Your Tend Camera Is Showing 'Storage Full' — Here's How to Fix It
If your Tend camera is displaying 'storage full' in the app, it means the device is unable to save new recordings. This is often due to continuous motion events filling up available space or exceeding cloud storage limits. The solution involves clearing old footage, adjusting settings, or upgrading storage capacity. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Try these first, try these fast checks
- Restart the TendSecure App: Force quit the app and relaunch it. This can refresh the connection to the camera and clear temporary glitches.
- Check LED status: Look for a solid red light on the camera — this may indicate low storage or a full card. If the light is blinking, the camera is actively recording.
- Verify power cable/battery: Ensure the camera is receiving power. For wired models, check the transformer at the junction box. For solar models, confirm the battery is fully charged.
- Confirm app login: Log out of the TendSecure App and log back in. This can resolve authentication issues that prevent storage updates.
- Check app notifications: If the app is showing a 'storage full' alert, tap the notification and select 'Clear Storage' if available.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Your Camera's Storage Settings
Open the TendSecure App and navigate to the camera's settings. Look for options like 'Recording Options' or 'Storage Management'. Ensure 'Loop Recording' is enabled — this allows the camera to overwrite old footage instead of stopping recording. If this feature is disabled, enable it and set a retention period (e.g. 7 days). If using cloud storage, confirm you're within your plan's limits. If not, consider upgrading to a higher-tier subscription.
Verify MicroSD Card Status
For models using a microSD card (e.g. Tend Lynx Pro), follow these steps:
- Remove the card from the camera and insert it into a computer.
- Check for file corruption or damage. If files are missing or corrupted, reformat the card to FAT32 using the TendSecure App or a card formatter tool.
- Ensure the card has sufficient capacity (minimum 32GB for continuous recording).
- Replace the card if it's more than 1-2 years old — microSD cards degrade over time.
Update Firmware for Storage Optimization
Outdated firmware can sometimes cause storage management issues. To update your camera's firmware:
- Open the TendSecure App and go to 'Device Settings'.
- Look for a 'Firmware Update' option. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- After the update, restart the camera and check if storage issues persist.
Adjust Wi-Fi Band and Signal Strength
Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause the camera to fail in uploading recordings to the cloud, leading to local storage overflow. To check your signal strength:
- In the TendSecure App, go to 'Device Health' → 'Signal Strength'.
- Ensure the signal is strong (RSSI above -70dBm). If it's weak, move the camera closer to the router or switch to the 2.4GHz band (Tend cameras only support 2.4GHz).
Factory Reset for Persistent Issues
If the above steps don't resolve the problem, perform a factory reset:
- For Tend Lynx Indoor: Press and hold the reset button on the back for 4 seconds until the front LED turns off.
- For Tend Lynx Pro: Press and hold the factory reset button on the side for 10 seconds.
- For Tend Lynx Solar Camera: Press and hold the button on the back for 4 seconds until the front LED turns off.
After resetting, re-pair the camera via the TendSecure App and reconfigure storage settings.
Advanced Diagnostics and Support
Review Diagnostic Logs
If the issue persists, check the camera's diagnostic logs for errors related to storage. In the TendSecure App, go to 'Device Health' → 'Diagnostic Logs'. Look for entries like 'Storage Full' or 'Write Error'. Share these logs with Tend support for further assistance.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If troubleshooting fails, visit Tend's official support page for live chat or email support. Provide details about your camera model, firmware version, and any error messages encountered.
Understanding the Root Causes
Storage exhaustion on Tend cameras typically stems from three main factors:
- Continuous motion events: Frequent activity (e.g. a busy street or pet movement) can fill storage faster than expected.
- Cloud storage limits: Free plans often have strict capacity caps — upgrading to a premium subscription adds more storage.
- MicroSD card degradation: Over time, cards lose capacity and may fail to write new files.
In the UK, poor Wi-Fi signal strength (common in older homes with thick walls) can also contribute by preventing cloud uploads, leading to local storage overflow. Ensure your router is positioned optimally and uses the 2.4GHz band for Tend cameras.
When DIY Solutions Fall Short
If you've tried all the above steps and still face storage issues, consider a fully managed security system like scOS. Unlike Tend cameras, scOS handles recording and storage automatically, with two weeks of cloud storage included as standard. There are no tiers to choose between, no user-facing storage management, and no risk of missing recordings due to full storage. If you find yourself resetting your Tend camera every few weeks, scOS offers a more reliable alternative.
Preventive Maintenance and Best Practices
To avoid future storage problems, follow these tips:
- Enable loop recording and set a reasonable retention period.
- Upgrade to a higher-capacity microSD card (minimum 64GB for continuous use).
- Regularly check storage usage in the TendSecure App.
- Replace microSD cards every 1-2 years to maintain performance.
- For cloud users, monitor your subscription's storage limits and upgrade if needed.
When to Consider Replacement
Tend cameras typically last 3-5 years for battery models and 5-8 years for wired models. If your camera is over 5 years old and storage issues persist despite troubleshooting, it may be time to replace it. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK users have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). For professional installations, costs range from £150-£300 per camera, depending on complexity. Always consult Tend's support for warranty claims or replacements.