Somfy Camera Not Recording? Troubleshooting Guide

Is Your Somfy Camera Not Recording? Here's How to Fix It

It can be unsettling when you realise your Somfy security camera hasn't been recording footage. Whether it's a missed motion event or a complete gap in your timeline, a non-recording camera defeats its purpose. This guide is designed to help you systematically troubleshoot and resolve the most common reasons why your Somfy camera might not be recording, getting your home security back on track.

Understanding Why Your Somfy Camera Isn't Recording

Before we dive into the solutions, let's look at the common culprits. The problem usually stems from one of these areas:

• Storage Issues: The local microSD card could be full, corrupted, or incompatible.
• Subscription Status: Your Somfy Protect cloud subscription might have expired.
• Connectivity Problems: An unstable Wi-Fi connection can interrupt uploads and recording triggers.
• Incorrect Settings: Motion detection sensitivity or recording schedules might be misconfigured.
• Power Supply: Inconsistent power can cause the camera to malfunction.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix the recording issue with your Somfy camera.

Step 1: Check Your Storage Medium

The first port of call is to check the camera's storage.

• For SD Card Users:

  1. Open the Somfy Protect app and navigate to your camera's settings.
  2. Check the status of the microSD card. Does it show an error, or is it indicating that it's full?
  3. If the card is full, you can either manually delete old footage or format the card directly from the app. Warning: Formatting will erase all existing recordings.
  4. If the app shows an error, safely eject the SD card from the camera, insert it into a computer, and check if it's readable. If not, the card may be corrupted and needs replacing. We recommend a Class 10 microSD card from a reputable brand.

• For Cloud Storage Users:

  1. Log into your Somfy account on the website or app.
  2. Verify that your Somfy Protect subscription is active and hasn't expired.
  3. Ensure you haven't exceeded your cloud storage limit.

Step 2: Review Motion Detection and Notification Settings

If your storage is fine, the issue might lie within the camera's settings.

• Motion Detection Sensitivity: In the Somfy Protect app, find the motion detection settings. If the sensitivity is set too low, it may not be picking up movement. Try increasing it slightly.
• Activity Zones: Are you using specific zones for motion detection? Ensure they are correctly drawn over the areas you want to monitor. An incorrectly configured zone could be causing the camera to ignore relevant motion.
• Recording Schedule: Check if you have a recording schedule set up that might be preventing the camera from recording at certain times.

Step 3: Assess Your Wi-Fi Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for your camera to function correctly, especially for uploading clips to the cloud.

• Check Signal Strength: In the Somfy app, go to the camera's settings to view its Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's weak or unstable, the camera may struggle to maintain a connection.
• Reboot Your Router: Sometimes a simple reboot of your home router can resolve connectivity issues. Unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
• Move Closer: If possible, try moving your camera closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve the signal.

Step 4: Power Cycle the Camera

A classic troubleshooting step that often works is to simply restart the device.

1. Unplug your Somfy camera from the power source.
2. Wait for at least 60 seconds. This allows the internal components to fully power down.
3. Plug the camera back in and wait for it to reboot and reconnect to the network.
4. Test if it now records motion events.

Still Not Working? Advanced Steps

If you've tried all the above and the problem persists, it might be time for a reset.

Factory Reset Your Somfy Camera

A factory reset will erase all your custom settings and return the camera to its original state. You will need to set it up again from scratch in the app.

• IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, ensure you have your Wi-Fi password and any other necessary details handy.
• The reset process varies slightly by model. Typically, you need to find the small reset button (you may need a paperclip to press it) and hold it down for about 10-15 seconds until the camera gives an audible or visual cue.
• Once reset, follow the in-app instructions to re-install your camera.

If even a factory reset doesn't solve the recording issue, it may indicate a hardware fault. In this case, your best course of action is to contact Somfy's official customer support for further assistance and potential warranty claims.