How to Fix Wyze Package Detection Not Working
The package detection feature on Wyze cameras is an incredibly useful tool, providing specific alerts when a courier leaves a parcel at your door. When it stops working, you lose peace of mind and are left scrolling through generic motion events. If you've noticed that your camera is no longer specifically identifying packages, don't worry—the issue can usually be resolved by checking a few key settings.
This guide, created for our UK users, will walk you through the common reasons why Wyze package detection might be failing and show you exactly how to fix it. The problem almost always lies within the Wyze app's settings or with your subscription status.
Why Isn't My Wyze Camera Detecting Packages?
For package detection to work, a specific chain of events and settings must be correct. A failure in any one of these links will prevent the feature from working.
- No Active Cam Plus Subscription: This is the most common reason. Package detection is a premium "Smart Detection" AI feature and is not available on the free tier. You must have a Cam Plus (or Cam Protect/Plus Lite) subscription assigned to that specific camera.
- 'Package' AI Setting is Disabled: Within the app, you have to explicitly tell the camera to look for packages. This setting can sometimes be toggled off after an app update.
- Incorrect Detection Zone: If you have set up a custom motion detection zone, it might not be covering the area where packages are actually being left.
- Low Sensitivity: The motion detection sensitivity might be set too low to register the event of a package being placed down.
- Poor Camera Placement or Lighting: The AI needs a clear, well-lit view of an object to identify it as a package. If the view is obscured, cluttered, or too dark, it may fail.
- App or Firmware Glitch: Sometimes, a temporary bug in the app or the camera's firmware can cause services to stop working correctly.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Restore Package Detection
Follow these steps in order to ensure you cover all the potential points of failure.
1. Verify Your Cam Plus Subscription
First, let's confirm the camera has the required subscription service active.
- Open the Wyze App: Navigate to the 'Account' tab in the bottom right corner.
- Go to 'Services': Tap on 'Cam Plus' (or your relevant service).
- Check Your Camera: You will see a list of your Wyze devices. Find the camera that is having the issue and ensure there is a green tick next to it, confirming that the subscription is active on that device. If it's not ticked, select it to assign your subscription to it.
2. Enable the Correct In-App Settings
Next, we need to make sure the camera is configured to look for packages.
- Select Your Camera: Go to the app's home screen and select the camera.
- Go to Settings: Tap the gear icon in the top right.
- Event Recording: Tap on 'Event Recording'. Ensure that the main 'Detects Motion' toggle is on.
- Smart Detection: Go back one screen and tap on 'Smart Detection'. Here you will see a list of AI event types. Make sure the toggle next to 'Package' is turned on. If it's off, the camera will record motion but won't analyse the video for packages.
3. Optimise Your Detection Area and Sensitivity
Tell your camera exactly where and how hard to look.
- Go to Detection Settings: From the camera's settings menu, tap on 'Detection Settings'.
- Check the Detection Zone: If you have a detection zone enabled, a grid will appear over your camera's view. Make sure the highlighted squares cover the entire surface of your doorstep or the area where a courier is likely to place a parcel. If the zone only covers the walkway, it won't trigger when a package is put down.
- Adjust Sensitivity: In the same menu, you'll see a 'Detection Sensitivity' slider. If it's set very low, try increasing it to a medium or high level.
4. Improve Camera Placement and View
The AI can only be as good as the image it receives.
- Ensure a Clear View: Make sure there are no obstructions like plant pots or door decorations blocking the camera's view of the ground.
- Check Lighting: While Wyze cameras have good night vision, the AI works best in good light. If your doorstep is very dark, consider installing a motion-activated porch light. This will improve both the video quality and the AI detection accuracy.
5. Update and Reboot
If all the settings are correct, a simple refresh can often solve the problem.
- Update the App and Firmware: Check the app store for any updates to the Wyze app. Then, in the camera's settings under 'Device Info' > 'Firmware Version', check if an update is available for the camera itself.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug your Wyze camera from its power source. Wait for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to reboot and reconnect, then test with a small box to see if it triggers a package detection event.