Somfy Camera Not Recording Continuously? Here's the Fix
One of the most powerful features of a Somfy security camera is its ability to record footage 24/7, ensuring you have a complete timeline of events. When this feature, often called Continuous Video Recording (CVR), stops working, it can leave significant gaps in your security coverage. If you've noticed your Somfy camera is only recording short clips or has stopped recording altogether, you've come to the right place.
This guide will help you systematically troubleshoot the common causes of continuous recording failure, from subscription settings and SD card errors to network connectivity problems.
Understanding Somfy's Recording Options
Before we dive in, it's important to understand how Somfy handles video recording. There are typically two modes:
- Event-Based Recording: The camera records short clips only when it detects motion. This is often available on the free service plan.
- Continuous Video Recording (CVR): The camera records 24/7, storing the footage either on a local microSD card or in the cloud. This feature usually requires an active, paid subscription.
The most common reason for a lack of continuous recording is a misunderstanding between these two modes or an issue with the CVR subscription.
How to Identify the Recording Problem
First, let's pin down the exact symptoms your camera is exhibiting. This will provide clues as to the underlying cause.
Common Symptoms of CVR Failure:
- Gaps in Timeline: When you review footage in the Somfy Protect app, the timeline has blank spots where no video is available.
- Only Motion Clips Available: The app only shows short, motion-triggered event recordings instead of a constant stream.
- 'No Recording' Message: The app displays an error message indicating that recording is not active.
- SD Card Errors: You receive notifications about the microSD card being full, corrupted, or not detected.
- Recording Stops After a Few Minutes: The camera records continuously for a short period and then stops.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Somfy Continuous Recording
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and resolve the issue with your Somfy camera.
Step 1: Verify Your Subscription Plan
This is the most crucial first step. Continuous recording is a premium feature.
- Open the Somfy Protect App: Navigate to the main menu.
- Check 'My Services' or 'Subscriptions': Look for details about your current plan.
- Confirm CVR is Active: Ensure you have an active subscription that explicitly includes Continuous Video Recording for the specific camera in question. If your subscription has lapsed or you are on a basic plan, you will need to upgrade to enable 24/7 recording.
Step 2: Check the microSD Card
If your plan is active and recording is meant to go to a local SD card, the card itself is the next suspect.
- Power Down the Camera: Before handling the microSD card, always unplug your camera from the power source.
- Eject and Re-insert the Card: Remove the microSD card and then re-insert it firmly to ensure it is seated correctly in its slot.
- Check Card Compatibility: Ensure you are using a high-quality, high-endurance microSD card, preferably Class 10 or U3. CVR is very demanding, and cheap or slow cards can fail quickly.
- Format the SD Card: A corrupted card can prevent recording. This will erase all existing footage. Insert the SD card into a computer and reformat it using the FAT32 file system. Most cameras also have a 'Format SD Card' option within the app's settings menu – this is the preferred method.
- Test with a Different Card: If you have a spare, compatible microSD card, try using it in the camera. If recording starts working, your original card has likely failed and needs to be replaced.
Step 3: Check In-App Camera Settings
You may have inadvertently disabled the feature within the app.
- Go to the settings page for the specific camera you're having trouble with.
- Look for 'Recording Settings' or 'Storage' options.
- Ensure that 'Continuous Recording' or '24/7 Recording' is enabled. Sometimes there are separate toggles for motion recording and continuous recording.
Step 4: Reboot Your Camera and Router
A simple reboot can often clear up temporary glitches that may be interfering with the recording process.
- Unplug the Camera: Disconnect the Somfy camera from its power source.
- Unplug Your Router: While the camera is off, unplug your Wi-Fi router.
- Wait 60 Seconds: Leave both devices unplugged for at least a minute.
- Plug Everything Back In: Reconnect your router first and wait for it to fully restart. Once your internet is back online, plug your Somfy camera back in.
Give the camera a few minutes to boot up and reconnect, then check the app to see if continuous recording has resumed.