How to Fix Netatmo Camera Local Storage Issues
Netatmo smart cameras, including the popular Welcome and Presence models, are valued for their ability to store video footage locally on a microSD card, saving you from mandatory cloud subscription fees. However, it can be frustrating if you discover your camera is not recording to the SD card, leaving you with no video history.
This guide is designed to help you systematically troubleshoot and resolve the common problems that prevent Netatmo cameras from using their local storage correctly.
Common Reasons for Netatmo Local Storage Failure
When your camera stops saving footage locally, it's almost always due to an issue with the microSD card itself or how the camera is interacting with it.
- Incompatible SD Card: This is the number one cause. Netatmo cameras are particular about the type of SD card they use. They officially require a microSD card of class 10 or higher, with a maximum capacity of 32GB. Using a card larger than 32GB (like a 64GB or 128GB card) is not supported and will likely fail.
- Incorrect File Format: The SD card must be formatted with the FAT32 file system. Cards are often pre-formatted with other systems like exFAT or NTFS, which the camera cannot read or write to.
- Faulty or Worn-Out SD Card: MicroSD cards have a limited lifespan of read/write cycles. A card that has been in continuous use for a long time may have developed bad sectors or failed completely.
- Improper Insertion: The card may not be seated correctly in the camera's SD card slot, leading to a poor connection.
- Camera Firmware Glitch: In rare cases, a bug in the camera's firmware can cause issues with recognising or writing to the SD card.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving SD Card Problems
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix the issue.
1. Power Cycle the Camera
Before diving into more complex steps, a simple restart can sometimes clear temporary software glitches.
- Disconnect your Netatmo camera from its power source.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the power and wait for the camera to fully reboot.
- Check the app to see if recording has resumed.
2. Check the SD Card's Status in the App
The Netatmo Security app can often tell you what's wrong.
- Open the Netatmo Security app.
- Go to the settings for your camera.
- Look for a menu related to SD card status or storage.
- The app may display an error message like 'SD card is faulty' or 'SD card needs formatting', which will point you in the right direction.
3. Physically Re-seat the SD Card
A poor physical connection can be a simple fix.
- Power off the camera. This is crucial to avoid corrupting the card.
- Locate the SD card slot (its location varies by model - it may be on the back or require removing a cover).
- Carefully eject the microSD card.
- Inspect the card and the slot for any visible dust or debris.
- Firmly re-insert the card until it clicks into place.
- Power the camera back on and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Verify SD Card Compatibility and Format
This is the most critical technical step.
- Remove the SD card from the camera and insert it into a computer using an SD card reader.
- Check the Capacity: Confirm that the card's capacity is 32GB or less.
- Check the Format: On a Windows PC, go to 'My Computer' or 'This PC', right-click on the SD card drive, and select 'Properties'. The 'File system' should say FAT32. If it says exFAT, NTFS, or anything else, this is your problem.
- Reformat to FAT32: If the format is wrong, you must reformat it. This will erase all data on the card. Right-click the drive, select 'Format...', choose 'FAT32' from the file system dropdown, and click 'Start'.
5. Test with a New SD Card
If you have followed all the steps above and the camera still isn't recording, the SD card itself may have failed.
- Purchase a brand new, high-quality microSD card from a reputable brand (like SanDisk or Samsung).
- Ensure it is Class 10 and has a capacity of 32GB or less.
- Format the new card to FAT32 using your computer before you even insert it into the camera.
- Insert the new, correctly formatted card into your Netatmo camera.
If the camera works with the new card, you can be certain that your old card was the source of the failure. Regular replacement of SD cards (every 1-2 years) is good practice for ensuring the reliability of your local storage.