subscription interface. Probably the easiest way to get around this would be to safely eject the USB drive, plug it into a computer, and delete them there through a file manager.
That's what you're supposed to do to begin with, lucky you can even do one at a time remotely now.
@@RBRM3 why ? Is this the best cam doorbell without subscription ?
@@SSH01 you can use a NAS, you can backdate your account so that the 7,200 minutes are free without a subscription and you can also use more than just the "up to 256Gb" USB storage by simply making volumes.
I don't think it's the best, but it is pretty damn incredible. It uses the least amount of data, the only downside is that you can't let it live view for as long as you want (but you can watch 4 at a time now) and you can only record up to 60 seconds and you have to have a minimum 10 seconds between retriggering the cameras.
If you really wanted to then you could trips the camera wait for the indicator light to go off and have 10 seconds to get by the camera without someone seeing! It's probably because it takes up to 10 seconds to upload and save the videos, but you can hit continue to keep it going as long as you want and there are many new features for the Blink Outdoor/Indoor and Mini that the older ones don't have.
There are definitely a lot more pros than cons and it's what I use, other than my hardwired camera. I'd you have 2mbps of upload speed, you won't have any issues with lag etc.
@@RBRM3 wow ok i'm a little confused,which cam thing would you choose for a apartment that doesn't have any camera's,one that i can get an alert if i'm away that someone is at the door then it records and also i can view it live for more than 60 seconds like unlimited live viewing and recording possible ? Is there one where you can even use your phone to start recording and what if someone takes the camera off or worse breaks in,so which is g
would be the best for that ?,thank you.
@@SSH01 well a doorbell cam can be set to motion activated, but if there's a road directly in front, then the traffic can activate it.
If you're getting something definitely do it right now before the Black Friday sales are over because it's prime day and Black Friday when you really save a bunch of money, up to 65% off and up to 80% off if it's something used on eBay.
It will record up to 60 seconds by itself but if you're doing a live view then occasionally it'll pop up continue to keep the video going and you just tap it and you can click save live view.
You get to choose between anchoring it or using a quick connect, but someone can take literally any camera or doorbell camera off with nothing but a allen wrench or a screwdriver and you can simply grab a hold of one and then Yank on it and it'll come off whether it's wired or wireless.
Even the ones at a gas pump or inside at a convenience store, you can jump up and smack it with your hand and it'll come right off, but with these they are linked to your account and you have to sign into your actual accounts in order to deactivate it and use it on a different system.
I hate leaving long comments but there's no way to shorten it, the best thing that you can get for all around the house would be this because they have indoor and outdoor and you can choose whether to use a solar panel, batteries or hardwire it.
Other than all around protection, you can get a peephole camera which simply replaces your peephole and there's actually a camera inside of it and a microphone as well as choosing whether to put a monitor on the inside of the door that way you don't actually have to look through it, but you still have the option to do so like you would with a regular one.
No thumbnail is stupid, but we know why, they crippled the app so you'll pay.
It's also relatively stupid that they've slowed down local storage versus cloud I'm pretty sure people's local storage should be faster than the internet.
It’s not. How? Something that is already in the internet (cloud) is *always* faster then a local device that need to connect first. It’s like an uber. An uber (or cab) driver will always be faster to pick you up as your wife because he already is sitting in the car 🚕 💨 but your wife need to get ready first 🅿️🚗___🚶🏼♀️. Kind of an awkward analogy but I got nothing better at the top now. I hope that makes sense. lol
I agree, I have cameras that take 100s of videos in a day if there is snow, or wind blowing the trees around. With no thumbnail, I simply do not have time to sit down for 45 minutes and review the first few seconds of each clip lol. I have a Littleelf camera from amazon, which does this the best and faster. You can scroll and filter through the list of 100 video clip thumbnails in 1 minute. But this is an indoor corded pant-tilt camera that I have pointed out the window above my door (which works fine with infrared turned off and lights on outside). Also is a subscription free local storage camera.
@@jetmuchacho I would like the thumbnail as well, but I just safe remove the USB and use the computer. The view large icon in File Explorer seems to work well for this.
