Essential XL not recording to my VMB4000

[plumislandsam]

 I just switched from running a VMB4000 base and pro cameras to VMC3052-100NAS. I removed my base station. I was getting recording but then my trial subscription ended. I added back my base station thinking it would record activity but it not.

Is the base station supposed to record the activity without a subscription? If yes what should I do to fix it?

[StephenB]

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@plumislandsam wrote:

Is the base station supposed to record the activity without a subscription? If yes what should I do to fix it?

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The VMB4000 supports local recording - but it does not support playback of those recordings.  The ONLY way to see them is to eject the USB storage and connect it to a PC.

Options are to get a subscription, or purchase a VMB4540 or VMB5000 smarthub that does support limited playback.  Direct access to local storage (i.e., playback) doesn't offer a very good user experience.  Limitations include:

• Recordings only available in the app (not my.arlo.com)
• Recordings only available in the primary account (cannot be shared to friend accounts)
• No ability to make manual recordings or take snapshots
• No thumbnails - recordings need to be download to your phone before you can see anything
• Remote access requires router setting changes that some find difficult, and which don't work with some internet service providers.