Your Somfy Camera Isn't Recording Events – Here's How to Fix It
If your Somfy camera is failing to record important events despite detecting motion, the issue likely stems from connectivity gaps, firmware updates, or misconfigured settings. This guide provides targeted solutions for UK homeowners using Somfy's indoor, outdoor, and alarm systems. Begin with quick checks, then move to deeper diagnostics.
Quick Fixes for Common Missed Recording Issues
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, try these 30-second checks:
- Restart the Somfy Protect app by closing it completely and reopening. This resolves temporary glitches in the app's connection to your device.
- Check the LED indicator on your camera: a steady green light indicates normal operation; flashing red may signal low battery (for wireless models) or a connectivity issue.
- Verify the power cable is securely connected to the junction box for wired models. If the transformer is faulty, the camera may lose power during events.
- Confirm your app login details – incorrect credentials can prevent the app from syncing with your camera.
- Check if your camera is in 2.4GHz mode (required for Somfy devices). In the app, go to Wi-Fi Settings → Band Selection and ensure 2.4GHz is chosen.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues
Check Your Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
Somfy devices require 2.4GHz connectivity for reliable performance. In the Somfy Protect app, navigate to Device Health → Wi-Fi Settings → Band Selection and confirm 2.4GHz is selected. If your router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, ensure the camera is exclusively on the 2.4GHz channel. Avoid using 5GHz for Somfy devices, as it may cause intermittent connectivity.
Use the Network Diagnostics Tool
Open the Somfy Protect app and go to Device Health → Network Diagnostics. This tool will display the current RSSI (signal strength) value. If the RSSI is below -70dBm, your camera may miss recordings due to unstable connectivity. For wired models, this feature may not be available – check the transformer voltage instead.
Verify Transformer Voltage for Wired Models
For Somfy Indoor Camera and Somfy Home Alarm Advanced models, check the transformer voltage at the junction box. Use a multimeter to confirm the output is between 16-24V AC. If the voltage is outside this range, replace the transformer. For UK homes with thick brick walls or foil-backed insulation, consider hiring a professional installer to run dedicated cabling.
Update Firmware via the App
Outdated firmware can cause missed recordings. In the Somfy Protect app, go to Device Health → Firmware Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. For the Somfy One+, ensure you're connected to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band before updating. If the update fails, check your router's firewall settings and temporarily disable any parental controls.
Re-pair Your Camera with the App
If your camera is still missing recordings, try re-pairing it:
- For Somfy Indoor Camera: Disconnect the power, press and hold the SETUP button for 30 seconds until the LED flashes. Reconnect the power and follow the app's Add Device prompts.
- For Somfy One+: Use the Factory Reset option in the app's Settings → Device Management menu. Re-pair via the Add Device function.
- For Somfy Home Alarm Advanced: Navigate to Settings → Factory Reset within the app. Re-pair using the Link Advanced hub option.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Problems
Access Diagnostic Logs
If basic fixes fail, enable Diagnostic Logging in the app: Settings → Device Management → Enable Logs. These logs can help identify specific issues like firmware incompatibilities or hardware faults. Share them with Somfy support via their website for targeted assistance.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If your camera continues to miss recordings, visit www.somfy.co.uk/support and select Contact with Somfy. Provide your device model, firmware version, and any diagnostic logs. Somfy's support team can guide you through advanced troubleshooting or arrange a replacement if hardware failure is confirmed.
Understanding Why Missed Recordings Happen
Missed recordings typically occur due to one of these three reasons:
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Weak Wi-Fi Signals: UK homes with thick brick walls, foil-backed insulation, or double-glazed windows can severely degrade 2.4GHz signals. This causes intermittent connectivity and missed events.
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Outdated Firmware: Older firmware versions may have bugs affecting motion detection or recording triggers. Regular updates via the app ensure optimal performance.
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Transformer Issues: For wired models, a faulty transformer can cause power interruptions during events, leading to missed recordings. Always verify the voltage is within 16-24V AC.
Preventing Missed Recordings in the Long Term
To avoid future issues, follow these best practices:
- Update firmware regularly through the Somfy Protect app.
- Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength using the app's Network Diagnostics tool.
- Check transformer voltage annually for wired models.
- Use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi exclusively for all Somfy devices.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this – the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function reliably. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet, eliminating the risk of missed recordings due to connectivity gaps.
When to Consider Replacing Your Camera
Most Somfy cameras last 5-8 years with proper maintenance. If your device is older than 5 years and still misses recordings despite following all troubleshooting steps, it may be time to upgrade. For UK homeowners, consider professional installation for new systems: £150-£300 per camera for single installations, or £450-£1200 for 4-camera systems. Always check your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (6 years for faulty goods in England and Wales).