Dahua Geofencing Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide

Dahua Geofencing Not Working? Let's Fix It

Geofencing is a powerful feature in modern Dahua security systems, allowing for smart, location-based automation. You can set your system to automatically arm itself when you leave the house and disarm when you return, providing both convenience and peace of mind. However, when this automation fails, it can be frustrating and undermine the 'smart' aspect of your security setup.

If you are facing issues with Dahua's geofencing feature not triggering correctly, you've come to the right place. This guide will explain the common reasons behind this problem and provide a detailed, step-by-step process to resolve it.

Common Causes for Dahua Geofencing Failures

The reliability of geofencing is highly dependent on your mobile phone's settings and its communication with the Dahua app (like DMSS). The problem rarely lies with the NVR or camera itself. Here are the usual suspects:

Insufficient App Permissions

The Dahua app requires constant and precise access to your phone's location services to know when you've crossed the virtual boundary. If the permission is set to "Only while using the app" or if "Precise Location" is turned off, geofencing will fail.

Battery Optimisation Settings

Modern smartphones are very aggressive in managing battery life. They often automatically put apps to sleep or restrict their background activity to save power. This can prevent the Dahua app from checking your location in the background, which is essential for geofencing.

Outdated Application

Bugs within older versions of the Dahua DMSS app could potentially interfere with its ability to process location data correctly. Keeping the app updated is crucial for both security and functionality.

Inaccurate GPS or Large Geofence Radius

A poor GPS signal can make your location appear to jump around, which might confuse the system. Conversely, if your geofence radius is set too large or small, it may not trigger as expected during your normal entry and exit routines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Dahua Geofencing

Follow these steps carefully to ensure the app has everything it needs to perform geofencing reliably.

Step 1: Grant Correct Location Permissions

This is the most critical step.

• For iOS (iPhone):

  1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
  2. Confirm that Location Services is enabled globally.
  3. Scroll down to find your Dahua app (e.g., DMSS).
  4. Set location access to Always. This is non-negotiable for geofencing.
  5. Ensure the Precise Location switch is toggled ON.

• For Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > DMSS (or your Dahua app).
  2. Select Permissions and then Location.
  3. Choose Allow all the time.
  4. Make sure the Use precise location option is also enabled.

Step 2: Disable Battery Optimisation for the App

You must tell your phone not to put the Dahua app to sleep.

• For iOS (iPhone):

  1. Go to Settings > General.
  2. Tap on Background App Refresh.
  3. Find your Dahua app in the list and ensure its toggle is ON.

• For Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > DMSS.
  2. Tap on Battery.
  3. Select the Unrestricted option. This prevents the operating system from limiting its background processes.

Step 3: Update the Dahua App

Ensure you are running the latest version. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, search for your Dahua app, and install any available updates.

Step 4: Review and Re-create Your Geofence Rule

Sometimes the rule itself can have an issue.

1. Check the Geofence Zone: Open the app and go to your geofencing settings. Make sure the pin is dropped in the correct location and that the radius is appropriate for your property. A radius of 100-200 metres is often a good starting point.
2. Delete and Rebuild: If everything looks correct, try deleting the geofence rule entirely. Then, create it again from scratch. This can often clear up any unseen configuration errors.

Step 5: Ensure a Stable Data Connection

Geofencing requires your phone to have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) when crossing the boundary so the app can communicate with your security system. If you are in an area with poor mobile reception, the trigger command might be delayed.

By systematically working through these phone-centric settings, you can resolve the vast majority of issues preventing Dahua geofencing from working correctly.