I'm sorry, but this video is confusing. I just wanted to know how to use the flash drive without a subscription. You never explained how to do this. I went to another 90 second video that explained exactly how to do this without a subscription and without all the "Jibber Jabber". Sorry.
I had a similar issue. Make sure you're USB is blank and install it to the slot. Make sure the app says that it's formatted and the "local storage" option is visible. Mine still didn't save my clips. It was only after I completely unplugged my Blink module for 10+ minutes and reset my Wi-Fi router that it finally worked.
Well the Video title DOES state how local storage works, which is the info he gave in the video. No where in the title does it say “How to Use The Flash Drive w/out a Subscription”.
My subscription ended and I used the external drivev. It worked well. One day, we had a power outage and when power came up, the sync 2 won't store clips on drive. Yes I replaced the thumb drive. I even formatted it first. New drive no difference. When Plugged in, acknowledges drive but won't store to it. I reset module still no change. So do I get a new one or uis there anything I missed??
I have been using two Blink cameras for two years without a subscription, and I have successfully recorded it all to the usb stick, but now the sync module 2 is online with the wifi and I can take thumbnails with the cameras, I just can't get them to record to local storage anymore, there is some Blink voodoo going on I reckon.
can I or can I not access the USB stored clips from the mobil app?????? If so how and can you delete and use the USB much like the cloud storage?????? that's what people want to know I had the older blink cameras that hade a small amount of cloud storage included. now with the new cameras..... surprise..... you can't use your cameras remotely unless you pay a subscription fee. At this point I am trying to to decide if trashing the new cameras and getting a different brand or if I can make these cameras work????
Its still a nice feature to have since it saves you time from downloading the clips from the cloud and you now have a local backup of them to use when you need. Thanks for the post and be sure to stop back soon for more content.
Hey so I have used multiple different usbs and it just says that there not the right one? Can someone help I’ve used multiple ones it just doesn’t let them save to it
My free blink sub ended but i dont see clips on the USB at all. From what i understand reading online i should be able to view those local clips from the blink app, but i cannot. It simply says there are no clips on the usb.
Sam, thanks for the post and I was looking for a way to finish out the review and since most viewers are nerds (including you) I though that it worked. I hope you'll stop back for more content soon. I'm trying to post a clip each day on a wide range of gear.
4:18 It’s a good optionif your Internet service provider is down but not your electricity. You’ll have your recording from your wifi but not on the cloud. It’s more than a backup, it become the only recording.
I have been trying to figure this out. I need to test it but have not. I have three modules with multiple cams on each and a usb drive in them. If the wifi goes down, do they still then record real time to the usb locally? I just cant get to them from app? Or does it never record local no matter if wifi down? My issues is someone was dropping my wifi then committing the crime. Not sure if because they are set to cloud if i need to set to local storage so if wifi goes down would they then record still? Thanks millions!
Without a subscription and video clips recorded to thumb drive do you still receive motion notifications and view clip thru app from anywhere? Your video video says no. The correct answer is yes.
Thanks for the post and Amazon is constantly updating the features on these cameras. The last time I tested it (and when I originally did this video) You could not access the videos on the thumb drive through the app. The only way to review them was to plug the drive into your computer to view them. I'll test again today to see if that's changed.
john ambro,,,, Hey there. Get any answers. I am having a similar problem. After the trial subscription was over I can no longer view my clips on my cell phone which you need to do asap when notified. Not even sure my notifications are working. I thought the answer was YES too. I'm trying to contact Blink Tech. Thnx,,,,,steve
Nice video. So if I’m out of town and have just the usb and no subscription, if someone breaks into the house, the recorded clip should be on the usb and viewable once I hook it into my computer? So the motion detection automatically records and stores to the usb even without a subscription?
I dont think that's a good option then.. I mean come for most of us that plan on being out of town, this system is supposed to provide some type of security but if you have to have a subscription to gain that security security and peace of mind, then it's all just a front and this thing is useless without a subscription because you can't view the footage until you get home??? wth??
I believe without a subscription, it DOES NOT record footage, which makes it pretty useless 🤷♀🙄. However, I might be wrong about that. It seems incredibly difficult to find out..!
I use local storage and can view my video clips from anywhere in the country using my mobile phone app. As long as you don't fill up the storage they are accessible anywhere and anytime. Keep in mind that if the Blink Servers are down, then you won't have access. Everything goes through the Blink Servers (this is regardless of whether you have a Cloud subscription or not). You'll also need to have your WiFi router up and running for everything to work. If you are not at home and there is a power outage or the router goes down, then someone may need to physically be at your home to reboot the router or cameras if they go offline and won't come back up. My router is on a UPS.
If you have local storage without a Cloud subscription, the video is still recorded to the Sync Module 2. The only time it won't record is if there is a WiFi connectivity problem or Blink Servers are down or you run out of USB storage. The Sync Module 2 is a hub and talks with the Blink Servers. You don't need a Cloud subscription to record your video clips. I don't have a Cloud subscription and I store all my videos on the Sync Module 2.
You buy a camera and take pictures with it they belong to you yet blink is hijacking my Internet stealing my images to the "cloud" and asking for a ransom inorder for me to use my camera that I purchased instead of saying connect your own flash drive store all your own content they don't need access for that camera to work properly on my wifi no camera anyone owns does the manufacturer have a right to your content?
Thanks for the post and you can use any USB drive up to a capacity of 256GB but I like this one from Sandisk - amzn.to/3Qh81i6. They make a quality product and this one is small enough that it hardly sticks out from the unit. Stay tuned for more content this week. Rick
My video doorbell and camera don't record motion anymore, I do have a sync module, but it doesn't save motion records. A junk product is not worth buying!
Thanks for the post but the thumb drive won;t show up in the app. The media recorded there can only be reviewed on your computer by removing the drive and plugging it into an open USB port on your laptop or PC. It's also a day behind as it's essentially a backup of the files uploaded to the cloud from the cameras. Blink was talking about making the USB drive visible through the app but haven't implemented that feature yet. I'll post a clip if anything changes.
Gill, thanks for the post but the Blink system is pretty awesome when compared to all of the other battery-powered systems on the market. It lasts longer on the cells than others and provides a ton of features for the price. No battery camera is perfect when compared to a hard-wired system but I've been using them for years and they work grea.
Your advise is incorrect.. The blink cameras STILL connect to your WiFi as well as the sync module. The camera footage is stored to the sync module (with usb storage) Whether you have a subscription or not, It just back ups the clips and footage to the USB then UPLOADS to the cloud at a later time... if you have no sub then it just saves footage to the USB
Great explaining the difference, but I was looking for a tutorial on setting it up without the subscription, the directions on the equipment is very vague
Without subscription only good for motion alerts, live viewing storage is irrelevant at that point. 3$ a camera or 10$ for as many as ya want it’s better to get the subscription.
Sorry but where’s the fire. If you could slow down your talking speed please. Thank you for making the video as I could hear your great information once I slowed the video down.
