What Blink Subscription Is

Blink Subscription is a paid plan that lets you store video recordings from your Blink security cameras in the cloud and access them later. Without a subscription, your cameras record only to local storage (if your model supports it) or not at all. The subscription unlocks cloud video history, person detection alerts, and live view on your phone.

Blink is owned by Amazon and sells indoor and outdoor security cameras. The subscription is separate from buying the camera hardware — you pay for the camera once, then pay monthly or yearly for cloud storage access.

Key Takeaways

  • Blink Subscription costs $3 per month per camera or $30 per year per camera, with discounts if you bundle multiple cameras.
  • Without a subscription, most Blink cameras do not save video at all, so you lose footage if you are not watching live.
  • The subscription includes 60 days of cloud video history, person detection, and the ability to review clips on your phone.
  • You can cancel anytime through your Blink account settings; there is no contract or early termination fee.

Blink Subscription Pricing and Plans

Blink offers two payment options: monthly and yearly. A single camera costs $3 per month or $30 per year. If you have multiple cameras, bundled pricing is cheaper — for example, two cameras cost $6 per month or $60 per year, and unlimited cameras cost $10 per month or $100 per year.

The yearly plan saves you money compared to paying month-to-month. A single camera on the yearly plan costs $30 instead of $36 if you paid monthly for 12 months. You can switch between monthly and yearly at any time, and changes take effect on your next billing date.

Blink occasionally runs promotions for new customers, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. These offers vary and are advertised in the Blink app or on Amazon's website.

What You Get With a Subscription

The main benefit is cloud video storage. Blink keeps your recorded clips for 60 days. You can watch, download, or share any clip from that 60-day window on your phone, tablet, or computer. Without a subscription, clips are not saved at all on most models.

Person detection is the second major feature. When a subscription is active, Blink's system analyzes video to tell the difference between a person and other motion (like a car or tree branch). You get a notification that says "person detected" instead of just "motion detected." This reduces false alerts and helps you focus on clips that actually show someone.

You also get live view on your phone without time limits. Some Blink models restrict how long you can watch live video without a subscription; a subscription removes that limit.

How to Start a Blink Subscription

First, set up your Blink camera and connect it to your home Wi-Fi using the Blink app. The app is free and available on iOS and Android. Once your camera is online and working, open the app and go to your camera's settings.

In the settings menu, look for "Subscription" or "Cloud Storage." The app will show you the current plan (usually "No Subscription") and offer you the option to add one. Tap to select monthly or yearly pricing, then enter your payment method. Blink accepts credit cards and debit cards. Your subscription starts immediately, and you will see the first charge on your card right away.

If you have multiple cameras, you can subscribe to each one separately or choose the unlimited plan, which covers all cameras on your account for one price.

Canceling Your Subscription

You can cancel anytime through the Blink app without penalty or early termination fee. Go to your camera's settings, find the subscription section, and select "Cancel Subscription." The cancellation takes effect immediately, and you will not be charged again.

If you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you lose access to cloud storage right away. If you cancel mid-year on a yearly plan, Blink does not refund the unused portion — the subscription simply ends on the date it was set to expire. Check your renewal date before canceling a yearly plan if you want to avoid paying for a period you will not use.

Alternatives to Blink Subscription

Some Blink camera models have local storage options. The Blink Video Doorbell and some outdoor models can save clips to a USB drive or microSD card plugged into the camera or a separate hub. This does not require a subscription but limits how much video you can store and requires you to physically access the device to retrieve clips.

Other security camera brands offer different storage models. Some include cloud storage free for a limited time, then charge for extended history. Others charge a one-time fee instead of a monthly subscription. If cloud storage cost is a major concern, compare what different brands offer before buying the camera hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to use my Blink camera at all?

No. You can use your camera without a subscription to watch live video on your phone. You just will not be able to save or review clips later. Some models support local storage without a subscription, but most Blink cameras do not record anything unless you are actively watching live.

What happens to my videos if I cancel my subscription?

Your 60-day cloud history is deleted when your subscription ends. Any clips you want to keep should be downloaded to your phone or computer before you cancel. After cancellation, you can no longer access videos through the cloud, though local storage (if your model has it) will remain.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Blink does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel and restart your subscription anytime, but you will be charged the full monthly or yearly price each time you restart. There is no discount for restarting after a break.

Is there a free trial for Blink Subscription?

Blink sometimes offers free trial periods to new customers, usually 30 days. Check the Blink app or Amazon's website to see if a trial is currently available. Trial periods vary and are not may provide for all accounts.

Can I share my subscription with family members?

Yes. Anyone you add to your Blink account can view your camera's live feed and recorded clips. You pay one subscription price per camera regardless of how many people have access. You manage who can see your cameras through the app's sharing settings.