Troubleshooting Bosch Camera Not Recording to Local Storage (SD Card)
Utilising an SD card for local storage in your Bosch security camera is an excellent way to ensure you have a record of events, even if your network connection drops. However, if you find that your camera is not saving footage to the card, it can compromise your security.
This guide will help you diagnose and fix common issues related to local storage on Bosch cameras.
## Step 1: Use the Correct Type of microSD Card
The single most common cause of recording failure is using the wrong type of SD card. Security cameras are demanding devices that write data 24/7.
- High-Endurance is Essential: You must use a high-endurance microSD card. These are specifically designed for the constant read/write cycles of surveillance cameras and dashcams. Standard SD cards will fail quickly.
- Reputable Brands Only: Stick to well-known brands like SanDisk High Endurance, WD Purple, or Samsung PRO Endurance.
- Check Specifications: Consult your camera's manual for the required specifications. Pay attention to the maximum supported capacity (e.g., 64GB, 128GB, 256GB) and the speed class (usually Class 10/U1/V10 or higher). Using a card with a capacity larger than the camera's limit will cause it to fail.
## Step 2: Format the SD Card Correctly
When you first insert an SD card, or if the camera is having trouble with it, you must format it within the camera's own system. Do not format it on a computer.
- Ensure the SD card is correctly inserted into the camera's slot.
- Access your camera's settings. This may be through the Bosch mobile app (like Bosch Smart Home or Bosch Camera) or a web browser interface for professional models.
- Navigate to the "Storage", "SD Card", or "Recording Management" section.
- Find the "Format" or "Initialise Storage" option.
- Confirm the action. This process will erase all data on the card and set it up with the precise file system the camera needs to operate reliably.
## Step 3: Verify Recording Settings
A simple settings error can prevent recording. You need to tell the camera when to record to the card.
- Enable Recording: In the camera's settings, ensure that local recording or SD card recording is explicitly enabled.
- Set a Recording Mode: You typically need to choose a recording mode. Common options include:
- Continuous: Records 24/7. This uses the most storage and wears out the card faster.
- On Motion/Event: Only records when the camera detects motion or another type of alert. This is the most common and efficient setting.
- Scheduled: Allows you to set specific times of the day to record.
- Check that you have a mode selected and that your schedule, if any, is correct.
## Step 4: Physical Checks and Maintenance
If the settings are correct, the issue could be physical.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug the camera from its power source, wait a full minute, and plug it back in. This simple reboot can resolve many temporary glitches.
- Reseat the SD Card: Power down the camera, carefully remove the SD card, check for any dust or debris on the contacts, and re-insert it firmly.
- Card Lifespan: Remember that SD cards have a finite lifespan. A card that has been recording for several years may simply have worn out. If you've tried all the steps above, the next logical step is to try a brand new, high-endurance microSD card.
If a new card, correctly formatted within the camera, still doesn't work, there may be a fault with the camera's SD card slot, and you may need to consult Bosch technical support.