Guide to Missing Features on Your Tend Camera
It can be confusing when you're reading about a specific feature for Tend cameras online—like customisable motion zones or person detection—only to find the option is missing from your app. You might wonder if your camera is faulty or if you're just looking in the wrong place. In most cases, there's a simple explanation.
This guide will help you understand the common reasons why certain features might not be available on your specific Tend camera model and what you can do about it.
Why All Tend Cameras Are Not the Same
Tend offers a range of camera models at different price points. This variety means that hardware and software capabilities can differ significantly from one model to another. Here are the primary reasons a feature might be missing.
1. Model-Specific Hardware
The most common reason for a missing feature is a hardware limitation.
- Advanced Motion Detection: Features like person detection or specific activity zones often require a more powerful processor inside the camera to analyse video in real-time. Entry-level models may not have the processing power for these advanced analytics.
- Night Vision: While most security cameras have night vision, the quality and range can vary. Some models may have basic infrared LEDs, while others might have more advanced colour night vision technology, which requires different sensors.
- Pan and Tilt: The ability to remotely pan and tilt the camera is a physical feature. If your camera model is a static, fixed-position device, you won't see any pan/tilt controls in the app.
2. Firmware and App Versions
Software plays a huge role in what your camera can do. A feature might be "missing" simply because your software is out of date.
- Firmware Updates: Camera manufacturers often roll out new features via firmware updates. A feature that wasn't available when you bought the camera might be added later. It's crucial to keep your firmware updated to the latest version. You can usually check for updates in the camera's settings menu within the Tend app.
- App Updates: Similarly, the controls for new features are added to the Tend app. If you're running an old version of the app, you won't see the options for the latest camera functionalities. Always keep your app updated via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. Subscription Tier Differences
Many smart camera companies, including Tend, offer premium features as part of a paid cloud storage subscription plan (e.g., Tend Secure).
- Free vs. Paid: The free or basic plan that comes with the camera typically includes live viewing and motion notifications.
- Premium Features: More advanced features are often reserved for paying subscribers. These can include:
- Longer Cloud Storage: Storing video clips for 14 or 30 days instead of just 24 hours.
- Person Detection: AI-powered alerts that differentiate between people, pets, and other motion.
- Customisable Activity Zones: The ability to draw specific shapes on the screen to monitor for motion, reducing false alerts.
If you believe your camera model should have a feature that you can't find, check Tend's website to see if it's part of a subscription package.
What To Do If a Feature is Missing
- Identify Your Exact Camera Model: Check the label on the camera or the original packaging.
- Check the Official Product Page: Visit the Tend website and find the product page for your specific model. It will list all the features the camera is designed to have.
- Update Everything: Go into your app and check for both camera firmware updates and app updates in your phone's app store. Install any that are available.
- Review Your Subscription: Log in to your account and check your current subscription level to see which software features should be unlocked for you.
- Contact Support: If the official product page says your model should have a feature and you've updated everything, it might be time to contact Tend's customer support for further assistance.