Wyze devices are known for their remarkable event recording capabilities, making them a popular choice as security cameras. However, there are times when you may find that your Wyze device, such as a Wyze Cam V3, is not recording events as it should.
In this article, we provide a concise guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve common issues that can occur with event recording on Wyze cameras. By following these steps, you can swiftly restore the recording functionality of your Wyze device, ensuring that motion detection and other event-based features are operating effectively.
Table of Contents
Restart the Wyze Device
Troubleshooting can sometimes be challenging, but an initial simple solution is refreshing your Wyze device. This can help eliminate minor bugs or errors that might cause issues. The most effective method to refresh your device is through a power cycle test.
Begin by disconnecting all cables from your Wyze camera. For outdoor or permanently mounted cameras, you may need to remove bolsters or holders carefully. After disconnecting, leave the device idle for a minute. Next, press and hold the setup/power button on the device for five to ten seconds to discharge any static charges from its components. Repeat this step a few times before reconnecting the cables and turning on the device.
Alternatively, you can restart your camera using the Wyze app by following these steps:
- Open the Wyze app and tap on your Wyze device tab.
- This will open the Livestream of your camera.
- Locate the Restart option at the bottom of the tab and tap it.
In addition to refreshing your Wyze camera, consider restarting the smart device that houses the Wyze app, as this can resolve app-related issues like intermittent crashes on iPads.
Finally, it’s crucial to consider the role of the internet connection for event recording and saving. Inconsistent speeds or high latency can hinder the event recording process. If you experience internet issues, try performing a power cycle test on your network Router or Modem as a potential solution. This will help ensure that your Wyze camera settings and performance are optimal for capturing and recording events.
Check for Wyze Updates
One crucial way to keep your Wyze device functioning optimally and resolve any potential issues is through regular updates. The developers constantly work on identifying and fixing bugs or errors that may affect your device’s performance or security. These updates also contain solutions for common user problems.
Here’s how to ensure your Wyze app and firmware stay up to date:
- Open the Wyze app on your device.
- Tap on the Account icon at the top of the app interface.
- Scroll down and locate the Firmware Update tab.
- Look for an update option next to the name of your Wyze device.
- Click it to start the updating process for your device.
After updating, close the app and reopen it to check if your issues are resolved. If the Update option isn’t visible next to your Wyze device, it indicates that your device already has the most recent firmware version.
Additionally, when you update your Wyze Cam, any connected accessories will also benefit from the update, potentially resolving issues with items like the Wyze spotlight. Keeping your Wyze system up to date ensures optimal performance and increased security.
Check the Event Recording Settings
In the midst of troubleshooting, it’s crucial to examine the event recording settings. Carefully check the motion detection feature and event recording schedule options to ensure optimal functioning of your Wyze device.
Verify Motion Detection Settings
Motion detection allows Wyze devices to track and initiate an event when a recognized object enters the frame. If disabled, the device won’t respond to any objects, leading to no event recordings.
To enable motion detection in your Wyze device, follow these steps:
- Open the appropriate Wyze device tab within the Wyze app.
- Tap the Settings (gear) icon at the top.
- Locate and select Event Recording.
- Ensure that the Record Motion Events toggle button is turned ON.
Additionally, you can find options for turning off vehicle detection in the same menu.
Assess Event Recording Schedule Options
Event recording schedules define the time during which the device records events. If there’s an error with these settings, event recording might be negatively impacted. To avoid this, set your device to All Day recording.
Follow these steps to verify and modify Schedule settings:
- Within the Settings menu, open the Event Recording tab.
- Tap and open the Schedule tab.
- Next to the ‘All Day’ tile, toggle the button ON to enable continuous event recording, if needed.
Don’t forget to check the Detect Sound option, found below the Schedule option in the Event Recording tab. Stick to these guidelines and expect your Wyze device to function optimally.
