Why Is My Geeni Camera Not Recording Continuously?
One of the most sought-after features in a security camera is the ability to record 24/7. This provides a complete timeline of events, ensuring nothing is missed. If you've set up your Geeni camera expecting continuous recording but are only getting short, motion-activated clips (or nothing at all), this guide will help you solve the problem.
We'll explore the essential requirements and settings that need to be in place for continuous recording to work on your Geeni smart camera.
## Requirement 1: A Compatible Camera Model
This is the most important first step. Not all Geeni cameras support continuous recording.
- Battery-Powered Models: Geeni cameras that run on batteries (like the Geeni Aware) are typically designed only for event recording. Recording 24/7 would drain the battery in a matter of hours. These models wake up and record only when they detect motion to conserve power.
- Wired Models: Mains-powered cameras (those that plug into a wall socket) are more likely to have the continuous recording feature.
How to check: Review the product page or the user manual for your specific Geeni camera model. Look for terms like "24/7 Recording," "Continuous Video Recording (CVR)," or "All-Day Recording." If these are not mentioned, your camera likely does not support this feature.
## Requirement 2: A Local MicroSD Card
Continuous recording with Geeni cameras is saved to local storage, not the cloud. This means you must have a microSD card installed.
- Cloud Storage: The optional Geeni Smart Cloud subscription is for storing motion-triggered event clips only. It does not offer a continuous recording timeline.
- SD Card Specifications: You need a high-quality microSD card. Look for Class 10 or UHS-1 (U1) speed ratings to ensure the card can handle the constant writing of video data. Using a slow or low-quality card can lead to failed recordings, corrupted files, and other errors.
- Installation: Make sure the microSD card is inserted correctly into the camera's card slot and that it has been formatted within the Geeni app. Formatting prepares the card with the correct file system for the camera. You can find this option in the camera's 'Storage Settings'.
## Requirement 3: The Correct In-App Settings
Even with a compatible camera and a properly installed SD card, you still need to enable the correct settings in the Geeni app.
- Open the Geeni app and select the camera you wish to configure.
- Tap the settings icon (often three dots or a gear symbol) in the top-right corner.
- Look for a menu item named 'Recording Settings' or 'Storage Settings'.
- Inside this menu, you should see two primary options:
- Event Recording: This will only record when motion or sound is detected.
- Continuous Recording: This will record 24/7, without interruption.
- You must select 'Continuous Recording'. If this option is greyed out or not visible, it confirms that your camera model does not support the feature or does not have a properly formatted SD card installed.
## What Happens When the SD Card is Full?
Geeni cameras are designed with a feature called loop recording. When the microSD card's storage is full, the camera will automatically begin to overwrite the oldest recorded footage to make space for the new recordings. This ensures that the camera never stops recording due to a lack of space, and you always have access to the most recent footage.
By ensuring your camera model is compatible, using a high-quality microSD card, and enabling the correct settings, you can activate the continuous recording feature and gain a complete, uninterrupted view of your property's security.