Smart doorbells are a great way to enhance your home security, allowing you to see exactly who is at your door. Unfortunately, with most Ring doorbells, you cannot view recordings of previous notifications without a subscription.
Don't worry! In this guide, we'll walk you through some popular solutions. Using the Ring doorbell as an example, we'll show you how to effectively save Ring videos without a subscription.
How to Download a Ring Video Using a Free Trial Subscription
When you set up a new Ring camera, doorbell, or alarm system, you get a 30-day free trial subscription. This trial subscription gives you all the monitoring features of the paid subscription, such as sharing and saving videos.
If you purchased a Ring device from Costco, you may even be eligible for an extended free trial of doorbell protection. Your trial period can range from six months to a year, depending on your location and the device purchased.
Here's how to make use of this option:
Step 1: To save Ring videos with the free trial, tap the three-line menu in the app, then tap Event History.
Step 2: Tap the three dots and select Share.
Step 3: Now tap the download arrow. You'll find this video in the Gallery or Photos app on your tablet or smartphone.
How to Screen Record on Your Smartphone
Modern smartphones come with a built-in screen recording feature. The next time your Ring doorbell sends a notification, you can start a screen recording on your smartphone.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Tap the Ring notification on your tablet or smartphone and open the Live View by tapping the three lines in the top left.
Step 2: Then select Devices and tap Live View. Once the camera feed has been added, open your tablet or smartphone's screen recorder and save the video.
No special screen recording apps are required for this, as the built-in features work without any issues.
Not sure how to use your smartphone's recording feature? Don't worry, find a detailed guide for Android and iOS below.
For iOS:
- On iPhone and iPad, first go to Settings and then to Control Centre.
- Tap the recording icon to start recording.
- Once the recording is complete, tap the bar at the top of the screen, then tap Stop.
For Android:
- On Android, swipe up from your smartphone's home screen and tap Screen Recording or Screen Recorder.
- Then swipe down again and tap the screen recording notification to stop the recording.
How to Record a Ring Video on a PC or Laptop
You can also screen record on a PC or laptop. This method works by downloading a free screen recording tool to your computer and logging into the official Ring website. Once logged in, you can view the live feed from your Ring camera.
This may even be more convenient than using a tablet or smartphone, as computers typically offer more storage space for saving videos than mobile devices.
Below you'll learn how to record your screen on both Windows and Mac PCs.
For Windows:
Step 1: Type Game Bar by pressing the Windows key. Then click "Enable Xbox Game Bar" in the search results.
Step 2: Enable the Game Bar by clicking the toggle switch. To record, press the Windows key and the G key simultaneously. Then click the camera video icon followed by the Record button to start recording.
Step 3: Finally, click the Stop button. The video recording will be located in the Screen Recordings subfolder within the Videos folder.
For Mac:
Step 1: Press Shift, Command, and 5 on your keyboard to open the Screenshot toolbar.
Step 2: Click the dashed window icon with the circle at the bottom right.
Step 3: Next, select the area of the browser you want to record and click Record.
Step 4: End the recording by clicking Stop. The recording will be saved to your desktop.
While screen recording apps are relatively legal and permitted, they can raise privacy concerns. One thing is certain: these screen recordings must not be used for commercial purposes in any way. They should only be used for security reasons.
Alternative Hardware and Software Solutions
There are also other Ring alternatives, such as automatic video recording to SD cards, built-in storage, and personal web servers. By choosing a local camera that doesn't need cloud storage, you can be sure the video remains in your possession and not on a remote server requiring a subscription. Here are some options:
Use a Different Doorbell Camera with Local Storage as an Alternative to Ring
Integrating third-party cameras without a subscription offers a great solution for video recording. These cameras automatically record videos to SD cards, internal storage, and even personal web servers. Here are some options:
- eufy Camera and Video Doorbell: eufy products record everything locally. An optional plan is available for additional backups and storage space.
- Skybell Video Doorbell: Skybell doesn't charge subscriptions or fees, but these products typically record to a remote cloud server like Ring.
- Blink Video Doorbell: When purchasing the Blink Sync Module, a USB drive can be connected for local storage instead of paying for a subscription.
Bonus:
If you're looking for a reliable doorbell solution that works without a subscription and stores videos locally, the eufy Video Doorbell E340 combined with the HomeBase S380 is particularly well-suited. This system fits perfectly with the approach of replacing Ring videos without a subscription while offering comprehensive security features.
With its focus on subscription-free operation, data security, and enhanced entryway coverage, the E340 represents a compelling option if you're looking for a modern, locally-storing alternative to Ring.
DIY Solutions
There is also the option of using Raspberry Pi or similar devices to create a custom setup for recording Ring doorbell videos. However, this method is somewhat technical and may violate local laws, so proceed with caution!
Conclusion
In summary, saving Ring videos without a subscription is not impossible with this guide. The alternatives mentioned above are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy top-tier smart home security at minimal cost. The best choice is a camera with local storage that offers video recordings in the highest resolution without requiring you to pay for them.
FAQs
Is a Ring Subscription Worth It?
The decision to get a Ring subscription depends on your individual home security needs. Without a subscription, you can use makeshift methods like screen recordings to save footage. However, a subscription gives you valuable features like saved video recordings, advanced motion detection, and smart alerts.
Alternatively, you can choose eufy security cameras with local storage to ensure enhanced, worry-free monitoring while saving costs on your security setup and convenience.
How Long Does Ring Store Doorbell Videos Without a Subscription?
Without a subscription, Ring stores doorbell videos for up to 60 days in the cloud. However, you can only access them for a limited time before they are automatically deleted.