How to Optimise Eufy's AI Pet Detection
One of the standout features of many Eufy security cameras is their on-board AI, which can intelligently distinguish between different types of motion. The "Pet Detection" feature is designed to specifically recognise your furry family members, sending you tailored notifications and reducing unwanted alerts from other sources.
However, sometimes the AI may struggle, either missing your pet entirely or misidentifying other objects. If you're not getting reliable pet detection from your Eufy camera, this guide will help you fine-tune the settings for maximum accuracy.
## Step 1: Ensure Pet Detection is Enabled
First, you need to make sure you've told the camera to actually look for pets. This setting can sometimes be overlooked.
- Open the Eufy Security app and select the camera you want to configure.
- Tap the Settings icon (the gear symbol).
- Go to "Motion Detection".
- Under "Detection Type," you will see several options like "Human" and "All Other Motion." Make sure that "Pet Detection" is toggled on. If this is off, the AI will not analyse motion events for the presence of pets.
## Step 2: Optimise Camera Placement
The performance of the AI is highly dependent on the quality of the video it has to analyse. The camera's position is critical for accurate pet detection.
- Correct Height and Angle: Mount your camera according to the instructions in the manual, typically 7-10 feet high and angled slightly downwards. A camera that is too high or too low may not get a clear view of the animal's shape and movement, making it harder for the AI to identify.
- Good Lighting: While Eufy's night vision is excellent, the AI works best when it has a well-lit scene. Ensure the area is adequately illuminated, especially at night. Poor lighting or heavy shadows can make it difficult for the AI to work effectively.
- Avoid Obstructions: Make sure there are no tree branches, bushes, or other objects partially blocking the camera's view of the area where you expect to see your pets.
## Step 3: Use Activity Zones and Sensitivity Settings
Refining what the camera pays attention to can dramatically improve accuracy and reduce false alerts.
### Set Up an Activity Zone
An Activity Zone tells your camera to only analyse motion within a specific area that you define. This is one of the most powerful tools for improving detection accuracy.
- In the camera's settings, go to "Activity Zone".
- Draw a zone that covers the areas your pet frequents, such as the garden, a doorway, or their favourite spot in the living room.
- Crucially, exclude areas that produce unwanted motion, like a busy pavement, swaying trees, or a road with passing cars. This stops the AI from having to analyse irrelevant movements.
### Adjust Sensitivity
In the "Motion Detection" settings, you will find a sensitivity slider. If your camera is missing your pet, try increasing the sensitivity slightly. If you are getting too many false alerts (e.g., for shadows or insects), try decreasing the sensitivity. This may require some trial and error to find the perfect balance.
## Step 4: Update and Provide Feedback
Eufy is constantly improving its AI algorithms.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Always ensure your camera's firmware is up to date. Check for updates in the "About Device" section of the camera's settings.
- Provide Feedback: The Eufy app sometimes allows you to provide feedback on detected events. If a pet was misidentified or missed, letting the system know helps to train and improve the AI model over time.
By systematically enabling the right features, optimising your camera's view, and fine-tuning the settings, you can turn your Eufy camera into a highly reliable pet monitor.