Troubleshooting: Bosch Camera Not Recording 24/7
Bosch security cameras are known for their robust performance, but it can be confusing when your camera isn't recording continuously as you expect. The feature known as Continuous Video Recording (CVR) or 24/7 recording is often dependent on specific hardware, subscription plans, and settings.
This professional guide will help you understand the requirements for 24/7 recording on Bosch cameras and troubleshoot the common reasons why it might not be working.
## Step 1: Verify Feature Compatibility and Subscription
The first and most important step is to confirm that your specific Bosch camera model and your service plan actually support 24/7 recording.
- Model Specifications: Not all cameras are designed for the high demands of continuous recording. Check the product manual or the official Bosch website to confirm that your model has CVR capability.
- Subscription Plan: Many smart home security systems, including some Bosch setups, tier their features. Basic or free plans often only include storage for motion-triggered events (short clips). 24/7 recording is typically a premium feature that requires a paid subscription.
Action: Log into your Bosch account online or in the app and navigate to the subscription management section. Verify that your current plan explicitly includes "24/7 Recording" or "CVR".
## Step 2: Check Your Local Storage (SD Card)
For many Bosch cameras, 24/7 recording relies on local storage via a microSD card. The camera continuously writes footage to this card. If there's an issue with the card, recording will fail.
Common SD Card Problems:
- Card is Full: If the card is full and not set to overwrite old footage, recording will stop.
- Card is Corrupted: SD cards can become corrupted over time, especially with the constant writing involved in surveillance.
- Card is Too Slow: CVR requires a card with a fast enough write speed. Use a high-endurance card (e.g., Class 10, U3, V30) specifically designed for security cameras.
- Card is Not Formatted: The card may need to be formatted by the camera itself before it can be used.
Action:
- Open your camera's settings in the app and go to the Storage or SD Card menu.
- Check the status. Does it show the card's capacity and remaining space?
- If it shows an error, try reformatting the card using the option in the app. Warning: This will erase all existing footage on the card.
- If reformatting fails, power down the camera, remove the SD card, and test it in a computer. If the computer can't read it, the card has likely failed and needs to be replaced.
## Step 3: Inspect Network and Bandwidth
While local storage is key, a stable network connection is also vital, especially if your system uses a hybrid cloud model. Continuous recording generates a constant stream of data.
- Bandwidth Requirements: 24/7 recording, particularly at high resolutions like 1080p or 4K, consumes a significant amount of upload bandwidth. A slow or unstable internet connection can interrupt the recording process.
- Wi-Fi Stability: Ensure the camera has a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal. Intermittent dropouts can cause gaps in your recording timeline.
Action: Run an internet speed test to check your upload speed. Consult your camera's documentation for its specific bandwidth requirements for CVR and ensure your connection meets them.
## Step 4: Confirm Camera Settings
Finally, you need to ensure the camera is actually configured to record continuously.
- Navigate to the specific camera's settings within your Bosch app.
- Look for a menu labelled Recording Mode, Storage, or Video Settings.
- Within this menu, you should find an option to choose between recording on motion/events or recording continuously.
- Make sure you have selected the "24/7" or "Continuous" option and saved the changes.
If you have checked all these points and are still unable to activate 24/7 recording, it is recommended to contact Bosch customer support for further assistance with your specific model.