Frustrated by the "Recording Failed" Error on Your Yi Camera?
The "Recording Failed" notification on your Yi Home Camera can be alarming, making you worry that your security footage isn't being saved. This error prevents the camera from storing video clips, undermining its primary purpose. Fortunately, this is a common issue that can usually be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting. The problem almost always lies with the storage medium—either the microSD card or your connection to the cloud service. This guide will help you diagnose the problem and get your Yi camera recording properly again.
Step 1: Thoroughly Troubleshoot the MicroSD Card
The microSD card is the most frequent culprit behind recording failures. Let's systematically check it.
### Check SD Card Compatibility and Quality
Not all microSD cards are created equal. Your Yi camera requires a card that can handle the constant writing of video data.
- Use a Class 10 Card: Ensure you are using a microSD card rated as Class 10 (or U1/U3). This rating indicates the card has fast enough write speeds for recording high-definition video without errors.
- Reputable Brands: Stick to well-known brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston. Unbranded or counterfeit cards often fail to meet their stated specifications and are prone to corruption.
### Format the MicroSD Card
Formatting erases the card and sets up a clean file system, which can resolve many data corruption issues.
- Open the Yi Home App: Select the camera you are having issues with.
- Go to Settings: Tap the gear icon to enter the camera's settings menu.
- Select Storage: Find the 'microSD Card' or 'Storage' option.
- Format: Tap on 'Format SD Card'. The process will take a few moments. Remember, this will delete all existing footage on the card.
### Test with a Different SD Card
If formatting doesn't work, the card itself may be faulty. The easiest way to check this is to try a different, known-good microSD card. If the camera records successfully with the new card, you know the original card needs to be replaced.
Step 2: Examine Your Wi-Fi Connection
While local SD card recording is less dependent on Wi-Fi after initial setup, a poor or intermittent connection can still cause operational glitches, especially if you also use a cloud service.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Yi Home app, go to your camera's settings and find the 'Network' or 'Wi-Fi' section. Ensure the signal strength is listed as 'Good' or 'Excellent'.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router for 60 seconds and then plug it back in. This can clear up temporary network problems that might be affecting the camera's ability to operate smoothly.
- Move Closer: If the signal is weak, try moving the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router, or consider using a Wi-Fi extender.
Step 3: Update the Yi Home App and Camera Firmware
Running outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and bugs.
- Update the App: Visit your phone's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and check for updates to the Yi Home app.
- Update Firmware: In the app, navigate to your camera's settings and look for a 'Firmware Update' option. The app will tell you if a new version is available. Always install the latest firmware for bug fixes and performance improvements.
Step 4: Check Your Yi Cloud Subscription (If Applicable)
If you are relying on cloud storage, ensure your subscription is active.
- Verify Subscription Status: Log into your Yi account and check the status of your cloud subscription. Ensure it hasn't expired and that your payment information is up to date.
- Check Cloud Storage: Make sure you haven't exceeded your storage limit, as this will prevent new recordings from being saved.
Step 5: Power Cycle Your Yi Camera
A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Unplug the Power: Disconnect the camera from its power source.
- Wait: Leave it unplugged for at least one minute.
- Reconnect: Plug the camera back in and wait for it to fully restart and connect to the network before checking if the recording issue is resolved.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot the "Recording Failed" error and restore your Yi camera's recording capabilities, ensuring your property remains monitored.