Comelit System Not Saving Locally? Here's What to Do
One of the key features of many Comelit security cameras and systems is the ability to store video footage locally on a microSD card. This gives you direct control over your recordings without mandatory monthly fees. However, when your system fails to recognise or record to the storage card, it can be a major concern.
This troubleshooting guide is designed for UK users of Comelit products. We will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to diagnose and fix issues related to local storage, ensuring your security footage is always being saved correctly.
Signs of a Local Storage Problem
If you're unsure whether you have a storage issue, look out for these common symptoms. Acting on them quickly can prevent the loss of important footage.
- "No SD Card" or "Storage Error" Message: The Comelit app or device interface explicitly tells you there's a problem with the storage.
- Inability to Format: When you try to format the microSD card via the app, the process fails or times out.
- Playback Unavailable: The option to view past recordings is greyed out, or the timeline shows no recorded events.
- Camera Not Recognising the Card: You've inserted a card, but the app's storage status shows it as 'Not Inserted' or '0GB'.
- Alerts Without Recordings: You receive motion alerts, but when you go to view the corresponding video clip, it doesn't exist.
- Footage Disappears: The camera records for a short while, but the saved clips are later missing or corrupted.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Comelit Storage Issues
Work through these solutions methodically to get your local recording feature working again.
1. Check SD Card Compatibility and Quality
Not all microSD cards are created equal. Security cameras require cards that can withstand constant use.
- Use a Reputable Brand: Choose a well-known brand like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston. Avoid unbranded, cheap cards as they have high failure rates.
- Select a High-Endurance Card: Look for cards marketed as "High Endurance" or "for Video Monitoring." These are specifically built for the demands of CCTV recording.
- Verify Speed Class: Ensure the card is at least a Class 10 (C10) or UHS Speed Class 3 (U3). This information is printed on the card itself.
- Check Capacity Limits: Consult your Comelit camera's manual or product page to confirm the maximum supported SD card capacity (e.g., 64GB, 128GB, 256GB). Using a card that is too large can cause it not to be recognised.
2. Properly Insert and Re-insert the Card
A poor physical connection can be the root of the problem.
- Power Down First: Before inserting or removing the SD card, always disconnect the Comelit camera from its power source to prevent data corruption.
- Check Orientation: Ensure you are inserting the card in the correct orientation. It should click securely into place.
- Inspect the Slot: Look inside the SD card slot for any dust or debris that might be obstructing the connection. Use a can of compressed air to gently clean it if necessary.
- Re-insert and Power On: Once securely re-inserted, power the camera back on and check the app to see if the card is now recognised.
3. Format the SD Card Using the Comelit App
Formatting prepares the card for use with your camera and can resolve many errors.
- Navigate to Storage Settings: Open the Comelit app, select the camera in question, and go to its 'Settings' menu. Find the 'Storage' or 'SD Card Management' section.
- Use the 'Format' Function: If the card is detected, you should see an option to 'Format' or 'Initialise'. Tap this and confirm.
- Wait for Completion: The process may take a few minutes. Do not power off the camera during formatting. Once complete, the storage status should show as 'Normal' or 'Ready'.
4. Enable Local Recording in Settings
Sometimes, the camera recognises the card, but the instruction to record to it is disabled.
- Find Recording Settings: In the camera's settings menu within the app, look for a 'Recording Schedule' or 'Storage Mode' section.
- Enable Local Recording: Ensure that 'Record to SD Card' is toggled on. You may also need to configure a schedule, such as setting it to record on 'Motion' or 'Continuously'.
- Save Your Changes: Always remember to apply or save any changes you make in the settings menu.
By following these focused steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the vast majority of local storage problems with your Comelit security system.