Can't Save SimpliSafe Camera Footage Locally? Here's What to Know
If you're a new SimpliSafe user, you might be looking for a way to save your security camera recordings to a local device, like an SD card or a computer hard drive. It's a common desire for those who want direct control over their video footage or wish to avoid monthly fees. However, if you're having trouble finding this option, there's a very specific reason for it.
This guide will explain how SimpliSafe's recording system works, why you can't save footage locally in the traditional sense, and what your options are for storing and accessing your important video clips.
Understanding SimpliSafe's Video Storage Model
The most important thing to understand is that SimpliSafe cameras do not support local storage. There is no SD card slot on the cameras, nor is there an option to connect them to a local network-attached storage (NAS) device.
SimpliSafe operates on a cloud-based model. This means that when your camera detects motion, it records a clip and securely uploads it to SimpliSafe's cloud servers. Accessing, viewing, and downloading these clips is managed entirely through the SimpliSafe app or web portal and is tied to a subscription plan.
Key Points of the Cloud Model:
- Security: Your footage is stored off-site, so even if a burglar damages or steals your camera, the evidence is safely stored elsewhere.
- Accessibility: You can view your recordings from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
- Subscription-Based: This functionality requires a monthly subscription fee. Without it, the cameras can only be used for live viewing.
How to Save and Manage Your SimpliSafe Recordings
While you can't record directly to a local device, you absolutely can save permanent copies of your recordings. The process involves downloading them from the cloud to your phone or computer.
Step 1: Ensure You Have the Right Subscription
To record and save any video, you must be subscribed to a plan that includes camera recording. As of now, this typically includes the Interactive Monitoring and Standard Monitoring plans. If you are on the basic plan or have no plan, your camera will only offer live streaming.
Step 2: Access Your Timeline
All recorded events are stored in your timeline.
- In the SimpliSafe App: Tap the "Cameras" tab at the bottom of the screen to see your timeline of recorded events.
- On the Web Portal: Log in to your account on the SimpliSafe website and navigate to the "Timeline" or "Recordings" section.
Step 3: Download the Specific Clip You Need
Once you've found the recording you wish to save, you can download it.
- Select the event clip from your timeline to play it.
- Look for a download or share icon. It often looks like an arrow pointing down into a tray.
- Tap this icon. The video file will be saved directly to your device's local storage (e.g., your phone's photo gallery or your computer's "Downloads" folder).
- From there, you can move it, back it up to another hard drive, or share it as needed.
Why Doesn't SimpliSafe Offer Local Storage?
While some users prefer it, local storage has its own set of risks that SimpliSafe's model aims to avoid.
- Theft or Damage: An intruder could easily steal the SD card or the entire camera, taking the evidence with them.
- Data Corruption: SD cards can fail or become corrupted, leading to the loss of important footage.
- Limited Accessibility: Accessing footage stored locally often requires you to be on the same Wi-Fi network or to set up complex remote access, which can be a security risk if not done correctly.
By using a cloud-first approach, SimpliSafe prioritises ensuring your data is secure and accessible, even if your physical equipment is compromised. While it means you can't save locally by default, the ability to download clips provides a reliable way to keep permanent records.