Thank you for this video. But you never mentioned how to setup the thumb drive and what I should see on my iPhone app when it's running in non-subscription mode. I have a thumb drive installed now. But I don't see any videos being recorded from my iPhone app (as I did during my trial cloud subscription). So is the only way I can see the videos to take the thumb drive out of the sync module and put it in my laptop? Seems pretty silly if that's the case. Thks.
Exactly the information I was looking for and right to the point. Moreover I didn’t have to fast forward over anything or set your talk speed to 1.25. 💪🏻
The Blink camera's do connect to your Wifi as well as the Sync Module. The camera will take an IP Address on your network. So if you have 3 camera's you'll have 4 IP's used. 1 for Module and 1 for each camera
L😊 5:55 5:59№00,,,*⅚Welcome to Gboard clipboard, any text you copy will be saved here.Touch and hold a clip to pin it. Unpinned clips will be deleted after 1 hour.ll
I don't have any issues with the Blink cameras and have used them for years and they work well. All battery powered (and solar) cameras have some drawbacks but if you use them correctly they can provide all the security you need to keep an eye on your property.
@@annmarietrupia6650 I appreciate the post but I'm not sure what you're upset about. The camera system works great and is reasonably priced. I have tested a ton of battery-based cameras and Blink is the easiest and most feature rich product of the group. If you have specific issues, let me know and I'm sure I can help you sort them out.
I have no more subscription and everything was registered on my USB. Today nothing is registering. Can you tell me why and do really have to buy a subscription? Thank you for your response, if you can help or not.
My subscription ended. I don’t need to store footage of me washing my car. I want a security system. I have a memory stick for local storage but now I have to delete each clip individually and it doesn’t record everything it did record when I was within the subscription seems like Blink is pressuring me into buying a contract
So if I don’t subscribe before my thirty days free … it will go to my usb? I won’t see day to day videos on who came to my door ,etc ? So I have to subscribe to get all? Only have two days left
First time viewer on your channel. Wow, you kept it straightforward and tell it like it is. I wasn't sure if I had to use my laptop (versus using the Blink Ap) in order to review clips from the module 2, and your simple Tute helped me understand how the Module 2 stores the information it grabs from the camera device. Subscribed.
It's a good video. In my recent 2nd sync module purchase there is zero info in the blink document about the sync module setup or diagnostics except pointers to the phone app and a URL.
This was very helpful. You almost talked me out of a subscription. I would much rather have local storage be default, or at least an option... Unfortunately, the option I need for automatic recording on motion detection is locked behind the subscription.
Glad it was helpful! I like the Blink products a lot and am glad this was useful. I have a few more Blink clips uploading soon so be sure to stop back.
Yeah, isn't that some sh*?!? I bought this for my home in another state, got it all set up, incl thumb drive... then once I got home a few days later, realized that if I don't subscribe, they're essentially useless to me. And of course it will be past the return date, so now I'm stuck with them.
@@annmarietrupia6650 I appreciate the post but I'm not sure what your issues are with the camera system. They are super easy to setup, priced in line with other cameras, provide a really easy application for recording and access and works with Alexa. The local storage option is unique as well and works great as an alternative to the cloud storage. I know a lot of folks complain about the monthly Cloud costs but every camera vendor charges for storage since it's not free for them. Let me know your particular issue and I'm sure that I can help sort it out for you.
@William Tell Thanks for the post but you're mistaken on a few of these points. You're right that Blink initially offered a free Cloud Storage plan and then moved to a subscription model like all of the other camera vendors. New customers still have free storage in the cloud for shorter clips but need a subscription for longer storage. The key thing to remember is that if you were an early customer with Blink that had the free storage plan, Blink extended this so any new cameras you add to the system are "grandfathered" into the same plan. This is a big advantage to the system for older customers and a decent thing for them to do. As for the Cloud plan, it's competitive and in line with what other companies charge for Cloud storage. I find the hardware to be really reliable and have some of the original cameras still mounted on my home for a few years now without issue.
Can I use the blink module two without the Internet? And still access the camera from my phone using the module two? What I'd really like to do is be able to take a camera when I go camping and film any wildlife that hangs around my RV at night and look at the footage later. Can I do that with this system?
Prior the initial trial period ending, I inserted a thumb drive into the sync module so it would be ready to view the clips after the trial ended. And, no surprise, it's not working the way I was told by support that I would be able to access it the same way I had been once the trial subscription expired. Can you possibly provide what I need to do to set it up or were they lying to me about being able to access it as before after the trial ended? Thanks
Mark D., Hey there. Get any answers. I am having a similar problem. After the trial subscription was over I can no longer view my clips on my cell phone which you need to do asap when notified. Not even sure my notifications are working. Thnx,,,,,steve
@@proofdude I ended up calling them and they did something on their end to reset my sync module so now I can see the clips remotely on my attached storage device.
So can we not view the videos from the app if it's on local storage? Do we have to pull the USB and plug it into a computer to view the videos? My free trial just ended and I'm not sure if it has switched over to local storage or not?? I haven't received any motion recordings for two days now.. and I'm not sure if that just means it's not recording them.. or I just can't see them from the app???
So do you need to remove the thumb drive and view on your computer what the cameras picked up from the night before or will you be able to view from the app? Getting different information on this question.
Conflicting info here compared to comments. I'm more confused then ever. I will just plug in a thumb drive and figure it out myself. When I have motion and I don't have a subcription, will I be able to see through the app(at the same time theres motion and i've been notified) the video? From what I gather this is the confusion. Be nice if someone can do a video and show it happening or show that it doesn't.
Hi, just to make sure, when I plug the 64gb drive that comes with the unit into my laptop, and I see the library by month -> day, I can delete each of those files, plug it back into the camera, and I'll be good to go correct? No need to delete any certain way, create month files after deleting the old ones, etc.? Doing this for my parents while down for Christmas and want to make sure that if I delete everything on the stick for them that it won't be screwed up when I plug it back in! Great video btw, subscrbed
Sorry, the system is trash, except for the doorbell. I have 2 cameras, outside, both suck (comm issues, 25 feet away). Rarely, cars will trigger them (100 feet away, but human won't 10 feet away). Can't force force them on. First module lasted 2 weeks. Doorbell still works, cameras still don't, unless next to the module. A waste of time (way too much time, on junk).
I appreciate the post but I've had a great experience with them. I have a total of 12 cameras (Indoor, Outdoor, Mini) across 2 Sync modules and they work well. The new Outdoor model is especially good for motion sensing. The connection issue is typically a problem with positioning the Sync close enough to the camera. They are inexpensive and I'd suggest adding a second one to "split" the home between front & back. The wired systems are more responsive but much more expensive and a hassle to setup so the Blink is a great, quick solution for me.
Here's one for you if you can answer. Had the 30 day trial cloud when bought 6 months ago or so. Put in a 64gig USB drive from Blink and has worked fine. Last week it stopped recording, so I unplugged the module and the wifi router/modem and it started recording again for about 3-4 days. Well now it doesn't record again, so I unplugged everything again and hit the reset button on the back and it went through it's norman startup. Still no new recordings. Take note...the 64 gig would always delete older videos to make room for new ones and said 99% full all of the time. So I figure lets start off fresh and delete all past videos and old cloud videos and start over. Well, that didn't do anything and USB is empty and app says it's still 99% full. Any idea why this is happening?
