Why Is My Motorola Camera Not Recording Continuously?
Continuous Video Recording (CVR), also known as 24/7 recording, is a vital feature for users who want a complete, uninterrupted record of activity around their property. Unlike event-based recording, which only captures clips when motion is detected, CVR provides total coverage. If you've found that your Motorola camera has stopped recording continuously or the option seems to be unavailable, it's typically due to an issue with your storage medium (microSD card) or your subscription plan. This guide provides the solutions you need to get it working again.
Step 1: Check Your MicroSD Card
For many Motorola camera models, a local microSD card is essential for the continuous recording feature. The camera needs a place to constantly write the video footage.
### Ensure a Card is Properly Inserted
- Check the Slot: Power off your camera and double-check that a microSD card is securely inserted into the designated slot.
- Compatibility: Make sure you are using a high-quality, Class 10 (or higher) microSD card from a reputable manufacturer. CVR involves constant writing, which can cause cheaper, lower-class cards to fail quickly. Check your camera's manual for maximum supported capacity (e.g., 128GB, 256GB).
### Format the MicroSD Card
If the card is full or has developed file system errors, it can stop new recordings. Formatting it will erase all data and fix these issues.
- Open the Motorola App: Navigate to the settings for the camera in question.
- Go to Storage: Find the 'Storage' or 'SD Card Management' menu.
- Format: Select the 'Format' option. This will wipe the card clean, so be sure to save any important clips before you do this.
Step 2: Verify Your Subscription Plan
For many smart camera brands, CVR is considered a premium feature that is only available with a paid subscription plan.
- Log In to Your Account: Go to the Motorola security camera website or check within the app's account settings.
- Check Your Plan's Features: Verify that your current subscription plan explicitly includes "24/7 Recording" or "Continuous Video Recording (CVR)". The free or basic plans often only include event-based recording.
- Confirm It's Active: Ensure your subscription has not expired and that your payment method is up to date to avoid any lapse in service.
Step 3: Enable the Continuous Recording Setting
You may simply need to switch the recording mode from 'event-based' to 'continuous' in the camera's settings.
- Navigate to Camera Settings: In the app, select your camera and find the 'Recording Settings' or a similar menu.
- Select Recording Mode: Look for an option that lets you choose between 'Events' (or 'Motion-based') and 'Continuous' (or '24/7'). Make sure 'Continuous' is selected.
Step 4: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
While CVR primarily writes to the local SD card, it still requires a stable internet connection to communicate with the app and for you to view the live or recorded footage. A very unstable connection could potentially interrupt the process.
- Check Signal Strength: In the camera's device information or network settings, ensure the Wi-Fi signal is strong.
- Reboot Your Router: A simple router reboot can often clear up temporary network congestion or glitches that might be affecting the camera's performance.
Step 5: Update Firmware and Reboot the Camera
- Firmware Update: Manufacturers often release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve functionality. Check in the app's device settings for any available firmware updates and install them.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug the camera from its power source, wait for 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. This simple reboot can resolve many unexplained issues by clearing the device's temporary memory.
By methodically checking your SD card, subscription, in-app settings, and connectivity, you can almost always resolve issues with the continuous recording feature on your Motorola camera, ensuring you have a complete video history.