Wondering Why Your Kuna Camera Can't Save Locally?
If you've recently installed a Kuna security camera, you might be searching through the app for a way to save your video recordings to a local device, like a microSD card or a home server (NAS). It can be confusing and frustrating when you realise this option doesn't exist. The short answer is that Kuna cameras are designed from the ground up to be a cloud-based system. This guide will explain Kuna's storage model, why it works this way, and what your options are for saving your important footage.
Understanding Kuna's Cloud-First Storage Model
Unlike some other security camera brands that offer multiple storage options, Kuna has focused exclusively on cloud storage. This is a deliberate design choice with specific security and accessibility benefits in mind.
Why Kuna Prioritises the Cloud
The primary reason for a cloud-only approach is security against tampering. If an intruder were to break in and steal or destroy your physical camera, any footage stored on an internal SD card would be lost forever. By immediately uploading footage to a secure remote server, Kuna ensures that the evidence is preserved, no matter what happens to the device itself. This also protects your recordings from local hardware failures, such as a corrupted SD card or a failed hard drive.
The Role of the Kuna Subscription
Kuna's business model is built around its cloud services. The hardware is the gateway to the service, and the ongoing subscription plans provide the features and storage that make the system work. These plans offer different tiers of video history, allowing you to look back at events from the last 7, 14, or 30 days. Without a subscription, your storage and download capabilities are very limited.
So, Can I Enable Local Storage on a Kuna Camera?
Let's get straight to the point.
The Short Answer: No
Unfortunately, there is no built-in way to save footage locally from a Kuna camera. The devices do not have microSD card slots, nor do they have the firmware capability to connect to a local network-attached storage (NAS) drive or computer. The system is entirely dependent on an internet connection to upload footage to the cloud.
Your Options for Saving Footage
While you can't save everything locally automatically, you still have control over preserving important clips.
- Manual Downloads: The primary method for saving a video is to download it from the Kuna app to your smartphone or tablet. Navigate to your event timeline, select the specific clip you want to keep, and use the download or share function. From your phone, you can then transfer it to a computer or another storage device.
- Screen Recording: For longer clips or if you're having trouble with the download function, you can use your phone's built-in screen recording feature. Start the screen recording, play the video clip in the Kuna app, and then stop the recording when it's finished. This is a manual workaround but can be effective when needed.
The Benefits of a Cloud-Based System
While the lack of local storage can seem like a drawback, it's worth remembering the advantages.
- Remote Access: You can view your live feed and recorded events from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
- Secure & Off-Site: Your recordings are protected from theft, fire, or hardware failure at your home.
- Easy Sharing: It's simple to share a video clip with family, neighbours, or law enforcement directly from the app.
Ultimately, the Kuna system is for those who prioritise the security and convenience of cloud storage over the control of a local setup.