My understanding is video clips do not automatically get deleted once the USB drive is full. You have to choices. You can remove the USB drive from the Sync Module 2 and use your computer to delete them. Or you can leave the USB drive in the Sync Module 2 and delete video clips one at a time using your mobile phone app.
Without a subscription, you cannot record anything. That is not very useful, if you wanted evidence of an intruder etc to show to the police. So basically, you need a subscription otherwise the camera's aren't a whole lot of good. . Also, Amazon are now essentially forcing people to pay for a subscription for functions they'd previously got for free. As one of the Blink reviewers said 'Imposition of a retrospective subscription on a completed sales contract with past customers, just looks like a potential breach of the sales contract and well worth reporting to your Trading Standards in your UK area'. As if Amazon aren't making enough money without ripping people off...🙄
While I appreciate the posts, you're pretty confused about how the sync module works with local storage. First, you don't need a subscription to use the Blink system. You can simply record motion alerts to a USB drive in the sync module and review them on your phone. You do get extended features if you have a subscription but it's not mandatory. I should also point out that every other camera company requires a monthly subscription and most of their cameras won't work without them. As for the Amazon subscription, it's optional. Also, if you had signed up with the original plan (free), all of your future cameras were included so Amazon is not ripping anyone off. Cloud storage isn't free so it's be foolish to think that you'd be able to store your security footage there without some type of fee. If you really want to avoid the monthly fee, which is reasonable, install a wired system with a DVR attached. They are expensive but don't require a cloud plan. I hope that clears things up. Rick
Why I don't see local storage tab in the Clip section? I have 30 days free trial. When I plug the flash drive to Sync Module 2, it show connected with the green check mark. But when I go to the clip section, I don't see a local storage on top of the screen even when I plug in the flash drive to the sync module 2.
Does the sync module need to be within range of the camera? I have a camera out front of house that is on a wifi extender and a camera in the back of the camera that is within range of my router. In other words, does the recording data reach the sync module via the wireless network (camera to wireless network to sync module) or via a wireless connection (from the camera directly to the sync module)?
Joe, the camera only connects to the sync module. The sync module is essentially a connection point for up to 10 cameras that only needs one IP address on your network but is the gateway for the cameras to touch your network. You have to have a sync module close enough for the camera to connect. If you have cameras very spread out (like I do as well) you may need to add another sync module for more coverage. I hope that helps!
Nice video but 8 out of 10 think this stuff sucks..myself included. Spent hours on the phone w blink and xfinty 10 days after trial expired and everything stopped working. Put it all back in the box. 1 year latr tried again got back on phone and they sent me new (remanufactured sync mod) doorbell and one cam hooked up one cam will not. Sticking with the S&W and mean dog. I have great internet and 25 different devices connected. Blink is the only item i have issues connecting or keeping connected. Going back in the nice box it came in. 😢
I'm not sure where that stat comes from because the rating on Amazon is pretty high. I've had good luck with all of the Blink products and use a wide range of gear from them. You have ti understand the limitations of the product when compared to a hard-wired camera. Blinks are using Wifi and most home internet providers are starting to meddle a little with your connection that they never did before. They can bounce your network at will and are also sharing your Wifi locally with folks outside your home (on Optimum) when they are roaming. All of this affects the connection but Blink has done some software changes to remedy most of this. If you want a solution that has immediate response for motion, records to a local hard drive (as well as the Cloud), you'll have to go with a wired solution. The hassle there is you'll need to run cables and have power available (or POC solution) to make that happen. As a plug and play kit, I haven't found an easier system on the market and I've tested a ton of them.
I’m post 30 day subscription but my blink cameras are not recording clips to my thumb drive. The blink site seems to have no trouble shooting options to find out why it isn’t recording. Any thoughts?
Can you tell me why local storage is not working? It was working for years and then it stopped. Call Blink and they looked at it and couldn't determine the problem. Could it be the router? Help> .
I had a similar issue and using a different USB Thumb Drive solved the problem for me. You might want to try formatting the one you're using in your computer before inserting it into the hub.
That was a very helpful video. Maybe you could help me. My free subsription just ended. I've had a USB in the sync module for the duration. Now that my subsription ended, none of me vidieos are being recorded at all. I've tried reformatting my drive but i still get nothing. Have you encountered this at all?
I've experienced this, tried reformatting as well and deleting the module as well. I've used new 2 drives with no luck so far. I'll let you know if I find a solution.. Please comment here if you find one. Seems like this is getting common for many people.
@@markyazurin6304 it's weird but I just noticed mine started to work today. After reformatting and setting up the sync module after deleting, I just left it a lone and after a few days it started working. I have no idea what caused it.
I am having this issue as well. After the subscription lapsed nothing is being recorded to local storage. There was a point when I added a second camera but didn’t add a subscription onto it that camera recorded to local storage but now neither are.
Thank you very much sir for your very informative video. If i want to use external hard disk to save the recording videos for a week and delete it automatically save the new video and continuing the process over and over. If I want any particular videos I can save it before it automatically deleted from the hard disk or pen drive.
A hard disc or SSD would work fine but you'd have to have it powered externally as the USB-A connection on the Sync module can only support a USB drive with very low power requirements. You might be better off using a larger 512GB or 1TB flash drive to store the videos. That would also make it easier to transfer then to your computer. I hope that helps. Rick
I appreciate your video it’s very helpful. I wanted to go with thumb drive but it sounds like I won’t be able to review on the app while I’m on the go. So I guess I’ll go with subscription
Thanks for the post and the subscription is your best bet. It's fairly inexpensive and allows you to review your clips remotely and save them if you ever have an issue with a break-in. Stop back soon for more content I'll be posting.
Kind of sucks but I think the subscription is the way to go as well. Just bought one but after seeing the options its better to probably just pay the yearly
No worries, you can extend the cable if needed. The Sync module draws so little power that extending the cable won't affect it at all. Thanks for the post!
. When I look on my mobile Blink app "General Settings" for my Front Door camera, I can see under the "Network" section that it shows both the "Connection to WiFi" is strong and the "Connection to Sync Module" is strong (4 bars). But when I look at my other 4 cameras under the "Network" section, only "Connection to WiFi" is showing. There is no "Connection to Sync Module" showing. Should every camera show both connections for "WiFi" and "Sync Module 2"? My neighbor has a Blink system and every camera on his Blink app on his iPhone shows "Connection to WiFi" and "Connection to Sync Module". When I asked Blink about it, the answer was it doesn't really matter. Here is what Blink said: "The Wired Floodlight camera, Doorbell, and Mini cameras are stand-alone devices, which means they will work with or without the Sync module. That is why the connection to the Sync module is not showing up there on the General Settings, cause they can connect themselves automatically to the Wi-Fi connection without a Sync module or if the Sync module is offline."
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Question: It sounds like the only way to view the videos (without subscription) is to remove the USB drive and plug it into your computer. Can you view the videos that are on the USB drive from the phone app without removing the USB drive? Thanks!
Yep, if that's a concern the Cloud storage is something that the bad guys can't mess with. The thumb drive is more of a local backup for the cloud or another way for you to record clips if you decide not to go with the Cloud storage.
