Is Your Amcrest Cloud Not Working as Expected?
Amcrest Cloud offers a convenient way to securely store and access your camera's footage from anywhere. However, when it stops working, it can be frustrating and compromise your security. Whether your videos aren't uploading, you can't play back recordings, or you're seeing subscription errors, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common Amcrest Cloud storage issues.
Diagnosing Your Amcrest Cloud Problem
The first step is to identify the specific symptom you're experiencing, as this will guide your troubleshooting.
- Videos not uploading: The camera is online, but no new recordings appear in your cloud timeline.
- Playback errors: You can see recordings, but they won't play or they buffer constantly.
- Subscription issues: You have a paid plan, but the service is behaving as if you have a free plan (e.g., limited history).
- Camera offline in the cloud: The camera works on your local network but shows as offline in the Amcrest Cloud app.
Verifying Your Subscription and Plan
Before diving into technical troubleshooting, ensure your account and subscription are in good order.
- Log in to the Amcrest Cloud Website: Use a web browser to log in to your account, as the website sometimes provides more detailed account information than the mobile app.
- Check Subscription Status: Navigate to your account settings and verify that your subscription plan is active and has not expired.
- Check Storage Usage: Review your storage usage. Amcrest Cloud plans are based on the number of days of history, not a fixed GB amount. The system automatically deletes the oldest day of footage to make room for the newest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Uploading Failures
This is the most common issue users face. It's almost always related to the connection between your camera and the cloud servers.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
The problem might not be with your camera or the cloud, but with your home network.
- Reboot Your Network: Unplug your router and modem, wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in. Once your internet is back online, reboot your Amcrest camera.
- Test Your Upload Speed: Use an online speed test tool. Cloud storage requires a stable upload speed. If your upload speed is very low (less than 1-2 Mbps per camera), you may experience issues.
2. Improve Your Camera's Wi-Fi Signal
A weak Wi-Fi signal is a primary cause of failed uploads.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Amcrest app, find the camera's device details to see its reported Wi-Fi signal strength.
- Move Closer: If the signal is weak, try moving the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Reduce Interference: Keep the camera and router away from other electronic devices and dense physical obstructions like concrete walls.
3. Update Camera Firmware
Ensure your camera is running the latest firmware.
- Open the Amcrest app and go to your camera's settings.
- Find the "Firmware Upgrade" option.
- If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it.
Troubleshooting Playback and Access Errors
If you can see recordings but can't play them, try these steps:
- Use a Different Device: Try accessing the cloud footage from a different phone or a computer to see if the problem is specific to one device.
- Switch Networks: Try playing the video on your mobile data (4G/5G) instead of Wi-Fi. If it works, the issue may be with your local Wi-Fi network's firewall or filtering settings.
- Clear App Cache: On your mobile device, go to the app settings, find the Amcrest Cloud app, and clear its cache.
If problems persist after following these steps, it's recommended to reach out to Amcrest's official support channels for further assistance.