Really good video, Mr. Gary Sinise! ;-) (You sound like him and even kind of look like him.) Seriously - really good video and very informative. Helped me to decide if I should get the sync module. Thanks!
Thanks!
Found that there have been times when the backup fails on the sync 2 module. There is no manual option, which is a little frustrating. And yes, I am aware of the download option to the device your app is on.
I didn't know that Gary Sinese does camera reviews.....LOL Thanks for the review :)
Fewer people are going to the theaters nowadays...have to make a livin'
Thanks very much for this. Puts me more at least of getting this. I'll get the 256GB drive and delete when I have to. Sounds like the comment section on Amazon was indicating you did need the subscription for this to work. Sounds like the people just don't know how to use it.
You rock bro! I got the system because of you, thanks for your help.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching
For those of you who's subscription has ended.., if you haven't done so already, you can delete all the clips saved to the cloud if you don't need to keep them. The reasons for this suggestion will become clear shortly but first locate your cloud storage clips and long press on one of them to select it, then using the three dots in the top righthand corner click to 'select all' then delete them. The reasons for this is that now when you click to open your clips it will go straight to your USB storage, not the cloud storage which was the default view.
Good tip!
Thanks brofessor. You explained the unknown. I truly appreciate it 🙏
Great review! I have been considering a Blink system, but after reading the Blink app reviews, no one seems too satisfied.
Glad it was helpful!
I have 5 blink cameras and because I don't like changing batteries they are all wired models. Created some weather covers and have had no trouble using them outside and they are cheaper than the outside ones. As far as the Sync Module 2 goes, taking the flash drive out and putting it in my computer seems easy to me. I get a lot of motion so I just clean the files and pop the drive back into the module.
I got two 3pk of solar panel/battery with the same plug that keeps it waterproof for my outdoor cameras, they were only $50 per 3!
im wondering if my indoor Blink mini if under an outside cover would that be good enough? I sm unable to see a thing when I set my indoor mini inside to look thru a front window to the outside. It is all black, and a glare or reflection is definitely I the video clips. I have it set on Auto for night vision but its pure darkness and window reflection. useless. HELP?
If looking out a window the IR night vision light should be off to prevent glare.
Thanks for making this video- They really have done a piss poor job of describing the difference in services.
You're welcome!
just bought the 3 camera kit. Really helped knowing about the usb storage
Me too. Only testing the free 30 day trial to see what’s the real difference beside the cloud storage.
did you had to get alexa as well??? is that always required?
@@ak47ava you can use the cameras with only the Blink app but I think it’s better using Alexa to have access to them from the echo shows.
A huge problem with the local storage is its inability to overwrite older files. This makes it unusable as a security device. There isn't a dvr on the market that DOESNT overwrite. You have to delete 1 file at a time from within the app or eject and clean up on a pc. My 256GB fills in 5 days because I have 10 cameras per sync module and lots of motion.
Thank you, I think I’ll be going with a different brand for this reason
Is this still the case? That’s mental!
Not sure if it was mentioned in the video and I'm also not sure if this was changed due to an update but after my free trial ended I am no longer able to bulk delete videos. It has to be done one by one which is very painstaking If they stack up and you're not home to eject the USB drive and plug it into your computer and do it that way. It's really a bummer that Amazon would do this and make it a feature of a subscription. I heard it could have been changed in an update but why make it less user friendly right? Kind of disappointed now. Just wanted to give everybody heads up if you are one to go through your videos daily. Great video by the way!
Thank you so much!! You explained it perfectly!! I have been researching the work around and seeing this video confirms it!
Thank you so much for your informative video! I was anxious about the USB and definitely don't want to pay for the subscription!
You're welcome!
Thank you so much for this! You really helped me understand what I needed to know. I really do appreciate it. 🙏🏾
You're welcome!
@@NaterTater I just rewatched this video and noticed you have two cameras connected and you mentioned you had no subscription. My question is how many camera can be connected to the Sync module 2 (without a subscription) or do I need to buy multiple Sync module 2's?
