Is Your Yale Camera Failing to Detect Packages?
A key feature for many smart doorbell and camera owners is reliable package detection. It provides peace of mind, knowing you’ll be alerted the moment a delivery arrives. If your Yale camera has suddenly stopped providing these crucial notifications, it can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and provide clear, actionable steps to resolve the issue and restore this vital functionality.
This is a common problem that can usually be fixed by checking a few key areas in your setup. We’ll cover everything from your subscription status to the physical placement of your camera.
1. Verify Your Yale Subscription Plan
The first and most important step is to confirm that your Yale subscription plan is active. Advanced features like Package Detection are often part of a premium tier. If your subscription has recently expired or been downgraded, this will be the reason the feature has stopped working.
How to check your subscription:
- Open the Yale mobile application on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the Account or Settings section.
- Look for a Subscriptions or Services menu.
- Confirm that your plan is active and that it includes Package Detection.
If your subscription has lapsed, you will need to renew it to regain access to this feature.
2. Adjust Camera Placement and Angle
The physical position of your Yale camera is critical for accurate package detection. The camera's algorithm needs a clear, top-down view of the area where couriers typically leave parcels.
Optimisation tips:
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure there are no obstructions like plants, pillars, or garden ornaments blocking the view of your doorstep.
- Mounting Height: Mount the camera at the recommended height (usually around 1.2 metres or 4 feet from the ground) to get a good overview of the ground area.
- Angle: Angle the camera downwards to focus on your doormat and the immediate vicinity. If it's pointed too far out towards the street, it may miss activity happening directly below it.
3. Configure Motion and Package Detection Settings
Your camera’s software settings play a huge role in how it identifies events. If these are not configured correctly, it can easily lead to missed detections.
Steps to configure your settings:
- In the Yale app, select the camera you wish to adjust.
- Go into the Device Settings menu.
- Find Motion Detection Settings or a similar option.
- Activity Zones: Ensure you have an active motion zone drawn specifically around the area where packages are left. Avoid including public footpaths or roads, as this can confuse the algorithm.
- Enable Smart Alerts: Look for a section called Smart Alerts or Notification Settings. Make sure that Package Detection is toggled on. Some Yale systems allow you to customise notifications, so ensure package alerts are enabled.
4. Check for Software and Firmware Updates
Yale regularly releases updates for its app and camera firmware to improve performance and fix bugs. An outdated version could be the source of your problem.
- App Update: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check if there is an update available for the Yale app.
- Firmware Update: Within the Yale app, navigate to your camera’s settings and find the Device Information or About section. There should be an option to check for and install any available firmware updates. Always ensure your device is running the latest version.
5. Improve Lighting Conditions
Poor lighting can significantly impact your camera's ability to distinguish a package from its surroundings. While Yale cameras have night vision, a well-lit area always produces better results.
- Daytime: Ensure the area is not in deep shadow for most of the day.
- Night-time: If you receive deliveries after dark, consider installing a porch light. A motion-activated light works perfectly with your security camera, illuminating the scene when activity is detected and allowing for a clear recording and accurate object identification.
By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the root cause of your Yale camera's missed package detections.