Blink Subscription Gives You Cloud Storage and Extended Video History

Blink Subscription is a paid plan that stores your camera footage in the cloud and keeps your video history longer than the free tier. Without a subscription, Blink cameras save clips for only a few hours. With a subscription, clips stay available for 30 days, and you can read them to your device. The subscription also unlocks person detection — the camera can tell the difference between a person and an animal or vehicle, and send you a more specific alert.

Blink offers two subscription tiers: Blink Basic and Blink Plus. Both cost money per month or per year, with a yearly plan costing less per month if you pay upfront. The main difference is how many cameras each plan covers and what features you get.

Key Takeaways

  • Blink Subscription stores your video clips for 30 days instead of a few hours, and lets you read them to keep permanently.
  • Person detection alerts you when the camera sees a person rather than an animal or vehicle, reducing false alarms.
  • Blink Basic covers one camera per month; Blink Plus covers unlimited cameras for a higher monthly price.
  • You can pay monthly or yearly, and yearly plans cost less per month but require upfront payment.
  • The subscription is optional — your camera will still record and send alerts without it, but clips disappear after a few hours.

Blink Basic vs. Blink Plus: What Each Plan Covers

Blink Basic is the cheaper option and covers one camera. If you have multiple cameras, you need one Basic subscription per camera. Blink Plus costs more per month but covers as many cameras as you own, so it becomes the better deal if you have two or more cameras.

Both plans include 30-day cloud storage, person detection, and the ability to read clips. The only real difference is the number of cameras covered. Neither plan includes professional monitoring or emergency response — they are storage and detection tools, not security services.

Pricing varies by region and changes over time. Check the Blink app or Blink's website for current rates in your area before you commit to a plan.

How to Set Up a Blink Subscription

Open the Blink app on your phone or tablet. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Subscription." You will see both plans listed with their current prices. Tap the plan you want, then follow the prompts to enter your payment method.

Blink accepts credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes PayPal, depending on your region. After you complete the purchase, the subscription becomes active when ready. Your camera will start storing clips for 30 days and sending person detection alerts right away.

If you already have a Blink account but no subscription, the app will show you a "Subscribe" button on the home screen. Tap it to go straight to the subscription page.

What Happens to Your Videos Without a Subscription

Your Blink camera will still record and send you motion alerts even if you do not pay for a subscription. The difference is how long the clips stay available. Without a subscription, video clips are stored for only a few hours — usually between 2 and 24 hours depending on how many clips your camera captures. After that time, they disappear and you cannot watch them again.

Person detection also requires a subscription. Without it, your camera sends you an alert whenever it detects any motion, whether it is a person, a pet, a car, or a tree branch moving in the wind. This can lead to many false alarms if you have animals or busy street traffic near your camera.

If you decide a subscription is not worth it, you can still use your camera for live viewing and real-time alerts. You just lose the ability to review old clips and get smarter alerts.

Canceling or Changing Your Subscription

To cancel your subscription, open the Blink app and go to Menu > Subscription. Tap "Manage Subscription" and look for a cancel or downgrade option. Blink will ask you to confirm, and the cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again, but your subscription remains active until that date.

If you want to switch from Basic to Plus (or vice versa), you can also do this in the Subscription menu. The change usually takes effect when ready, and Blink adjusts your next bill based on the price difference.

Keep in mind that if you cancel, your 30-day video history will disappear once the subscription ends. read any clips you want to keep before your cancellation date.

Troubleshooting Common Subscription Issues

If your subscription is active but you are not seeing 30-day storage or person detection, try signing out of the Blink app completely and signing back in. Sometimes the app does not refresh the subscription status right away. Close the app entirely, wait a few seconds, and reopen it.

If your payment failed, Blink will send you an email with instructions to update your payment method. Go to Menu > Subscription and tap "Manage Subscription" to add a new card or fix the one on file. Your subscription will resume once the payment goes through.

If you are still not seeing clips after 30 days or person detection is not working, check that your camera has a strong internet connection. A weak WiFi signal can prevent clips from uploading to the cloud. Move your camera closer to your router or check your WiFi password in the Blink app under Camera Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Blink Subscription to use my camera?

No. Your camera will record and send you motion alerts without a subscription. You just lose 30-day storage and person detection. Clips disappear after a few hours, and you get alerts for all motion, not just people.

Can I try Blink Subscription before I pay for it?

Blink sometimes offers a free trial period, usually 7 to 30 days, depending on your region and current promotions. Check the subscription page in the app to see if a trial is available. If you start a trial and decide not to keep it, cancel before the trial ends so you are not charged.

What if I have one camera but want to add more later?

If you have Blink Basic (one camera), you can switch to Blink Plus when you add a second camera. Blink Plus covers unlimited cameras, so it becomes cheaper than paying for multiple Basic subscriptions. You can change your plan anytime in the app.

Does Blink Subscription include professional monitoring?

No. Blink Subscription is only for cloud storage and person detection. It does not include professional monitoring, emergency response, or connection to police or fire departments. You are responsible for responding to alerts yourself.

Can I share my subscription with family members?

Yes, if they are part of your Blink account. You can invite family members to your account in the app, and they will see all your cameras and have access to the subscription features. Each person needs their own Blink login, but they share the same subscription.