Can't Save Video Locally on Your Honeywell Camera?
Having the ability to save video footage locally to a microSD card is a feature many users look for in a security camera. It provides a backup of your recordings without the need for a monthly subscription. However, if you're a Honeywell camera owner, you may have discovered that this option isn't always available or straightforward.
This guide will explain the situation regarding local storage on Honeywell cameras, help you determine if your model supports it, and provide troubleshooting steps if you're having trouble with SD card recording.
## The Main Issue: Cloud-First Design
It is crucial to understand that many of Honeywell's smart home cameras (now often branded as Resideo) are designed with a cloud-first approach. Their primary function is to integrate with a paid cloud storage plan. This means that local storage is not a standard feature across all their products.
- Check Your Model: Before anything else, you must confirm if your specific camera model actually has a microSD card slot and is designed to support local recording. Models in the C-series (like the C2 Wi-Fi Security Camera) may have this feature, while many others, especially those tied to a broader security system, do not. Check the original packaging or manual for specifications.
- Subscription Focus: The business model for these cameras often centres on the benefits of a cloud subscription, which includes secure off-site storage (safe even if the camera is stolen) and easy access to clips. Therefore, the local storage option is sometimes intentionally omitted.
## Troubleshooting for Models That Support SD Cards
If you have confirmed that your Honeywell camera does have a microSD card slot, but you can't get it to work, follow these steps.
### 1. Use a Compatible and Healthy SD Card
The type and condition of your microSD card are critical.
- Card Type: You must use a high-quality, Class 10 or U1/U3 rated microSD card. A slow, old card will not have the write speeds necessary to record high-definition video and will cause errors.
- Card Size: Check the maximum supported capacity for your camera, which is often 64GB or 128GB.
- Format the Card: It's best practice to format the microSD card before using it. You can do this on a computer using the FAT32 file system. Some cameras may also offer a formatting option within the Honeywell Home app itself.
### 2. Correct Installation and Setup
- Power Off: Always unplug your camera from the power source before inserting or removing the microSD card.
- Insert Correctly: Ensure the card is inserted fully and clicks into place.
- Power On and Check App: Plug the camera back in and allow it to fully restart. Open the Honeywell Home app, navigate to your camera's settings, and look for a menu related to 'Storage' or 'SD Card Management'. If the card is recognised, it should show the capacity and status here.
### 3. Enable Recording in the App
Just because the card is recognised doesn't mean it's recording.
- Find the Setting: Within the storage management section of the app, you should find toggles or options to enable recording.
- Choose Recording Mode: If the option is available, choose between 'Continuous Recording' (24/7) or 'Event-Based Recording' (only when motion is detected). Be aware that 24/7 recording will fill up the card much faster and cause it to wear out sooner.
## Important Limitations to Be Aware Of
Even with a working SD card, understand the following:
- Internet Connection: Most Honeywell cameras will not record to the SD card if your home's internet connection is down. They are not designed for true offline operation and need to be connected to Honeywell's servers to function correctly.
- App is Required: You can only view and manage the recordings through the Honeywell Home app. You cannot simply remove the card and view the files on a computer, as they are often in a proprietary, encrypted format.
If you cannot find any options for local storage in your app or a physical slot on your device, then your Honeywell camera model is unfortunately limited to cloud-based storage only.