Is Your Xiaomi Camera Not Recording Events?
The primary function of a security camera is to record what happens. If your Xiaomi camera has stopped recording, whether it's continuous footage or motion-triggered events, it severely compromises your home security. You might find that there's no playback footage available, or you're not getting alerts for motion that you know has occurred.
This is a common and fixable issue. The problem almost always lies in one of three areas: the storage (microSD card), the camera's settings within the Xiaomi Home app, or the power supply. This guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to identify and resolve the reason your camera isn't recording.
Uncovering Why Your Xiaomi Camera Won't Record
Let's break down the likely culprits before we start troubleshooting.
- MicroSD Card Issues: The card could be full, corrupted, fake, or simply not seated correctly in its slot.
- Incorrect App Settings: Motion detection might be turned off, the sensitivity set too low, or a recording schedule is active that prevents it from recording at certain times.
- Cloud Storage Problems: If you use a cloud service, your subscription may have expired.
- Firmware Glitches: A bug in the camera's software could be interfering with the recording function.
How to Fix Your Xiaomi Camera Recording Issues
Follow these troubleshooting steps in order. After each step, it's a good idea to test the camera by creating some motion in front of it to see if it records.
1. Thoroughly Check the MicroSD Card
The microSD card is the most frequent point of failure for recording.
- Re-seat the Card: Power off your camera completely. Eject the microSD card, inspect it for any physical damage, and then re-insert it firmly until it clicks into place. Power the camera back on.
- Check Storage Status: Open the Xiaomi Home app, navigate to your camera's settings, and find the 'Storage' or 'SD Card Management' section. Check if the app recognizes the card and if it reports it as full.
- Format the SD Card: If the card is recognized but not recording, use the 'Format' option within the app. This will erase all existing footage, but it is the most effective way to fix file system errors that prevent new recordings.
- Test a Different Card: If formatting doesn't work, the card itself may have failed. Try a different, known-good microSD card (Class 10 or higher is recommended) to see if the camera starts recording with it.
2. Configure Your In-App Recording Settings
Sometimes, the camera is working perfectly, but the settings are telling it not to record.
- Enable Motion Detection: In the camera's settings within the app, find the 'Motion Detection' or 'Home Surveillance' menu. Ensure that the main toggle is switched ON.
- Adjust Sensitivity: Inside the motion detection settings, you'll find a sensitivity level (e.g., Low, Medium, High). If it's set too low, it may not be picking up the events you expect it to. Try setting it to 'High' for testing purposes.
- Check Recording Schedule: Some models allow you to set a schedule for when recording is active. Make sure you haven't accidentally set it to be off during the times you need it.
- Review Motion Zones: If you have configured specific motion detection zones, ensure they cover the areas you want to monitor.
3. Update and Reboot
Software glitches can often be solved with a simple update or restart.
- Update Firmware: In the camera's settings, check for a firmware update and install it if available. These updates often contain bug fixes for issues like recording failures.
- Restart the Camera: Use the 'Restart' or 'Reboot' option in the app's settings. If the app is unresponsive, you can also do this by unplugging the camera from power for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
By systematically checking the storage, settings, and software, you can almost certainly resolve the issue and get your Xiaomi camera back to reliably recording and protecting your home.