How to Fix a Kuna Camera That Misses Recordings
Your Kuna smart security light is designed to capture every important event that happens on your property. So, it can be deeply concerning when you discover that it has missed a recording of a person or vehicle. This issue usually isn't a fault with the camera itself but is related to its settings, its environment, or its connection to your network.
This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose why your Kuna camera is missing recordings and provide you with practical steps to ensure it captures every event, every time.
## Understanding How Kuna Detects Motion
Most Kuna devices use a combination of two technologies:
- Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensor: This is the primary motion detector. It detects the heat signature of people and animals. It is most effective at detecting motion that moves across its field of view, rather than directly towards it.
- Computer Vision: Once the PIR sensor is triggered, the camera's software analyses the image to determine if the motion is significant enough to warrant a recording and an alert.
Understanding this is key to troubleshooting, as the problem could lie with the initial detection or the subsequent recording process.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Missed Events
Follow these steps to fine-tune your Kuna's performance.
### 1. Adjust Motion Sensitivity Settings
If the camera isn't picking up events at all, its sensitivity might be set too low.
- Open the Kuna app and select the camera you want to adjust.
- Tap the Settings icon (the gear symbol).
- Find the "Motion Sensitivity" setting.
- If it's set to a low value, increase it one level at a time. Setting it too high can cause false alerts from passing cars or swaying trees.
- Test the new setting by walking in front of the camera.
### 2. Check the Wi-Fi Connection
A poor Wi-Fi signal is a leading cause of missed recordings. The PIR sensor might detect motion, but if the Wi-Fi connection is too weak or unstable, the camera may fail to upload the video clip to the cloud.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Kuna app's settings, find the camera's Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's "Fair" or "Poor," you have likely found the problem.
- Improve the Signal: Try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to your Kuna device. If this is not possible, consider installing a Wi-Fi range extender to boost the signal in the area where the camera is installed. Physical obstructions like thick brick walls or metal siding can significantly weaken the signal.
### 3. Optimise Camera and PIR Sensor Positioning
The physical placement of your Kuna device is crucial for effective PIR detection.
- Angle of Detection: The PIR sensor is most sensitive to motion that crosses its detection zones. Position the camera so that subjects will walk across the field of view, not directly towards it.
- Avoid Obstructions: Ensure there are no large objects, plants, or glass panes directly in front of the PIR sensor (usually located below the camera lens). The PIR sensor cannot detect motion through glass.
- Heat Sources: Avoid pointing the camera at sources of rapid heat change, such as an air conditioning exhaust vent or a street with heavy traffic, as this can confuse the PIR sensor.
### 4. Check Your Kuna Subscription Plan
Your ability to view and store recordings is tied to your subscription plan.
- Ensure Your Plan is Active: Log in to your account on the Kuna website and verify that your premium subscription is active. If your plan has expired, the camera will stop recording new events.
- Understand Recording Limits: Be aware of your plan's limitations regarding clip length and storage duration.
### 5. Reboot the Kuna Device
Like any electronic device, a simple reboot can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches. You can do this by flipping the light switch that controls the Kuna device off, waiting for 30 seconds, and then flipping it back on. This will force the camera to restart and re-establish its connection.