Troubleshooting Why Your Reolink Camera is Missing Recordings
A security camera is only as good as the footage it captures. If you've discovered that your Reolink camera is failing to record important motion events, it's a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Whether it's a person approaching your door or a vehicle in your driveway, missed recordings can create a serious gap in your home security. Fortunately, this problem is usually caused by incorrect settings rather than a hardware fault.
This comprehensive guide will help you diagnose the reasons behind missed recordings and show you how to fine-tune your Reolink camera's settings to ensure it captures every important moment.
### Identifying the Cause of Missed Recordings
The first step is to understand why your camera might be failing to trigger. Reolink cameras use a combination of technologies, including PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors that detect body heat and pixel-based analysis that detects changes in the scene.
Common reasons for missed recordings include:
- The motion detection sensitivity is set too low.
- The specific area where the event occurred is excluded by your motion zone settings.
- The recording schedule is not enabled for the time the event took place.
- The camera's lens or PIR sensor is physically obstructed or dirty.
- For battery-powered cameras, a low battery can impact performance.
- Network connectivity issues are preventing the camera from saving the recording.
- The camera's firmware is outdated.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Missed Recordings
Follow these steps in the Reolink app to systematically check and adjust your camera's settings.
### 1. Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity
The sensitivity level determines how much movement is needed to start a recording. If it's too low, the camera may ignore subtle but important events.
- Open the Reolink App and go to your camera's 'Device Settings'.
- Navigate to 'Detection Alarm' settings.
- Find the 'Sensitivity' setting (this may be under 'PIR Settings' for battery cameras).
- If the sensitivity is set to 'Low', increase it to a 'Mid' or 'High' level.
- Test the new setting by walking in front of the camera and checking if it records you correctly. You may need to experiment to find the optimal balance that catches real events without triggering false alarms from minor movements.
### 2. Configure Your Motion Zones
Motion zones are essential for telling your camera exactly where to look for activity. If a zone is set up incorrectly, the camera will deliberately ignore motion outside of it.
- In the camera's 'Device Settings', find the 'Motion Zone' or 'Detection Zone' option.
- You will see the camera's view overlaid with a grid. Areas that are 'painted' or selected are the active zones for motion detection.
- Ensure that the entire area you want to monitor is covered. For example, make sure your entire walkway, porch, or driveway is included in the active zone.
- Conversely, make sure to exclude areas that cause false alarms, like a busy road or a neighbour's garden.
### 3. Check the Recording Schedule
Your camera may be programmed to record only at specific times of the day or on certain days of the week.
- Go to the 'Recording' or 'Schedule' settings within the Reolink app.
- You will see a timetable for the week. Ensure that recording (often indicated by a colour like blue or orange) is enabled for all the times you need it to be active.
- For 24/7 monitoring, ensure the entire schedule is set to 'Normal' or 'Motion' recording.
### 4. Inspect the Camera Physically
Go outside and take a close look at the camera itself.
- Clean the Lens: The camera lens and the plastic dome covering the PIR sensor can become dirty with dust, pollen, or cobwebs. Wipe them clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
- Check for Obstructions: Ensure that there are no new obstructions, like a growing plant, a hanging decoration, or a parked vehicle, that could be blocking the camera's view or its PIR sensor's line of sight.
### 5. Update Firmware and Reboot
Finally, ensure your camera's software is up to date.
- Check for Firmware Updates in the 'Device Info' section of the settings. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
- Reboot the Camera: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches. You can usually do this via the app or by physically unplugging the camera from power for a minute.
By carefully working through these settings, you can resolve the vast majority of issues causing missed recordings on your Reolink camera.