How to Fix 'Recording Failed' Errors on Your Xiaomi Camera
Your Xiaomi security camera is a vital tool for peace of mind, but it is useless if it cannot record footage. The "Recording Failed" error is one of the most common and frustrating problems users encounter. It means that when motion is detected, the camera is unable to save the video clip, leaving you with a gap in your security coverage.
Fortunately, this error is almost always solvable. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and the steps you need to take to get your camera recording reliably again.
Symptoms of a Recording Failure
You might be experiencing this issue in several ways:
- A clear "Recording failed" or "Couldn't record" error message in the Mi Home app.
- You receive a motion notification, but when you go to view the clip, it is missing or there is no playback option.
- The app reports that the microSD card is "Abnormal" or "Offline".
- The camera fails to save any new recordings, even though there is free space on the card.
- The playback timeline is empty or shows gaps where recordings should be.
The Number One Cause: Your MicroSD Card
In the vast majority of cases, recording failures are directly related to the microSD card you are using. Security cameras place a high demand on SD cards, constantly writing and rewriting data. Not all cards are up to the task.
1. Use a High-Quality, Authentic SD Card
This is the most critical step. The market is flooded with counterfeit and low-quality microSD cards that cannot handle the constant workload from a camera.
- Card Type: You must use a card rated Class 10, U1, or U3. This rating ensures the card has a fast enough write speed to save video without errors. Look for the 'C' with a 10 inside it, or a 'U' with a 1 or 3 inside it.
- Reputable Brands: Stick to well-known, trusted brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, or Lexar. Purchase from an authorised retailer to avoid counterfeits.
- 'High Endurance' Cards: For the best reliability, consider a 'High Endurance' or 'Video Monitoring' microSD card. These are specifically designed for the heavy write cycles of security cameras and dashcams.
2. Format the SD Card in the Camera
Even a good SD card needs to be formatted correctly to work with the camera's file system. Do not format it on your computer.
- Insert the microSD card into the camera while it is powered off.
- Power the camera on.
- Open the Mi Home app and select your camera.
- Go to "Settings" (usually the three dots in the top-right corner).
- Find "Storage Settings" or "Manage Storage".
- You should see the status of the SD card. Select the "Format SD card" option.
- Confirm the action. This will erase all data on the card and prepare it for use with the camera.
3. Replace a Worn-Out SD Card
MicroSD cards have a finite lifespan. They can only be written to a certain number of times before the memory cells begin to fail. If your card is old (e.g., over a year or two of constant use in a camera), it may simply be worn out and need replacing.
Other Potential Causes and Solutions
If you are certain you have a high-quality, correctly formatted SD card, here are a few other things to check.
Unstable Wi-Fi Connection
The camera needs a stable connection to the network to properly manage and initiate recordings. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak or intermittent where the camera is placed, it can disrupt the recording process.
- The Fix: Check the signal strength in the app's settings. If it is weak, try moving your router closer to the camera or using a Wi-Fi extender to improve the signal.
Outdated Firmware
Bugs in the camera's firmware can sometimes cause recording issues.
- The Fix: In the camera's settings, find the "Firmware Update" option and ensure your device is running the latest version.
By starting with the microSD card—ensuring it is high-quality, authentic, and correctly formatted—and then checking your network, you can resolve the "Recording Failed" error and restore your camera's most important function.