Why Is My Yale Camera Not Recording Continuously?
One of the most powerful features of a Yale smart security camera is Continuous Video Recording (CVR), which provides a 24/7 timeline of everything that happens. If you've noticed that your camera is only saving short, motion-triggered clips instead of recording around the clock, it can be a major concern. This guide will help you understand and fix the common reasons why the CVR feature might not be working on your Yale camera.
The issue is typically not a fault with the camera itself, but rather a limitation of your subscription plan or a problem with your storage setup. Let's walk through the requirements for enabling this premium feature.
Key Reasons for No Continuous Recording
If your 24/7 timeline has gaps or isn't available, one of these factors is almost always the cause.
1. Subscription Plan Limitations
This is the most frequent reason for CVR not working.
- Feature Not Included: Continuous recording is a premium feature that consumes significant cloud storage and bandwidth. It is usually only available on higher-tier subscription plans. The free or basic plans that come with the camera typically only support event-based recording (clips triggered by motion).
- Expired Subscription: Your CVR-enabled plan may have expired or a payment may have been missed, causing your account to be automatically downgraded to a basic plan.
2. MicroSD Card Issues
Even with a cloud subscription, many Yale cameras require a local microSD card to function correctly for CVR.
- No SD Card Installed: The camera may use the SD card as a buffer to temporarily store footage before uploading it to the cloud. Without a card, it can't perform this function.
- SD Card is Full or Corrupted: If the SD card is full and loop recording isn't enabled, or if the card has become corrupted, the camera will be unable to write new data.
- Incompatible Card: Standard SD cards can fail quickly under the strain of constant recording. A 'high-endurance' microSD card designed for security cameras or dashcams is required.
3. Incorrect In-App Settings
The feature might be part of your plan but simply not switched on.
- Set to 'Event Recording': Within the Yale View app, the camera's recording mode might be set to 'Event Recording' instead of 'Continuous'.
- Recording Schedule: You may have a recording schedule configured that is telling the camera to stop recording at certain times.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling CVR
Follow these instructions to get your 24/7 recording timeline up and running.
Step 1: Verify Your Subscription Plan
- Log in Online: Open a web browser and log in to your Yale Smart Living account (the same account you use for the app).
- Check Your Plan: Navigate to the 'My Subscriptions' or 'Billing' section.
- Confirm CVR: Carefully review the features of your active plan. It should explicitly state 'Continuous Video Recording', '24/7 Recording', or 'CVR'. If it only mentions 'Event History' or '30-day event clips', you will need to upgrade your plan to enable CVR.
Step 2: Check Your MicroSD Card
- Confirm Installation: Ensure a compatible, high-endurance microSD card is securely inserted into your Yale camera.
- Format the Card: Open the Yale View app, go to your camera's Settings, and find the Storage or SD Card menu. Use the Format option to properly prepare the card for use with the camera. Warning: This will erase all data currently on the card.
- Enable Loop Recording: In the same menu, make sure that 'Loop Recording' or 'Overwrite' is enabled. This allows the camera to automatically delete the oldest footage to make space for new recordings.
Step 3: Configure the Correct In-App Settings
- Open Camera Settings: In the Yale View app, select the camera you want to configure.
- Select Recording Mode: Go to the Recording Settings menu.
- Choose Continuous: You should see options for 'Event Recording' and 'Continuous Recording'. Select Continuous Recording. If this option is greyed out or not available, it confirms that your subscription plan does not support the feature (see Step 1).
- Check Your Schedule: Disable any recording schedules that might be interfering with 24/7 operation.
By ensuring you have the correct subscription, a properly configured SD card, and the right in-app settings, you can unlock the full potential of your Yale camera and enjoy the security of a complete, uninterrupted video timeline.