Why Isn't Your Kasa Camera Recording 24/7?
Kasa smart cameras are a popular choice for keeping an eye on your home, but it can be frustrating when you expect continuous recording and only get motion-triggered clips. If you've noticed gaps in your video timeline, it's likely due to a misunderstanding of the features or a settings issue.
Most Kasa cameras are designed primarily as event-based recorders, meaning they only record when they detect motion or sound. However, certain models offer 24/7 continuous recording, provided you have the right setup. This guide will help you understand the requirements and troubleshoot why your camera isn't recording all the time.
Understanding Kasa's 24/7 Recording Requirements
There are two ways to enable 24/7 recording on a compatible Kasa camera:
- With a Kasa Care Subscription: A paid Kasa Care plan stores your footage in the cloud. This service allows for either 14 or 30 days of continuous video history, depending on your subscription tier. The free plan does not include 24/7 recording.
- With a Local microSD Card: Many Kasa cameras have a microSD card slot. By inserting a compatible card, you can enable local 24/7 recording directly on the device, without needing a subscription.
If you don't have a compatible camera, a Kasa Care plan, or a microSD card, your camera will only save short clips when motion is detected.
How to Troubleshoot "No 24/7 Recording" Issues
Let's diagnose why your continuous recording isn't working as expected.
1. Verify Your Kasa Care Subscription
If you intend to use cloud storage for 24/7 recording, the first step is to check your subscription status.
- Open the Kasa Smart app.
- Navigate to the Me tab and select Kasa Care.
- Verify that your subscription is active and that it is the correct tier that includes 24/7 recording.
- Ensure the subscription has been correctly applied to the specific camera you are troubleshooting. It's possible to have a plan but not have it assigned to the right device.
2. Check Your microSD Card
If you're relying on local storage, the microSD card is the most common point of failure.
- Compatibility: Ensure you are using a high-quality, Class 10 or higher microSD card. For continuous recording, a High Endurance card is strongly recommended as they are designed for the constant writing and rewriting of data.
- Capacity: A small card (e.g., 16GB) will fill up very quickly. For meaningful 24/7 recording, use a card that is 64GB or larger.
- Formatting: The card must be formatted correctly. You can do this directly within the Kasa app. Go to your camera's settings, select microSD Card, and tap Format. This will erase all data on the card.
- Health: microSD cards have a limited lifespan and can fail. If the card is old or is not being recognised by the camera, it may be corrupted or faulty. Try testing the card in a computer or replace it with a new one.
3. Check Your Camera Settings in the Kasa App
You need to explicitly tell the camera to record 24/7. It doesn't always default to this setting.
- Open the Kasa Smart app and select your camera.
- Tap the gear icon to go to its settings.
- Find the microSD Card or Kasa Care section.
- Ensure the toggle for 24/7 Recording (sometimes called Continuous Recording) is turned ON. If it's off, the camera will only record when it detects motion.
4. Ensure a Stable Wi-Fi Connection
While this is more critical for cloud recording, even local recording can be interrupted by a poor network connection, which can prevent you from viewing the feed or managing settings.
- Check the camera's Wi-Fi signal strength in the Kasa app's device settings.
- If the signal is weak, try moving your camera closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Reboot your router and the camera to refresh the connection.
5. Update Firmware and App
Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. An outdated app or camera firmware could be the source of the problem.
- App: Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and check if there's an update for the Kasa Smart app.
- Firmware: In the camera's settings within the app, look for a Firmware Update option. If an update is available, proceed with the installation.
By carefully checking your subscription, microSD card, and in-app settings, you can easily resolve most 24/7 recording issues with your Kasa camera.