Terms of use
Last updated October 8, 2026
The short version. Sentinel is free to use. You run it on your own hardware and you're responsible for using your cameras lawfully. Sentinel is provided as is, it isn't a professional alarm monitoring service, and Linux is a beta.
These terms cover your use of sentvms.com and of Sentinel for Mac, Sentinel for Linux and the Sentinel VMS app for iPhone and iPad (together, "Sentinel"), provided by Handoffgrid LLC ("we", "us"). By creating an account, downloading or using Sentinel you agree to them.
1. Using Sentinel
Sentinel is free to use for personal or business purposes. Its source code is published at github.com/Hackgiz/sentinel-vms under the Apache License 2.0, which lets you use, modify and redistribute it under that license's conditions. Where these terms and the Apache License differ about the software itself, the Apache License applies.
The names "Sentinel VMS" and "Sentinel Mobile" and the Sentinel logo are trademarks of Handoffgrid LLC and are not covered by that license. If you distribute a modified version, give it a different name and logo. Sentinel also includes third-party open-source components under their own licenses, which are included with each download.
2. Your account
You need a free account to download Sentinel. Keep your password secure and give us an email address you can receive mail at. You're responsible for activity under your account.
3. Using cameras responsibly
Video and audio recording is regulated differently from place to place. You're responsible for making sure your use of cameras and of Sentinel complies with the laws that apply to you, including laws on privacy, consent, notice and recording, and for respecting the privacy of people your cameras may capture. Don't use Sentinel to watch or record anyone where you aren't allowed to.
4. Your server and your data
Sentinel stores your footage and settings on your own hardware. Keeping that hardware secure, updated and backed up is your responsibility. We can't recover recordings or settings from your computer.
5. Beta software
Sentinel for Linux and other features marked beta are early releases. They may have bugs, change, or be discontinued. Please don't rely on beta features as your only way of recording or being alerted.
6. Not an emergency or monitoring service
Sentinel is a tool for recording and reviewing your own cameras. It isn't a professional monitoring service and doesn't contact emergency services. Alerts can be delayed or missed for many reasons, such as network, power or hardware problems. Don't rely on Sentinel where a missed alert could cause harm.
7. Third-party services
Optional features use other companies' services: remote access uses Cloudflare, AI features use your own Anthropic account, and notifications use Apple. Your use of those services is governed by their terms, and you're responsible for any charges from them, including Anthropic API usage on your key.
8. Disclaimer
Sentinel is provided "as is" and "as available", without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. We don't warrant that Sentinel will be uninterrupted, error-free, or that recordings or alerts will always be captured or delivered.
9. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we won't be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for any loss of data, footage, profits or revenue, arising from your use of Sentinel. Because Sentinel is provided free of charge, our total liability for any claim relating to Sentinel is limited to US $50. Some jurisdictions don't allow certain limitations, so parts of this section may not apply to you.
10. Ending your use
You can stop using Sentinel and delete your account at any time. We may suspend accounts or downloads that abuse our services or break these terms. Copies of Sentinel already installed may keep working, but we may stop providing updates.
11. Changes
We may update these terms. When we do, we'll change the date above, and for significant changes we'll notify account holders by email. Continuing to use Sentinel after a change means you accept the updated terms.
12. Contact
Handoffgrid LLC · [email protected]