Can't Find Package Detection on Your Dahua Camera?
Dahua's package detection is a powerful AI feature designed to notify you when a delivery has been made and, more importantly, when it's been taken away. If you've been searching through your camera's settings and can't find this option, you're not alone. The feature often isn't available by default and requires specific configuration steps to be enabled.
This guide will explain why the package detection feature might be missing and provide a clear, step-by-step process to activate and configure it on your compatible Dahua AI camera.
### Pre-requisites for Package Detection
Before we begin, it's crucial to understand that not all Dahua cameras support this feature. You need to ensure your system meets these requirements:
- Compatible Hardware: The feature is generally available on Dahua's WizSense and WizMind series of IP cameras and NVRs, which have the necessary AI processing power.
- Latest Firmware: This is the most common reason the feature is missing. Package detection was introduced in newer firmware versions. Your camera and/or NVR must be updated to the latest available firmware.
- Correct Smart Plan: The camera's AI can run different 'plans' (e.g., facial recognition, people counting, or IVS). The correct plan must be active to see the package detection options.
How to Enable and Configure Dahua Package Detection
Follow these steps precisely. The settings are typically found in the web interface of the camera or NVR, which you can access by typing its IP address into a web browser.
### 1. Update Your Firmware
This is the most important first step.
- Find Your Model: Identify the exact model number of your camera or NVR.
- Download Firmware: Visit the official Dahua support website, find your model, and download the latest firmware file.
- Install the Update: Log in to your device's web interface, navigate to Setting > System > Update (or similar), and upload the firmware file. Allow the device to reboot. This single step often makes the feature appear.
### 2. Activate the Correct AI Smart Plan
The camera's AI needs to be told which set of features to load.
- Navigate to Smart Plan: In the web interface, go to AI > Parameters > Smart Plan.
- Select IVS or Perimeter Protection: You will see several options. You must select a plan that includes IVS (Intelligent Video Surveillance) or Perimeter Protection. Click 'Apply' to activate this plan. The device may need to reboot. If a different plan like 'Face Detection' is active, you will not see the necessary IVS rules.
### 3. Configure the IVS Rule
Package detection isn't a standalone feature; it's an option within a standard IVS rule.
- Go to IVS Settings: Navigate to AI > Parameters > IVS. Click the '+' icon to add a new rule.
- Choose the Rule Type: Select the 'Intrusion' rule type.
- Draw the Detection Zone: Use the drawing tool to create a box around the specific area where packages are left, such as your front porch or doorstep.
- Enable Target Filtering: This is the key step. In the rule settings, you will see a section called 'Target Filtering' or similar. Here, you will find checkboxes for 'Human' and 'Vehicle'. On updated firmware with the correct smart plan, you will now see a third option: 'Package'.
- Enable Package Detection: Check the box for 'Package'. You can also set options for 'Package Left' and 'Package Taken' alerts.
- Save the Rule: Click 'Apply' or 'OK' to save your new IVS rule.
Your Dahua camera is now configured to specifically monitor for packages within the zone you defined. By ensuring your firmware is up-to-date and the correct AI plan is active, you can unlock this highly valuable security feature.