A Guide to Fixing Abode Motion Detection Problems
Motion sensors and cameras are the eyes of your Abode security system. When they fail to detect movement, your home is left vulnerable. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve issues with both your standalone Abode motion sensors and the motion detection features of your Abode cameras.
## 1. For Standalone Abode Motion Sensors
These are the most common devices used to protect rooms and hallways. Problems are often related to battery life, placement, or settings.
### Check the Battery
The number one cause of a motion sensor failing is a dead or dying battery.
- Check the App: Open the Abode app and look at the device list. It should show you the battery status for each sensor.
- Replace if Necessary: If the battery is low, replace it. Abode sensors typically use CR123A batteries. Be sure to insert the new battery with the correct polarity. After replacing, it may take a few minutes for the sensor to reconnect and report its new status.
### Verify Sensor Placement
Incorrect placement can prevent the sensor from "seeing" the motion you expect it to.
- Optimal Position: The ideal placement is in the corner of a room, between 2 and 2.5 metres high, angled down to cover the entire space. This gives the passive infrared (PIR) sensor the best possible view.
- Avoid Heat Sources: Do not place sensors directly opposite radiators, heating vents, or windows that get intense, direct sunlight. PIR sensors work by detecting changes in heat, and these sources can cause false alarms or prevent the sensor from detecting a person.
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure large pieces of furniture or other obstructions are not blocking the sensor's view of the room's entry points.
### Test the Sensor
You can test the sensor without triggering a full-blown alarm.
- Enter Test Mode: In the Abode app, activate Test Mode for your system.
- Trigger the Sensor: Wait a few minutes for the sensor to settle, then walk into the room and move across its field of view.
- Listen for Confirmation: The Abode Hub should announce that the specific motion sensor has been "triggered". This confirms the hardware is working and communicating with the Hub.
- Exit Test Mode: Remember to turn off Test Mode when you're done.
## 2. For Abode Security Cameras
If your Abode camera (like the Iota, Abode Cam 2, or Outdoor Smart Cam) isn't recording motion clips, the issue is usually related to software settings or your subscription plan.
### Check Your System Mode
The Abode system's behaviour changes based on its mode (Standby, Home, or Away).
- Review Mode Settings: Check that your automations and settings are configured to record video when motion is detected in the current mode. For example, you might have motion recording turned off in 'Home' mode for privacy.
### Configure In-App Camera Settings
- Enable Motion Detection: Go to the specific camera's settings in the Abode app. Make sure the toggle for 'Motion Detection' is on.
- Adjust Sensitivity: If you are missing events, increase the motion sensitivity.
- Define Detection Zones: Use the 'Detection Zone' feature to highlight the specific areas in the camera's view where you want it to look for motion. This is useful for ignoring irrelevant movement, like traffic on a distant street.
### Verify Your Abode Plan
- Subscription Required for Video: Storing recorded video clips in the cloud requires an active Abode subscription (either the Standard or Pro plan). If you are on the free plan, you can get motion alerts, but the camera will not save any video recordings. Check your account status to ensure your plan is active.
By methodically checking these physical and digital settings, you can ensure your Abode motion sensors and cameras are working reliably to protect your home.