Blink cameras have become a staple in home security systems, providing users with peace of mind and a sense of control over their property. However, with the convenience of these cameras comes the risk of losing valuable footage, either due to accidental deletion or storage limitations. In this article, we will delve into the world of Blink camera clips and explore the possibilities of retrieving deleted footage.
Understanding Blink Camera Storage
Before we dive into the retrieval process, it’s essential to understand how Blink cameras store their footage. Blink cameras use a cloud-based storage system, which allows users to access their clips from anywhere, at any time. The cameras record short clips, typically ranging from 5 to 60 seconds, and store them in the cloud for a specified period.
Blink offers two storage plans: the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan. The Basic Plan provides 7200 seconds (or 2 hours) of free cloud storage, while the Plus Plan offers 60,000 seconds (or 16.7 hours) of storage. Users can upgrade their plan at any time to increase their storage capacity.
Why Do Blink Camera Clips Get Deleted?
There are several reasons why Blink camera clips may get deleted. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Storage Limitations: If the storage capacity is reached, older clips will be automatically deleted to make room for new footage.
- Accidental Deletion: Users may accidentally delete clips while reviewing their footage or adjusting their camera settings.
- Camera Malfunction: In rare cases, a camera malfunction may cause clips to be deleted or become corrupted.
Can You Retrieve Deleted Blink Camera Clips?
The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. While Blink does offer some options for retrieving deleted clips, the success of these methods depends on various factors, such as the type of plan you have, the age of the clips, and the reason for deletion.
Method 1: Check Your Cloud Storage
If you have accidentally deleted a clip, you may be able to retrieve it from your cloud storage. Blink stores deleted clips for a short period, usually 30 days, before they are permanently deleted. To check your cloud storage:
- Log in to your Blink account.
- Click on the “Clips” tab.
- Select the camera that recorded the deleted clip.
- Click on the “Deleted Clips” folder.
If the clip is still available, you can restore it to your main clip library.
Method 2: Contact Blink Support
If you are unable to retrieve the deleted clip from your cloud storage, you can contact Blink support for assistance. Blink’s support team may be able to recover the clip, but this is not guaranteed.
To contact Blink support:
- Log in to your Blink account.
- Click on the “Help” tab.
- Select “Contact Us.”
- Fill out the support form, providing as much detail as possible about the deleted clip.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool
There are several third-party recovery tools available that claim to be able to recover deleted Blink camera clips. These tools work by scanning your device or cloud storage for deleted files and recovering them.
However, it’s essential to note that these tools are not endorsed by Blink, and their success rates vary. Additionally, using these tools may void your warranty or compromise your account security.
Preventing Deleted Clips in the Future
While retrieving deleted clips is possible, it’s always better to prevent them from being deleted in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid losing valuable footage:
- Upgrade Your Storage Plan: Consider upgrading to the Plus Plan or purchasing additional storage to increase your storage capacity.
- Regularly Review Your Clips: Make it a habit to regularly review your clips and download or share important footage to prevent accidental deletion.
- Use the Blink App: The Blink app allows you to access your clips, adjust your camera settings, and receive notifications. Using the app can help you stay on top of your footage and prevent deletion.
Best Practices for Blink Camera Users
To get the most out of your Blink cameras and prevent deleted clips, follow these best practices:
- Position Your Cameras Strategically: Place your cameras in areas where they can capture the most valuable footage, such as entry points or high-traffic areas.
- Adjust Your Camera Settings: Adjust your camera settings to optimize your footage, such as adjusting the motion detection sensitivity or clip length.
- Regularly Update Your Firmware: Keep your camera firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Conclusion
Losing valuable footage from your Blink camera can be frustrating, but there are options available for retrieving deleted clips. By understanding how Blink camera storage works, being aware of the reasons why clips get deleted, and following best practices, you can minimize the risk of losing important footage.
While retrieving deleted clips is possible, it’s essential to be proactive and take steps to prevent deletion in the future. By upgrading your storage plan, regularly reviewing your clips, and using the Blink app, you can ensure that your valuable footage is safe and secure.
Remember, prevention is the best medicine. By being mindful of your Blink camera settings and storage capacity, you can avoid the stress and hassle of trying to retrieve deleted clips.
Can I retrieve deleted Blink camera clips?
You can retrieve deleted Blink camera clips, but it depends on the circumstances of the deletion. If you have deleted the clips from the Blink app, you might be able to recover them from the cloud storage, but only if you have a subscription to Blink’s cloud storage service. If you don’t have a subscription, the clips are deleted permanently and cannot be recovered.
However, if you have deleted the clips from the cloud storage, the chances of recovery are slim. Blink’s cloud storage service typically keeps deleted clips for a short period, usually 30 days, before they are permanently deleted. If you need to recover deleted clips, it’s essential to act quickly and contact Blink’s customer support for assistance.
How long does Blink keep deleted clips in the cloud storage?
Blink keeps deleted clips in the cloud storage for a short period, usually 30 days. During this time, you can recover the deleted clips by contacting Blink’s customer support. However, after the 30-day period, the clips are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
It’s essential to note that the 30-day period may vary depending on your subscription plan and the type of Blink camera you are using. Some subscription plans may offer longer or shorter retention periods for deleted clips. If you need to recover deleted clips, it’s best to check your subscription plan and contact Blink’s customer support for assistance.
Can I recover deleted Blink clips from the camera’s local storage?
Blink cameras do not have local storage, so you cannot recover deleted clips from the camera itself. Blink cameras store clips in the cloud, and if you delete a clip from the cloud storage, it is permanently deleted from the camera as well.
However, if you have a Blink camera with a connected USB drive, you may be able to recover deleted clips from the USB drive. Some Blink cameras allow you to store clips locally on a connected USB drive, and if you have deleted a clip from the cloud storage, you may still be able to recover it from the USB drive.
How do I recover deleted Blink clips from the cloud storage?
To recover deleted Blink clips from the cloud storage, you need to contact Blink’s customer support. They will guide you through the process of recovering the deleted clips. You will need to provide proof of ownership and verify your account information to ensure that you are the legitimate owner of the clips.
Once you have contacted Blink’s customer support, they will check if the deleted clips are still available in the cloud storage. If they are, they will provide you with instructions on how to recover them. Please note that the recovery process may take some time, and there is no guarantee that the clips can be recovered.
Can I prevent Blink clips from being deleted automatically?
Yes, you can prevent Blink clips from being deleted automatically by adjusting the clip retention period in your Blink account settings. You can set the retention period to a longer duration, such as 60 or 90 days, to ensure that your clips are not deleted prematurely.
However, please note that extending the clip retention period may require a subscription to Blink’s cloud storage service. Additionally, longer retention periods may also increase the storage requirements for your account, which may impact your subscription plan.
Do I need a subscription to recover deleted Blink clips?
You may need a subscription to Blink’s cloud storage service to recover deleted clips. If you have a subscription, you can recover deleted clips from the cloud storage, but only if they are still available within the retention period.
However, if you don’t have a subscription, you may not be able to recover deleted clips. In this case, the clips are deleted permanently and cannot be recovered. It’s essential to check your subscription plan and contact Blink’s customer support for assistance.
Can I recover deleted Blink clips if I have already canceled my subscription?
If you have already canceled your subscription to Blink’s cloud storage service, you may not be able to recover deleted clips. Once you cancel your subscription, your access to the cloud storage is terminated, and you may not be able to recover deleted clips.
However, if you contact Blink’s customer support immediately after canceling your subscription, they may be able to assist you in recovering deleted clips. Please note that there is no guarantee that the clips can be recovered, and the recovery process may take some time.