How it works
Local recording stores footage on equipment at the installation, such as a camera memory card or recorder. Storage location and control location are separate: an app may still require an account or internet connection to access locally saved footage.
A practical example
A camera can continue storing during an internet outage if its supported setup permits it, while remote viewing stops. A power outage or failed card is different. Test the specific system instead of assuming that local means independent of every external service.
What to check
Check supported storage, capacity, retention and overwrite behaviour. Make a test recording and play it back with correct timestamps. Verify outage behaviour, access permissions and a practical method to export an incident before it is overwritten.
Limits and safe next steps
Local storage is not automatically a backup. Theft, device damage or media failure can remove the only copy. Keep relevant exports protected, update equipment and restrict access. Choose proportionate retention and review privacy requirements for the areas recorded.