HomeKit Secure Video lets you use cameras that include built-in software designed by Apple to securely communicate with a HomeKit hub and transfer video to iCloud storage. This video is protected by strong encryption using keys stored on your devices: the video cannot be decrypted by Apple or other parties, it can only be viewed from one of your devices.
iCloud+ stores unlimited clips for the past 10 days. After that, the video will be permanently deleted. While you can’t download a one-day or rolling 10-day archive, you can export clips to save to your Photos library or share with others.
The process is not well designed and relies on small clues. To export video, do the following:
- In the Home app in iOS, iPadOS, or macOS (10.15.1 Catalina or later), select your camera and use the slider at the bottom or the date navigation at the top to find the clip you want to export.
- Tap or click the Share icon. (To see the Share icon, you may need to tap on an iPhone or iPad, or point to the Home app in macOS.)
- In the top right corner of the Home app is a small Next one button appears. It’s extremely small on a Mac’s screen. Tap or click on it.
- Choose a destination, eg Save video (iOS/iPadOS) or Save to Photos (macOS). You can also send to Messages, Notes, or other apps.
- Select additional clips, tap or click Next one to save them.
- Tap or click Cancel to finish.
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