Derek, I posted this clip to specifically explain how the local storage works with the Blink system. Formatting the USB drive wasn't part of the discussion but I just do that on my PC before adding it to the module. Even if you don't format it, the video's will just overwrite whatever you have on the thumb drive. I hope that helps.
Subscribed! Great info thank you. Quick question i was thinking of using the module to store recordings locally. Do you know how soon from when an incident occurs when i can pull the thumbdrive to review footage? also am i still able to see the cameras from anywhere without a subscription ?
@@BrewCityRider thanks for the response ended up picking these up months ago and they been working like a charm. I just picked up the blink doorbell for prime day so looking forward to that. have a good one
Hey man I have the 30 day trial on my outdoor cam and every night I get a notification that the back up clip failed any suggestions thanks I’m confused as to why the backups aren’t working.
Wait so for it to record to the stick I have to have my nephew reset something in account settings then? We just bought a stick cause mom doesn't wana pay for the cloud. But it's not doing anything yet.
I have this issue: if local storage is active and someone rings at the video doorbell, I have no access to the live video feed and cannot talk to the person ringing. All is fine when local storage is deactivated. No cloud plan. Thanks.
Thanks for the post but I gave you all the details you need to understand in order to use the Sync 2. I'm sorry if it was confusing for you but I did the best I could in explaining it.
Im going to be honest, they just want to make money how ever they can. I just wanted to know could I use any standard usb or it HAS TO BE A BLINK certified usb? Lol. I say just use the thumb drive and just chime in on the cameras at home when you're out and about. question , does watching your live camera view affect data on your phone plan? example : lets say I have a phone plan of 1GB a month. but I have wifi at home. When Im out of town, in the country lets say I check my cameras without any access to wifi. Im just using my 1GB a month, as im viewing my cam footage is my 1GB lowering the more I check my footage or what? Or should we all just go with UNLIMITED phone data plans to prevent the given situation? hopefully you get what I mean.
I used a cheap usb key I bought on amazon, nothing fancy and it works. About your data plan, I think you almost answered your own question but just-in-case I'll state my response anyway as I might be confused. If you're viewing anything over the internet at all and you're not on a wifi network it's going to use data, this is no different. So yeah, if you're watching video over the moblie data line it's going to cut into your 1GB.
Thanks for the post and that plaque is for another channel I have on UA-cam that I started about 6 years ago. This is a fairly new channel for me that focuses on a wider universe of tech. I hope that you're enjoying the clips.
So you can't get live updates without a subscription? Another gripe I have is 60s recordings is not long enough. I am not at ease right now. There was a scumbag who tried to get into my car last night and last weekend someone drilled a whole on my gas tank and took my gasoline.
You’ve probably said this a million times but to confirm You can use this without subscription you’d just need a 256gb USB device and come next day you can unplug USB device and look at the videos PRIOR to the 30days free trial ending? The subscription provides a cloud base storage, and more features that are locked behind it. So the 5 home blink camera kit w/ sync module would be better having the subscription ?
Yes, the subscription provides more features (and instant review) of the footage as well as storage in the cloud. If you decide to use the subscription, all of the clips you record are also downloaded to the memory stick every night as well for backup. You can use a smaller capacity USB drive if you like but it will hold less content. It's a decent system for the price and I've used the Blink products for years. I hope that helps and stay tuned for more Blink content soon. I have their new motion camera I'll be reviewing this week.
It's prime day, and with multiple break ins in the area, I'm considering blink cameras, and to put on facing a chicken coop. How far can the cameras work, I don't need an actual blink USB, and I saw another comment, I can't review anything from the app? I have an indoor camera that I can, so I'm curious.
So I have a user deleting videos (when they stay out too late) called blink and was told if I keep the subscription and add the flash drive that user that deleted videos will be doing from the cloud not the USB. I hope that is correct and that user will not know I still would have proof of rule breaking
I don't agree and have been using Blink products for years. They are easy to setup, work really well and provide a great, simple security setup for most homes.
I have the older xt cameras. On the web site it says the new sync 2 module recogonizes the older cameras but won't record video from them to a usb stick. Do you know if this is correct. If so it means I will have to buy new cameras and new sync module. Not impressed!!!When i first purchased the cameras the big buying advantage was it was free to store video to the cloud.
Al, thanks for the post and unfortunately the older XT cameras wont record to the USB Drive. The good news is that since the Cloud recording was free when you bought them, you should be "grandfathered" in to continue using it. I hope that helps, it's a good system.
you explained you don't need a subscription to store recorded videos on a thumb drive connected to the synch module. What I would like to know if can the synch module still record new videos from Blink devices when the internet is down
I'm sorry, but this video is confusing. I just wanted to know how to use the flash drive without a subscription. You never explained how to do this. I went to another 90 second video that explained exactly how to do this without a subscription and without all the "Jibber Jabber". Sorry.
Which video did you watch? This was a waste of 5 minutes.
I had a similar issue. Make sure you're USB is blank and install it to the slot. Make sure the app says that it's formatted and the "local storage" option is visible. Mine still didn't save my clips. It was only after I completely unplugged my Blink module for 10+ minutes and reset my Wi-Fi router that it finally worked.
That’s funny I thought it was perfect. Explains it perfectly. You must not have watched the same video 😂
Well the Video title DOES state how local storage works, which is the info he gave in the video. No where in the title does it say “How to Use The Flash Drive w/out a Subscription”.
@@Shameful_Draggo Silly me.
Thanks for explaining so easily. I’ll just plug a drive in!
My subscription ended and I used the external drivev. It worked well. One day, we had a power outage and when power came up, the sync 2 won't store clips on drive. Yes I replaced the thumb drive. I even formatted it first. New drive no difference. When Plugged in, acknowledges drive but won't store to it. I reset module still no change. So do I get a new one or uis there anything I missed??
I have been using two Blink cameras for two years without a subscription, and I have successfully recorded it all to the usb stick, but now the sync module 2 is online with the wifi and I can take thumbnails with the cameras, I just can't get them to record to local storage anymore, there is some Blink voodoo going on I reckon.
Can you review the video from your local storage on the app or do I need to pull out the thumb drive out and look at it through a pc ?
Yes you can review all the videos from your local storage on the app
Either method works. View on your app or computer.
can I or can I not access the USB stored clips from the mobil app?????? If so how and can you delete and use the USB much like the cloud storage?????? that's what people want to know I had the older blink cameras that hade a small amount of cloud storage included. now with the new cameras..... surprise..... you can't use your cameras remotely unless you pay a subscription fee. At this point I am trying to to decide if trashing the new cameras and getting a different brand or if I can make these cameras work????
Very good review
Wish I understood this before buying the 256g USB drive.
Its still a nice feature to have since it saves you time from downloading the clips from the cloud and you now have a local backup of them to use when you need. Thanks for the post and be sure to stop back soon for more content.
Hey so I have used multiple different usbs and it just says that there not the right one? Can someone help I’ve used multiple ones it just doesn’t let them save to it
Now I did see in the clips tab there are now 2 tabs. cloud and the stick. I also messed arround in the local storage page.
