The answer is NO. Reolink Cloud storage is not mandatory. Instead, it is optional.

If you do not want to subscribe to Reolink Cloud service, you can choose to save recordings to an SD card or set the camera to upload the recordings to an FTP server. 

As for Reolink Cloud storage, it can record videos every time when motion is detected. No worries about missing a thing, even if your device is stolen or the Micro SD card is broken. You can still access your Cloud video history via Reolink App or the Cloud web page anytime, from anywhere.

Currently, Reolink Cloud is compatible with various Reolink camera models across different global regions (click Reolink Cloud Availability to learn more).

To know more information about Reolink Cloud storage, visit Reolink Cloud