As a homeowner or business owner, investing in a security system is a crucial decision. With the rise of smart security cameras, Arlo has become a household name, offering a range of wireless cameras that provide 24/7 monitoring and peace of mind. However, one question lingers in the minds of many: what happens if I don’t subscribe to Arlo? In this article, we’ll delve into the implications of not subscribing to Arlo and explore the benefits of committing to a subscription plan.
Understanding Arlo’s Subscription Model
Before we dive into the consequences of not subscribing, it’s essential to understand how Arlo’s subscription model works. Arlo offers two main subscription plans: Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus. These plans provide users with a range of features, including:
- Cloud video storage: Store motion-triggered recordings in the cloud for 30 days or more, depending on the plan.
- Advanced object detection: Receive notifications for specific objects, such as people, animals, or vehicles.
- Activity zones: Define areas of interest to receive customized notifications.
- Rich notifications: Receive notifications with video previews, making it easy to take action.
- Priority support: Get expedited support with a dedicated team.
What Happens if I Don’t Subscribe to Arlo?
If you choose not to subscribe to Arlo, you’ll still be able to use your cameras, but with limited features and functionality. Here are some key implications to consider:
- No Cloud Video Storage: Without a subscription, you won’t be able to store motion-triggered recordings in the cloud. This means that you’ll only have access to live video streaming and won’t be able to review footage after the fact.
- No Advanced Object Detection: You won’t receive notifications for specific objects, making it more challenging to identify potential security threats.
- Limited Activity Zones: You won’t be able to define areas of interest, which can lead to unnecessary notifications and false alarms.
- No Rich Notifications: You’ll only receive basic notifications, without video previews, making it more difficult to take action.
- Standard Support: You’ll receive standard support, which may not be as expedient as priority support.
The Risks of Not Subscribing to Arlo
Not subscribing to Arlo can leave your home or business vulnerable to security threats. Here are some potential risks to consider:
- Increase in False Alarms: Without advanced object detection and activity zones, you may receive more false alarms, which can lead to desensitization and complacency.
- <strong.Delayed Response: Without rich notifications and priority support, you may not respond to potential security threats in a timely manner, allowing them to escalate.
- Lack of Evidence: Without cloud video storage, you may not have access to critical footage in the event of a security incident, making it more challenging to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice.
- Increase in Crime: According to the FBI, homes and businesses without security systems are more likely to be targeted by criminals.
The Benefits of Subscribing to Arlo
While not subscribing to Arlo may seem like a cost-effective option, it can ultimately lead to more significant expenses and security risks. Here are some benefits of committing to a subscription plan:
- Enhanced Security: Arlo’s advanced features and cloud video storage provide an additional layer of security, giving you peace of mind and protecting your home or business.
- Improved Response: With rich notifications and priority support, you’ll be able to respond to potential security threats more effectively, reducing the likelihood of false alarms and delayed responses.
- Better Evidence: Cloud video storage provides a secure and reliable repository for critical footage, making it easier to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice.
- Cost Savings: While there is a cost associated with subscribing to Arlo, it can ultimately save you money by reducing the risk of property damage, theft, and liability.
A Case for Arlo Secure Plus
If you’re considering subscribing to Arlo, it’s worth exploring the benefits of Arlo Secure Plus. This premium plan offers additional features, including:
- Extended Cloud Video Storage: Store motion-triggered recordings for up to 60 days, providing a more comprehensive record of activity.
- Enhanced Support: Receive priority support with a dedicated team, ensuring that your security concerns are addressed promptly.
- Advanced AI-Powered Features: Enjoy advanced AI-powered features, such as Package Detection and Smart Alerts, which provide more accurate and relevant notifications.
Conclusion
While not subscribing to Arlo may seem like a viable option, it can ultimately compromise your security and leave your home or business vulnerable to threats. By committing to a subscription plan, you’ll gain access to advanced features, cloud video storage, and priority support, providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind. Remember, the cost of subscribing to Arlo is a small price to pay for the protection and security of your property and loved ones.
