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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
Thank you so much for posting this. I am almost over my trial and was told that if I did not buy a subscription and tried to use the USB flash drive attached to the sync module, that my clips that were viewable during the trial right on the blink app would no longer show up in a list, and I would have to unplug the USB drive daily and plug it into a computer to even watch the clips of what happened at that time. You are saying you still have clip access right on the APP. That is one feature I did not want to part with. I hope it is not hard to set up with my blink 4 cams, I will likely buy a USB soon. Thank you again! Great video!!
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??
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
my subscription ended and now i only get live if i click on that certain camera , it does not record a clip only give me a elert, how do i get it to record a clip?
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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!
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
@@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?
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
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
@@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
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?
What USB do you use for yours? I have seen the compact ones but didn’t know if it was necessary. Will it record over old stuff like a loop if it gets full?
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.
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?
As of a few days ago, my sync 2 module, quit recording anything, get motion alerts via Alexa, but nothing via app, or saved to USB. No subscription, two cameras for 2+ years. Any thoughts?
I have the same setup youve got there, however it only seems to record some ( very few) clips to my local drive, I can't figure out why only some get recorded, any thoughts would be appreciated
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
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.
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?
I have a sync 2 module and 2 outdoor 4 cameras purchase 31 days ago. From day 1 I had a 64 gb usb drive plugged in to module. Subscription ended yesterday. I had a clip notification today that when i went on app to view it said "no clip recorded set up module with thumb drive"? When i looked at usb on pc it had backup back up file for 6-16 to 6-24 only none after 6-24??? When you showed your clips my app screen did not show anything but Cloud no usb. However when I plug in the usb it tells me it is plugged in or when I remove it it tells me? Any ideas?
ruclips.net/video/gSq201B6J6k/видео.html once you add the module to the same "location" in the app you should be able to select which cameras are connected to the sync module.
Yes, some cameras require the module to work at all. Others like the Mini do not require the module to work but need either the module or cloud subscription to save recordings.
Hello. I am thinking about getting the blink Never had a ring doorbell Or anything so ALL this is new to Me. So all I have to do is get the doorbell and the sync module. I have WiFi so I’ll be able to use this. Talk with someone at my door if I am not home? Will it still record everything and save? Tia so much.
So you can still use an sd card in the camera, so if you do lose power in the home, the sd card would still record until the power & wifi comes back on?.
@drwatson1234 it needs to be the same network but it can be different access points or wifi mesh nodes. In technical terms it cant be two routers per se as they would typically establish new sub networks.
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.
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.
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: ruclips.net/p/PL8d9FovK2dNTiRc3a9Vn5bjYNZuaqcVNh ) Ring, Blink, Eufy, Wainsview, Reolink, etc. Eufy has some good hardware as does Reolink and they let you choose local or cloud or both.
How long does it take to review the local storage clips on your phone??? Because my free cloud storage jus ended an I jus connected the local storage and now I can't view my local clips on my phone like I could when I was on my free trial
I'm not sure what you're asking. How long after a motion event til you can view it? Instant. How long after you get the module til you can see videos? As soon as new ones are recorded (old cloud ones will eventually expire).
@@NaterTater I'm saying it's been 24 hours since I started using the "local storage " USB and I can't view the clips from my phone like I could when I was on a free trial
@@cimmeronbrooks9430 did you switch from "cloud" to your local storage when looking in the replay section of the app? watch the video to see what I am talking about. like at 3:42 at the top, I am on the "Halsey" section not the "cloud" part to see my local clips.
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.
What would be the good size thumb drive you recommend, if you do two modules, I am planning to have two modules, and 4 cameras total, 2 cameras per module.
I bought the USB drive and the blink 2 cameras won't save onto it, but if I remove the USB it has no problem saving (can't view because I don't have a plan)
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.
Hi. I have the mod 2 hooked up, but the clips don't show video on the blink app. It says this camera is not recording video because you do not have a storage plan. Can you please advise? Thank you
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
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 so much for posting this. I am almost over my trial and was told that if I did not buy a subscription and tried to use the USB flash drive attached to the sync module, that my clips that were viewable during the trial right on the blink app would no longer show up in a list, and I would have to unplug the USB drive daily and plug it into a computer to even watch the clips of what happened at that time. You are saying you still have clip access right on the APP. That is one feature I did not want to part with. I hope it is not hard to set up with my blink 4 cams, I will likely buy a USB soon. Thank you again! Great video!!
