Doorbird Not Recording Continuously? Here's How to Fix It
The continuous recording feature on your Doorbird video doorbell is essential for complete security, ensuring you have a 24/7 timeline of events at your property. When this feature stops working, it can leave significant gaps in your security coverage. If you've found that your Doorbird is only recording motion events or has stopped recording altogether, you're in the right place.
This guide is designed to help you systematically troubleshoot and resolve the "no continuous recording" issue. We will cover everything from subscription settings and storage options to network health, enabling you to get your system back to full operational status.
Common Symptoms of Recording Failures
Before diving into solutions, it's important to identify the specific problem you're facing. Here are some common symptoms related to continuous recording issues.
- Gaps in Timeline: Your event history timeline shows large chunks of time are missing, with no recorded footage available.
- Motion Events Only: The system only saves clips when motion is detected, not the entire 24/7 feed.
- Recording Stops and Starts: The continuous recording works for a while but then stops unexpectedly, only to restart later.
- No New Recordings: The device has stopped saving any new footage, and the last recording is from several hours or days ago.
- Error Messages: You see specific error messages in the Doorbird app related to storage, connection, or recording failure.
- Poor Video Quality: The recordings that are saved are choppy or of very low quality, indicating a connection issue.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Let's work through the potential causes and solutions for your Doorbird's recording problem. Start with step one and proceed until the issue is resolved.
1. Verify Your Cloud Recording Subscription
For many users, continuous recording is tied to a specific cloud subscription plan. It's crucial to confirm your plan is active and includes this feature.
- Open the Doorbird app and navigate to the Settings menu.
- Look for a section related to Cloud Recording or Subscription.
- Verify that your current plan is active and that it explicitly includes "continuous recording" or "24/7 video history". A basic plan might only cover motion-triggered events for a few days.
- If your subscription has lapsed or is incorrect, you will need to update it to enable the feature.
2. Check Your Storage Configuration (Cloud and Local)
Whether you use the cloud or a local NAS, the storage destination must be configured correctly.
- For Cloud Users: Ensure there are no billing issues and that your account is in good standing.
- For Local Storage (NAS/NVR) Users:
- Navigate to the SIP Settings or NVR Settings in the Doorbird administration web interface.
- Double-check the IP address, username, and password for your NAS.
- Confirm that the target directory on your NAS exists and that the Doorbird has read/write permissions.
- Ensure your NAS has sufficient free space. If it's full, it cannot save new recordings.
3. Assess Your Network and Wi-Fi Connection
Continuous video streaming requires a robust and stable network connection. An unstable connection is a primary cause of recording gaps.
- Test Your Internet Speed: Run a speed test from a device connected to the same network as your Doorbird. You need a consistent upload speed of at least 2 Mbps.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: If your Doorbird is connected via Wi-Fi, go into the app's settings and find the network health or device status section. The signal strength should be strong. If it's weak or fluctuating, the device will struggle to maintain a constant stream.
- Consider a Wired Connection: For the most reliable performance, connect your Doorbird using an Ethernet cable if possible. This eliminates Wi-Fi instability as a potential problem.
4. Reboot Your System
A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary software glitches or network conflicts.
- Reboot the Doorbird: Disconnect the Doorbird from its power source for at least 60 seconds, then reconnect it.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your main internet router and any network switches for 60 seconds, then plug them back in. Allow a few minutes for your network to come back online fully before checking the Doorbird's status.
By carefully working through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify the root cause of the recording failure and restore your Doorbird's continuous recording functionality, ensuring your property remains under constant surveillance.