Samsung Camera "Storage Full" Error? Here's What to Do.
Whether your Samsung camera records to a local microSD card or to the cloud, storage space is a finite resource. A "storage full" notification can be alarming, as it often means your camera may stop recording new events, leaving your property unmonitored.
Understanding how your camera uses storage and how to manage it effectively is key to ensuring continuous recording and that you never miss an important moment. This guide will cover the essential steps for managing both local and cloud storage for your Samsung security cameras.
Understanding Your Storage: SD Card vs. Cloud
First, identify how your camera stores video.
- MicroSD Card (Local Storage): Many Samsung cameras have a slot for a microSD card. The video is recorded directly onto this card, and you can access it through the app or by removing the card and inserting it into a computer.
- Cloud Storage: Some models, particularly newer ones integrated with SmartThings, may offer a cloud storage subscription. With this, your video clips are uploaded and stored on Samsung's secure servers.
How to Manage a Full MicroSD Card
Most cameras are set up for "loop recording." This means when the SD card is full, the camera automatically overwrites the oldest footage to make room for the new. While this means you don't usually have to do anything, there are times you'll want to manage it manually.
Formatting Your SD Card
Formatting erases everything on the card and sets it up with a fresh file system. This can resolve errors and is good practice to do occasionally.
- Open your camera's settings in the app (e.g., SmartThings).
- Look for a "Storage" or "SD Card" menu.
- You should find a "Format SD Card" option. Use this to erase the card directly from your phone.
- Alternatively, you can power off the camera, remove the card, insert it into a computer using an adapter, and format it there (use exFAT or FAT32 format).
Deleting Specific Clips
If you just want to remove certain clips without erasing everything:
- Access your camera's event history or timeline in the app.
- Select the clip(s) you wish to remove.
- Look for a delete icon (often a rubbish bin) to permanently remove the selected recordings.
Managing Your Samsung Cloud Storage
If you use a cloud subscription, you are allocated a certain amount of storage space or a specific duration for your clips (e.g., clips are stored for 30 days).
- Review Your Plan: Check your subscription details to understand your limits. If you are consistently running out of space, you may need to upgrade to a plan with more storage.
- Download Important Footage: Cloud storage is not permanent. Clips are usually deleted after a set number of days. If an important event occurs, be sure to download the video clip and save it directly to your phone or computer.
- Manual Deletion: Just like with an SD card, you can browse your cloud-based event history in the app and manually delete any clips you no longer need.
Optimise Recording Settings to Save Space
You can significantly reduce the amount of storage space you use by adjusting your camera's recording settings.
- Record on Motion Only: Instead of recording continuously (24/7), set your camera to only record when it detects motion. This is the single most effective way to save space.
- Adjust Video Resolution: While 1080p or higher offers the best quality, it also uses the most storage. If your camera is in a low-priority area, consider reducing the resolution to 720p to make your storage last longer.
- Set Activity Zones: Use activity zones to ensure your camera is only triggered by motion in important areas (like your doorway) and not by public footpaths or swaying trees, which create unnecessary recordings.
By regularly checking your storage and optimising your settings, you can ensure your Samsung camera is always ready to record.