My free blink sub ended but i dont see clips on the USB at all. From what i understand reading online i should be able to view those local clips from the blink app, but i cannot. It simply says there are no clips on the usb.
"Stay nerdy" 😂🙌 love that
Sam, thanks for the post and I was looking for a way to finish out the review and since most viewers are nerds (including you) I though that it worked. I hope you'll stop back for more content soon. I'm trying to post a clip each day on a wide range of gear.
4:18 It’s a good optionif your Internet service provider is down but not your electricity. You’ll have your recording from your wifi but not on the cloud. It’s more than a backup, it become the only recording.
If your internet or Wi-Fi is down then it will never make it to the module too be recorded
@@justingreenblatt5741 that is not true. Routers can communicate with each other in proximity without internet connection.
@@BossmanRoyceNeither the camera nor the module will work without wifi.
Great Vid. With local storage and no subscription can you access the local storage remotely?
Yes you can! It shows up in the application and allows you to review the footage.
I have been trying to figure this out. I need to test it but have not. I have three modules with multiple cams on each and a usb drive in them. If the wifi goes down, do they still then record real time to the usb locally? I just cant get to them from app? Or does it never record local no matter if wifi down? My issues is someone was dropping my wifi then committing the crime. Not sure if because they are set to cloud if i need to set to local storage so if wifi goes down would they then record still? Thanks millions!
No matter what I do my pos camera stopped recording
Without a subscription and video clips recorded to thumb drive do you still receive motion notifications and view clip thru app from anywhere? Your video video says no. The correct answer is yes.
Thanks for the post and Amazon is constantly updating the features on these cameras. The last time I tested it (and when I originally did this video) You could not access the videos on the thumb drive through the app. The only way to review them was to plug the drive into your computer to view them. I'll test again today to see if that's changed.
john ambro,,,, Hey there. Get any answers. I am having a similar problem. After the trial subscription was over I can no longer view my clips on my cell phone which you need to do asap when notified. Not even sure my notifications are working. I thought the answer was YES too. I'm trying to contact Blink Tech. Thnx,,,,,steve
Can I access local storage videos from mobile device if away from home ?
Yes
Nice video. So if I’m out of town and have just the usb and no subscription, if someone breaks into the house, the recorded clip should be on the usb and viewable once I hook it into my computer? So the motion detection automatically records and stores to the usb even without a subscription?
I dont think that's a good option then.. I mean come for most of us that plan on being out of town, this system is supposed to provide some type of security but if you have to have a subscription to gain that security security and peace of mind, then it's all just a front and this thing is useless without a subscription because you can't view the footage until you get home??? wth??
I believe without a subscription, it DOES NOT record footage, which makes it pretty useless 🤷♀🙄. However, I might be wrong about that. It seems incredibly difficult to find out..!
I use local storage and can view my video clips from anywhere in the country using my mobile phone app. As long as you don't fill up the storage they are accessible anywhere and anytime. Keep in mind that if the Blink Servers are down, then you won't have access. Everything goes through the Blink Servers (this is regardless of whether you have a Cloud subscription or not). You'll also need to have your WiFi router up and running for everything to work. If you are not at home and there is a power outage or the router goes down, then someone may need to physically be at your home to reboot the router or cameras if they go offline and won't come back up. My router is on a UPS.
If you have local storage without a Cloud subscription, the video is still recorded to the Sync Module 2. The only time it won't record is if there is a WiFi connectivity problem or Blink Servers are down or you run out of USB storage. The Sync Module 2 is a hub and talks with the Blink Servers. You don't need a Cloud subscription to record your video clips. I don't have a Cloud subscription and I store all my videos on the Sync Module 2.
You buy a camera and take pictures with it they belong to you yet blink is hijacking my Internet stealing my images to the "cloud" and asking for a ransom inorder for me to use my camera that I purchased instead of saying connect your own flash drive store all your own content they don't need access for that camera to work properly on my wifi no camera anyone owns does the manufacturer have a right to your content?
What is the best usb for the blink system
Thanks for the post and you can use any USB drive up to a capacity of 256GB but I like this one from Sandisk - amzn.to/3Qh81i6. They make a quality product and this one is small enough that it hardly sticks out from the unit. Stay tuned for more content this week. Rick
My video doorbell and camera don't record motion anymore, I do have a sync module, but it doesn't save motion records. A junk product is not worth buying!
Bc they require u buy the subscription. It's like a drug dealer. They giv you a sample, then once ur hooked, you have to pay.
Weird, it works for me.
I don’t see the thumb drive at all in my Blink app. 🤷♀️
Thanks for the post but the thumb drive won;t show up in the app. The media recorded there can only be reviewed on your computer by removing the drive and plugging it into an open USB port on your laptop or PC. It's also a day behind as it's essentially a backup of the files uploaded to the cloud from the cameras. Blink was talking about making the USB drive visible through the app but haven't implemented that feature yet. I'll post a clip if anything changes.
👍
It's garbage. I'm throwing mine away. Pure crap. Don't buy it
Gill, thanks for the post but the Blink system is pretty awesome when compared to all of the other battery-powered systems on the market. It lasts longer on the cells than others and provides a ton of features for the price. No battery camera is perfect when compared to a hard-wired system but I've been using them for years and they work grea.
Your advise is incorrect.. The blink cameras STILL connect to your WiFi as well as the sync module. The camera footage is stored to the sync module (with usb storage) Whether you have a subscription or not, It just back ups the clips and footage to the USB then UPLOADS to the cloud at a later time... if you have no sub then it just saves footage to the USB
Great explaining the difference, but I was looking for a tutorial on setting it up without the subscription, the directions on the equipment is very vague
Without subscription only good for motion alerts, live viewing storage is irrelevant at that point. 3$ a camera or 10$ for as many as ya want it’s better to get the subscription.
Maybe search for a tutorial?
Sorry but where’s the fire. If you could slow down your talking speed please. Thank you for making the video as I could hear your great information once I slowed the video down.
If you don’t have a subscription and have the sync module, can you watch instant playback clips after you get an alert to your phone?
Thank you for this video. But you never mentioned how to setup the thumb drive and what I should see on my iPhone app when it's running in non-subscription mode. I have a thumb drive installed now. But I don't see any videos being recorded from my iPhone app (as I did during my trial cloud subscription). So is the only way I can see the videos to take the thumb drive out of the sync module and put it in my laptop? Seems pretty silly if that's the case. Thks.
Exactly the information I was looking for and right to the point. Moreover I didn’t have to fast forward over anything or set your talk speed to 1.25. 💪🏻
The Blink camera's do connect to your Wifi as well as the Sync Module. The camera will take an IP Address on your network. So if you have 3 camera's you'll have 4 IP's used. 1 for Module and 1 for each camera
L😊 5:55 5:59№00,,,*⅚Welcome to Gboard clipboard, any text you copy will be saved here.Touch and hold a clip to pin it. Unpinned clips will be deleted after 1 hour.ll
Is that good or bad?
