Local recordings without a subscription

[NateJess]

Can you store video recordings locally from Arlo Pro 4 cameras without having a subscription? I just want to be able to view recordings but the subscriptions are so expensive!

[StephenB]

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@NateJess wrote:

Can you store video recordings locally from Arlo Pro 4 cameras without having a subscription? I just want to be able to view recordings but the subscriptions are so expensive!

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You can if you purchase a VMB4540 or VMB5000 smarthub, and pair the cameras with the smarthub.  The VMB4540 is a bit cheaper - it only has 2.4 ghz wifi, the VMB5000 is dual-band.  But most Arlo cameras (including the Pro 4) onl have 2.4 ghz wifi anyway.

There are limitations to local storage:

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

In addition, one of the two ways  to set up remote access (port forwarding) has been broken in the iPhone app for almost two months now.  VPN access still works.  In general, Arlo is very slow to fix bugs in the local storage feature.