What happens to my existing footage if I don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage?
If you choose not to subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage, you will still be able to access and view your existing footage for a certain period of time. The exact duration will depend on the specific plan you were previously on and the type of camera you have. However, be aware that once your subscription ends, you will no longer be able to access any footage stored in the cloud.
It’s also important to note that if you want to keep your existing footage, you’ll need to make sure you have enough storage space on your local device or on a microSD card. Arlo cameras can store footage locally, but the storage capacity is limited, and you may need to periodically clear out old footage to make room for new recordings. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s a viable option if you don’t want to pay for cloud storage.
Can I still view my camera’s live feed if I don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage?
Yes, you will still be able to view your camera’s live feed even if you don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage. The live feed is not dependent on cloud storage, and you can access it at any time through the Arlo app. You can use the app to view what’s happening in real-time, receive motion notifications, and even communicate with visitors through the camera’s two-way audio.
Keep in mind that while you can still view the live feed, you won’t be able to access any recorded footage or use certain features like object detection or smart alerts. These features require cloud storage and are only available to subscribers. However, the live feed is still a valuable tool for monitoring your home or business, and it’s nice to know that you’ll still have access to it even if you don’t subscribe to cloud storage.
Will my Arlo camera continue to record video if I don’t subscribe to cloud storage?
Yes, your Arlo camera will continue to record video even if you don’t subscribe to cloud storage. The camera will store the footage locally on the device or on a microSD card, depending on how you’ve configured it. However, as mentioned earlier, the storage capacity is limited, and you’ll need to periodically clear out old footage to make room for new recordings.
It’s also important to note that if you don’t subscribe to cloud storage, you won’t be able to access any features that rely on cloud storage, such as object detection or smart alerts. These features require cloud storage to function, and you won’t be able to use them if you’re not subscribed. However, the camera will still record video and store it locally, which can be useful in certain situations.
Can I still receive motion notifications if I don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage?
Yes, you will still receive motion notifications even if you don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage. The motion detection feature is built into the camera itself and doesn’t require cloud storage to function. When the camera detects motion, it will send a notification to your phone or tablet through the Arlo app.
However, keep in mind that if you’re not subscribed to cloud storage, you won’t be able to view any video footage associated with the motion notification. You’ll only receive a notification that motion was detected, but you won’t be able to see what triggered the motion. This can make it more difficult to determine what’s happening at your home or business, but it’s still better than not receiving any notifications at all.
Can I still use Arlo’s smart features if I don’t subscribe to cloud storage?
No, you will not be able to use Arlo’s smart features if you don’t subscribe to cloud storage. Smart features like object detection, package detection, and person detection all require cloud storage to function. These features rely on advanced AI algorithms that analyze video footage in the cloud to detect specific types of events.
If you’re not subscribed to cloud storage, you won’t be able to use these smart features, and your camera will only be able to detect motion. While motion detection is still useful, it’s not as advanced as the smart features, and you may miss out on some important events. If you want to take full advantage of Arlo’s smart features, you’ll need to subscribe to cloud storage.
Can I still use multiple cameras if I don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage?
Yes, you will still be able to use multiple cameras even if you don’t subscribe to Arlo’s cloud storage. You can add as many cameras as you want to your Arlo system, and they will all continue to record video and send motion notifications.
However, keep in mind that if you’re not subscribed to cloud storage, you’ll need to make sure you have enough local storage space to accommodate all of your cameras. You may need to use multiple microSD cards or a more robust storage solution to handle the extra footage. Additionally, you won’t be able to use features like multi-camera viewing or customizable dashboards if you’re not subscribed to cloud storage.
Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Arlo cloud storage subscription at any time. If you’re not satisfied with the service or no longer need the features, you can simply cancel your subscription through the Arlo app or website.
Keep in mind that if you cancel your subscription, you’ll no longer have access to any recorded footage stored in the cloud, and you won’t be able to use features that rely on cloud storage. However, you’ll still be able to view your camera’s live feed, receive motion notifications, and use local recording features.