Local Storage on Arlo VMB4540 Smart Hub Without Subscription?

[EiLo]

Hello everyone,

I was considering buying a used Pro SmartHub VMB4540, and the seller mentioned that he was selling it because he could not use it for local video storage without an Arlo subscription.

Before I make any decisions, I would like to confirm: Is it possible to record and store video locally on this hub using an SD card or external hard drive, completely subscription-free? If anyone has firsthand experience with this, I would greatly appreciate details on any limitations or required configurations.

Thank you for your insights!

[StephenB]

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@EiLo wrote:

Before I make any decisions, I would like to confirm: Is it possible to record and store video locally on this hub using an SD card or external hard drive, completely subscription-free?

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Yes.  It won't accept an SD card, but it has USB ports.  I recommend using a thumb drive, not an external drive.  128-512 gb is enough (the max is 2 TB).

There are limitations

• recordings are only available in the app (not the web browser).  So you cannot see them on a PC
• recordings are only available using the primary account (not "friend" accounts).
• no thumbnails, so videos need to be downloaded to the phone before you see anything.
• no ability to make manual recordings or snapshots
• remote access requires router setting changes that many find difficult, and which will not work with some internet service providers.

Note there are other subscription features - one that is often needed is activity zones.  Some cameras do support activity zones w/o a subscription, but only when the camera is AC powered.

Also, you do need to use cameras that are compatible with the smarthub (some only connect to your home wifi).

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

[EiLo]

Thanks for the quick and detailed reply! Really appreciate it.

I just wanted to ask; both the seller I spoke with and a forum user recently mentioned that Arlo now charges $9.99 to store video locally. This seems like a new issue. Is that correct, or is the local storage functionality still as you described?

[StephenB]

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@EiLo wrote:

both the seller I spoke with and a forum user recently mentioned that Arlo now charges $9.99 to store video locally.

That is not correct.  I think they were confusing local storage with cloud storage.

You do need a subscription to access Arlo support (other than for warranty issues)