How to Fix 'No Local Storage' Issues on Your Aqara Camera
Using a microSD card for local storage in your Aqara camera hub (like the G2H Pro or G3) is a great way to keep your recordings private and avoid monthly cloud fees. However, it can be frustrating when the camera fails to recognise the card, leaving you with no recorded footage. An error related to "No Local Storage" or an SD card fault is a common problem with a few simple solutions.
This guide will walk you through the most likely reasons your Aqara camera isn't detecting the microSD card and provide a clear, step-by-step process to get it working correctly.
Common Reasons for Aqara SD Card Failures
When your camera fails to see the SD card, it almost always comes down to an issue with the card itself or how it's been initialised.
Incompatible or Low-Quality SD Card
This is the most frequent cause. Aqara cameras require a high-quality microSD card to handle the constant writing of video data.
- Speed Class: The card must be at least Class 10 or have a V10 video speed rating.
- Card Type: Using a cheap, unbranded, or counterfeit card is a primary reason for failure. Always use reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston.
- High Endurance: It is highly recommended to use a "High Endurance" card specifically designed for security cameras and dashcams.
Improper Formatting
An SD card needs to be formatted with the correct file system (e.g., FAT32) to be recognised by the camera. Even if the card is new, it may not be formatted correctly out of the box. It's always best to format the card using the Aqara Home app itself.
Incorrect Insertion
It might sound simple, but the microSD card may not be fully inserted into the slot or may have been inserted upside down. The card should click securely into place. A loose connection means the camera's internal contacts cannot read the card.
Faulty or Damaged SD Card
MicroSD cards have a limited lifespan and can become corrupted or fail over time, especially after many read/write cycles. The card may be damaged and no longer functional, even if it appears physically fine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Aqara Local Storage Problems
Follow these instructions carefully to diagnose and resolve the SD card issue.
Step 1: Power Cycle Your Aqara Camera Hub
Before removing any hardware, perform a simple reboot.
- Unplug the power adapter from your Aqara camera.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the camera back in and let it fully restart. Sometimes, a temporary software glitch can prevent the card from being detected, and a reboot is all that's needed to fix it.
Step 2: Remove and Re-insert the MicroSD Card
Ensure the card is making a proper physical connection.
- Power off the camera hub.
- Carefully eject the microSD card from its slot. You may need to gently push it in first to get it to pop out.
- Inspect the card and the slot for any visible dust or debris.
- Re-insert the card, making sure it is oriented correctly. Push it in firmly until you feel or hear a distinct click, which indicates it is locked in place.
- Power the camera back on and check if the storage is now recognised in the app.
Step 3: Format the SD Card Using the Aqara Home App
This is the most important step for ensuring compatibility. Warning: Formatting will permanently erase all data on the SD card.
- Open the Aqara Home app.
- Select your camera hub.
- Go to the device Settings.
- Find the Storage or SD Card Storage menu.
- If the card is detected, you should see an option to Format SD Card.
- Proceed with the formatting process. This will prepare the card specifically for use with your Aqara camera.
Step 4: Test the SD Card in Another Device
If the Aqara app cannot see or format the card, the card itself may be faulty.
- Eject the microSD card from the camera.
- Insert it into a computer or another device using an SD card reader.
- See if the computer can recognise the card, read its contents, and write a file to it. If the computer also fails to detect the card or reports errors, you have confirmed the card is dead and needs to be replaced.
Step 5: Try a Different, High-Quality SD Card
If all else fails, the best way to rule out a compatibility issue is to test the camera with a brand new, high-quality microSD card from a recommended manufacturer. If a new card works perfectly, you know the original card was the source of the problem.