As a homeowner, one of the most significant investments you can make is in a home security system. With the rise of smart doorbells and security cameras, it’s easier than ever to keep an eye on your property and loved ones. One of the most popular options on the market is the Ring camera, known for its ease of use, high-quality video, and affordable price point. But have you ever wondered how long Ring camera stores footage? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Ring camera storage, exploring how long your footage is kept, how to access it, and what factors affect storage capacity.
Understanding Ring Camera Storage Options
Ring cameras offer two primary storage options: cloud storage and local storage. Cloud storage allows you to store your footage online, accessible through the Ring app or website. Local storage, on the other hand, stores footage directly on the camera or a connected device, such as a USB drive or NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device.
Cloud Storage: How Long Does Ring Keep Your Footage?
Ring’s cloud storage is a subscription-based service that allows you to store your footage online for a set period. The length of time your footage is stored depends on the subscription plan you choose. Here are the current cloud storage plans offered by Ring:
- Basic Plan: 60 days of cloud storage for a single camera, starting at $3 per month or $30 per year.
- Plus Plan: 60 days of cloud storage for all cameras at a single location, starting at $10 per month or $100 per year.
- Pro Plan: 60 days of cloud storage for all cameras at a single location, plus additional features like extended warranties and 24/7 support, starting at $20 per month or $200 per year.
It’s essential to note that if you don’t subscribe to a cloud storage plan, your footage will not be stored online, and you’ll only be able to access live footage through the Ring app.
Local Storage: A Cost-Effective Alternative
If you prefer not to subscribe to a cloud storage plan or want to supplement your online storage, local storage is a viable option. Ring cameras can store footage locally on a microSD card (up to 512GB) or a connected device, such as a USB drive or NAS device. The storage capacity of your local storage device will determine how long your footage is kept.
For example, if you have a 128GB microSD card, you can store approximately 30-60 days of footage, depending on the camera’s resolution and frame rate. Keep in mind that local storage is not as convenient as cloud storage, as you’ll need to physically access the device to retrieve your footage.
Factors Affecting Ring Camera Storage Capacity
Several factors can impact the storage capacity of your Ring camera, including:
- Resolution: Higher resolutions, such as 1080p or 4K, require more storage space than lower resolutions, like 720p.
- Frame Rate: A higher frame rate, such as 30fps, requires more storage space than a lower frame rate, like 15fps.
- Recording Mode: Continuous recording will fill up your storage faster than motion-based recording.
- Number of Cameras: If you have multiple cameras, you’ll need more storage space to accommodate the additional footage.
Optimizing Your Ring Camera Storage
To get the most out of your Ring camera storage, consider the following tips:
- Adjust Your Recording Settings: Switch to motion-based recording or lower your frame rate to reduce storage usage.
- Use a Higher-Capacity Storage Device: Upgrade to a larger microSD card or connect a higher-capacity USB drive or NAS device.
- Regularly Review and Delete Footage: Remove unnecessary footage to free up storage space and ensure you have enough room for new recordings.
Accessing and Managing Your Ring Camera Footage
Accessing and managing your Ring camera footage is straightforward, whether you’re using cloud storage or local storage. Here’s how:
- Cloud Storage: Log in to the Ring app or website to view, download, or share your footage.
- Local Storage: Insert the microSD card or connect the USB drive or NAS device to your computer to access your footage.
Sharing and Downloading Footage
If you need to share or download footage, you can do so through the Ring app or website. Simply select the clip you want to share or download, and choose the desired format (e.g., MP4 or GIF).
Conclusion
Ring camera storage is a critical aspect of home security, allowing you to review and respond to events on your property. By understanding how long Ring camera stores footage, you can make informed decisions about your storage needs and optimize your setup for maximum efficiency. Whether you choose cloud storage or local storage, it’s essential to regularly review and manage your footage to ensure you have enough space for new recordings.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can get the most out of your Ring camera storage and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home and loved ones are protected.
| Ring Cloud Storage Plan | Storage Duration | Price (Monthly/Yearly) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | 60 days | $3/$30 |
| Plus Plan | 60 days | $10/$100 |
| Pro Plan | 60 days | $20/$200 |
Note: Prices may vary depending on your location and the number of cameras you have.
How long does Ring camera store footage?
Ring camera storage duration varies depending on the subscription plan you have. If you have a free plan, your footage will be stored for 30 days. However, if you have a paid plan, your footage can be stored for up to 60 days or more, depending on the specific plan you’re subscribed to.
It’s essential to note that the storage duration may also depend on the type of Ring device you’re using. Some devices may have longer storage durations than others. It’s always best to check your device’s specifications and your subscription plan to determine how long your footage will be stored.
What happens to my footage after the storage period ends?
After the storage period ends, your footage will be automatically deleted from Ring’s servers. This means that you won’t be able to access or view your footage anymore. If you want to keep your footage for a longer period, you can consider upgrading to a paid plan or downloading your footage to a local storage device before the storage period ends.
It’s also worth noting that Ring doesn’t provide any warnings or notifications before deleting your footage. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep track of your storage period and take necessary actions to save your footage before it’s deleted.
Can I extend the storage period of my Ring camera footage?
Yes, you can extend the storage period of your Ring camera footage by upgrading to a paid plan. Ring offers various paid plans that provide longer storage durations, ranging from 60 days to 120 days or more. You can choose a plan that suits your needs and budget.
Upgrading to a paid plan is a straightforward process. You can log in to your Ring account, go to the subscription section, and select the plan you want to upgrade to. Once you’ve upgraded, your footage will be stored for the longer duration specified in your new plan.
How do I download my Ring camera footage?
You can download your Ring camera footage by logging in to your Ring account and going to the video section. From there, you can select the video you want to download and click on the download button. The video will be downloaded to your local device, and you can save it for as long as you want.
It’s essential to note that downloading your footage doesn’t affect the storage duration on Ring’s servers. Your footage will still be deleted after the storage period ends, unless you’ve upgraded to a paid plan. Therefore, it’s crucial to download your footage regularly if you want to keep it for a longer period.
Can I share my Ring camera footage with others?
Yes, you can share your Ring camera footage with others. Ring provides a feature that allows you to share your videos with friends, family, or law enforcement. You can share your videos by logging in to your Ring account, going to the video section, and clicking on the share button.
When you share your footage, you can choose to share it publicly or privately. If you share it publicly, anyone can view your footage. However, if you share it privately, only the people you’ve shared it with can view it. You can also set a password to protect your shared footage.
Is my Ring camera footage secure?
Yes, your Ring camera footage is secure. Ring uses end-to-end encryption to protect your footage, which means that only you and authorized Ring personnel can access it. Ring also complies with various security standards and regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, to ensure that your footage is handled securely.
However, it’s essential to note that no security system is foolproof. There’s always a risk of hacking or unauthorized access. To minimize this risk, it’s crucial to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your Ring device and account up to date.
Can I delete my Ring camera footage manually?
Yes, you can delete your Ring camera footage manually. You can log in to your Ring account, go to the video section, and select the video you want to delete. From there, you can click on the delete button to permanently delete the video.
It’s essential to note that deleting your footage manually doesn’t affect the storage duration on Ring’s servers. If you’ve deleted your footage manually, it will still be stored on Ring’s servers until the storage period ends, unless you’ve upgraded to a paid plan.