What to Do When Your Abode Storage is Full
The Abode security system relies on storage to save video clips of motion events, alarms, and live recordings. When you receive a 'Storage Full' notification, it's a critical alert meaning your system can no longer save new evidence. Acting quickly is essential to ensure your system continues to provide a complete security record. This guide will explain how Abode storage works and what steps to take to resolve the issue.
Abode utilises two main types of storage: cloud storage, which is tied to your subscription plan, and local storage, which uses a microSD card in your hub or camera. The 'Storage Full' message can refer to either of these.
Understanding Your Abode Storage Limits
First, you need to identify which type of storage is full.
Cloud Storage
This is the most common type. Abode's subscription plans (Standard and Pro) come with a set number of days of rolling cloud storage (e.g., 10 days). This means that after a clip has been in the cloud for 10 days, it is automatically deleted to make space for new clips. A 'Storage Full' message in this context is unusual unless you have a massive number of cameras generating an exceptionally high volume of clips that exceeds fair use policies, or if there's a temporary sync issue. More commonly, users on older or specific plans might have a fixed gigabyte limit.
Local Storage
Some Abode devices, like the Iota hub or certain cameras, have an SD card slot for local backup storage. If you have an SD card installed, it will record clips as a backup. Unlike rolling cloud storage, an SD card has a fixed capacity (e.g., 32GB, 64GB). Once this capacity is reached, the device will stop recording unless it is configured to overwrite the oldest files.
How to Free Up Abode Storage Space
Follow these steps to clear the 'Storage Full' warning and get your system recording again.
Managing and Deleting Cloud Clips
If the issue is with your cloud storage, you need to manually delete unnecessary clips.
- Log In to Your Account: Access your Abode account through the web portal or the mobile app.
- Navigate to the Timeline/Media: Find the section that lists all your recorded video clips. This is typically called the 'Timeline' or 'Media Gallery'.
- Filter and Select: Use the filters to sort clips by date, device, or event type. This can help you quickly find old or unimportant clips (e.g., motion detected in a low-traffic area).
- Delete Unneeded Clips: Select the clips you wish to remove. There is usually an option to select multiple clips at once for bulk deletion. Once you've selected them, find and click the 'Delete' or trash can icon. Be careful, as this action is permanent and deleted clips cannot be recovered.
- Download First (Optional): Before deleting, make sure to download and save any clips you might need to keep for insurance or evidence purposes to your computer or phone.
Managing Local SD Card Storage
If you're using an SD card for local backup, the process is different.
- Check Overwrite Settings: The best practice for local storage on a security device is to enable loop recording. Check your device's settings in the Abode app to see if there is an option like 'Overwrite Old Files' or 'Loop Recording'. If this is enabled, the camera should never become 'full' as it will automatically delete the oldest clip to make space for the newest one.
- Manually Reformat the Card: If loop recording is not an option or isn't working, you will need to reformat the SD card.
- Go to the device settings for the camera or hub in the Abode app.
- Find the storage or SD card management section.
- Select the 'Format' or 'Erase' option. This will permanently delete all footage from the card.
Upgrading Your Storage
If you find that you are constantly running out of cloud storage space or that the rolling 10-day limit is not sufficient for your needs, consider upgrading your Abode subscription plan. Higher-tier plans often offer more storage capacity or longer clip history, providing a more hands-off solution to storage management.