Geeni Camera Pet Detection Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Geeni smart cameras offer a fantastic way to keep an eye on your furry friends when you're not home. The pet detection feature is designed to send you specific alerts for your pets, so you know when your dog is on the sofa or your cat is exploring. However, if you're not receiving these alerts, or the detection is inaccurate, it can be a cause for concern. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and resolving common Geeni pet detection issues.
## Understanding Geeni Pet Detection
Before we start troubleshooting, it's helpful to understand how this feature works. Geeni's pet detection uses an algorithm to analyse motion and identify the unique shapes and movement patterns of animals like cats and dogs. It's designed to be smarter than standard motion detection, reducing the number of irrelevant notifications from things like rustling leaves or changing light. For this feature to work, it typically needs to be enabled within your camera's settings, and sometimes requires an active subscription service.
## Step 1: Check Your Settings in the Geeni App
The most common reason for pet detection not working is a simple settings issue. Let's ensure everything is configured correctly within the app.
- Open the Geeni App: Launch the app on your smartphone and select the camera you're having trouble with.
- Access Camera Settings: Tap the settings icon (often a pencil or a gear symbol) in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Find Detection Settings: Look for an option labelled "Detection Settings" or "Smart Detection Events".
- Enable Pet Detection: Inside this menu, you should find a toggle for "Pet Detection". Make sure it is switched to the 'on' position. If you only see a general "Motion Detection" toggle, ensure that is enabled first.
- Adjust Sensitivity: You will likely see a "Motion Detection Sensitivity" setting. If it's set to 'Low', the camera may not be sensitive enough to pick up your pet's movements, especially if they are small. Try setting it to 'Medium' or 'High' and test if detection improves.
## Step 2: Optimise Your Camera's Placement and Environment
The physical position and environment of your camera play a crucial role in its ability to detect anything accurately.
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure your camera has an unobstructed view of the areas your pet frequents. Objects like furniture, plants, or even a dirty lens can block the view.
- Appropriate Height and Angle: Position the camera so it's looking down slightly at the detection zone, but not from such a high angle that your pet appears too small. A height of 2-3 metres is often recommended.
- Good Lighting: The detection algorithm works best in well-lit conditions. While Geeni cameras have night vision, detailed identification is more accurate with adequate light. Ensure the room isn't too dark during the day. Avoid pointing the camera directly at a light source or a bright window, as this can create silhouettes and interfere with detection.
## Step 3: Update and Reboot
Software glitches can sometimes interfere with features. Keeping your app and camera firmware updated is an important troubleshooting step.
- Update the Geeni App: Visit your phone's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and check if there is an update available for the Geeni app.
- Update Camera Firmware: Within the camera's settings in the Geeni app, look for a "Device Info" or "Firmware Information" section. If an update is available, you will usually be prompted to install it.
- Power Cycle the Camera: A simple reboot can resolve many temporary issues. Unplug your Geeni camera from the power source, wait for 30-60 seconds, and then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to reconnect to your network and then test the pet detection feature again.
By following these steps, you can resolve most issues preventing your Geeni camera from detecting your pets, ensuring you always stay connected to your beloved companions.