D-Link Camera Not Recording? How to Fix It Now

How to Fix a D-Link Camera That Has Stopped Recording

It's frustrating when you rely on your D-Link camera for security, only to discover it's not recording crucial footage. Whether you're using local SD card storage or the mydlink cloud service, a failure to record leaves your property vulnerable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common causes and solutions to get your D-Link camera recording again.

Common Reasons for D-Link Recording Failures

The issue can usually be traced back to one of a few key areas. Understanding these can help you quickly pinpoint the problem:

• SD Card Problems: The card might be full, damaged, or not compatible with the camera.
• Cloud Service Issues: Your mydlink cloud subscription may have lapsed, or you've hit your storage quota.
• Configuration Errors: Incorrectly set motion detection zones, sensitivity, or recording schedules can prevent triggers.
• Network Connectivity: An unstable Wi-Fi connection can prevent the camera from saving recordings, especially to the cloud.
• Firmware Glitches: Outdated firmware can sometimes cause operational issues, including with recording.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for D-Link Cameras

Let's work through the solutions methodically. Start with Step 1 and proceed until the issue is resolved.

Step 1: Inspect Your Storage (SD Card and Cloud)

Your first check should always be the recording destination.

• Local SD Card Storage:

  1. Open the mydlink app and select your camera.
  2. Go into its settings and look for 'Storage' or 'SD Card Management'.
  3. The app should tell you the card's status. If it's full, you'll need to enable loop recording (if available) or format the card to erase old footage.
  4. If an error is displayed, the card might be corrupted. Power down the camera, remove the SD card, and test it in a computer. If it's unreadable, you'll need a new one. Always use a high-endurance, Class 10 microSD card.

• mydlink Cloud Recording:

  1. Log in to your mydlink account.
  2. Navigate to the subscription management section and confirm your plan is active.
  3. Check if you have used up your allotted storage space or the number of clips for your plan.

Step 2: Verify Motion Detection and Recording Rules

If your storage is healthy, the problem may be with the rules you've set up.

• Motion & Sound Detection: In the camera's settings, find the motion and sound detection menus. Ensure they are enabled.
• Sensitivity Levels: If the sensitivity is too low, the camera won't trigger. Try increasing the sensitivity and test again.
• Activity Zones: Make sure your activity zones are correctly configured to cover the areas where you expect to capture motion. A common mistake is accidentally excluding the desired detection area.

Step 3: Check Network and Power Stability

A stable connection is vital for reliable recording.

• Wi-Fi Signal: Check the camera's Wi-Fi signal strength in the mydlink app. A weak signal can cause recording failures. If the signal is poor, consider moving the camera closer to your router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
• Reboot Your Network: Restarting your router and modem can often clear up temporary network glitches that might be affecting your camera.
• Power Supply: Ensure the camera is connected to a reliable power source using the original D-Link power adapter.

Step 4: Update Camera Firmware

Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance.

1. In the mydlink app, go to the device settings for your camera.
2. Look for a 'Firmware' or 'Update' option.
3. The app will check for the latest version. If an update is available, proceed with the installation. This can often resolve unexplained issues.

What to Do If It's Still Not Recording

If you've exhausted the steps above, a factory reset is the next logical step.

Performing a Factory Reset

This will completely reset your camera to its default settings, deleting its connection to your Wi-Fi and mydlink account.

• Locate the physical reset button on your camera. It's often recessed and requires a paperclip to press.
• With the camera powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
• The camera will reboot. After it has restarted, you will need to go through the initial setup process in the mydlink app again.

If the issue persists even after a reset, it could point to a more serious hardware fault. At this stage, it is best to contact D-Link's official support team for professional assistance.