Is Your Wyze Camera Not Recording to its MicroSD Card?
One of the most valued features of Wyze cameras is the ability to record footage locally to a microSD card, bypassing the need for a subscription for basic recording. When this feature fails, it can be frustrating and leave you with gaps in your security coverage. This troubleshooting guide will help you solve the most common issues preventing your Wyze camera from using its local storage.
Telltale Signs of an SD Card Issue:
- The "View Playback" button is greyed out on the live stream page.
- The app shows a "No microSD Card Detected" error in the camera's settings.
- You have continuous recording enabled, but there is no timeline to review past footage.
- The camera fails when you try to format the microSD card via the app.
- The storage capacity in the settings shows as 0 GB or is not displayed at all.
Step 1: Check MicroSD Card Compatibility and Installation
Not all microSD cards are created equal. Using an unsupported or faulty card is a primary cause of storage problems.
- Use a Reputable Brand: Always choose microSD cards from well-known manufacturers like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston. Off-brand, cheap cards have high failure rates.
- Check the Class: Use a Class 10 card. This is indicated by a "C" with the number 10 inside it on the card's label. This ensures the card has fast enough write speeds to handle video.
- Consider High Endurance: For continuous recording, a "High Endurance" microSD card is strongly recommended. These are specifically designed for the constant read/write cycles of a security camera.
- Ensure Proper Insertion: Power down your Wyze camera before inserting or removing the microSD card. Push the card into the slot until you hear and feel a distinct click. If it feels loose or pops back out, it's not seated correctly.
Step 2: Format the MicroSD Card Correctly
Formatting erases the card and sets up the correct file system for the camera. An improperly formatted or corrupted card will not be recognised. Formatting will erase all data on the card.
The Best Method: Formatting in the Wyze App
This is the recommended way to format your card, as the camera sets it up exactly as needed.
- With the card inserted, open the Wyze app.
- Navigate to your camera, then tap the Settings cog icon.
- Go to Advanced Settings.
- Select Manage MicroSD Card.
- If the card is detected, you will see a Format button. Tap it and confirm.
- The process will take a few moments. Once complete, the camera should start recording based on your settings.
Alternative Method: Formatting on a Computer
If the camera fails to format the card, try formatting it on a PC or Mac.
- Insert the microSD card into a card reader connected to your computer.
- For cards 32GB or smaller: Format it as FAT32.
- For cards 64GB or larger: Format it as exFAT.
- After formatting on the computer, safely eject the card, re-insert it into your powered-down camera, power it back on, and then try formatting it again within the Wyze app.
Step 3: Configure Your Recording Settings
Once the card is formatted and recognised, you need to tell the camera to use it.
- In the Wyze app, go to your camera's Settings > Advanced Settings.
- Ensure that Record to MicroSD Card is toggled on.
- Choose your recording method:
- Continuous: The camera will record 24/7. When the card is full, it will automatically overwrite the oldest footage.
- Events Only: The camera will only record clips to the SD card when motion is detected. This saves a significant amount of space.
Step 4: Power Cycle the Camera
If you've followed all the steps and the card is still not working, a full power cycle can often help.
- Unplug the Wyze camera from its power source.
- Wait for at least 30-60 seconds.
- Plug the camera back in and wait for it to reboot and connect.
- Check the "Manage MicroSD Card" section again.
If the microSD card is still not detected or fails to format after all these steps, the card itself has likely failed and needs to be replaced.