SimpliSafe is a popular home security system that offers a range of features, including cameras, doorbells, and motion sensors. One of the key features of SimpliSafe cameras is their ability to record video footage, which can be useful for monitoring your home and identifying potential security threats. However, some users may experience issues with their SimpliSafe camera not recording, which can be frustrating and concerning.
Understanding SimpliSafe Camera Recording
Before we dive into the troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to understand how SimpliSafe camera recording works. SimpliSafe cameras can record video footage in two ways:
- Continuous Recording: This feature allows your camera to record video footage continuously, 24/7. However, this feature requires a subscription to SimpliSafe’s cloud storage plan.
- Event-Based Recording: This feature allows your camera to record video footage only when motion is detected or when a specific event occurs, such as a door opening or closing.
Common Reasons Why SimpliSafe Camera is Not Recording
There are several reasons why your SimpliSafe camera may not be recording. Here are some common issues:
- Power Issues: If your camera is not receiving power, it will not be able to record video footage. Check that your camera is properly plugged in and that the outlet is working.
- Internet Connectivity Issues: SimpliSafe cameras require a stable internet connection to record video footage. Check that your internet connection is working and that your camera is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Camera Settings: Check that your camera settings are configured correctly. Ensure that the camera is set to record video footage and that the motion detection feature is enabled.
- Subscription Issues: If you’re using the continuous recording feature, ensure that your subscription is active and up-to-date.
- Camera Malfunction: In some cases, the camera itself may be malfunctioning. Try restarting the camera or resetting it to its factory settings.
Troubleshooting Steps
To troubleshoot the issue, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Check the Camera’s Power Status
- Ensure that the camera is properly plugged in and that the outlet is working.
- Try plugging the camera into a different outlet to rule out any issues with the electrical supply.
- Step 2: Check the Internet Connection
- Ensure that your internet connection is working and that your camera is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Try restarting your router to see if this resolves the issue.
- Step 3: Check the Camera Settings
- Ensure that the camera is set to record video footage and that the motion detection feature is enabled.
- Check that the camera’s sensitivity settings are not set too low, as this can prevent the camera from detecting motion.
- Step 4: Check the Subscription Status
- If you’re using the continuous recording feature, ensure that your subscription is active and up-to-date.
- Check that your subscription plan includes cloud storage, as this is required for continuous recording.
- Step 5: Restart the Camera
- Try restarting the camera to see if this resolves the issue.
- If the camera is still not recording, try resetting it to its factory settings.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to perform some advanced troubleshooting steps. These include:
- Checking the Camera’s Firmware
- Ensure that the camera’s firmware is up-to-date, as outdated firmware can cause issues with recording.
- Check the SimpliSafe website for firmware updates and follow the instructions to update the camera’s firmware.
- Checking the Camera’s Network Settings
- Ensure that the camera’s network settings are configured correctly.
- Check that the camera is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that the network settings are not set to a static IP address.
Resetting the SimpliSafe Camera
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to reset the camera to its factory settings. To do this:
- Step 1: Locate the Reset Button
- The reset button is usually located on the back or bottom of the camera.
- Check the camera’s documentation or the SimpliSafe website for instructions on how to locate the reset button.
- Step 2: Press the Reset Button
- Press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the camera to restart.
- Step 3: Set Up the Camera Again
- Once the camera has restarted, you will need to set it up again.
- Follow the instructions on the SimpliSafe website or in the camera’s documentation to set up the camera.
Conclusion
If your SimpliSafe camera is not recording, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and resolve the problem. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may need to contact SimpliSafe’s customer support team for further assistance.
Remember to always check the camera’s power status, internet connection, and settings before troubleshooting further. Additionally, ensure that your subscription is active and up-to-date, and that the camera’s firmware is current. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your SimpliSafe camera is recording video footage correctly and providing you with the security and peace of mind you need.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Power Issues | Check that the camera is properly plugged in and that the outlet is working. |
| Internet Connectivity Issues | Check that your internet connection is working and that your camera is connected to your Wi-Fi network. |
| Camera Settings | Check that the camera is set to record video footage and that the motion detection feature is enabled. |
| Subscription Issues | Ensure that your subscription is active and up-to-date, and that your subscription plan includes cloud storage. |
| Camera Malfunction | Try restarting the camera or resetting it to its factory settings. |
By following the steps outlined in this article and checking the solutions outlined in the table above, you should be able to resolve the issue with your SimpliSafe camera not recording.
