Does SimpliSafe Have Local Storage? The Answer Explained
If you've recently purchased a SimpliSafe security camera or video doorbell, you may be searching for the microSD card slot to set up local recording. However, you will not find one. A common point of confusion for new users is that SimpliSafe cameras do not support local storage.
This guide clarifies SimpliSafe's approach to video storage, explaining why they've opted for a cloud-only system and what you need to do to save your camera's recordings.
SimpliSafe's Cloud-Based Recording System
SimpliSafe's entire security ecosystem, including its cameras, is designed to be a streamlined, user-friendly experience that relies on a central monitoring service and cloud infrastructure. Local storage is deliberately excluded from their camera design for several key reasons.
- Enhanced Security: The most important reason is to protect your evidence. If an intruder breaks into your home, they could easily steal or destroy a camera that records to an internal SD card, taking the footage of their crime with them. By instantly uploading recordings to the cloud, SimpliSafe ensures the footage is secure and accessible to you and law enforcement, no matter what happens to the camera itself.
- Simplicity and Reliability: Managing SD cards can be a hassle. They can become corrupted, require formatting, or get filled up at inconvenient times. A cloud-based system eliminates these potential points of failure, offering a more "set it and forget it" user experience.
- Subscription Model: The camera system is designed to integrate with SimpliSafe's monitoring plans. Video recording is a premium feature offered as part of their interactive subscription packages.
How to Record and Store Video on SimpliSafe
Since there's no local storage, recording video requires an active subscription plan that includes camera support.
Step 1: Choose a Compatible Subscription Plan
To save, view, and download video recordings, you must subscribe to one of SimpliSafe's monitoring plans that offers cloud storage.
- Check Plan Features: Visit the SimpliSafe website to review their current subscription tiers. Look for the plan that explicitly mentions "unlimited camera recording."
- Activate Your Plan: Once you subscribe, the cloud recording feature will be enabled for the cameras linked to your account.
Step 2: Accessing Your Recordings
All your recorded clips are accessed through the SimpliSafe app.
- Open the SimpliSafe App: Launch the app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to Your Timeline: The app will feature a timeline or event history log.
- View and Download: Scroll through the timeline to find motion events or alarm triggers. You can view these clips directly in the app and download any important videos to your phone for permanent keeping.
The Bottom Line
While the absence of local storage might be a disadvantage for users who wish to avoid monthly fees, SimpliSafe's cloud-only approach is a deliberate choice focused on providing a more secure and reliable system. If you want to record video with your SimpliCam or Video Doorbell Pro, a compatible cloud subscription is not optional—it's a requirement. This ensures that in the event of a real security incident, your crucial video evidence remains safe and out of the intruder's reach.