Pro 3 floodlights are not recording and light doesn’t come on

[dazednconfuzd]

• On my old Arlo Pro 2 cameras I didn’t need to buy a service plan, hopefully my new Pro 3 floodlights don’t need one also?

When I click on the question mark, it wants me to buy a plan in order to record video.

[StephenB · Accepted solution]

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@dazednconfuzd wrote:

• On my old Arlo Pro 2 cameras I didn’t need to buy a service plan, hopefully my new Pro 3 floodlights don’t need one also?

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All currently sold Arlo cameras require a subscription plan to get cloud storage.  Arlo starting phasing that in with new models back in 2018 (starting with the Ultra).

[dazednconfuzd]

So basically, I’m locked out until I buy a plan? Would storing locally on the base with a memory stick be a workaround?

[StephenB]

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@dazednconfuzd wrote:

Would storing locally on the base with a memory stick be a workaround?

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Some do use local storage instead of a subscription.  But there are a lot of limitations.

One is that while the VMB4000 and VMB4500 bases support local recording, they do NOT support playback.  The only way to see the recordings with those bases is to eject the memory stick via the app and connect it to a PC.

To get playback, you need either a VMB4540 (usb storage) or a VMB5000 (microSD card).  However, 

• recordings are only available in the app (not the browser)
• recordings are only available from the primary account (not shared accounts)
• no thumbnails - recordings need to be downloaded to the phone before you see anything
• no ability to take manual recordings or snapshots
• remote access requires router setting changes that many find difficult (and which don't work with some internet service providers)

[dazednconfuzd]

Hmm, I guess I’m buying a plan then today. Thank you.