How to Fix Canary Motion Detection and Notification Issues
When your Canary camera fails to detect motion or send you a timely alert, it undermines the very reason you have it. This is a common issue that can almost always be traced back to a specific setting within the Canary app's powerful 'Modes' feature. This guide will explain how Modes work and walk you through the other checks needed to get your alerts working again.
## 1. Understand and Configure Your 'Modes'
The most critical concept to grasp with the Canary system is its use of Modes: Away, Home, and Night. Your Canary's behaviour, including whether it records video and sends notifications, is entirely dependent on which mode is currently active.
-
Check Your Current Mode: Open the Canary app. At the top of the home screen, it will clearly state whether your location is in Away, Home, or Night mode.
-
Customise Each Mode's Settings:
- Tap the gear icon in the top right to go to 'Settings'.
- Select 'Modes'.
- Tap on 'Away Mode'. Here, you can set whether you want the camera to 'Record video' and 'Send notifications' when motion is detected and your location is set to Away. For full security, both of these should be on.
- Go back and do the same for 'Home Mode'. Many people prefer to have 'Record video' on but 'Send notifications' off when they are home to maintain privacy and avoid constant alerts. This is the most common reason people don't get alerts – their phone is at home, so the system is in 'Home Mode', and notifications are disabled for that mode.
- Configure 'Night Mode' to your preference. You can set a schedule for this mode to activate automatically.
-
Check Auto-Mode Switching: In the 'Modes' settings, check 'Auto-mode switching'. This feature uses your phone's location to automatically set your home to 'Away' when you leave and 'Home' when you return. Ensure this is set up correctly for the members of your household.
## 2. Adjust Motion Sensitivity
If your modes are set up correctly but the camera isn't triggering on events you think it should, the sensitivity may be too low.
- Navigate to Device Settings: From the app's home screen, tap on your Canary device and go to its settings.
- Adjust the Slider: You will find a 'Motion sensitivity' slider. If you are missing events, try moving this slider further to the right (towards 'More sensitive'). Be aware that a very high setting may result in false alerts from minor movements like shadows or pets.
## 3. Verify Your Phone's Notification Permissions
Your Canary app might be trying to send alerts, but your phone's operating system could be blocking them.
- iPhone (iOS): Go to your phone's 'Settings' > 'Notifications' > find and tap on 'Canary'. Ensure that 'Allow Notifications' is enabled, and that 'Lock Screen', 'Notification Centre', and 'Banners' are all checked.
- Android: Go to your phone's 'Settings' > 'Apps' > 'Canary' > 'Notifications'. Make sure that all categories of notifications are turned on.
## 4. Reboot Your Devices
If all your settings appear correct, a simple reboot can often clear up communication glitches.
- Reboot Your Canary: Unplug your Canary device from the wall outlet. Wait for at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in. It will take a few minutes to boot up and reconnect.
- Reboot Your Router: While you're at it, it's a good idea to restart your home's Wi-Fi router, as this can solve underlying network issues that might be affecting your Canary's connection.
By ensuring your Modes are configured to your liking, you can take full control of when you do and don't receive motion alerts from your Canary system.