How to Fix the 'Recording Failed' Error on Your Wyze Camera
The ability to record video footage is the core function of any security camera. When your Wyze Cam displays a "Recording Failed" error, it can be alarming, as it means your camera is not capturing potentially crucial moments. This issue is almost always related to the microSD card, but it can also be caused by firmware or connectivity problems.
This guide will walk you through the most common causes of this error and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get your camera recording reliably again.
Understanding the Symptoms of a Recording Failure
The problem can manifest in several ways, all pointing to an issue with saving footage.
- 'Recording Failed' Error: A specific error message pops up in the Wyze app when you try to view playback or when an event should be recording.
- No Event Videos: The camera is online and you can stream the live view, but no new event clips are appearing in the "Events" tab.
- Playback Unavailable: The "View Playback" button is greyed out or, when you access it, the timeline is empty or shows an error.
- SD Card Not Recognised: In the camera's "Advanced Settings," the microSD card status shows as "Not available" or "Not found."
- Intermittent Recording: You notice gaps in your continuous recording timeline, where the camera has stopped and started recording without reason.
Your Troubleshooting Checklist for Wyze Recording Failures
Let's resolve this issue by tackling the most likely culprits first. The vast majority of recording problems are linked to the microSD card.
1. The MicroSD Card: Your Primary Suspect
The type, health, and format of your microSD card are critical. Wyze cameras are particularly sensitive to the card used.
- Card Type: Standard microSD cards are not designed for the constant rewriting that a security camera performs. You should always use a high-endurance microSD card. These are specifically built for devices like dash cams and security cameras.
- Card Compatibility: Ensure your card is Class 10. For most Wyze Cams (v2, v3, Pan), the supported size is 32GB in FAT32 format. While larger cards can often be made to work, 32GB is the officially supported maximum for some models and is the most reliable. Newer models like the v3 Pro support larger sizes.
- Card Health: MicroSD cards have a limited lifespan and will eventually wear out, leading to recording failures. If your card is old or has been in heavy use, it may simply be at the end of its life.
2. The Solution: Reformatting the MicroSD Card
Often, the card's file system can become corrupted, and a proper reformat is all that's needed.
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Step A: Format in the Wyze App (Recommended First Step)
- Go to your camera's live stream in the Wyze app.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear) in the top right.
- Go to Advanced Settings > Manage MicroSD Card.
- Tap Format. This will erase all footage on the card.
- Wait for the process to complete and then restart the camera from the app.
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Step B: Full Format on a Computer (If the App Fails) If formatting in the app doesn't work, a more thorough format on a PC or Mac is necessary.
- Power down your Wyze camera and carefully remove the microSD card.
- Insert the card into a card reader connected to your computer.
- For Windows: Open File Explorer, right-click the SD card drive, and select "Format." Choose "FAT32" as the file system. Uncheck "Quick Format" for a more thorough process. Click "Start."
- For macOS: Open "Disk Utility." Select the SD card from the list. Click "Erase." Choose "MS-DOS (FAT)" as the format. Click "Erase."
- Once complete, safely eject the card, re-insert it into the powered-off camera, and then power the camera back on.
3. Update Firmware and App
Bugs in the camera's firmware or the Wyze app can sometimes cause recording issues.
- Firmware: In the camera's settings, go to Device Info > Firmware Version and check if an update is available.
- Wyze App: Visit your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and ensure you have the latest version of the Wyze app installed.
4. Power Cycle the Camera
A simple reboot can clear temporary memory glitches that might be interfering with the recording process.
- Unplug the power cable from the Wyze camera.
- Wait for a full 30-60 seconds.
- Plug the power cable back in and wait for the camera to reboot and reconnect.
If you have tried all the steps above with a high-endurance card and the problem persists, the card itself has likely failed. Try a brand new, high-endurance microSD card as the final step.