Guardzilla Not Detecting Packages? Here’s How to Fix It
Package detection is a crucial feature for front-door security cameras, giving you peace of mind that your deliveries are being monitored. It's incredibly frustrating when this feature fails, and you miss an important alert that a package has arrived. If your Guardzilla camera is not detecting packages as it should, there are several common causes that can often be fixed with a few adjustments.
This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to get your Guardzilla's package detection working reliably.
Why Is My Camera Missing Packages?
Understanding the potential reasons for failure is the first step to solving the problem. The most common culprits include:
- Incorrect Camera Placement: The camera's angle or height doesn't provide a clear view of the package being placed.
- Feature Not Enabled: The package detection setting may be turned off in the app or not included in your subscription tier.
- Poor Lighting: Deep shadows, intense glare, or insufficient light can prevent the camera's AI from identifying the package.
- Obstructed View: A plant, pillar, or piece of furniture might be blocking the camera's line of sight to the delivery spot.
- Outdated Software: The camera's firmware or the Guardzilla app may need an update to improve detection accuracy.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Package Detection
Follow these solutions to enhance your camera's ability to spot deliveries.
1. Verify Your Subscription and In-App Settings
Before adjusting your hardware, make sure everything is configured correctly in the software.
- Check Your Subscription Plan: Log in to your Guardzilla account and confirm that your subscription plan includes the "Package Detection" feature. It is often a premium service.
- Enable the Feature: Open the Guardzilla app, select your camera, and navigate to its Settings. Look for a menu like "Smart Detections" or "Notification Settings" and ensure the toggle for Package Detection is switched ON.
- Configure Activity Zones: Use the Activity Zone feature to draw a specific zone around the area where packages are typically left. This tells the camera to pay special attention to motion in that precise spot, increasing accuracy and reducing false alarms.
2. Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
The way your camera sees the world is critical for its AI to work correctly.
- Ideal Height: Mount your camera between 7 and 10 feet (2 to 3 metres) from the ground.
- Downward Angle: The camera should be angled downwards, providing a clear, top-down view of your doorstep. This helps the AI distinguish the shape of a box on the ground. A camera looking straight out may not see a package placed directly below it.
- Unobstructed View: Ensure there are no obstructions. Check the live view in your app and look for anything—a hanging plant, a porch railing, or even a large decoration—that might block the view of the delivery area.
3. Improve Lighting Conditions
The camera's AI needs a clear, well-lit image to work effectively, day or night.
- Address Glare and Shadows: Check the camera's view at different times of the day. If the morning sun creates a harsh glare or the afternoon sun casts a deep shadow over your doorstep, the camera may struggle. You might need to adjust the camera's position slightly or add an awning to diffuse the light.
- Ensure Good Night Vision: For overnight deliveries, make sure the area is well-lit. A good porch light is essential. Also, ensure the camera's IR night vision LEDs are not being blocked and that there are no nearby surfaces causing IR reflection (a white wall right next to the camera can create a white-out effect).
4. Keep Your Software Updated
Manufacturers constantly refine their detection algorithms. Running the latest software ensures you have the best-performing version.
- Update the Guardzilla App: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to check for and install any updates for the Guardzilla app.
- Update Camera Firmware: In the app, go to your camera's Settings > Device Info (or a similar menu) and check for a firmware update. Install any available updates to improve camera performance and fix bugs.
By systematically working through these steps, you can significantly improve the reliability of your Guardzilla's package detection and ensure you never miss a delivery alert again.