Is Your Somfy Motion Detection Not Working?
A key element of the Somfy smart home and security ecosystem is reliable motion detection. Whether you are using a standalone motion sensor as part of a Somfy Protect alarm system or relying on the motion detection built into a Somfy security camera, a failure to detect movement can undermine your home's protection. This guide will help you diagnose and solve common issues with Somfy motion detection.
Problems can range from a complete failure to detect intruders to inconsistent performance or false alarms. These issues are often related to placement, settings within the Somfy app, or connectivity, all of which can be readily addressed.
Common Reasons for Somfy Motion Detection Issues
Let's explore the most frequent causes of problems with both Somfy cameras and dedicated motion sensors.
For Somfy Motion Sensors (Protect System):
- Low or Dead Batteries: The sensors are battery-powered. When the battery is depleted, the device will go offline and stop detecting movement.
- Poor Placement: The sensor's effectiveness is highly dependent on its location. Placing it behind furniture, pointing it towards a heat source (like a radiator or sunny window), or installing it at the wrong height can lead to missed detections or false alarms.
- Weak Radio Signal: The sensor needs to communicate wirelessly with your Somfy Link or TaHoma hub. If it's too far away or there is significant interference, its signals may not be received.
- Incorrect Configuration: The device might not be properly paired with your system, or its settings in the Somfy Protect app might be incorrect.
For Somfy Security Cameras:
- Motion Detection Disabled: The feature might be turned off in the app settings, or a schedule might be active that deactivates it during certain hours.
- Incorrect Sensitivity or Detection Area: The sensitivity level could be set too low, or the defined motion detection zone might not cover the area you wish to monitor.
- Network Problems: The camera needs a stable Wi-Fi connection to process motion and send you an alert.
How to Troubleshoot Your Somfy Motion Detection
Follow these steps to get your system working correctly.
Step 1: Check Batteries and Power
- For motion sensors: Open the device and replace the batteries with a fresh, high-quality set. Pay close attention to the correct orientation. The app should show a 'low battery' warning, but it's always the first thing to check manually.
- For cameras: Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the camera and the power outlet.
Step 2: Review Device Placement
- For motion sensors: The ideal placement is in a corner, about 2.2m (7 ft) off the ground, angled downwards. This provides the best room coverage and helps with pet immunity.
- Avoid pointing sensors directly at:
- Windows that get direct sun
- Radiators, heaters, or air conditioning vents
- Areas with constantly moving objects (like curtains near a fan)
- Ensure the sensor has a clear, unobstructed line of sight into the main area of the room.
Step 3: Verify App Settings
- Open your Somfy Protect or Somfy TaHoma app.
- Go to the 'Settings' menu, then 'My devices'.
- Select the motion sensor or camera in question.
- For sensors: Check its status. Does it report a good radio signal? Is it online?
- For cameras: Navigate to the motion detection settings.
- Confirm that motion detection is enabled.
- Check the sensitivity level. If you're not getting detections, try increasing it. If you're getting false alarms, decrease it.
- Verify that your detection zone is drawn correctly over the area you want to monitor.
Step 4: Test the System
- After making adjustments, you need to test the device.
- Arm your Somfy Protect system (you can put it in a test mode if available) and move in front of the sensor.
- For a camera, walk in the detection zone.
- Observe if you receive a notification and if the event is logged in the app. This will confirm whether your changes have been successful.
By methodically checking the power, placement, and software settings, you can resolve most issues and ensure your Somfy motion detection provides the reliable security you depend on.