@@sandywjo5 you're welcome!
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??
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!
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.
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.
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
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'
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
Thanks brofessor. You explained the unknown. I truly appreciate it 🙏
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
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!
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
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.
I have bought a sync module 2 and doorbell camera today. When i click local storage (i have a usb plugged into the sync) it says No recent activity?
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
What happens if you blow a fuse or lose power with the module? Does it not store video? Also same question if you lose internet. Thank you
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.
my subscription ended and now i only get live if i click on that certain camera , it does not record a clip only give me a elert, how do i get it to record a clip?
Motion activated. Cant do live view recording without sub.
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.
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.
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.
any ideas on why the doorbell won't record to the sync? no subscription and plenty of room and doorbell sais it's talking to the sync module 2.
I'd remove the sync module and readd it
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.
Thanks… 10:12 this video was SUPER helpful! I’m ordering the Blink sync module 2 now 🎉🎉🎉
Regret it yet?
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
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.
Awesome video you answered every single question I had
Good to hear!
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!
You rock bro! I got the system because of you, thanks for your help.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching
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
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.
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?
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.
Thank you so much!! You explained it perfectly!! I have been researching the work around and seeing this video confirms it!
What about when wifi isn’t connected, can a motion still be triggered and recorded?
No not on blink or ring. Eufy allows that though: ruclips.net/video/3iV9WSv0s2M/видео.html
Thanks for making this video- They really have done a piss poor job of describing the difference in services.
You're welcome!
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
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.
Hello what is the most GB/TB usb Stick that can be used with the sync module
@@leemc2221 256gb
Thanks for the detail...New Blink owner this past week. Impressed.
You're welcome
I already have a subscription with my indoor camera. Do I need this for my out door battery camera?
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.
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!
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.
Once you have the USB in your computer, is there a way to bulk delete the files rather than one at a time?
Yes, just delete the top folder
@@NaterTater Thank you very much for prompt reply. I really appreciate it.
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
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.
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.
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!
What USB do you use for yours? I have seen the compact ones but didn’t know if it was necessary. Will it record over old stuff like a loop if it gets full?
Usb link in video description. It will not record over, must manually delete.
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.
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?
@@dansklrvids7303 no. Needs internet
As of a few days ago, my sync 2 module, quit recording anything, get motion alerts via Alexa, but nothing via app, or saved to USB. No subscription, two cameras for 2+ years.
Any thoughts?
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 have the same setup youve got there, however it only seems to record some ( very few) clips to my local drive, I can't figure out why only some get recorded, any thoughts would be appreciated
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.
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.
My question is do I need a sync module to add a camera to my blink doorbell feed?
Nice, I had no idea had the local storage works until know! Thanks
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
I have a sync 2 module and 2 outdoor 4 cameras purchase 31 days ago. From day 1 I had a 64 gb usb drive plugged in to module. Subscription ended yesterday. I had a clip notification today that when i went on app to view it said "no clip recorded set up module with thumb drive"? When i looked at usb on pc it had backup back up file for 6-16 to 6-24 only none after 6-24??? When you showed your clips my app screen did not show anything but Cloud no usb. However when I plug in the usb it tells me it is plugged in or when I remove it it tells me? Any ideas?
How do you add it to your existing doorbell? I just have the one doorbell camera, the module has no directions on set up!
ruclips.net/video/gSq201B6J6k/видео.html once you add the module to the same "location" in the app you should be able to select which cameras are connected to the sync module.
I dont see what you see on your app. My app doesnt show that second local storage option
Do you have a sync module 2 (not 1) with a usb stick plugged in and cameras added/linked to that module that are not on a subscription?
@@NaterTater i have sinc madule 2. It use to have a subscription. But it expired. Its the free 30 day. So i got a usb stick after?