@@yousefalshiekh4074 you need to just make sure you are in range of the Sync module (little box) and the home wifi for everything to work correctly. 😀
Its called false advertisement is what amazon is doing that's why sales are down people caught on to the trickery
I don't have any issues with the Blink cameras and have used them for years and they work well. All battery powered (and solar) cameras have some drawbacks but if you use them correctly they can provide all the security you need to keep an eye on your property.
I wish I caught on to it before I blew $100.
@@annmarietrupia6650 I appreciate the post but I'm not sure what you're upset about. The camera system works great and is reasonably priced. I have tested a ton of battery-based cameras and Blink is the easiest and most feature rich product of the group. If you have specific issues, let me know and I'm sure I can help you sort them out.
I have no more subscription and everything was registered on my USB. Today nothing is registering. Can you tell me why and do really have to buy a subscription? Thank you for your response, if you can help or not.
My subscription ended. I don’t need to store footage of me washing my car. I want a security system. I have a memory stick for local storage but now I have to delete each clip individually and it doesn’t record everything it did record when I was within the subscription seems like Blink is pressuring me into buying a contract
same by me…. tested so many usb sticks
So if I don’t subscribe before my thirty days free … it will go to my usb? I won’t see day to day videos on who came to my door ,etc ? So I have to subscribe to get all?
Only have two days left
Not clear at all.
Very good video, short and direct to the point. Thank you.
First time viewer on your channel.
Wow, you kept it straightforward and tell it like it is. I wasn't sure if I had to use my laptop (versus using the Blink Ap) in order to review clips from the module 2, and your simple Tute helped me understand how the Module 2 stores the information it grabs from the camera device.
Subscribed.
It's a good video. In my recent 2nd sync module purchase there is zero info in the blink document about the sync module setup or diagnostics except pointers to the phone app and a URL.
This was very helpful. You almost talked me out of a subscription. I would much rather have local storage be default, or at least an option... Unfortunately, the option I need for automatic recording on motion detection is locked behind the subscription.
Glad it was helpful! I like the Blink products a lot and am glad this was useful. I have a few more Blink clips uploading soon so be sure to stop back.
Yeah, isn't that some sh*?!? I bought this for my home in another state, got it all set up, incl thumb drive... then once I got home a few days later, realized that if I don't subscribe, they're essentially useless to me. And of course it will be past the return date, so now I'm stuck with them.
@@annmarietrupia6650 I appreciate the post but I'm not sure what your issues are with the camera system. They are super easy to setup, priced in line with other cameras, provide a really easy application for recording and access and works with Alexa. The local storage option is unique as well and works great as an alternative to the cloud storage. I know a lot of folks complain about the monthly Cloud costs but every camera vendor charges for storage since it's not free for them. Let me know your particular issue and I'm sure that I can help sort it out for you.
@@annmarietrupia6650 same story
@William Tell Thanks for the post but you're mistaken on a few of these points. You're right that Blink initially offered a free Cloud Storage plan and then moved to a subscription model like all of the other camera vendors. New customers still have free storage in the cloud for shorter clips but need a subscription for longer storage. The key thing to remember is that if you were an early customer with Blink that had the free storage plan, Blink extended this so any new cameras you add to the system are "grandfathered" into the same plan. This is a big advantage to the system for older customers and a decent thing for them to do. As for the Cloud plan, it's competitive and in line with what other companies charge for Cloud storage. I find the hardware to be really reliable and have some of the original cameras still mounted on my home for a few years now without issue.
Thanks for this clear and easy explanation, brilliant video, now I know exactly what to do. Thank you 😊
Can I use the blink module two without the Internet? And still access the camera from my phone using the module two? What I'd really like to do is be able to take a camera when I go camping and film any wildlife that hangs around my RV at night and look at the footage later. Can I do that with this system?
Prior the initial trial period ending, I inserted a thumb drive into the sync module so it would be ready to view the clips after the trial ended. And, no surprise, it's not working the way I was told by support that I would be able to access it the same way I had been once the trial subscription expired. Can you possibly provide what I need to do to set it up or were they lying to me about being able to access it as before after the trial ended? Thanks
Mark D., Hey there. Get any answers. I am having a similar problem. After the trial subscription was over I can no longer view my clips on my cell phone which you need to do asap when notified. Not even sure my notifications are working. Thnx,,,,,steve
@@proofdude I ended up calling them and they did something on their end to reset my sync module so now I can see the clips remotely on my attached storage device.
So can we not view the videos from the app if it's on local storage? Do we have to pull the USB and plug it into a computer to view the videos? My free trial just ended and I'm not sure if it has switched over to local storage or not?? I haven't received any motion recordings for two days now.. and I'm not sure if that just means it's not recording them.. or I just can't see them from the app???
So do you need to remove the thumb drive and view on your computer what the cameras picked up from the night before or will you be able to view from the app? Getting different information on this question.
You can view your videos through the app itself, no need to plug it to your computer.
The video is incorrect. You don't have to remove the USB to view the stored videos on a computer, you can use you Blink App to see the videos
Guessing you store local w o subscription you’d have to create thumb drive space every once in awhile or you’d run out of space
Conflicting info here compared to comments. I'm more confused then ever. I will just plug in a thumb drive and figure it out myself. When I have motion and I don't have a subcription, will I be able to see through the app(at the same time theres motion and i've been notified) the video? From what I gather this is the confusion. Be nice if someone can do a video and show it happening or show that it doesn't.
Hi, just to make sure, when I plug the 64gb drive that comes with the unit into my laptop, and I see the library by month -> day, I can delete each of those files, plug it back into the camera, and I'll be good to go correct? No need to delete any certain way, create month files after deleting the old ones, etc.? Doing this for my parents while down for Christmas and want to make sure that if I delete everything on the stick for them that it won't be screwed up when I plug it back in! Great video btw, subscrbed
I cancelled the free subscription the 1st day, but the triggered cameras never save any clips in the USB.
False that only 256 devices (locations) can be on the network.
Sorry, the system is trash, except for the doorbell. I have 2 cameras, outside, both suck (comm issues, 25 feet away). Rarely, cars will trigger them (100 feet away, but human won't 10 feet away). Can't force force them on. First module lasted 2 weeks. Doorbell still works, cameras still don't, unless next to the module. A waste of time (way too much time, on junk).
I appreciate the post but I've had a great experience with them. I have a total of 12 cameras (Indoor, Outdoor, Mini) across 2 Sync modules and they work well. The new Outdoor model is especially good for motion sensing. The connection issue is typically a problem with positioning the Sync close enough to the camera. They are inexpensive and I'd suggest adding a second one to "split" the home between front & back. The wired systems are more responsive but much more expensive and a hassle to setup so the Blink is a great, quick solution for me.
Here's one for you if you can answer.
Had the 30 day trial cloud when bought 6 months ago or so. Put in a 64gig USB drive from Blink and has worked fine. Last week it stopped recording, so I unplugged the module and the wifi router/modem and it started recording again for about 3-4 days. Well now it doesn't record again, so I unplugged everything again and hit the reset button on the back and it went through it's norman startup. Still no new recordings.
Take note...the 64 gig would always delete older videos to make room for new ones and said 99% full all of the time. So I figure lets start off fresh and delete all past videos and old cloud videos and start over. Well, that didn't do anything and USB is empty and app says it's still 99% full.
