Wyze Motion Detection Not Working? A Fixing Guide
One of the most crucial features of a Wyze camera is its ability to detect motion and alert you to activity. When this function fails, your security is compromised, and the camera becomes little more than a passive viewer. If you're not receiving motion alerts or your camera isn't recording motion-triggered events, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem by covering everything from basic settings to more advanced solutions.
### Step 1: Essential In-App Settings
The vast majority of motion detection issues originate from incorrect settings within the Wyze app. Let's start by carefully reviewing these configurations.
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Is Motion Detection Turned On? It may seem obvious, but it's the first thing to check.
- Open the Wyze app and select the camera in question.
- Tap the Settings icon (the gear) in the top right.
- Go to Detection Settings.
- Ensure the toggle for Motion Detection is switched on.
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Adjust Motion Sensitivity The sensitivity level determines how much movement is required to trigger an alert.
- In the same Detection Settings menu, you'll see a Sensitivity slider.
- If the sensitivity is set too low (far to the left), the camera may ignore subtle but important movements.
- If it's too high, you may get too many false alerts from things like shadows or leaves.
- Start by setting it to a medium level and walk in front of the camera to test it. Adjust as needed.
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Check Your Detection Zone The Detection Zone feature tells your camera where to look for motion. If it's set up incorrectly, the camera will ignore motion outside the specified area.
- In the Detection Settings, tap on Detection Zone.
- You will see a grid overlaying your camera's view. The highlighted squares are the active detection area.
- If the zone is turned off, the entire screen is monitored. If it's on, ensure the grid covers the areas you want to monitor (e.g., a doorway or walkway). If the area of motion is outside the active zone, no alert will be triggered.
Step 2: Notifications and Service Subscriptions
Even if the camera is detecting motion correctly, you might not be receiving alerts on your phone.
### Verify Notification Settings
- In the Wyze App: Go to the camera's Settings > Notifications. Ensure that 'Motion Events' is toggled on. You can also manage your notification schedule here to make sure you haven't accidentally disabled alerts for certain times of the day.
- On Your Phone: You must also grant the Wyze app permission to send you notifications.
- iOS: Go to Settings > Notifications > Wyze and ensure 'Allow Notifications' is on.
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Wyze > Notifications and make sure they are not blocked.
### Understand Your Wyze Service (Cam Plus)
Your subscription level impacts how motion detection works.
- Without Cam Plus: Standard Wyze cameras detect motion, record a short clip (typically 12 seconds), and then enter a 5-minute "cooldown" period. During this cooldown, the camera will not detect or record new motion events. This is a very common reason why users think motion detection is "broken."
- With Cam Plus: A Cam Plus subscription removes the cooldown period and allows the camera to record the full duration of the motion event. It also provides access to AI detection for People, Packages, Vehicles, and Pets. If you're trying to get 'Person' alerts but don't have a subscription, it won't work. Verify your subscription status under Account > Services in the Wyze app.
Step 3: Power Cycles and Firmware Updates
If your settings are all correct, a simple reset or update can often fix underlying software bugs.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug the Wyze camera from its power source (both the USB cable and the wall adapter). Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow it to fully discharge. Then, plug it back in. This simple reboot can resolve many temporary glitches.
- Update Firmware: Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to fix bugs. In the Wyze app, go to Account > Firmware Update. If an update is available for your camera, install it. An outdated firmware version can often be the cause of performance issues.