How to Fix Lorex Vehicle Detection Not Working
Lorex's smart vehicle detection is a fantastic feature designed to reduce false alarms and notify you only about the events that matter. However, when it fails to work correctly—either by missing vehicles entirely or sending you alerts for other movements—it can be very frustrating. This guide provides a comprehensive set of troubleshooting steps to get your vehicle detection working accurately.
### Step 1: Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
The physical position of your camera is the single most important factor for accurate AI-based detection. The algorithm needs a clear view to correctly identify an object as a vehicle.
- Angle is Key: Avoid pointing the camera straight down (a top-down view). The ideal angle is between 15 and 30 degrees down from the horizontal. This allows the camera to see the side profile of a car, which is much easier for the AI to recognise than just its roof.
- Height Matters: Install the camera at a height of 8-15 feet (2.5-4.5 metres). Too low, and the view can be easily obstructed. Too high, and vehicles will appear too small for the algorithm to analyse properly.
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure there are no obstructions like tree branches, bushes, or flags waving in the foreground of your detection zone. These can confuse the camera and obscure vehicles.
- Distance: For optimal results, vehicles should be no more than 50 feet (15 metres) away from the camera. The closer the vehicle, the more accurate the detection will be.
## Step 2: Fine-Tune Your Detection Settings
Once the camera is physically positioned for success, you need to configure the software settings correctly within the Lorex app.
### Configure the Detection Zone
Do not rely on the default full-screen detection area. Create a specific zone where you expect to see vehicles.
- Go to Device Settings > Motion Detection Settings > Smart Detection.
- Select the Vehicle Detection tab.
- Draw a precise box or grid covering only the area of interest, such as your driveway or the street in front of your house.
- Crucially, exclude areas with constant irrelevant motion, like a busy public pavement or a neighbour's property.
### Adjust Sensitivity
Sensitivity controls how much movement is required to trigger an analysis.
- Too High: If sensitivity is too high, the camera might be triggered by shadows, headlight changes, or even rain, leading to the AI analysing non-events and potentially causing errors.
- Too Low: If it is too low, a vehicle moving slowly or at a distance might not trigger the detection process at all.
- Start in the Middle: Set the sensitivity to a medium level and test it. If you are getting false alerts, lower it. If the camera is missing obvious vehicles, increase it.
## Step 3: Maintenance and Software Updates
Like any technology, your Lorex system needs to be kept in good working order.
- Clean the Lens: A dirty, smudged, or water-spotted lens can dramatically reduce visibility and impair the detection algorithm. Regularly clean the camera lens with a soft, microfibre cloth.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Lorex periodically releases firmware updates that include improvements to their detection algorithms. Check for updates in your app's device settings and install them to ensure you have the latest software enhancements.
- Reboot the System: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches. Power down your camera or NVR, wait a minute, and then power it back on.
- Factory Reset (Last Resort): If nothing else works, you can perform a factory reset on the camera. This will return all settings to their defaults. You will need to set up the detection zones and sensitivity again from scratch, but it can clear any persistent configuration errors.
By systematically working through these steps—from physical placement to software settings—you can resolve most issues with Lorex vehicle detection and restore the reliability of your security alerts.