@@OKLAHOMALOVE2 i think it supports up to 10. I have 8 on it.
@@NaterTater thank you very much. You're very much appreciated.
Sync 1 modules also have a USB port. They just don't work with a USB drive. Later firmware and outside cameras would record on a Sync1 USB drive but not supported, clearly they were gradually adding the feature in preparation for the sync2 release
Awesome video you answered every single question I had
Good to hear!
I just bought a sync module 2 and I’m so happy I did and don’t have to pay for subscription. Thank you for your explanation on the pros and cons. Do you know how I can watch the clips from my smart tv?
No try on my firestick and smart tv
This was a great i have two im installing this weekend and wanted to know what would happen after the subscription. Are you still able to use the talk setting or the two way talk wtv they call it with out a subscription that was the only thing yiu didnt mention after the trial period was up, whether or not you lose that function.
You maintain talk.
I'm sold! They're on sale right now so I'll be getting a few. Thanks for the excellent review. :)
After your subscription ends, you keep the cloud and (halsey) local backup but the mobile app will update after a few days when blink deactivates your subscription the cloud tab will disappear. After that you no longer notifications and no longer record locally. The only feature you retain is the backup that is done one a day and all videos are stored in to the Blink_Backup folder only and you are no longer able to view the local video previews.
This is my personal experience as of today 5/31/21.
Mine isn't functioning that way. Blink_Backup is just for cloud files. Blink folder is for local. Maybe try deleting the sync module from your app/account and re adding it?
@@NaterTater I've done all the recommended troubleshooting but issue started start blink disabled my cloud access since my subscription had had expired. I've had a ticket open with Blink support for about a month now and they cant tell me why it isn't working.
@@louietvm others reported similar issue and claim delete and re add sync module in the app fixed it. But thats just hearsay. My free trial ended a short while ago but local storage still works for me.
@@NaterTater I guess it doesn't hurt to try deleting the blink module and re-adding it again. I'll give it one more try and cross my finders. I'll post an update in a few days. thanks for the feedback
So the Sync Module 2 is supposed to let you view the recordings without subscription? But the app is just having a software bug?
Thanks… 10:12 this video was SUPER helpful! I’m ordering the Blink sync module 2 now 🎉🎉🎉
Regret it yet?
Excellent video and thanks! Just one clarification; the original Blink Sync Module does have a USB port on the side but it does not allow you to save video to a drive. Amazon is supposed to be coming out with an update patch to allow you to but I haven’t checked to see if that’s happened yet. Being the new doorbell and Sync Module 2 package was on sale I got the new one along with the doorbell so it doesn’t matter to me anymore. Now I just need to figure out what I can do with the old one, lol. Thanks again!
Yes thanks for the version 1 clarification, I learned that after this video. Glad you got the 2nd gen now, mine has been working like a charm.
The first one also have a USB port too, so that will not be a good way to tell the different. I am happy to know that you can now view the local storage now and the app, so I am not willing to upgrade from the old sync module.
Old one's USB port is not functional
@@NaterTater yes, that is correct, but for people that new to the system they will not know that. So that why I comment in saying that is not a good to way to tell them apart base on your statement in the video; for they both have a USB port. To the new buyer they will not know the different between a functioning USB port and a none functioning USB port by just looking at it. It is by the labeling and color, should be how you tell them apart from each other.
Thanks. I was wondering what happens at the end of free cloud storage...
You're welcome. Me too and Blink doesnt explain it clearly.
@@NaterTater do 2.4 ghz still apply or they updated it.
@@fedso1 still 2.5Ghz, it works and 2.4Ghz will be around for many years to come.
@@NaterTater also I just purchase it can I see my motion detector on my phone instead of the flash drive
@@fedso1 yes flash drive files are visible on the app
Thanks for the excellent video! I was definitely confused about what to expect once the subscription ends. Are you still able to open your phone and view the live feeds of your cameras once the subscription ends?
Yes but live feeds are not recorded.