Yes, you need a usb stick
@@NaterTater i have the usb stick already
Looking if there is a way to make your own custom sync 2 module. As it just appears to be a local NVR.
It is not a local NVR. Everything goes thru the Blink cloud. You'd want to go with a different brand for local NVR.
question- do you need to have the Blink module plugged in to record and capture stuff on the camera?
Yes, some cameras require the module to work at all. Others like the Mini do not require the module to work but need either the module or cloud subscription to save recordings.
Hello. I am thinking about getting the blink Never had a ring doorbell
Or anything so ALL this is new to Me. So all I have to do is get the doorbell and the sync module. I have WiFi so I’ll be able to use this. Talk with someone at my door if I am not home? Will it still record everything and save? Tia so much.
@nikkibonanno3794 i would not recommend blink. Go for Eufy, Wyze or Ring for a better experience. ruclips.net/video/9FWLy8PNSiI/видео.html
So you can still use an sd card in the camera, so if you do lose power in the home, the sd card would still record until the power & wifi comes back on?.
No but I think the new pro version is going to amzn.to/4bJe3CV
How many blink doorbells or cameras can you use with the module
@@lbizzy77 10
Can i use one synch module connected to router a and connect to cameras on different routers, b and c?
@drwatson1234 it needs to be the same network but it can be different access points or wifi mesh nodes. In technical terms it cant be two routers per se as they would typically establish new sub networks.
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!
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.
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: ruclips.net/p/PL8d9FovK2dNTiRc3a9Vn5bjYNZuaqcVNh ) Ring, Blink, Eufy, Wainsview, Reolink, etc. Eufy has some good hardware as does Reolink and they let you choose local or cloud or both.
Thanks for this video. Can you watch live feed from the camera if you are not on a subscription plan?
Yes
Hi, I bought a USB flash drive 128g, I can't seem to get the cameras to record to my flash drive.
Try removing and readding the sync module in the app. Does the usb drive show up in the app?
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!
How long does it take to review the local storage clips on your phone??? Because my free cloud storage jus ended an I jus connected the local storage and now I can't view my local clips on my phone like I could when I was on my free trial
I'm not sure what you're asking. How long after a motion event til you can view it? Instant. How long after you get the module til you can see videos? As soon as new ones are recorded (old cloud ones will eventually expire).
@@NaterTater I'm saying it's been 24 hours since I started using the "local storage " USB and I can't view the clips from my phone like I could when I was on a free trial
@@cimmeronbrooks9430 did you switch from "cloud" to your local storage when looking in the replay section of the app? watch the video to see what I am talking about. like at 3:42 at the top, I am on the "Halsey" section not the "cloud" part to see my local clips.
@@NaterTater yea it wouldn't give me that choice it jus says " this USB device has no chips" Thanks for replying
@@cimmeronbrooks9430 same with me my usb keep saying no clips on this device
Blink Sync modul 1 also has an usb port on the side..... mine has one. But it says blink module on the front and the new one says blink module 2
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.
What would be the good size thumb drive you recommend, if you do two modules, I am planning to have two modules, and 4 cameras total, 2 cameras per module.
Why 2 modules? I have 8 cameras on one module. I use a 256GB flash drive and get months of recordings even with the cameras always "armed".
@@NaterTater because i bought one thinking that my kit did not come with one, and I thought they were only the cameras 🤦🏽♂️
Thanks this was awesome. I could not find my local clips. Not sure why pay.
So I’m better off buying a usb and connecting it to my sync module instead of paying for a subscription correct!?
@kingpl8 the subscription adds good features/capability so its really just a cost play to do local usb storage.
I bought the USB drive and the blink 2 cameras won't save onto it, but if I remove the USB it has no problem saving (can't view because I don't have a plan)
Thanks for the good info. Does the flash drive need to be a specific type/brand/model or capacity?
256GB or smaller
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.
When the subscription runs out and you get the module .. do you receive alerts the same way as the subscription when away from home?
yes
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.
Hi. I have the mod 2 hooked up, but the clips don't show video on the blink app. It says this camera is not recording video because you do not have a storage plan. Can you please advise? Thank you
check out the setup video: ruclips.net/video/gSq201B6J6k/видео.html