Imou Camera Not Recording 24/7? Here’s How to Fix It
One of the most important features of a security camera is its ability to record footage continuously. If you've noticed that your Imou camera is only capturing clips when motion is detected, or if there are significant gaps in your timeline, this guide is for you. We'll explore the common reasons for this issue and provide solutions to enable true 24/7 recording.
### Understanding Imou Recording Options
Imou cameras offer two primary methods for storing video footage: a local microSD card and the Imou Protect cloud subscription service. The availability of 24/7 recording often depends on which method you are using and how it's configured.
- Event Recording: This is the default for many settings. The camera only records short clips when it detects motion or sound.
- Continuous Recording: This mode records everything, 24/7, without interruption. This is essential for complete security coverage.
## Troubleshooting Local SD Card Recording
If you are using a microSD card to store your footage, here are the most common reasons 24/7 recording might fail.
### 1. Incorrect SD Card Type
The type and quality of your SD card are crucial for continuous video recording.
- Check the Specs: You must use a Class 10, U3, or V30 rated microSD card. These cards have the necessary write speeds to handle a constant stream of high-definition video.
- Use High-Endurance Cards: Standard SD cards are not designed for the constant rewriting that a security camera performs. Look for cards specifically labelled "High Endurance" or "For Video Monitoring."
- Avoid Counterfeits: Purchase cards from reputable brands and sellers to avoid counterfeit products that cannot perform to the required specifications.
### 2. Check and Format the SD Card
The camera needs to be able to properly read and write to the card.
- Go to Camera Settings: Open the Imou app, select your camera, and navigate to the storage settings.
- Check Storage Status: Look for "Local Storage" or "SD Card Status." It should show the card's capacity and status.
- Format the Card: If the card is new or causing issues, use the "Format" option within the Imou app. This ensures it's using the correct file system and is clear of any corrupt data.
### 3. Enable Loop Recording
When the SD card fills up, the camera needs instructions on what to do.
- In the storage settings, ensure that "Loop Recording" (or a similar setting like "Overwrite") is enabled. This allows the camera to automatically delete the oldest footage to make space for new recordings. If this is turned off, recording will stop once the card is full.
## Troubleshooting Imou Protect Cloud Recording
If you subscribe to the Imou Protect cloud service, continuous recording is typically a premium feature.
### 1. Verify Your Subscription Plan
Not all Imou Protect plans include 24/7 continuous recording.
- Check Your Plan: Open the app and navigate to the Imou Protect subscription section.
- Confirm Features: Verify that your current plan includes "24/7 Cloud Video History." Basic plans often only store motion-triggered event clips in the cloud. You may need to upgrade your subscription to get continuous recording.
### 2. Ensure the Camera is Online and Connected
A stable internet connection is vital for cloud recording.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: In the camera's settings, check the Wi-Fi signal strength. A weak or intermittent connection will cause gaps in your cloud recording timeline.
- Check Upload Speed: Your internet connection needs sufficient upload speed to continuously send a video stream to the cloud. Run a speed test to ensure you have at least 2-4 Mbps of upload speed per camera.
By systematically checking your storage type, settings, and subscription, you can diagnose and fix the reason your Imou camera isn't recording 24/7 and restore your complete security peace of mind.