Thanks for the detail...New Blink owner this past week. Impressed.
You're welcome
Thanks. Even though the software changes have changed the appearance of some of the pages, I was able to figure out how to access the local USB to look at the motion recording on my phone. Thank You Again. Question: Can you update this tutorial to the latest version with the newer pages?
Glad I could help! I'll look at doing an update.
Thanks for the great info. I had one question. I read a review saying that after the subscription is over the live view clips will no longer be saved to local storage, only the triggered recordings get saved. This would be a deal breaker for me in my case, because if motion triggered an alert, I would want to live view to see what was going on. From my understanding of the review, without the subscription, if I live viewed what was going on it would cause the recording to stop and nothing that I viewed live would be saved to local storage. Is this your experience? I hope this question makes sense.
It's true live views are not recorded without a sub. However motion events are and if you live view during a motion event I think that's still saved.
Basically the review indicated that you can't live view AND record to local storage at the same time from the same camera unless you have the subscription. Is that your experience, too?
@@NaterTater Sorry, I replied again before I saw this. Okay, so if it's a motion triggered event, I could still live view it without losing the recording to local storage. That's what I needed to know. Thank you!
@@johnadambarwood3071 that sounds plausible.
I find this in their help site:
Local Storage automatically starts when your Sync Module 2 has a recognized USB drive inserted, unless it is connected to a Blink Subscription Plan or Free Trial.
When you are using Local Storage with Early Notification "on" and tap a motion notification to enter Live View, clip recording stops immediately to give you access to the camera.
When you are using Local Storage with Early Notification "off" the entire motion clip saves before you can use Live View. Change clip length and Early Notification in Camera Settings.
Live View sessions can only be saved to the cloud, and only with a Blink Subscription Plan.
Under
Blink Storage Options and
Sync Module 2 Local Storage Operation
One thing that I find a little ridiculous is that, if you look at your sync module saved clips through the app, it doesn't even give you the courtesy of having thumbnail previews. They lock that basic of a basic feature behind the pay wall just because they can.
I know. Crazy.
So if you opt out of the subscription you HAVE to use a USB drive? This is so confusing for elderly folks who just want an easy to use camera.
I got rid of mine because I don’t like the Blink interface and lack of features. As well as lack of compatibility with other devices. Ring is definitely a better offering.
Why save?? After you have viewed the footage why save it?? UNLESS!!! There was something worth keeping. Why save all those unnecessary files
Lol damn calm down
@@trevienseager1755 WTF CALM DOWN!!! HERES CALM DOWN... ALL I SIMPLY SAID WAS, WHY WOULD YOU SAVE NOTHING MORE THAN A TREE BLOWING IN THE WIND OR A DOG RUNNING ACROSS THE YARD... I'VE HAD BLINK & EUFY!! PLUS ALEXA IN 3 DIF ROOMS. CHANCES OF ANY OF THOSE ALERTS BEING SOMETHING YOU NEED TO KEEP ARE SLIM TO NOTHING!!! MOST WILL GO A LIFE TIME WITHOUT ANYTHING SERIOUSLY BEING A VIDEO YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO KEEP, NEED TO KEEP. SO I WILL SAY AGAIN!!!! WHY KEEP A SHIZ LOAD OF VIDEOS USING UP SPACE FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! IF YOUR GOING BACK LOOKING AT OLD VIDEOS WITH THE TREES BLOWING IN THE WIND, DUDE YOU NEED TO SEE A DR. IF UR HOUSE IS BEING HIT SO MUCH THAT U NEED MORE SPACE I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU MOVE!! ONCE YOU HAVE REPORTED ANYTHING OF ANY CONCERN TO THE AUTHORITIES, SHOWN THEM, THEN WHY KEEP?? IF U DO CHOOSE TO EVEN KEEP CLICK ON VIDEO, PUSH DOWNLOAD, SAVE TO A FILE AND WAAAAA LAAAAA THERE YA GO BUDDY!!! YOU HAVE UR VIDEO. HELL SAVE THE TREE BLOWING ONES FOR ALL I CARE. BUT ITS THAT EASY... 1-2-3 SAVED
Just set my first sync module up today. I already had three blink mini's installed, and it was a bit of a pain setting them up with the sync module. Found out that you need to set up a new "system" for the module and then add new cams to it. Can't add existing cams unfortunately, so I had to delete them and re-set them up in the sync system.
