Resolving Scout Cloud Storage Issues
When your Scout security system fails to save recordings to the cloud, it can create a serious gap in your home's protection. Whether you're getting error messages, videos aren't uploading, or you simply can't access your recordings, these problems need a swift resolution. This guide will walk you through the common causes of Scout cloud storage issues and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get your system working correctly again.
Understanding Potential Causes
Several factors can interfere with the cloud storage functionality of your Scout security system. Pinpointing the cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.
- Subscription Status: Cloud storage is a premium feature. If your subscription has lapsed, expired, or you're on a plan that doesn't include it, the service will not work.
- Poor Internet Connectivity: The most common culprit is a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection. Your Scout camera needs a reliable internet connection to upload video files to the cloud.
- Incorrect Camera Settings: The camera's recording settings might be misconfigured, preventing it from saving clips as expected.
- Outdated App or Firmware: Running an old version of the Scout app or camera firmware can lead to compatibility issues and bugs that affect cloud storage.
- Cloud Service Outage: Although rare, the cloud service itself might be experiencing temporary technical difficulties.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Work through these solutions to identify and fix the problem with your Scout cloud storage.
1. Verify Your Subscription and Account Status
Before anything else, ensure your account is set up correctly for cloud storage.
- Log into your Scout account via the app or website.
- Navigate to the Billing or Subscription section.
- Confirm that your subscription plan is active and that it includes cloud storage.
- Ensure your payment information is up to date to prevent any service interruptions.
2. Check Your Camera's Internet Connection
A stable connection is non-negotiable for cloud uploads.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Scout app, go to your camera's settings and look for a Wi-Fi signal strength indicator. If it's weak (one or two bars), the connection may be too poor for video uploads.
- Reboot Your Network: Try rebooting your Wi-Fi router and the Scout camera. Unplug both from power, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. This often resolves temporary network glitches.
- Improve the Signal: If the signal is consistently weak, consider moving the camera closer to the router or installing a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal in that area.
3. Review Camera and Recording Settings
Ensure the camera is configured to record and upload properly.
- Open the Scout app and select the camera you're having issues with.
- Go into its Settings.
- Look for Recording Settings or Motion Detection.
- Make sure that motion-triggered recording is enabled and that the sensitivity is set appropriately to capture events.
- Confirm there are no scheduling rules active that might be preventing the camera from recording at certain times.
4. Update the App and Camera Firmware
Running the latest software versions ensures all known bugs are fixed.
- Update the App: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check for any available updates for the Scout Alarm app.
- Update Firmware: In the Scout app, navigate to your camera's settings and look for a Firmware Update option. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. The camera must remain powered on during this process.
5. Test with a Manual Recording
Try to trigger a recording manually to see if it uploads correctly.
- While viewing the live stream from your camera in the app, look for a manual record button.
- Record a short clip of about 30 seconds.
- Stop the recording and wait a few minutes.
- Check your cloud storage library or event history to see if the manually recorded clip appears. If it does, the issue is likely with your motion detection settings. If it doesn't, the problem is more likely related to connectivity or your account.
If you have followed all these steps and are still unable to save videos to the cloud, it's time to contact Scout's customer support for further assistance.