Troubleshooting Reolink's Pet Detection Feature
Reolink's smart AI detection is a powerful tool that allows your camera to distinguish between people, vehicles, and pets. This helps to reduce the number of false alarms and ensures you only get notified about the events that matter most. However, if you find that pet detection isn't working as expected—either missing your furry friends entirely or misidentifying them—this guide will help you troubleshoot and fine-tune the settings.
## First Steps: Confirm Compatibility
Before you start adjusting settings, it's crucial to confirm that your specific Reolink camera model actually supports pet detection. This is an advanced AI feature and is not available on all Reolink cameras.
- Check the Product Page: The easiest way to verify is to find your camera model on the official Reolink website and check its specifications for 'Pet Detection' or 'Smart Detection'.
- Check the App: In the Reolink app, go to your camera's Settings -> Detection Alarm. If your camera is compatible, you should see separate options or toggles for 'Person', 'Vehicle', and 'Pet'. If the 'Pet' option is missing, your camera likely does not support this feature.
## Common Pet Detection Issues and Their Solutions
If you've confirmed your camera supports pet detection but it's not working correctly, work through these common scenarios.
### Scenario 1: The Camera Is Not Detecting Your Pet at All
This is a common issue, especially with smaller animals like cats or puppies.
- Update Firmware: Reolink constantly improves its AI algorithms. The most important first step is to check for and install the latest firmware for your camera via the Reolink app.
- Adjust Sensitivity: In the Detection Alarm settings, there is usually a sensitivity slider for each detection type. If pets are being missed, try increasing the sensitivity slightly. Don't set it to the maximum immediately, as this can cause false alerts.
- Check Object Size Settings: Some camera models allow you to define a minimum and maximum size for objects to be detected. If this is set incorrectly, it might be ignoring your pet because it considers it too small. Ensure the detection area covers the ground where your pet is likely to be.
- Camera Placement: The camera's angle and height are very important. If the camera is too high or at a sharp angle, it might not be able to correctly identify the shape of an animal on the ground. A clear, unobstructed view is essential.
### Scenario 2: The Camera Sends False Alerts (e.g., for birds, shadows)
If you're getting pet alerts for things that aren't pets, your settings may be too aggressive.
- Reduce Sensitivity: The opposite of the above, try lowering the sensitivity level for pet detection. This will tell the camera to be more certain before it triggers an alert.
- Set a Minimum Object Size: If your camera supports it, setting a minimum object size can be very effective at filtering out smaller triggers like birds, squirrels, or moving leaves.
- Create a Motion Zone: Draw a specific motion zone that covers the area you want to monitor (e.g., your lawn) and excludes areas that might cause false triggers (like a busy pavement or a swaying tree branch).
### Scenario 3: Your Pet Is Being Detected as a 'Person'
This can sometimes happen with larger dogs or if the pet is very close to the camera.
- Firmware Updates: This is often an algorithm issue that can be fixed with a firmware update. Ensure you are on the latest version.
- Adjust Camera Angle: Try repositioning the camera to get a slightly more top-down view. This can help the AI get a better sense of the object's overall shape and distinguish it from an upright person.
By methodically checking your camera's compatibility and fine-tuning the sensitivity, object size, and motion zone settings, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your Reolink's pet detection and receive more reliable and relevant notifications.