Resolving the "Recording Failed" Error on Your Tend Camera
It can be unsettling to see a "Recording Failed" notification from your Tend camera, as it means important security footage may be lost. This error message indicates that the camera was unable to save a video clip as intended. Fortunately, this is usually a solvable problem. This guide will help you diagnose the root cause and provide practical steps to get your Tend camera recording reliably again.
## Common Causes for Recording Failures
The "Recording Failed" error is often linked to one of four key areas: network connectivity, cloud storage, device software, or power supply. By methodically checking each of these, you can pinpoint the source of the issue.
## Step 1: Check Your Network Connection
A stable and strong Wi-Fi connection is the backbone of your camera's operation. Without it, the camera cannot upload video files to the Tend cloud servers.
- Verify Wi-Fi Signal Strength: A weak signal is a primary culprit. Try moving your camera closer to your Wi-Fi router. Obstacles like thick walls, metal appliances, or even fish tanks can interfere with the signal.
- Reboot Your Router: Your home network might be experiencing a temporary glitch. Unplug your internet router from the power outlet, wait for a full minute, and then plug it back in. Allow it a few minutes to fully restart and for your camera to reconnect.
- Check Internet Service: Is your internet service down? Check if other devices in your home can connect to the internet. If not, the problem lies with your internet service provider, not the camera.
## Step 2: Inspect Your Cloud Storage Plan
Tend cameras rely on cloud storage to save recorded events. If there's an issue with your storage plan, recordings will fail.
- Open the Tend Secure app.
- Navigate to your account settings to view your current storage plan.
- Check if your storage is full. Many plans have a storage limit (e.g., 7-day rolling storage). If you have a large number of clips, you may have reached your capacity. Delete old, unnecessary videos to free up space.
- Confirm Your Subscription is Active: Ensure your subscription hasn't expired. If you are on a paid plan, verify that the payment method is up to date and the subscription was successfully renewed.
## Step 3: Power Cycle and Update Your Tend Camera
Like any electronic device, a simple reboot can often clear up temporary software bugs that may be preventing recordings.
- Perform a Power Cycle:
- Carefully unplug the power cable from your Tend camera.
- Leave it unplugged for at least 60 seconds. This allows the internal components to fully reset.
- Plug the power cable back in and wait for the camera to boot up, which may take a minute or two.
- Check for Firmware Updates: The manufacturer often releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
- In the Tend Secure app, go to the camera's settings.
- Look for an option related to Firmware or Device Info.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. Ensure the camera remains powered on during the entire update process.
## Step 4: Reformat or Check the SD Card (If Applicable)
Although Tend focuses on cloud storage, some models may use an SD card as a backup. If your model uses one, it could be the source of the problem.
- Reformat the SD Card: A corrupted SD card can cause recording failures. In the app's settings, there is usually an option to reformat the SD card. Be aware that this will erase all existing footage on the card.
- Test a Different SD Card: If reformatting doesn't work, the card itself might be faulty. Try inserting a different, compatible SD card to see if the recording issue is resolved.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can systematically address the most common reasons for the "Recording Failed" error and restore your Tend camera's functionality.