How Long Does Ring Doorbell Video Last? Storage Explained

Ring doorbell video footage typically lasts for 60 days with a Ring Protect subscription, after which it is automatically deleted. Without a subscription, video clips are not stored, so footage is only viewable live or briefly after an event.

Background on Ring Doorbell Video Storage

Ring, a popular smart doorbell brand owned by Amazon, offers video doorbells that capture motion-triggered or button-press events. These devices connect to your Wi-Fi and upload recorded video clips to Ring’s cloud servers. This setup enables you to review footage remotely via the Ring app on your phone or computer.

Understanding how long your video remains accessible is crucial for security, evidence collection, and privacy considerations. Ring’s video retention policies hinge largely on whether you have an active subscription plan.

How Ring Video Storage Works

When your Ring doorbell detects motion or someone rings the bell, it records a short video clip and uploads it to the cloud. The video is then accessible through the Ring app. However, this cloud storage is not free; it requires a Ring Protect subscription.

Here’s an overview of the process:

• Event triggers recording (motion or doorbell press)
• Video clip is uploaded to Ring’s cloud storage
• User receives a notification and can view the clip in the app
• Video clips are stored for a set period, depending on subscription

Without a subscription, the video is only available live or momentarily during the notification but is not saved for later review.

Ring Protect Plans and Video Retention Periods

Ring offers several subscription tiers, with video storage duration tied to the plan:

• No subscription: No video storage. Only live view and immediate event notifications are available, but clips are not saved.
• Ring Protect Basic: Stores recorded video clips and photos for up to 60 days.
• Ring Protect Plus: Also provides up to 60 days of video storage but extends coverage to multiple Ring devices at one location and adds extended warranties.

After 60 days, recorded videos are automatically deleted from Ring’s servers. This means that if you want to keep any particular video permanently, you must download and save it locally before it expires.

How to Access and Save Your Ring Videos

To view your recorded videos, you need to use the Ring app or Ring.com website. Here’s how you can access and save your videos:

1. Open the Ring app and navigate to the device timeline or event history.
2. Select the video clip you want to watch.
3. Use the download option (available on mobile or desktop) to save a copy to your device.
4. Store the downloaded video on your computer, external drive, or cloud storage for permanent access.

Downloading videos is important if you want to preserve footage beyond the 60-day window or share it with authorities or others.

Common Questions About Ring Video Storage

Many users wonder about the nuances of video retention and how it affects their security setup. Key points include:

• Does Ring store continuous video? No. Ring devices record short clips triggered by motion or doorbell presses, not continuous 24/7 footage.
• Can you extend storage beyond 60 days? Currently, Ring does not offer longer cloud storage periods; 60 days is the maximum.
• What happens if your subscription lapses? Stored videos will no longer be accessible after the subscription ends, and new clips won’t be saved.

Comparing Ring’s Video Retention to Other Brands

Ring’s 60-day video storage is competitive but not the longest in the smart doorbell market. For example:

• Google Nest Hello: Offers up to 30 days of video history with a Nest Aware subscription.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: Provides up to 30 days of cloud storage with a subscription.
• Wyze Video Doorbell: Offers 14 days of free cloud storage and optional longer local storage via SD card.

Ring’s advantage is the relatively long 60-day retention period, which is useful for users who want to review older events or have more time to download important footage.

Costs of Ring Protect Subscription Plans

The storage duration is tied directly to the subscription, so understanding pricing is important:

• Ring Protect Basic: Covers one device, including 60 days of video storage, for a monthly or annual fee (prices vary by region but typically around $3/month or $30/year).
• Ring Protect Plus: Covers all devices at one location, also with 60 days storage, plus extended warranties and professional monitoring options, for roughly $10/month or $100/year.

Without a subscription, you cannot save videos, which limits the usefulness of the device for security purposes.

Privacy and Safety Considerations

Storing videos in the cloud raises privacy questions. Ring implements several safety measures:

• Videos are encrypted both in transit and at rest on Ring’s servers.
• Two-factor authentication is available to secure user accounts.
• Users control who has access to shared videos or account information.

However, there have been reported security concerns and breaches in the past, so it’s important to maintain strong passwords and enable all available security features.

Alternatives and Offline Storage Options

If you want video storage that is not dependent on a subscription or cloud, consider these options:

• Local storage devices: Some smart doorbells support microSD cards or local network storage, but Ring does not currently offer this feature.
• Third-party backup: You can manually download videos and upload them to your preferred cloud storage or local NAS device.
• Other brands: Some doorbells like Wyze offer free limited cloud storage plus local SD card recording.

Choosing the right solution depends on your privacy preferences, budget, and how you plan to use the footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Ring keep video recordings?

With a Ring Protect subscription, Ring keeps video recordings for up to 60 days. After this period, videos are automatically deleted from the cloud.

Can I access Ring videos without a subscription?

No. Without a subscription, Ring does not store video clips. You can only view live video or immediate notifications as events happen.

Is there a way to save Ring videos permanently?

Yes. You must download videos from the Ring app or website before they expire. Once downloaded, you can keep them indefinitely on your own devices.

Does Ring record continuously or only on motion?

Ring doorbells record video clips only when motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed. They do not record continuously 24/7.

What happens to videos if I cancel my Ring Protect plan?

If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to stored videos, and new recordings will no longer be saved in the cloud.

Are Ring videos secure in the cloud?

Ring uses encryption and optional two-factor authentication to protect videos, but users should maintain strong passwords and account security to prevent unauthorized access.

In summary, Ring doorbell videos last for 60 days in the cloud if you have an active Ring Protect subscription. Without a subscription, videos are not stored. Understanding this retention period, subscription costs, and how to save videos locally can help you maximize your Ring doorbell’s security benefits.

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