Amcrest Link

Yes, the Amcrest Link app is free to download and use. Core features including live view, local playback, push alerts, PTZ control, and device management are all available at no cost. Optional cloud storage plans are available starting at approximately $2.99/month, with a free 30-day trial included.

Amcrest Link works with Amcrest's newer Wi-Fi cameras (such as the AL-P401W and AL-P402W), as well as legacy 960H and 650TVL DVR systems. It also supports select DVRs, NVRs, and IP cameras from Amcrest. Note that some older Amcrest cameras may require the Amcrest View Pro app instead.

Setting up a camera is simple: (1) Download the Amcrest Link app and create an account, (2) Tap the '+' button and scan the QR code on your camera, (3) Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network. The app guides you through each step of the process.

Currently, Amcrest Link is available only as a mobile app for iOS and Android. For desktop viewing, Amcrest offers the Amcrest View Pro desktop software for Windows and Mac, which supports a wider range of Amcrest cameras. You can download it from amcrest.com/apps.

Amcrest Link offers motion-detection-based cloud storage plans. A free 30-day trial provides 3 days of motion-triggered cloud recording. After the trial, paid plans start at approximately $2.99/month for 3-day motion recording. All plans are managed within the app and run in 30-day billing cycles. Note: cloud recording is detection-based only — there is no continuous cloud recording option.

Yes, Amcrest Link includes a device sharing feature that allows you to share camera access with other Amcrest Link account holders. This is useful for families, housemates, or business teams who need to monitor the same cameras. Shared users can view live feeds and receive alerts.

In some regions or on certain devices, Amcrest Link may not appear in the Google Play Store. In this case, Amcrest provides an official APK download that can be sideloaded on Android devices. Visit amcrest.com/androidlink for the direct download link and installation instructions.

Amcrest Link requires several permissions: Notifications (for push alerts), Location (for time-zone detection and Wi-Fi discovery during setup), Bluetooth/Nearby Devices (for camera discovery during onboarding), and Storage/Media Library (for saving recordings and snapshots). All permissions are used for specific app functions and can be managed in your device settings.

Two-way audio support depends on the specific Amcrest camera model connected to the app. Cameras equipped with built-in speakers and microphones (such as certain Wi-Fi models) support two-way communication through the Amcrest Link app, allowing you to listen and speak through the camera.

If you experience connection issues: (1) Ensure your camera and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network during setup, (2) Check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong near the camera location, (3) Restart both the camera and the app, (4) Verify that your router supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (required by most Amcrest cameras), (5) Check Amcrest's support site at support.amcrest.com for device-specific troubleshooting guides.