Good to know
You should really let your viewers know that local storage is not really "local storage" when these are cloud based cameras. All clips are sent to the cloud, formatted and then sent back to the USB for "local storage". If you use the app to view the clips, the USB files are uploaded back to the cloud and ten back down to your device. There is no recording storage or playback without an upload.
I disagree. The files are certainly locally stored on the usb drive and can be played directly off the drive. They are cloud "processed" and do need an active internet to record but locally stored.
@@NaterTater There is some confusion here and I will try to explain better. There IS a copy of the clip stored on the local USB. That Local USB can be removed and played back locally on a PC or other device without any internet connectivity needed. If you use the App, it pulls the request over the internet from the cloud server and the cloud server requests the clip from the USB and sends it back to your phone. The process of using the App to view clips or live stream the cameras requires an internet connection to function. You can test this by disconnecting your incoming internet connection and trying to use the app to view videos using just the local network without internet.
@@GGascay no confusion here. We're saying the same thing.
The system says the USB is empty and its only on the cloud it record, never on the USB..I tried reformat still it does not record
Nice, I had no idea had the local storage works until know! Thanks
Thanks for making this follow up video, you answered all my questions.
Awesome!
Thank you, you answered a lot of questions.
Great to hear!
Nice review. Lots of good info. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
You're welcome!
I appreciate your video. I was having a problem after filling up my first thumb-drive on local storage, (I did not have the cloud storage option). I plugged a new thumb-drive in and it would still always say that I had no cloud storage, ( which it did when I filled up my old thumb-drive). Finally i saw your video and that gave me the option to format my new thumb-drive drive on the module, (I had formatted it on my PC but it apparently had to be done by the Blink module). Then I got the Cloud vs Home choice which i had not had. I clicked on home and i was off to the races. THANK YOU!!
Glad you got it working!
Thanks for the video. You look like an actor but I can't put my finger on who it is. He played a cop in a lot of 80s and 90s movies
I normally get Gary Sinise
You can edit the name on each camera. I added a name with a hyphen which allows me to recognize which camera it is and keep the original s/n.
I already have a subscription with my indoor camera. Do I need this for my out door battery camera?
Excellent video, my good friend has Blink and suggesting I buy in, this gives me more confidence that I will be purchasing in the right direction. We need a 10 camera set up, we have a huge garage that needs monitoring. I plan on buying a 5 set then 5 more cameras plus the sync module about $847ish... or maybe 2 - 5 sets plus module... Not sure which way I'll be buying yet.
If you have the ability to plug them in the Blink Mini's are much cheaper.
Highly suggest you get a dedicated NVR system. It will be much more reliable and have much more capabilities and you will be a lot more happy with it. The Blink cameras have no AI capabilities, have many false triggers and miss many events since they do not record 24x7. Basically, a poor toy.
Thank You I got my answer from you about local storage
👍👍
Happy to help
Thanks for the good info. Does the flash drive need to be a specific type/brand/model or capacity?
256GB or smaller
A good review. Just bought a sync module 3 months after the mini camera trail period ended. both camera and sync module connected, how it doesn't recorded the clip on thee usb.
Not sure if you had a similar experience before? Thanks
I've heard others have that problem but I havent. Try deleting it and re adding it.
CAPT. DAN!....sorry, bad habit. Good info on Sync module. I'm trying to decide on Wyze or Blink system. Anyone have an opinion?
Please...I'm only a Lt. but I'll take the promotion to Capt. Wyze allows you to use 3rd party software to control/record the cam which may be of desire to you. Less plug n play to do that but more capable. With blink its very plug n play but not a lot of choices.
