Zmodo Camera Recording Failed? Here's How to Fix It
A security camera that doesn't record is a significant security risk. If your Zmodo camera has stopped saving video clips, you're missing the most important evidence it's designed to capture. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from your cloud subscription and storage settings to network connectivity.
This guide will help you systematically troubleshoot the problem and get your Zmodo camera recording properly again, whether you use cloud storage or a local SD card.
Common Reasons for Zmodo Recording Failures
Before you start, it helps to know the likely culprits. Your camera may have stopped recording because:
- Your cloud subscription has expired.
- The local micro SD card is full, corrupted, or not recognised.
- Motion detection settings are turned off or misconfigured.
- The camera has a poor connection to your Wi-Fi network.
- The camera's firmware is outdated and has a bug.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Recording Issues
Work through these solutions to identify and solve the root cause of the recording failure.
1. Check Your Storage Status (Cloud and Local)
Where your camera is supposed to save videos is the first place to check.
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For Cloud Storage Users:
- Open the Zmodo app and navigate to the account or subscription section.
- Verify that your cloud recording plan is Active. An expired subscription is the most common reason for cloud recordings to stop.
- Ensure there are no payment issues that may have prevented your plan from renewing.
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For Local SD Card Users:
- In the Zmodo app, go to your camera's Settings and find the "SD Card" or "Storage" menu.
- Check the Status: See if the card is being recognised by the camera. If it says "No SD Card" or "SD Card Error," try physically removing and reinserting the card (with the camera powered off).
- Check Capacity: The app should show the card's total and available space. If the card is full, you need to enable "Loop Recording" (if available) to allow the camera to overwrite the oldest footage.
- Format the Card: If you suspect the card is corrupted, use the Format function within the app. This will erase all data but can resolve many recording issues. Be sure to back up any important clips before formatting.
2. Review Your Motion Detection and Alert Settings
If the camera isn't told to record, it won't. Incorrect detection settings can easily lead to a blank event history.
- Ensure Motion Detection is On: In the camera's settings, find the "Alerts" or "Detection" menu and confirm that motion detection is enabled.
- Adjust Sensitivity: If the motion sensitivity is set too low, the camera might not trigger a recording for subtle events. Try increasing the sensitivity level.
- Check Alert Schedule: Verify that you don't have a schedule set up that disables motion detection and recording during certain hours of the day.
3. Verify Network Connectivity
Your camera needs a stable internet connection to save clips to the cloud and to communicate properly with the app.
- Check Camera Status: In the Zmodo app, ensure the camera is listed as Online.
- Test Live View: See if you can successfully stream the live video feed. If the live view is choppy, buffering, or fails to load, you likely have a Wi-Fi issue.
- Reboot Your Hardware: A simple reboot can fix many connection problems. Unplug your camera and your Wi-Fi router from power. Wait 60 seconds before plugging them back in. This allows them to reset and establish a fresh connection.
4. Update the Firmware and App
Running outdated software can cause unexpected bugs, including recording failures.
- Update the Zmodo App: Check the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for any updates to the Zmodo app and install them.
- Update Camera Firmware: In the app, go to the camera's settings and look for a "Firmware Update" option. Manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
By following these steps, you can address the most common issues that prevent Zmodo cameras from recording. If you have tried everything and the problem persists, the issue may be with the camera's hardware, and you should contact Zmodo support for further assistance.