Is Your Scout Camera Missing Package Deliveries?
The package detection feature on your Scout security camera is an incredibly useful tool, providing peace of mind by alerting you the moment a delivery arrives at your door. However, when it fails to work, it can be a source of significant frustration and concern. If you're finding that your Scout camera is not sending package notifications, or is missing them entirely, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common causes and provide you with clear, step-by-step solutions to get this essential feature working reliably again.
Step 1: Check Camera Placement and Field of View
The position of your Scout camera is one of the most critical factors for accurate package detection. If the camera doesn't have a clear view of the delivery area, it simply cannot see the package being dropped off.
How to Optimise Your Camera's Position:
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure there are no obstructions like pillars, hanging plants, or wall decorations blocking the view of your doorstep where packages are typically left.
- Optimal Height: Mount the camera between 2-3 metres (7-10 feet) off the ground. This height provides a wide vantage point without making the packages appear too small for the AI to recognise.
- Correct Angle: Angle the camera downwards to cover the entire delivery zone. Avoid pointing it too far up, which might focus on approaching people but miss the package being placed on the ground.
- Avoid Glare: Do not point the camera directly at the sun or other strong light sources, as this can cause lens flare and silhouetting, making it difficult to analyse the scene.
Step 2: Adjust Motion Detection and Sensitivity Settings
Your Scout camera's package detection works in tandem with its general motion detection. If the motion settings are not configured correctly, the camera may not even trigger a recording when a delivery person approaches.
Fine-Tuning Your Settings:
- Open the Scout App: Navigate to the settings for the specific camera you're troubleshooting.
- Motion Zones: Define a specific motion zone that covers your doorstep and the immediate surrounding area. This tells the camera to pay special attention to movement in that specific zone and ignore irrelevant motion, like cars on the street.
- Sensitivity Level: If your sensitivity is too low, the camera may not pick up the subtle motion of a package being placed. Conversely, if it's too high, you may get false alerts. Start with a medium sensitivity level and adjust it based on testing. Place a box in the zone yourself to see if it triggers an alert.
Step 3: Verify Your Scout Subscription Plan
Advanced features like AI-powered package detection are often tied to a subscription plan. If your trial period has ended or your subscription has lapsed, this feature may have been automatically disabled.
- Check Your Plan: Log in to your Scout account through the app or website and verify that your current subscription plan includes "Smart" or "AI" detection features, which typically cover packages, people, and vehicles.
- Update Payment Information: Ensure your payment details are current to prevent any unintentional service interruptions.
Step 4: Update Camera Firmware and Application Software
Scout regularly releases updates for its camera firmware and mobile app. These updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and enhancements to the AI detection algorithms.
- App Update: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check if there is an update available for the Scout app.
- Firmware Update: Within the Scout app, go to your camera's settings and look for a "Firmware" or "Device Update" section. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. This process usually requires the camera to be online and connected to power.
Step 5: Reboot Your Scout Camera and Network
Sometimes, a simple restart is all that's needed to resolve temporary glitches or connectivity issues that could be affecting the package detection feature.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug your Scout camera from its power source. Wait for about 60 seconds before plugging it back in. This allows the device to fully reset its internal components.
- Restart Your Router: Your camera's ability to analyse video and send notifications depends on a stable internet connection. Rebooting your Wi-Fi router can often solve underlying connectivity problems.
By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the vast majority of issues preventing your Scout camera from detecting packages. A well-placed camera with correctly configured settings and up-to-date software is key to ensuring you never miss an important delivery again.