Any idea why this is happening?
My understanding is video clips do not automatically get deleted once the USB drive is full. You have to choices. You can remove the USB drive from the Sync Module 2 and use your computer to delete them. Or you can leave the USB drive in the Sync Module 2 and delete video clips one at a time using your mobile phone app.
Without a subscription, you cannot record anything. That is not very useful, if you wanted evidence of an intruder etc to show to the police. So basically, you need a subscription otherwise the camera's aren't a whole lot of good. . Also, Amazon are now essentially forcing people to pay for a subscription for functions they'd previously got for free. As one of the Blink reviewers said 'Imposition of a retrospective subscription on a completed sales contract with past customers, just looks like a potential breach of the sales contract and well worth reporting to your Trading Standards in your UK area'. As if Amazon aren't making enough money without ripping people off...🙄
While I appreciate the posts, you're pretty confused about how the sync module works with local storage. First, you don't need a subscription to use the Blink system. You can simply record motion alerts to a USB drive in the sync module and review them on your phone. You do get extended features if you have a subscription but it's not mandatory. I should also point out that every other camera company requires a monthly subscription and most of their cameras won't work without them. As for the Amazon subscription, it's optional. Also, if you had signed up with the original plan (free), all of your future cameras were included so Amazon is not ripping anyone off. Cloud storage isn't free so it's be foolish to think that you'd be able to store your security footage there without some type of fee. If you really want to avoid the monthly fee, which is reasonable, install a wired system with a DVR attached. They are expensive but don't require a cloud plan. I hope that clears things up. Rick
You can record, OP.
3:25 where he talks about how local storage works.
Why I don't see local storage tab in the Clip section? I have 30 days free trial. When I plug the flash drive to Sync Module 2, it show connected with the green check mark. But when I go to the clip section, I don't see a local storage on top of the screen even when I plug in the flash drive to the sync module 2.
Me neither 🤷♀
Does the sync module need to be within range of the camera? I have a camera out front of house that is on a wifi extender and a camera in the back of the camera that is within range of my router. In other words, does the recording data reach the sync module via the wireless network (camera to wireless network to sync module) or via a wireless connection (from the camera directly to the sync module)?
Joe, the camera only connects to the sync module. The sync module is essentially a connection point for up to 10 cameras that only needs one IP address on your network but is the gateway for the cameras to touch your network. You have to have a sync module close enough for the camera to connect. If you have cameras very spread out (like I do as well) you may need to add another sync module for more coverage. I hope that helps!
@@GadgetHero1 This is exactly what I needed! Thank you! I will subscribe to your channel and like your video.
Didn't say which format is the USB drive supposed to be...
It doesn't record to thumb drive.. it actually says so on the app
Nice video but 8 out of 10 think this stuff sucks..myself included. Spent hours on the phone w blink and xfinty 10 days after trial expired and everything stopped working. Put it all back in the box. 1 year latr tried again got back on phone and they sent me new (remanufactured sync mod) doorbell and one cam hooked up one cam will not. Sticking with the S&W and mean dog. I have great internet and 25 different devices connected. Blink is the only item i have issues connecting or keeping connected. Going back in the nice box it came in. 😢
I'm not sure where that stat comes from because the rating on Amazon is pretty high. I've had good luck with all of the Blink products and use a wide range of gear from them. You have ti understand the limitations of the product when compared to a hard-wired camera. Blinks are using Wifi and most home internet providers are starting to meddle a little with your connection that they never did before. They can bounce your network at will and are also sharing your Wifi locally with folks outside your home (on Optimum) when they are roaming. All of this affects the connection but Blink has done some software changes to remedy most of this. If you want a solution that has immediate response for motion, records to a local hard drive (as well as the Cloud), you'll have to go with a wired solution. The hassle there is you'll need to run cables and have power available (or POC solution) to make that happen. As a plug and play kit, I haven't found an easier system on the market and I've tested a ton of them.
I’m post 30 day subscription but my blink cameras are not recording clips to my thumb drive. The blink site seems to have no trouble shooting options to find out why it isn’t recording. Any thoughts?
Mine is having the same issue I believe it's because the usb isn't formatted to the correct file type
Can the sync module be setup as an access point so that cameras connect directly to the sync module and a wireless router is NOT required?
I’m wondering the same thing
Can you tell me why local storage is not working? It was working for years and then it stopped. Call Blink and they looked at it and couldn't determine the problem. Could it be the router? Help>
.
I had a similar issue and using a different USB Thumb Drive solved the problem for me. You might want to try formatting the one you're using in your computer before inserting it into the hub.
Yea I’m
Looking for a tutorial myself. I’ll figure it out.
That was a very helpful video. Maybe you could help me. My free subsription just ended. I've had a USB in the sync module for the duration. Now that my subsription ended, none of me vidieos are being recorded at all. I've tried reformatting my drive but i still get nothing. Have you encountered this at all?
I've experienced this, tried reformatting as well and deleting the module as well. I've used new 2 drives with no luck so far. I'll let you know if I find a solution.. Please comment here if you find one. Seems like this is getting common for many people.
@@markyazurin6304 it's weird but I just noticed mine started to work today. After reformatting and setting up the sync module after deleting, I just left it a lone and after a few days it started working. I have no idea what caused it.
@@richardharder6499 thank for the info, if you dont mind me asking, how much GB are you using? I've used the max for the system which is 256GB
@@markyazurin6304 I am using 256 GB PNY flash drive in mine.
I am having this issue as well. After the subscription lapsed nothing is being recorded to local storage. There was a point when I added a second camera but didn’t add a subscription onto it that camera recorded to local storage but now neither are.
Thank you very much sir for your very informative video. If i want to use external hard disk to save the recording videos for a week and delete it automatically save the new video and continuing the process over and over. If I want any particular videos I can save it before it automatically deleted from the hard disk or pen drive.
A hard disc or SSD would work fine but you'd have to have it powered externally as the USB-A connection on the Sync module can only support a USB drive with very low power requirements. You might be better off using a larger 512GB or 1TB flash drive to store the videos. That would also make it easier to transfer then to your computer. I hope that helps. Rick
Humm 256gb limit on the connected drive
I appreciate your video it’s very helpful. I wanted to go with thumb drive but it sounds like I won’t be able to review on the app while I’m on the go. So I guess I’ll go with subscription
Thanks for the post and the subscription is your best bet. It's fairly inexpensive and allows you to review your clips remotely and save them if you ever have an issue with a break-in. Stop back soon for more content I'll be posting.
Kind of sucks but I think the subscription is the way to go as well. Just bought one but after seeing the options its better to probably just pay the yearly
Adding a longer USB cable shouldn't affect anything, correct? I want to extend it to mount higher on my wall but the included cable isn't long enough.
No worries, you can extend the cable if needed. The Sync module draws so little power that extending the cable won't affect it at all. Thanks for the post!
I cant get them to record on the usb for some reason. No subscription.
.
When I look on my mobile Blink app "General Settings" for my Front Door camera, I can see under the "Network" section that it shows both the "Connection to WiFi" is strong and the "Connection to Sync Module" is strong (4 bars).
