Understanding Skybell and Its Lack of Local Storage
If you're a new Skybell owner, you might be searching through the settings for a way to save your video recordings locally, perhaps to an SD card or a home network drive (NAS). However, you won't find this option because Skybell devices are designed exclusively to work with cloud storage. This guide explains why this is the case and what it means for you.
This isn't a fault or a missing feature in the traditional sense; it's a fundamental aspect of the Skybell design philosophy, which prioritises accessibility and off-site security for your valuable recordings.
Why Skybell Prioritises Cloud Storage
The decision to omit local storage is a deliberate one, focused on providing a specific user experience. There are several key reasons for this cloud-centric approach.
- Security and Redundancy: The most critical reason is security. If a burglar were to damage or steal your video doorbell, any footage stored on an internal SD card would be lost forever. By instantly uploading footage to the cloud, Skybell ensures that the evidence is safely stored off-site, accessible only to you.
- Remote Accessibility: Cloud storage allows you to access your video clips from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Whether you're at work or on holiday, you can review, download, and share footage directly from the Skybell app on your smartphone.
- Ease of Use: Relying on the cloud simplifies the user experience. There's no need to worry about SD cards failing, becoming full, or needing to be physically removed to retrieve footage. The app handles everything seamlessly.
What This Means for Your Video Recordings
Since there's no physical storage on the device, your ability to save and review video history is tied to a Skybell cloud subscription plan.
- Live View vs. Recorded Events: Without a subscription, you can still use the core features of your doorbell, such as receiving notifications when someone presses the button or when motion is detected, and viewing the live video feed.
- Subscription for History: To have the doorbell automatically record these events and store them for you to review later, a subscription is necessary. This service is what allows the video clips to be saved and accessed via your app's history feed.
Are There Any Workarounds?
For users who are adamant about having a local copy, there are no official or straightforward workarounds. The device's firmware and software are built around its cloud integration.
- Manual Downloading: The intended method for creating a local copy is to manually download important clips from the app to your phone. Once on your phone, you can transfer them to a computer, external hard drive, or any other storage medium. This is best for specific incidents you want to preserve.
- Third-Party Integrations: In some cases, advanced home automation platforms like Home Assistant might offer community-developed methods to capture a video stream, but these are typically complex to set up and are not officially supported by Skybell. They may not be reliable for all users.
In summary, the Skybell ecosystem is built to be simple, secure, and accessible through its cloud service. While this means forgoing the option of local storage, it provides peace of mind that your important security footage is always safe and available when you need it.