Anran Camera Not Recording? Here's How to Solve It
An Anran security camera is a great tool for peace of mind, but only when it's recording properly. If you've discovered that your camera has stopped capturing footage, it's a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Don't worry, this problem is usually caused by a simple settings or hardware issue that you can fix yourself.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the most common reasons why an Anran camera stops recording and provide you with clear, step-by-step solutions to get it working again.
Identifying the Root Cause
The first step is to understand why the recording might have failed. Here are the most likely culprits:
- SD Card Issues: The local storage could be full, corrupted, or not properly inserted.
- Incorrect Settings: The recording schedule or motion detection settings might be misconfigured.
- Cloud Storage Problems: Your cloud subscription may have expired, or the camera may have lost its connection.
- Network Connectivity: An unstable Wi-Fi connection can prevent the camera from uploading footage.
- Power Supply: The camera may not be receiving consistent power.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Anran Recording Issues
Work through these solutions methodically. We'll start with the simplest and most common fixes first.
1. Check the SD Card
For most users, the SD card is the primary location for recordings.
- Verify SD Card Status: Open the Anran app, select your camera, and go to Settings > Storage or SD Card Settings. Check the status. Does it show the card's capacity? Does it show an error?
- Re-insert the SD Card: Power down your camera completely. Carefully eject the micro SD card. Wait a few seconds, then firmly re-insert it until it clicks into place. Power the camera back on and check the status in the app again.
- Format the SD Card: A corrupted card can prevent new recordings. Inside the app's storage settings, you will find a Format option. Warning: This will erase all existing footage on the card. This is often the most effective way to fix card-related errors.
- Test with a Different Card: If formatting doesn't work, the SD card itself may have failed. Try inserting a different, compatible micro SD card (Class 10 is recommended) to see if the camera will record to it.
2. Review Your Recording Settings in the App
It's possible that the settings have been accidentally changed or are not configured for your needs.
- Check the Recording Mode: In the camera's settings, find the Recording Schedule or Recording Mode. Ensure it is set to record continuously (24/7) or for motion detection, depending on your preference. Make sure the schedule is active.
- Verify Motion Detection Settings: If you are using motion-activated recording, go to the Detection Alarm or Motion Detection settings.
- Ensure the feature is turned on.
- Check the sensitivity level. If it's too low, it may not be picking up movement. Try increasing it.
- Make sure you haven't set an "activity zone" that excludes the area you want to monitor.
3. Inspect Cloud Storage and Network
If you rely on cloud storage, your subscription and connection are key.
- Check Subscription Status: Log into your Anran account and confirm that your cloud storage subscription is active and has not expired.
- Test Network Connection: An unstable Wi-Fi connection can interrupt uploads to the cloud. Check the camera's signal strength in the app. If it's weak, try moving your router closer to the camera or using a Wi-Fi extender.
4. Power Cycle the Camera
A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software bugs.
- Unplug the Anran camera from its power source.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the camera back in and allow it to fully restart.
- Once it's back online, check if it has started recording again.
If you've followed all these steps and the issue persists, it could indicate a more serious hardware fault with the camera. In this case, reaching out to Anran customer support is your next best step.