Smart doorbells optimally enhance your home security by letting you see exactly who is at your door. Unfortunately, with most Ring doorbells without a subscription, you can't view recordings from previous notifications.
Don't worry! In this guide, we'll introduce you to some popular solutions. Using the Ring doorbell as an example, we'll show you how to save Ring videos without a subscription effectively.
How to Download a Ring Video with a Free Trial Subscription
When you set up a new Ring camera, doorbell, or alarm system, you'll receive 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 a longer free trial of doorbell protection. Your trial period can range from six months to one year, depending on your location and the device purchased.
Here is the guide on how to use 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 there and select Share.
Step 3: Now tap the download arrow. You'll find this video in the Gallery or Photos app of your tablet or smartphone.
How to Screen Record on Your Smartphone
Modern smartphones have a built-in screen recording function. 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.
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 functions work without any issues.
Not sure how to use your smartphone's recording function? Don't worry, you'll find a detailed guide for Android and iOS below.
For iOS:
- On iPhone and iPad, first go to Settings, then to Control Center.
- Now 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 recording.
How to Record a Ring Video on PC or Laptop
You can also screen record on a PC or laptop. This method works by downloading a free screen recording tool on your computer and logging into the official Ring website. After logging in, you can view the live feed from the Ring camera.
This might even be more convenient than using a tablet or smartphone, as computers generally 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: Enter Game Bar by pressing the Windows key. Then click on "Enable Xbox Game Bar" in the search results.
Step 2: Enable the Game Bar by clicking the toggle. To record, press the Windows key and the G key simultaneously. Then click the camera video icon and then the Record button to start recording.
Step 3: Finally, click the Stop button. The video recording will be in the Captures subfolder within the Videos folder.
For Mac:
Step 1: Press Shift, Command, and 5 on your keyboard to open the Screenshot toolbar.
Step 2: Now click the dashed window icon with the circle at the bottom right.
Step 3: Then select the area of the browser you want to record and click Record.
Step 4: Stop the recording by clicking Stop. The recording will be saved on your desktop.
Although 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 may 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 require cloud storage, you can be sure the video remains in your possession rather than 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 into Ring offers a good solution for video recording. These cameras automatically record videos to SD cards, internal memory, and even personal web servers. Here are some options:
- eufy Camera and Video Doorbell: eufy products record everything locally. A plan for additional backups and storage space is optionally available.
- Skybell Video Doorbell: Skybell doesn't charge subscriptions or fees, but these products generally record on a remote cloud server like Ring.
- Blink Video Doorbell: When purchasing the Blink Sync Module, a USB stick can be connected for local storage instead of taking out a paid 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 perfectly fits the approach of replacing Ring videos without a subscription while offering comprehensive security features.
With its focus on subscription-free use, 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's 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 too technical and may violate local laws. So proceed with caution!
Conclusion
In summary, saving Ring videos without a subscription is not an impossible task with the right guide. The alternatives above are perfect for anyone who wants to use first-class smart home security at minimal cost. Your best bet is to choose a camera with local storage that offers video recordings in the highest resolution without having to pay for them.
FAQs
Is a Ring Subscription Worth It?
The decision for a Ring subscription depends on your individual home security needs. Without a subscription, you can use workaround methods like screen recordings to save footage. However, a subscription gives you valuable features like saved video recordings, enhanced motion detection, and smart alerts.
Alternatively, you can choose eufy security cameras with local storage to ensure enhanced, worry-free surveillance 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.