But when I look at my other 4 cameras under the "Network" section, only "Connection to WiFi" is showing. There is no "Connection to Sync Module" showing.
Should every camera show both connections for "WiFi" and "Sync Module 2"?
My neighbor has a Blink system and every camera on his Blink app on his iPhone shows "Connection to WiFi" and "Connection to Sync Module".
When I asked Blink about it, the answer was it doesn't really matter. Here is what Blink said:
"The Wired Floodlight camera, Doorbell, and Mini cameras are stand-alone devices, which means they will work with or without the Sync module. That is why the connection to the Sync module is not showing up there on the General Settings, cause they can connect themselves automatically to the Wi-Fi connection without a Sync module or if the Sync module is offline."
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Question: It sounds like the only way to view the videos (without subscription) is to remove the USB drive and plug it into your computer. Can you view the videos that are on the USB drive from the phone app without removing the USB drive? Thanks!
Thanks for the info!! You answered my questions.😎👍🏾
So if a thief breaks into your Crib he just pulls the thumb drive out if you don't have a Sub?
Yep, if that's a concern the Cloud storage is something that the bad guys can't mess with. The thumb drive is more of a local backup for the cloud or another way for you to record clips if you decide not to go with the Cloud storage.
DIDNT ANSWER ANYTHING so how do you format usb on blink app?
Derek, I posted this clip to specifically explain how the local storage works with the Blink system. Formatting the USB drive wasn't part of the discussion but I just do that on my PC before adding it to the module. Even if you don't format it, the video's will just overwrite whatever you have on the thumb drive. I hope that helps.
Is that 256 GB limit still valid 2024?
Subscribed! Great info thank you. Quick question i was thinking of using the module to store recordings locally. Do you know how soon from when an incident occurs when i can pull the thumbdrive to review footage? also am i still able to see the cameras from anywhere without a subscription ?
doy
Yes, you can monitor the cameras live without a sub. I have several in my home to check on my dogs when i'm gone.
@@BrewCityRider thanks for the response ended up picking these up months ago and they been working like a charm. I just picked up the blink doorbell for prime day so looking forward to that. have a good one
Best explanation of this product just what I was looking for thanks man
thanks for clarifying this up
I live on the second floor, the door is down the exit outside , but my wifi doesn't work there, maybe it's blinking box faund my wifi ???
Hey man I have the 30 day trial on my outdoor cam and every night I get a notification that the back up clip failed any suggestions thanks I’m confused as to why the backups aren’t working.
Wait so for it to record to the stick I have to have my nephew reset something in account settings then? We just bought a stick cause mom doesn't wana pay for the cloud. But it's not doing anything yet.
I have this issue: if local storage is active and someone rings at the video doorbell, I have no access to the live video feed and cannot talk to the person ringing. All is fine when local storage is deactivated. No cloud plan. Thanks.
I did not enjoy this. I feel dumber after having experienced it.
Thanks for the post but I gave you all the details you need to understand in order to use the Sync 2. I'm sorry if it was confusing for you but I did the best I could in explaining it.
@@GadgetHero1 appreciate the apology. You’ll do better the next time, I’m sure of it.
Great video question tho.
If you don't have a subscription can you view your videos with the phone app.. ?
Im going to be honest, they just want to make money how ever they can. I just wanted to know could I use any standard usb or it HAS TO BE A BLINK certified usb? Lol.
I say just use the thumb drive and just chime in on the cameras at home when you're out and about. question , does watching your live camera view affect data on your phone plan?
example : lets say I have a phone plan of 1GB a month. but I have wifi at home. When Im out of town, in the country lets say I check my cameras without any access to wifi. Im just using my 1GB a month, as im viewing my cam footage is my 1GB lowering the more I check my footage or what? Or should we all just go with UNLIMITED phone data plans to prevent the given situation? hopefully you get what I mean.
I used a cheap usb key I bought on amazon, nothing fancy and it works.
About your data plan, I think you almost answered your own question but just-in-case I'll state my response anyway as I might be confused. If you're viewing anything over the internet at all and you're not on a wifi network it's going to use data, this is no different. So yeah, if you're watching video over the moblie data line it's going to cut into your 1GB.
Why do you have a UA-cam silver plaque when you only have 900 subscribers?
Thanks for the post and that plaque is for another channel I have on UA-cam that I started about 6 years ago. This is a fairly new channel for me that focuses on a wider universe of tech. I hope that you're enjoying the clips.
So you can't get live updates without a subscription? Another gripe I have is 60s recordings is not long enough. I am not at ease right now. There was a scumbag who tried to get into my car last night and last weekend someone drilled a whole on my gas tank and took my gasoline.
how do I set up the thumb drive to record?
Thank you for the info on storage, would of wasted money on a bigger storage device.
You’ve probably said this a million times but to confirm
You can use this without subscription you’d just need a 256gb USB device and come next day you can unplug USB device and look at the videos PRIOR to the 30days free trial ending?
The subscription provides a cloud base storage, and more features that are locked behind it.
So the 5 home blink camera kit w/ sync module would be better having the subscription ?
Yes, the subscription provides more features (and instant review) of the footage as well as storage in the cloud. If you decide to use the subscription, all of the clips you record are also downloaded to the memory stick every night as well for backup. You can use a smaller capacity USB drive if you like but it will hold less content. It's a decent system for the price and I've used the Blink products for years. I hope that helps and stay tuned for more Blink content soon. I have their new motion camera I'll be reviewing this week.
It's prime day, and with multiple break ins in the area, I'm considering blink cameras, and to put on facing a chicken coop. How far can the cameras work, I don't need an actual blink USB, and I saw another comment, I can't review anything from the app? I have an indoor camera that I can, so I'm curious.
My problem is the clips are stored on the flash drive but won't open to view them, any ideas??
I am still on the free trail from Blink- do I have to actively stop that trial to connect USB and use it as a storage?
Thank you! Not even blink makes it easy to understand how to additional payments for cloud subscription works. Terrible!
Glad it helped! I will have a few more Blink clips posting this week so be sure to stop back soon or subscribe so you don't miss anything.
So I have a user deleting videos (when they stay out too late) called blink and was told if I keep the subscription and add the flash drive that user that deleted videos will be doing from the cloud not the USB. I hope that is correct and that user will not know I still would have proof of rule breaking
Can you change the ring tone
It is just a money trap. Don't buy it.
I don't agree and have been using Blink products for years. They are easy to setup, work really well and provide a great, simple security setup for most homes.
I have the older xt cameras. On the web site it says the new sync 2 module recogonizes the older cameras but won't record video from them to a usb stick. Do you know if this is correct. If so it means I will have to buy new cameras and new sync module. Not impressed!!!When i first purchased the cameras the big buying advantage was it was free to store video to the cloud.
Al, thanks for the post and unfortunately the older XT cameras wont record to the USB Drive. The good news is that since the Cloud recording was free when you bought them, you should be "grandfathered" in to continue using it. I hope that helps, it's a good system.
ttttt
you explained you don't need a subscription to store recorded videos on a thumb drive connected to the synch module. What I would like to know if can the synch module still record new videos from Blink devices when the internet is down
Sane