Is a subscription required?

[Terriefying]

My camera stopped recording.  Says I need a subscription.  But the description says "Without a subscription, recordings are stored locally on your device for a limited time." and that is why I bought it. I have a hub with 2 cameras and a hub and they work fine and provide the functionality I want. this one DID but stopped recording.  I'm not purchasing a subscription, I won't give Arlo another dime and I'll be sure to tell EVERYONE buyer beware!

[StephenB]

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@Terriefying wrote: the description says "Without a subscription, recordings are stored locally on your device for a limited time." 

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Where exactly did you see that? (A link, or maybe a screenshot of the packaging)?  I've never seen that representation.

All currently sold cameras require a subscription for cloud storage - and that has been the case for years.  Legacy models (Pro, Pro 2, several others) were sold with 7-day free cloud storage, which is still provided for those cameras.  But they stopped doing that for new camera models back in 2018.

Local storage doesn't need a subscription, but does require the camera to be connected through a VMB4540 or VMB5000 smarthub that has some storage added (USB drive for the VMB4540, a microSD card for the VMB5000). 

Older bases (VMB4000, VMB4500) support local recording, do not support playback.  You need to eject the storage using the app, and connect it to a PC in order to view the recordings. 

[Terriefying]

Amazon's website has the "does this need a subscription" button (see screenshot). Clicking that button displays the verbiage that I quoted.

I have tried connecting the camera to the VMB4000 hub and I keep getting Device not found.

I have ensured both devices are on the same 2.4ghz wifi network and are up to date with firmware and are right next to each other when trying to pair.

I tried contacting support but it seems you can't do that without a subscription as well.

 

[StephenB]

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@Terriefying wrote:

Amazon's website has the "does this need a subscription" button (see screenshot). Clicking that button displays the verbiage that I quoted.

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It's not in your screenshot.  I'm also not seeing any reference to on-device storage when I look at the Arlo store page for the Gen 2 Essential.  When I search for "storage" with Rufus I see

The Arlo Essential Security Camera does not have built-in storage. However, you can maintain premium features, such as video cloud storage, with an Arlo Secure plan after the trial period

and looking briefly at the Q/A section I didn't see anything contradicting that.

Whatever might be there:  The camera does not feature on-device storage, and I have never seen any Arlo marketing materials that claim free cloud storage.  If you have a link (or screenshot) that says differently, it'd be useful to post it, so Arlo can correct it.

FWIW, I personally think Arlo should provide some limited free storage. 

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@Terriefying wrote:

I have tried connecting the camera to the VMB4000 hub and I keep getting Device not found.

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You've posted in the 2nd gen section, but I am wondering if you actually purchased a third generation camera (VMC3080,  VMC3082).  My reason for asking this:  The Gen 2 cameras are compatible with your VMB4000 base, but the Gen 3 cameras are not.  

• https://kb.arlo.com/000062284/Arlo-SmartHub-and-Base-Station-Compatibility

Did you try connecting to WiFi, just to see if that worked?

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@Terriefying wrote:

I tried contacting support but it seems you can't do that without a subscription as well.

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Which is a real nuisance.  You are entitled to installation support anyway.  I'm tagging the mods: @BrookeN , @JamesC . @ShayneS , as they can get you in touch with support.

[Terriefying]

Here is your screenshot, you're really worried about the screenshot.  When I click does this need a subscription, I see the attached.

 

[StephenB]

@JamesC - you might want to have Arlo follow up on the above screenshot.  

FWIW, I get a different response when I do the same Rufus search.

Yes, a subscription is required for certain premium features of the Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera.

[BrookeN]

I am looking into this, thank you for providing the screenshot and bringing this to our attention. 

@Terriefying I can also have support to reach out to you if you are needing help with installation. I would just need you to dm me a good phone number as well as a good time to call. You send a dm by clicking on the envelope icon on the top right of the forum page.If you don't see it, then go into your profile settings and select preferences, then "Private Messenger." Then select "Turn on private messages" if it is turned off.