Is Your Netatmo Camera Reporting 'Storage Full'?
Netatmo security cameras are designed for hassle-free video storage, recording footage directly to a local microSD card. This design enhances privacy and avoids mandatory cloud subscription fees. A key feature of this system is loop recording, where the camera automatically overwrites the oldest files once the card is full.
So, it can be confusing and alarming to receive a 'Storage Full' error, as this process should be automatic. This error indicates a problem that is preventing the camera from managing its storage correctly. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the issue.
## Why Automatic Overwriting (Loop Recording) Fails
The 'First In, First Out' (FIFO) loop recording is a standard feature. When the SD card's capacity is reached, the camera should automatically delete the oldest video clip to make room for the newest one. If this fails, it's almost always due to one of the following reasons:
- SD Card Corruption: The file system on the card may have developed an error, preventing new write/delete operations.
- Failing SD Card: MicroSD cards have a limited number of write cycles and can wear out over time, leading to read/write failures.
- Incompatible SD Card: The card may be too slow (e.g., below Class 10) or have other compatibility issues.
- A Temporary Glitch: The camera's software may have encountered a temporary error.
## How to Fix the 'Storage Full' Error
Follow these steps in order to resolve the storage problem with your Netatmo camera.
### 1. Restart Your Netatmo Camera
Before taking more drastic steps, try a simple reboot. This can often clear temporary software glitches that might be interfering with storage management.
- Power Cycle the Device: Disconnect your Netatmo camera from its power source. Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow all internal components to fully power down. Then, plug it back in.
- Check the App: Once the camera has reconnected to your network, check the Netatmo Security app to see if the error has cleared.
### 2. Reformat the MicroSD Card
If a restart doesn't work, the most common and effective solution is to reformat the microSD card. Reformatting wipes the card clean and sets up a fresh, error-free file system.
Important: This process will permanently erase all video footage currently stored on the card. If you need to save any clips, download them to your phone or computer before you proceed.
- Open the Netatmo Security App: Select the camera that is showing the error.
- Go to Settings: Tap the gear icon to open the camera's settings menu.
- Find SD Card Management: Scroll down until you find the section for the microSD card.
- Select 'Format': Tap the format option and confirm your decision. The process will take a few moments. Once complete, the camera will restart, and the storage full error should be gone.
### 3. Replace the MicroSD Card
If the 'Storage Full' error returns soon after reformatting, or if the formatting process itself fails, it's a strong indicator that the microSD card itself has reached the end of its life.
- Choose the Right Card: Purchase a new microSD card from a reputable brand (like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston). It is crucial to choose a card that is Class 10 or higher (look for a 'C' with a '10' inside it) and designed for high-endurance use, as security cameras are very demanding. Check your camera's manual for the maximum supported card size (e.g., 32GB).
- Install the New Card: Power off your camera, carefully remove the old SD card, and insert the new one. Power the camera back on. The camera should automatically format the new card for use, or you can format it via the app as described in the previous step.
Following these steps will resolve the 'Storage Full' error in the vast majority of cases, ensuring your Netatmo camera can continue to record and protect your home reliably.