Somfy Motion Detection Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Your Somfy security camera is a smart and effective tool for keeping an eye on your home, but its primary value lies in its ability to detect motion and alert you instantly. If you've discovered that your camera is failing to detect movement or send notifications, it's a problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Fortunately, most issues can be resolved through some simple checks and settings adjustments in the Somfy Protect app. This guide will help you get your motion detection back on track.
Common Reasons for Somfy Motion Detection Issues
Understanding why the problem is happening can make fixing it much easier. Here are the most common culprits:
- Incorrect Sensitivity Settings: The motion sensitivity may be set too low to pick up the movement you want to capture.
- Disabled Notifications: Push notifications might be turned off either within the Somfy Protect app or in your smartphone's system settings.
- Incorrect Detection Zones: You may have configured a specific detection area that excludes the location where motion is occurring.
- System is Disarmed: The camera's monitoring function might be disarmed or on a schedule that deactivates detection at certain times.
- Poor Wi-Fi Connection: A weak or unstable connection can prevent the camera from communicating with the Somfy servers to send alerts.
- Outdated App or Firmware: Bugs in older software versions can sometimes cause functionality problems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Somfy Motion Detection
Let's work through the solutions, starting with the most likely fixes.
Step 1: Check the System's Activation Status
First, ensure your system is actually "armed" and looking for motion.
- Open the Somfy Protect app.
- On the main dashboard, check the activation status. It should be set to 'Activated'.
- If you use a schedule, go to the 'Schedule' menu and ensure that motion detection is programmed to be active during the times you expect it to be.
Step 2: Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity
If the system is active but still not detecting movement, the sensitivity level is the next place to look.
- In the app, go to the 'Settings' menu.
- Select 'My equipment' and choose the camera you want to adjust.
- Tap on 'Motion detection'.
- You will see a sensitivity setting (e.g., Low, Medium, High). If it's on a low setting, try increasing it to 'Medium' or 'High'.
- Save the changes and test by walking in front of the camera.
Step 3: Configure the Detection Area
Somfy allows you to select specific zones to monitor, which is great for ignoring irrelevant movement. However, an incorrect setting here will cause problems.
- In the same 'Motion detection' settings menu, find the 'Detection area' option.
- This will show you the camera's view with a grid. Areas selected for monitoring are typically highlighted.
- Ensure that the areas where you want to detect motion are selected. If you're unsure, try selecting the entire field of view for testing purposes.
- Remember to save your changes.
Step 4: Verify Your Smartphone's Notification Settings
The camera might be working perfectly, but your phone could be blocking the alerts.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > Notifications > Somfy Protect. Ensure that 'Allow Notifications' is turned on and that you have enabled options like 'Lock Screen', 'Notification Centre', and 'Banners'.
- For Android: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Somfy Protect > Notifications. Make sure all notification categories are enabled. Also, ensure the app is not restricted by any battery optimisation settings.
Step 5: Power Cycle the Camera and Your Router
A simple reboot can often clear up temporary communication glitches.
- Unplug your Somfy camera from the power outlet.
- Leave it disconnected for about 60 seconds.
- During this time, it's also a good idea to reboot your home's Wi-Fi router.
- Plug the camera back in. It will take a few minutes to restart and reconnect to the network. Test it again once the status light is stable.
Still Having Trouble?
If you've tried all of the above and your motion detection is still not working, here are a couple of final things to check:
- Check for Updates: Go to your phone's app store to see if there is an update for the Somfy Protect app. An updated app will also trigger any available firmware updates for your camera.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: In the camera's settings within the app, look for information about the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it is weak, the camera may be struggling to stay connected. Try moving your router closer to the camera, or vice-versa.
- Contact Somfy Support: If nothing else works, it's time to reach out to Somfy's customer support for further assistance.