Why is my SimpliSafe camera not recording at all?
If your SimpliSafe camera is not recording at all, it may be due to a lack of power or internet connectivity. First, ensure that your camera is properly plugged in and receiving power. If it’s a wireless camera, check the battery level and replace the batteries if necessary. Also, verify that your internet connection is stable and working properly.
If your camera is receiving power and your internet connection is stable, try restarting your camera and router to see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve connectivity problems. If the issue persists, try resetting your camera to its factory settings and then reconfigure it.
How do I check if my SimpliSafe camera is connected to Wi-Fi?
To check if your SimpliSafe camera is connected to Wi-Fi, open the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone or tablet. Navigate to the camera settings and look for the Wi-Fi connection status. If your camera is not connected to Wi-Fi, try restarting your router and camera, and then attempt to reconnect your camera to your Wi-Fi network.
If you’re still having trouble connecting your camera to Wi-Fi, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is working properly and that you’re using the correct Wi-Fi password. You can also try moving your camera closer to your router to improve the signal strength. If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact SimpliSafe support for further assistance.
Why is my SimpliSafe camera not recording motion events?
If your SimpliSafe camera is not recording motion events, it may be due to a problem with the motion detection settings. Check the motion detection settings in the SimpliSafe app to ensure that motion recording is enabled. Also, verify that the motion sensitivity is set to a level that is suitable for your environment.
If motion recording is enabled and the sensitivity is set correctly, try adjusting the motion detection zones to ensure that the areas you want to monitor are covered. You can also try increasing the motion sensitivity to see if that resolves the issue. If you’re still having trouble, try restarting your camera and router to see if that resolves the problem.
How do I check the storage capacity of my SimpliSafe camera?
To check the storage capacity of your SimpliSafe camera, open the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone or tablet. Navigate to the camera settings and look for the storage capacity information. If your camera’s storage capacity is full, you may need to delete some recorded footage to free up space.
If you’re using a cloud storage plan, ensure that you have enough storage space available. You can check your cloud storage usage in the SimpliSafe app and upgrade your plan if necessary. If you’re using a local storage device, such as a microSD card, ensure that it has enough free space available. You can also try replacing the storage device with a larger one.
Why is my SimpliSafe camera not recording at night?
If your SimpliSafe camera is not recording at night, it may be due to a problem with the infrared or night vision settings. Check the camera settings in the SimpliSafe app to ensure that night vision is enabled. Also, verify that the infrared LEDs are working properly.
If night vision is enabled and the infrared LEDs are working properly, try adjusting the night vision sensitivity to see if that resolves the issue. You can also try increasing the brightness of the infrared LEDs to improve the night vision quality. If you’re still having trouble, try restarting your camera and router to see if that resolves the problem.
How do I reset my SimpliSafe camera to its factory settings?
To reset your SimpliSafe camera to its factory settings, press and hold the reset button on the back of the camera for 10 seconds. Release the button and wait for the camera to restart. Once the camera has restarted, it will be restored to its factory settings.
After resetting your camera, you’ll need to reconfigure it using the SimpliSafe app. Follow the in-app instructions to set up your camera again. Note that resetting your camera will erase all of its settings and recorded footage, so be sure to back up any important footage before resetting your camera.
What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue?
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that there’s a hardware problem with your SimpliSafe camera. In this case, you may need to contact SimpliSafe support for further assistance. They can help you diagnose the problem and provide a replacement camera if necessary.
Before contacting SimpliSafe support, make sure you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps and have gathered any relevant information, such as error messages or camera logs. This will help the support team to quickly diagnose the problem and provide a solution.