@@NaterTater Oh, crimeny! It was Lt. Dan. Thanks for the Wyze cam tip. I'm looking for something I can view on my other devices. Desktop, laptop, tablet ...etc...Gary Senise would be shocked if I sent him a screen grab of you.
@@robertlee4172 you can view blink on a tablet and phone but no computer. Sounds like wyze might be better for you.
Thank you so much for your video. Very informative. I have purchased the Blink system but have not installed them. I wanted all the technical aspect understood before proceeding with install and app setup. What's the max flash drive can you use with the Sync 2?
256GB
Thanks this was awesome. I could not find my local clips. Not sure why pay.
Hi there,
can I delete the saved videos on the USB connected to the Sync Module 2 remotely? I have no subscription. I am away from home for extended periods of time and don't want to run out of USB space to record videos.
Thanks for your (anyone's) reply
Yes, you can
Hi, I would like to be able to detect and manage the module from my internal network and store directly to one of my network drives. I would also like to live view the camera from my computer, change settings etc, in short the need to manually manage the data is a huge oversight. Great Vid, Very informative !!
What happens when the flash drive is full? Does it stop recording or continue loop recording? Thanks for all this great info!
I think it stops. It warns you when it's getting full but even with 8 indoor cameras (record often) it takes months to fill up.
My apologies if this question has been asked and/or answered already, but what I really want to know is about the backup and offline redundancy. If the internet is down, are the cameras still communicating with the sync module and recording video events to the USB?
@@Parabol76 no
I have 5 outdoor blink cameras. Also 2 Sync module 2’s. Trial is over. I have 256gb usb flash drives in each sync modules. I never got any clip backup while on trial and have no clips saving on either sync modules. I enjoy your videos and curious if you have suggestions to get my clips to save on the usb drives?
Local storage only works on the Blink Video Doorbell, Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini.
This was a great review appreciate it and subscribing.
Thanks for this video. Can you watch live feed from the camera if you are not on a subscription plan?
Yes
Thanks for the video. I use the sync module with max sized USB. I have 100mpbs UP and down internet, excellent Wi-Fi - with all Blink devices (3 cameras, 1 sync mod) w/in 100' of my router. I'm very disappointed with my Blink system! The delay between motion detection and alert and clip recording is way too long. By the time I'm alerted that someone is at my front door or robbing my house - the person is long gone. I would have expected real-time or near-real-time alerts and recorded clips. Absent the level of performance one would expect with a security system - It's worthless for that purpose!
th-cam.com/video/sc1iygJRIGU/w-d-xo.html
Thanks! You just saved me from paying a subscription fee!
I just bought a sync module 2. Without a subscription, can I still answer the door bell and direct audio talk to them when I am away from home? Can I still do live view without subscription with a sync mod 2?
You answered all my questions about this product. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you for clearing this up for me. ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Video is a help. I called blink because one of my users is deleting videos (when they stay out later than they should) and was told if i keep the subscription and add a USB drive when they deleted a video it would delete from the cloud not the USB. Hopefully blink support was correct but looks like from this video they still may be able to delete. Hoping there can be something that can limit who deletes videos
I would think changing the password would solve the problem so they can't get in there and delete. Also in Manage Devices, you can delete their device access to the account.
After the subscription ended, I bought a blink local storage, plugged it in the sync module 2, and I do not see any clips being recorded in the local storage. Is there another setting??
Joanne P
I bought the Blink camera in 2020. A good friend suggested I buy this camera because it showed clear videos. It was also advertised on Amazon that it DID NOT HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION PLAN. My cameras have been active for 2 years efficiently and effectively. Fast forward 2 years ''2022'' and I receive an email saying that I must now pay a subscription plan. I feel like I've been scammed. Isn't that selling under false pretense ? This is not acceptable. Blink has rendered my cameras useless. They do not work at all. How deceiving. I want to return them and get my money back. I still have the packaging and receipt. I've reached out to them several times and I get an automated email reply every single time. Do you have any suggestions ? Thank you kindly.
