How to Fix Guardzilla When It's Not Recording Continuously
Continuous Video Recording (CVR) is a critical feature for users who want a complete, 24/7 record of activity. If you've noticed gaps in your Guardzilla's video timeline or found that it's only saving short, motion-activated clips, it can compromise your sense of security.
This guide will walk you through the common reasons why your Guardzilla camera might not be recording continuously and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get it working properly.
Why Is My Guardzilla Not Recording 24/7?
Several factors can prevent your camera from recording continuously. The most common reasons include:
- Subscription Plan: The most frequent cause is the subscription plan. Continuous recording is a premium feature and may not be included in basic or free service tiers.
- Incorrect Settings: The camera might simply be set to record only on motion detection.
- Network Instability: Continuous recording requires a constant, stable Wi-Fi connection to upload footage.
- Power Interruptions: Any loss of power to the camera will, of course, stop it from recording.
- SD Card Issues: If you're using local storage, a faulty, full, or incompatible microSD card can halt the recording process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Continuous Recording
Follow these instructions to diagnose and resolve the issue.
1. Verify Your Guardzilla Subscription Plan
Before anything else, confirm that your service plan includes CVR.
- Open the Guardzilla app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to your account settings or subscription management section.
- Check the details of your current plan. If it only includes motion-based recording, you will need to upgrade to a plan that offers continuous recording.
2. Check Your Camera's Recording Settings
If your plan is correct, the next step is to check the camera's configuration.
- In the Guardzilla app, select the camera you are having issues with.
- Go into its settings menu.
- Look for a "Recording Mode" or similar option. Ensure that it is set to "Continuous" or "24/7" and not "Motion" or "Event-based".
3. Ensure a Stable Power and Network Connection
CVR is demanding on both power and bandwidth.
- Power Supply: Make sure the camera is plugged into a reliable power outlet using the original power adapter and cable. Avoid using extension cords that may be faulty.
- Wi-Fi Signal: Check the camera's Wi-Fi signal strength in the app. A weak or intermittent signal will cause dropped frames and gaps in your recording. If the signal is poor, consider moving your router closer to the camera or using a Wi-Fi extender.
4. Inspect and Manage the MicroSD Card (If Applicable)
If your Guardzilla model uses a microSD card for CVR, its health is critical.
- Check Card Status: Go to the storage settings in the app to see if the card is recognised and how much space is left.
- Format the Card: A simple reformat can fix many file system errors. Use the "Format" option within the Guardzilla app. Warning: This will erase all footage currently on the card.
- Use a High-Endurance Card: Standard SD cards can fail quickly with the constant writing required for CVR. Always use a high-endurance microSD card specifically designed for security cameras or dashcams.
- Replace if Necessary: If formatting doesn't help and the card is old, it may have reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
5. Update and Reboot
Finally, a classic IT solution can often work wonders.
- Update App and Firmware: Ensure both your Guardzilla app and the camera's firmware are updated to the latest versions.
- Reboot the Camera: Unplug the camera from power, wait for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This can clear temporary software glitches that might be interfering with the recording process.