How to Fix 'Recording Failed' Errors on Laview Cameras
The 'Recording Failed' error on a Laview security camera is a critical issue, as it means your device is not storing any footage, defeating its primary purpose. This problem is almost always related to the microSD card used for local storage. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to troubleshoot and resolve this common error.
### Understanding the Role of the MicroSD Card
Your Laview camera relies on a microSD card to store video clips. This card is subjected to constant read and write cycles, especially during continuous recording. This heavy workload means that the type and health of the SD card are paramount for reliable operation. A failure in the card's ability to store data will trigger the 'Recording Failed' notification.
Diagnosing the Cause of the Recording Failure
Before you can fix the problem, you need to identify why it's happening. The symptoms below all point towards a storage-related issue.
### Common Symptoms of a Recording Problem
- You receive a "Recording Failed" or "Storage Status Error" notification in the Laview app.
- The camera's live view works fine, but there is no playback history available.
- The app shows the SD card status as 'Unformatted', 'Error', or 'Not Found'.
- The camera stops recording intermittently, leaving gaps in your video timeline.
- You are unable to format the SD card through the app; the process fails or times out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Laview Recording Errors
Follow these instructions in order to get your camera recording again.
### 1. Use the Correct Type of MicroSD Card
This is the most critical step. Not all microSD cards are created equal.
- High-Endurance is Essential: For security cameras, you must use a 'high-endurance' or 'video monitoring' microSD card. These are specifically designed by manufacturers like SanDisk, Samsung, or Western Digital to handle the constant rewriting process of a security camera. A standard SD card used in a phone or digital camera will fail quickly.
- Class 10 / U3 Rating: Ensure the card has a speed rating of Class 10, U1, or U3. This is indicated by a 'C' with a '10' inside it or a 'U' with a '1' or '3' inside it.
- Reputable Brands: Purchase your cards from an authorised retailer to avoid counterfeit cards, which are common and highly unreliable.
### 2. Format the MicroSD Card Using the Laview App
File system corruption is a very common cause of recording failure. Formatting the card within the camera's own software is the best way to fix this.
- Open the Laview app and select the camera you are having issues with.
- Tap the 'Settings' icon (often a gear symbol).
- Navigate to 'Storage Settings' or 'SD Card Management'.
- You should see the status of your card here. Tap the 'Format' or 'Initialise' button.
- Confirm that you want to proceed. Warning: This will permanently erase all footage currently on the card.
- The process will take a minute or two. Once complete, the card status should change to 'Normal'.
### 3. Check Recording and Schedule Settings
If the card is healthy but nothing is being recorded, your settings might be the culprit.
- Enable Local Recording: In the 'Storage Settings', ensure that the toggle for 'Local Recording' or 'Schedule Recording' is turned on.
- Check the Schedule: Go into the 'Recording Schedule' settings. If you want 24/7 recording, the schedule should be set to 'Continuous Recording' for the entire day. If it's set to 'Motion Detection', it will only record when movement is detected. Ensure this is configured as you intend.
### 4. Power Cycle and Firmware Update
- Reboot the Camera: A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary software glitches. Unplug the camera from its power source, wait for 60 seconds, and then plug it back in.
- Update Firmware: Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs. In the camera's settings menu, check for a 'Device Version' or 'Firmware Update' option. If an update is available, install it.
### 5. Replace the MicroSD Card
If you have tried formatting a proper high-endurance card and the 'Recording Failed' error persists, the card has likely reached the end of its operational life. The flash memory cells have worn out, and it can no longer reliably store data. The only solution at this point is to replace the microSD card with a new one.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix the 'Recording Failed' error, ensuring your Laview camera is always ready to capture important moments.