Abode Package Detection Missing or Not Working? Fix It

Abode Package Detection Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

Abode's package detection feature is a fantastic tool for monitoring deliveries and preventing porch piracy. Using AI, your camera can distinguish a parcel from general motion, giving you a specific and valuable alert. However, if you find that package detection is missing deliveries or not working at all, there are several settings and conditions you can adjust to improve its performance.

This troubleshooting guide will help you ensure your Abode system is properly configured to catch every delivery, every time. The reliability of this feature depends on your subscription, camera placement, and in-app settings.

Why Isn't My Abode Camera Detecting Packages?

Several factors can prevent the package detection AI from working correctly:

• Subscription Plan: Package detection is a premium feature and is not available on all Abode plans.
• Incorrect Settings: The feature may simply be disabled for your camera or within your CUE automations.
• Poor Camera Placement: The camera might not have a clear, well-lit view of the area where packages are typically left.
• Detection Zone Issues: Your motion detection zones may not be configured to cover the delivery spot.
• Unusual Package Shapes: The AI is trained on common box shapes and may occasionally miss unusually shaped parcels or soft mailers.
• Outdated Firmware: The camera's firmware or the Abode app may need an update to improve performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable and Optimise Package Detection

Follow these steps to get your package alerts working reliably.

Step 1: Verify Your Abode Subscription Plan

First, ensure your plan includes this feature.

1. Log in to your Abode account on the web portal or check your subscription status in the mobile app under 'Settings'.
2. Confirm that you have an active Standard or Pro plan. The free, self-monitored plan does not include smart detections like package detection.
3. If you don't have the required plan, you will need to upgrade to use the feature.

Step 2: Enable Smart Detections in Camera Settings

You need to switch the feature on for the specific camera you want to use.

1. Open the Abode app and navigate to the 'Devices' tab.
2. Select the camera you want to configure.
3. Tap the settings gear icon to open the device settings.
4. Find a menu labelled 'Smart Detections' or similar.
5. Ensure that the toggle for 'Package Detection' is switched to the 'On' position.

Step 3: Optimise Camera Placement and View

The AI needs a good view to work effectively.

• Clear Line of Sight: Position your camera so it has an unobstructed view of your entire doorstep or wherever couriers typically leave packages. Bushes, pillars, or decorations can block the view.
• Optimal Angle: An angled, top-down view is often better than a straight-on view. This gives the AI a clear look at the package's shape as it's placed on the ground.
• Good Lighting: Ensure the delivery area is well-lit, both day and night. If your porch is dark, the camera's night vision might not provide enough detail for the AI to work reliably. Consider adding a porch light.

Step 4: Configure Your Detection Zones

Tell the camera exactly where to look for packages.

1. In the camera's settings, find the 'Motion Detection' or 'Detection Zones' area.
2. Create a specific zone that covers the exact area where packages are left.
3. Avoid including busy backgrounds, like a street with moving cars or a waving flag, in your detection zone. This reduces the number of false motion events the AI has to process.
4. By creating a precise zone for your doormat or porch area, you focus the camera's attention where it matters most.

Step 5: Set Up Notifications and Automations

Once detection is working, make sure you're set up to receive the alerts.

• Notification Settings: Go to your main Abode app settings and manage your push notifications. Ensure that smart detection alerts are enabled.
• CUE Automations: For more advanced control, you can use CUE automations. For example, you could create an automation that says, "WHEN my front door camera detects a package, THEN send a push notification and turn on the porch light." This is a powerful way to customise your system's behaviour.

By carefully checking your plan, settings, and camera setup, you can significantly improve the accuracy of Abode's package detection and gain peace of mind knowing your deliveries are being monitored.