Troubleshooting Guardzilla 24/7 Recording Issues
One of the most valuable features of a security camera is the ability to record video continuously, ensuring you have a complete record of everything that happens. If your Guardzilla camera has stopped recording 24/7, leaving you with only motion-triggered clips or large gaps in your timeline, it's crucial to resolve the issue quickly.
This guide will walk you through the most common reasons for 24/7 recording failure and how to fix them.
## Step 1: Verify Your Subscription Plan
For most cloud-based security cameras, including Guardzilla, 24/7 recording (also known as Continuous Video Recording or CVR) is a premium feature. It requires a paid subscription plan because the camera is constantly uploading video to be stored on Guardzilla's servers.
- Check Your Plan: Open the Guardzilla app or log in to your account on their website.
- Navigate to Subscriptions: Find the section related to your account, billing, or subscription services.
- Confirm CVR is Included: Verify that your current plan is active and that it explicitly includes 24/7 or continuous video recording. If you are on a free plan or a basic tier, you will likely only have access to motion-activated event recordings.
If your subscription has lapsed or you're not on the correct plan, you will need to upgrade to enable this feature.
## Step 2: Ensure Constant Power
Continuous recording is a power-intensive task. The camera's hardware and Wi-Fi radio are always active and uploading data.
- Check Power Source: Your Guardzilla camera must be plugged into a reliable power outlet using its designated power adapter.
- Battery Power is Insufficient: Battery-powered cameras are designed to conserve energy and cannot support the demands of 24/7 recording. This feature is typically reserved for wired, plug-in models.
## Step 3: Evaluate Your Internet Connection
A strong and stable internet connection is non-negotiable for CVR. The camera needs sufficient upload speed to continuously send the video feed to the cloud.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: In the Guardzilla app, check the signal strength of the camera. A weak or unstable signal will cause the video stream to drop, resulting in gaps in your recorded timeline.
- Run a Speed Test: Use a speed testing app or website on your phone while connected to the same Wi-Fi network near the camera. You need a consistent upload speed of at least 2 Mbps per camera for reliable CVR.
- Reduce Network Load: If other devices on your network are heavily using the upload bandwidth (e.g., video conferencing, live streaming, online gaming), it can interfere with the camera's ability to record.
## Step 4: Basic Troubleshooting Steps
If your subscription, power, and network are all in order, try these simple fixes.
- Reboot the Camera: Unplug your Guardzilla camera from power. Wait for 60 seconds before plugging it back in. Allow it a few minutes to restart and reconnect to the service. This simple step resolves a surprising number of issues.
- Reboot Your Router: Restarting your home router can clear up any network congestion or temporary glitches that may be affecting the camera's connection.
If after following all these steps your 24/7 recording is still not working, there may be a problem with your specific camera or a wider service issue. It's recommended to contact Guardzilla customer support for further, more detailed assistance.