Can You Save Canary Camera Footage Locally?
If you're a new Canary camera owner, you might be looking for the microSD card slot or a USB port to set up local storage. However, you won't find one. This can be confusing for users who are used to other security camera systems. The simple answer is that Canary cameras cannot save footage locally.
This guide explains Canary's storage philosophy, why local storage is not an option, and what you need to do to save and access your important video clips.
Understanding Canary's Cloud-First Design
From their inception, Canary cameras were designed as a fully integrated, cloud-based security solution. The hardware, software, and services are all built to work together seamlessly through the internet. This approach has several key implications for users.
- No SD Card Slot: Canary devices are not manufactured with the physical hardware (a microSD card slot) required for local recording.
- Subscription is Key: The entire business model revolves around the Canary Premium cloud subscription service. This service is what allows for video clips to be stored, viewed, and downloaded.
- Enhanced Security: A major benefit of the cloud-only model is security. If a burglar were to steal the camera itself, they wouldn't be taking the recorded evidence with them, as it is safely stored on Canary's servers.
How to Save and Access Your Canary Videos
Since local storage isn't an option, managing your footage is done entirely through the Canary app and a premium subscription.
Step 1: Ensure You Have a Canary Premium Subscription
To save any meaningful amount of footage, a subscription is essential.
- Video History: A premium plan typically provides you with a 30-day video history. Every time motion is detected, a full-length video is recorded and stored in the cloud.
- Unlimited Downloads: With the subscription, you can download an unlimited number of these video clips directly to your smartphone or tablet.
- No Subscription Limitations: Without a subscription, the service is heavily restricted. You may only get 24 hours of history for very short video "previews," and the ability to download clips is often disabled.
Step 2: Downloading a Video Clip
Once you have an active subscription, saving a clip is easy.
- Open the Canary App: Launch the app on your phone.
- Navigate to the Timeline: Scroll through your timeline to find the event you want to save.
- Select the Clip: Tap on the recorded event to open it.
- Find the Download/Share Icon: While the video is playing, you should see a share or download icon (it often looks like a box with an arrow pointing upwards).
- Save to Your Device: Tap the icon and follow the prompts to save the video file directly to your phone's photo gallery or camera roll.
Are There Any Workarounds for Local Storage?
Unfortunately, there are no official or reliable workarounds to enable local storage on a Canary camera. The device's firmware and hardware are locked into the cloud ecosystem. Attempting to modify the camera would void your warranty and likely render it unusable.
The Bottom Line
While the lack of local storage can be a drawback for some users, Canary's system is designed for simplicity and security. By relying on the cloud, it ensures your data is safe even if the camera is stolen or damaged. To get the most out of your Canary camera, a Premium subscription is not just an add-on; it's a necessary component for saving and accessing your video history.