How to Fix Netatmo 'Recording Failed' Errors
The Netatmo Smart Indoor and Outdoor (Presence) cameras are excellent tools for home security, offering smart detection and local storage. However, encountering a "Recording Failed" error can be alarming, as it means your camera isn't capturing events as it should. Fortunately, this issue is usually solvable by running through a few key troubleshooting steps.
This guide will help you identify the cause of the recording failure and provide clear instructions to get your Netatmo camera back to recording properly.
Common Symptoms of a Recording Failure
The most obvious symptom is a notification or message in the Netatmo Security app that explicitly says "Recording Failed." Other related signs include:
- Gaps in your event timeline: You notice periods where events should have been recorded, but nothing appears.
- The SD card is not recognised: The app shows an error message related to the microSD card.
- Video playback issues: Recorded videos are corrupted, won't play, or appear as zero-length files.
- The camera's LED flashes in a specific error pattern (consult your manual for details).
- No new recordings appear, even when you trigger the camera's motion detection.
- The camera frequently goes offline and then comes back online.
Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting Netatmo Recording Failures
Work through these steps methodically to find and fix the root cause of the problem.
1. Inspect the MicroSD Card
The microSD card is the most common point of failure for recording issues.
- Power Down Your Camera: Before handling the SD card, always unplug the camera from its power source to prevent data corruption or electrical damage.
- Eject and Re-insert the SD Card: Carefully remove the microSD card from its slot. Wait a few seconds, and then firmly re-insert it until it clicks into place. Power the camera back on and see if the issue is resolved.
- Check for a Full Card: While Netatmo cameras are designed to overwrite the oldest footage when the card is full, a glitch can sometimes prevent this. Connect the SD card to a computer (using a card reader) to check its capacity. If it's full, you can manually back up any important files and then format it.
- Test the SD Card: A corrupted or faulty SD card is a very common culprit. Insert the card into your computer. Can the computer read it? Try copying a file to and from it. If you get errors, the card has likely failed and needs to be replaced.
2. Format the MicroSD Card
Formatting the SD card erases all its contents and can resolve underlying file system errors.
- Format via the Netatmo App (Recommended): The safest way to format is through the app itself, as this ensures the correct file format. Go to Settings > Manage my home > [Your Camera's Name] > SD Card > Format.
- Format via a Computer: If you cannot format it via the app, you can use a computer. Ensure you format it to FAT32. A full (not quick) format is recommended. After formatting, re-insert the card into the camera.
3. Ensure You Are Using a Supported SD Card
Not all microSD cards are created equal. Using an unsupported or low-quality card can lead to recording failures.
- Check the Specifications: Netatmo cameras typically require a Class 10 (or higher) microSD card for reliable video recording.
- Capacity: The cameras officially support cards up to 32GB. While larger cards may sometimes work, they are not guaranteed to be stable.
- Use a Reputable Brand: Always choose high-endurance microSD cards from well-known brands designed for use in dash cams or security cameras, as they are built for continuous read/write cycles.
4. Check Power and Network Connectivity
A stable power supply and internet connection are essential.
- Verify Power: Ensure the USB cable and power adapter are securely connected. Try a different power outlet if you suspect an issue.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: A weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signal can interrupt the camera's operation and prevent it from properly processing and saving recordings. In the app's settings, check the camera's Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's weak, try moving your router closer to the camera or using a Wi-Fi extender.
- Reboot Your Hardware: A classic but effective step. Power cycle your Netatmo camera by unplugging it for 60 seconds. It's also a good idea to reboot your home router at the same time.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the "Recording Failed" error and ensure your Netatmo camera is reliably capturing every important event. If the problem persists after replacing the SD card, it may be time to contact Netatmo support for further assistance.