The number of cameras you can use without paying depends on your device series: SynoPower Club Standard NAS Series (e.g., DiskStation, RackStation): 2 free licenses Network Video Recorders (NVR) 4 free licenses Deep Learning NVR (DVA Series) 8 free licenses SynoPower Club Key Limitations and Rules Non-Transferable
A few very old Synology models (released over a decade ago) only included one free license.
The primary way to get Synology Surveillance Station licenses for "free" is through the Default License pack included with every Synology NAS device Default License Policy Every Synology NAS comes with two free permanent camera licenses synology surveillance station license free free
If you have extra cameras that you only need to record during specific events, you don’t have to keep them actively streaming to your NAS 24/7. Use cameras that feature onboard MicroSD card slots.
This means, for a standard home setup, you can set up two IP cameras completely free of charge. These licenses are pre-installed and never expire. The number of cameras you can use without
If you just want to look at a camera live but don't need Synology to record it, do not add it to Surveillance Station. Instead, enable the RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) stream on the camera. You can use free third-party mobile apps (like VLC, TinyCam, or IP Cam Viewer) to view all your cameras live on your phone for free, reserving your 2 Synology slots strictly for the two cameras that absolutely require 24/7 timeline recording and backup. 4. Migration: Moving Your Free Licenses
The moment Synology detects a tampered license file (their telemetry checks for this), they will permanently blacklist your NAS serial number. You will never get support, security updates, or warranty service again. This means, for a standard home setup, you
However, a common question among users is:
Synology’s dedicated Network Video Recorder (NVR) lines, such as the Deep Learning NVR (DVA series), often come with more out-of-the-box licenses (typically 4 or 8 free licenses) because they are sold specifically as security hardware. Can You Legally Get More Free Licenses?
For many home users who simply want to monitor a front door and a backyard, these two included licenses are completely free and sufficient. You do not need to buy anything extra to use these.