topic Re: Number of Cameras in Arlo

Number of Cameras

GeoT4967 — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 16:32:01 GMT

Hi, The articles say that I can have up to 15 cameras without a subscription but when I try to go more than 5, it's telling me that "this device is inactive, you must have a subscription". So which is it, 5 or 15? I have yet to find a way to add more than 5 cameras for free, and the support is really not great! No actual support form the company!!! I would dump all of it if it weren't for the cost!

Re: Number of Cameras

StephenB — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 17:13:09 GMT

@GeoT4967 wrote:
The articles say that I can have up to 15 cameras without a subscription

What articles????

Free cloud storage is limited

to legacy cameras and
accounts with 5 or fewer unsubscribed cameras

Re: Number of Cameras

GeoT4967 — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 20:56:17 GMT

This one and others https://kb.arlo.com/1108731/How-many-cameras-does-the-free-Basic-service-plan-support. So if I understand you correctly, if I want more than 5 cameras I have to pay. Correct? Thanks for the prompt response.

Re: Number of Cameras

GeoT4967 — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 20:57:29 GMT

What if I don’t use the cloud storage and just usb keys? Can I get more than 5 then?

Re: Number of Cameras

StephenB — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 03:11:07 GMT

@GeoT4967 wrote:
This one and others https://kb.arlo.com/1108731/How-many-cameras-does-the-free-Basic-service-plan-support. So if I understand you correctly, if I want more than 5 cameras I have to pay. Correct? Thanks for the prompt response.

That article doesn't address the 7-day cloud storage. See this one:

https://kb.arlo.com/000063083/What-Arlo-subscription-plans-and-cloud-recording-options-are-available

Though the title says United States, the 7-day cloud storage limitations are world wide.

@GeoT4967 wrote:
What if I don’t use the cloud storage and just usb keys? Can I get more than 5 then?

Yes. Note that with VMB4000 and VMB4500 bases you need to eject the storage from the base, and then connect it to a PC to view the recordings. Those bases don't support playback, only recording.

The VMB4540 and VMB5000 do have a direct access to local storage feature, but it does have quite a few limitations:

recordings only available in the app (not the browser)
recordings only available from the primary account (not friend accounts)
no ability to make manual recordings or snapshot
no thumbnails - recordings need to be downloaded to the phone before you are able to view them
remote access requires router setting changes that many find difficult (and which won't work with some internet service providers).