Geeni Camera Not Using Local Storage? A Troubleshooting Guide
One of the key features of Geeni smart cameras is the ability to record footage locally to a microSD card, saving you from mandatory cloud subscription fees. When this feature fails and your camera isn't saving video locally, it can be a major problem. This issue is almost always related to the microSD card itself or the settings within the Geeni app. This guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring your camera records as expected.
Why Local Storage Fails on Geeni Cameras
Understanding the potential causes will help you quickly identify the solution. Here’s what commonly goes wrong:
- Improperly Formatted SD Card: Geeni cameras require the SD card to be in the FAT32 file format. If it's in another format (like exFAT or NTFS), the camera cannot write data to it.
- Incompatible or Faulty SD Card: The card might be too slow, a low-quality or counterfeit model, or it may have simply worn out from continuous use.
- Incorrect App Settings: The recording mode might be turned off, or the camera might be set to record only when it detects motion, which you might misinterpret as no recording at all.
- Poor Physical Connection: The card may not be seated correctly in the camera's SD card slot.
- Firmware Glitch: A bug in the camera's internal software could be preventing it from accessing the SD card.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Geeni Local Storage Issues
Follow these steps in order to get your camera recording to its SD card.
### 1. Check the Physical Installation
Let's start with the simplest fix.
- Power Down: Unplug your Geeni camera from its power source.
- Eject and Re-insert: Carefully eject the microSD card from its slot. Inspect the card and the slot for any visible dust or debris.
- Re-insert Securely: Re-insert the microSD card, making sure it clicks into place and is fully seated in the slot.
- Power Up: Plug the camera back in and allow it to fully boot up.
### 2. Format the MicroSD Card via the Geeni App
This is the most crucial step and resolves the majority of local storage problems. You must format the card within the app to ensure it has the correct file system.
- Open the Geeni App: Launch the app and select the camera you're troubleshooting.
- Access Camera Settings: Tap the pencil icon or gear icon in the top-right corner to open the settings menu.
- Find Storage Settings: Look for an option named "Storage Settings" or "SD Card Settings."
- Format: You should see the SD card listed, possibly with an "unformatted" status. Tap the "Format SD Card" option. You will be warned that this will erase all data on the card. Proceed with the format.
- Wait and Reboot: The formatting process can take a few minutes. Once complete, it's a good idea to restart the camera.
### 3. Verify Your Recording Settings
Once the card is formatted, you need to tell the camera how to record.
- Return to Settings: In the camera's settings menu, find the "Recording Settings" or a similar option.
- Choose Recording Mode: You will typically see two options:
- Continuous Recording: The camera records 24/7.
- Event Recording: The camera only records when it detects motion.
- Select the mode that suits your needs. If you thought it wasn't recording at all, it might have been set to "Event Recording" with low motion sensitivity.
- Enable Loop Recording: Make sure "Loop Recording" or a similar overwrite function is turned on. This is essential, as it allows the camera to automatically delete the oldest footage to make room for new recordings once the card is full.
### 4. Use a High-Quality MicroSD Card
If the problem persists after formatting, the card itself is the likely suspect. Security cameras are demanding on memory cards.
- Brand Matters: Use a card from a reputable brand like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston.
- Speed is Key: Ensure the card is Class 10 or U1 / U3 rated. This is usually indicated by a "C" with a "10" inside it or a "U" with a "1" or "3" inside.
- Consider High Endurance: For best results and longevity, purchase a "High Endurance" or "Video Monitoring" microSD card. These are specifically designed for the constant rewriting that cameras perform.
### 5. Update and Reset
If all else fails, a software issue could be to blame.
- Update Firmware: In the camera settings, check for a "Device Info" or "Firmware Update" section and install any available updates.
- Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on the camera using the physical reset button. This will erase all settings, and you will need to set up the camera from scratch, including reformatting the SD card in the app.
By systematically working through these solutions, you can solve the vast majority of local storage issues with your Geeni camera.