Great video, thank you! Sorry but it still unclear: what this device does: synchronizing between multiple cameras? Allows to record when subscription ended? Allows to store video after subscription ended? Will the multiple cameras setup work without subscription and without sync device simply doing the "motion sensor + notification + video preview"?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Sorta, some cameras require a sync module to work at all. Without a subscription or module you cant save any videos but you can view a past motion even once before it is deleted.
@@NaterTater Thank you very much. Appreciate!
I have the blink from 5 years ago and just set it up again..no subscription but pretty basic.
ours worked for a year and then we didn't even have access to the files unless we purchased a subscription. The app also randomly deleted all the cameras.
Very helpful, thanks!
You're welcome!
Soo helpful - it's like you were in my head answering the questions
Ha, glad it helped. I too had these questions and couldnt find the answers prior to buying.
My biggest issue, not being on the plan, is that you can't select multiple files on your phone to delete at once, which you can do while on the plan. This is a simple item they removed to make you pay for a plan instead. Having to watch through every video to delete is BS.
Thanks for sharing your video answered couple of questions I had.
You're welcome!
How much (in terms of hours) you can save up using the 128gb usb that you have???? Nice video btw
About 10,000 hrs.
I have been researching cameras and doorbells. For local storage Reolink seems to offer best without subscription. Cost doesn’t seem much more. Why not go that route? The big tech brand wireless subscription ones usually don’t have best camera quality and cost more long term.
I am not a fan of Blink. I have tested (videos on my channel: th-cam.com/play/PL8d9FovK2dNTiRc3a9Vn5bjYNZuaqcVNh.html ) Ring, Blink, Eufy, Wainsview, Reolink, etc. Eufy has some good hardware as does Reolink and they let you choose local or cloud or both.
Can you simply avoid the free subscription completely and use local storage from the beginning? It seems like everyone is starting with a 30-day free subscription, then having issues with local storage when the subscription ends.
You can call and not do the 30day trial.
Another TH-cam video of someone else's stated that his local storage videos have no thumbnails so you have to watch them one by one based on a time factor, also the video tab does not tell you how videos you have by count.
Enjoyed both videos. I noticed on your phone your two cameras are on same screen, mine I have to swipe left or right to see both. Is there a setting that you know of that allows me to both and my new Sync 2, on one phone screen?
I think that means they are under different "locations" in Blink. You should be able to move them to the same location.
Thanks for posting the video it really help me out I have the same system you have.
You're welcome!
I never used the Cloud storage, at all - never sync'd the Blink and Amazon, and never signed up for an acct. Until the other day when my software changed and the system changed and requires a subscription. Before the change, the Live video, etc all recorded to the USB and I saw everything real time, and was able to review right after it occurred to the USB. I was able to remove the USB and copy to my computer right after the event or download on my phone. Nothing to Cloud, at all, ever before. Now it has all changed. Most annoying, I wouldn't have bought if I knew they were going to change everything.
Same thing for me happened. I can’t get my usb to show the clips. I don’t even know if it’s recording anymore.
Delete and re-add sync module in the blink app
@@NaterTater FYI, it didn't like that. I swear they were trying to get me to get a subscription. After a couple days everything worked again - module resync'd (I had to format it as it identified it as non-formatted, etc). Whereas my dad's just started working again too. They did move all the videos from the USB to the Cloud before the USB was blown away and I had to reformat as it didn't recognize it. Seemed like something fishy to me but it works now.
Nate, good video. Question: I want to set up a couple of these indoors to keep an eye on contractors. Instead of having video triggered by an event, can I just specify for them to be recording all the time, onto the flash drive?
No, blink doesn't offer that option. Eufy does though th-cam.com/video/3iV9WSv0s2M/w-d-xo.html
@@NaterTater Ok fantastic, will check out Eufy. So to clarify, if I setup one or more Eufy cams, I can enable a continuous recording mode?
Thanks for the information.
Our subscription ended and tge only way it seems we can save video clips is if we have a USB flashdrive. Without that the blink module 2 doesn't save anything to the module apparently. Also one can't group videos clips and delete, you have to watch each till rge end then hit tge delete top left corner.