What to Do When Your Scout Camera Fails to Record
A key feature of the Scout security system is the ability of its cameras to capture video clips when an alarm is triggered or motion is detected. If you find that your camera has stopped recording, it can compromise your home's security and your peace of mind. This guide will help you troubleshoot the common reasons why a Scout camera might fail to record and how to resolve them.
Unlike standalone cameras, Scout cameras are integrated into a wider security system governed by 'modes'. This is often where the root of a recording problem lies. The issue is typically related to configuration rather than a hardware fault.
Top Reasons for Scout Recording Failures
Let's break down the most likely culprits.
1. Incorrect Mode Configuration
The Scout system's behaviour is entirely dependent on its current mode (e.g., Away, Home, Sleep, Disarmed).
- Recording Not Enabled in Mode: You may have inadvertently configured a mode to not record video from a specific camera. For example, you might not want cameras inside your home to record when the system is in 'Home Mode'.
- System is Disarmed: If your system is in 'Disarmed Mode', by default, no devices will trigger alarms or recordings.
2. Subscription Plan Limitations
Video recording and cloud storage are premium features tied to your Scout subscription plan.
- Plan Doesn't Include Video: The basic monitoring plan may not include cloud storage for video clips.
- Lapsed Subscription: Your subscription payment may have failed, causing the service to be downgraded and video storage to be disabled.
3. Connectivity and Power Issues
The camera and the central Scout Hub need to be online to function correctly.
- Camera is Offline: The camera may have lost power or its Wi-Fi connection.
- Scout Hub is Offline: The main hub is the brain of the system. If it loses its internet connection, it cannot process commands or upload recordings.
- Poor Signal Strength: A weak Wi-Fi signal to the camera can prevent it from successfully uploading video clips.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps to get your camera recording again.
Step 1: Verify Your System's Mode and Settings
- Check the Current Mode: Open the Scout Alarm app and look at the top of the dashboard to see which mode is currently active.
- Review Mode Settings:
- Navigate to the Settings menu (gear icon).
- Select Modes.
- Choose the mode that was active when you expected a recording (e.g., 'Away Mode').
- In the settings for that mode, review the list of devices. Find your camera and ensure its action is set to 'Record a clip' for the desired trigger (e.g., when a door sensor is opened).
- Test a Different Mode: Arm your system in a different mode where you know recording is enabled and test by triggering a sensor. This can help confirm if the issue is isolated to a specific mode's configuration.
Step 2: Check Your Subscription and Cloud Storage
- Log in to Your Account: Using a web browser, log in to your account on the Scout Alarm website.
- Check Subscription Status: Navigate to your account or billing section and confirm that your monitoring plan is active and that it includes video cloud storage.
- View Storage: Check your video clip history or timeline. If you see old clips but no new ones, it confirms the camera was working previously.
Step 3: Diagnose Connectivity Issues
- Check Camera Status: In the Scout app, go to the 'Devices' list. Find your camera and check its status. If it's listed as 'Offline', you need to troubleshoot the camera itself.
- Troubleshoot an Offline Camera:
- Check that the camera is plugged into a working power outlet.
- Ensure your home Wi-Fi network is operational.
- Restart the camera by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.
- Check Hub Status: Look at the physical Scout Hub. A solid green light indicates it is connected to the internet. If the light is red or flashing, it has a connection problem. Reboot your internet router and then reboot the Scout Hub.
By systematically checking your mode configurations, verifying your subscription, and ensuring your devices are online, you can resolve the vast majority of recording issues within the Scout ecosystem. Proper setup is key to a reliable and responsive security system.