Check Rules
When configuring your event recording process, rules play a crucial role in determining what actions the system should take and what it should avoid. Rules set the limits on recording time, enable or disable sensors, and manage sound alarms. Two specific rules can impact event recordings: “Turn OFF Motion Detection” and “Turn OFF Camera.” Disabling motion detection prevents motion-triggered recordings, while turning off the camera renders it completely nonfunctional.
To ensure the best event recording performance, make sure these two rules are disabled in the Wyze app. Follow these steps:
- In the Wyze app Home tab, tap the […] icon.
- Locate and open the Add/Edit Rules option.
- Within the list, confirm that the “Turn OFF Motion Detection” and “Turn OFF the Camera” rules are not enabled.
After disabling these rules, exit the menu tab and refresh the Wyze device to see if the issue is resolved.
Check Motion and Sound Detection
If you experience issues with your Wyze device despite verifying optimal settings, consider increasing the sensitivity of motion and sound detection. Over time, Wyze device sensors may lose sensitivity, necessitating occasional adjustments.
However, be cautious while adjusting sensitivity. Excessive sensitivity can cause the device to register minor disturbances, like a breeze or rustling leaves, as potential trigger events.
To modify the sensitivity of your Wyze device, follow these steps in the Wyze app:
- Navigate to the Settings tab of your Wyze device and open the Detection Setting option.
- Locate the sensitivity bars for each detection sensor and adjust them to your preference.
After making adjustments, exit the menu and refresh your Wyze device. Check whether the issue has been resolved.
Check Cooldown Time
Wyze devices offer a configurable cooldown time between event recordings to ensure accurate detection and avoid false triggers. With a Wyze Cam Plus subscription, you can adjust the cooldown time from none to 5 minutes. Otherwise, a 5-minute cooldown period is mandatory. Adjusting this time can sometimes resolve issues with event recording.
To change the cooldown period on a Wyze Cam Plus subscription, follow these steps in the Wyze app:
- In the Settings tab for your Wyze device, open the Event Recording tab.
- Open the Recording Cooldown option.
- Set the cooldown period to 1 minute.
Afterward, exit the menu and refresh your device to test for improvements.
Utilizing a memory card can serve as an alternative to cloud-based storage, allowing for continuous recording. Be sure to format your memory card to the FAT32 format when installing it. The Wyze app also provides a formatting option:
Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Local Storage > Format.
Factory Reset the Wyze Device
In case you’ve tried everything and your Wyze device is still not functioning as it should, a factory reset might be the solution you need. However, it’s essential to understand that this process will erase all your saved data and personal preferences since the device will revert to its original state.
To perform a factory reset on your Wyze device through the app, follow these steps:
- Delete the Wyze device from the Wyze app.
- If there’s a microSD card installed, remove it from the device.
- Press and hold the Setup button on the Wyze device for 10-15 seconds.
- Allow 20-40 seconds (or longer) for the voice message to play.
- The reset is complete when the LED light on the device changes from yellow to blue (or red, in the case of Wyze Cam V3).
Factory resetting can resolve persistent issues such as Error Code 90 on your Wyze Cam.
To remove your Wyze device from the Wyze app, execute these instructions:
- Find the Device Setting tab in the Settings section of the app.
- Tap on ‘Delete device’.
- Confirm by clicking Yes on the pop-up window.
By following these steps, you should be able to factory reset your Wyze device, effectively eliminating any lingering issues and restoring its original functionality. Remember, this process should only be used as a last resort after trying other troubleshooting methods.
Conclusion
Facing event recording issues can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can solve them quickly. Remember, hardware problems can impact the recording process – it’s crucial to rely on skilled technicians in those cases instead of attempting fixes yourself. If the issue persists even after following troubleshooting advice, don’t hesitate to contact Wyze customer service for additional support. And always handle your camera equipment carefully to avoid further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where are Wyze events saved?
Wyze events are primarily stored in cloud storage, as Wyze utilizes Amazon’s AWS cloud solutions. However, you also have the option to save event recordings locally using a memory card.
How can I make my Wyze camera record events?
By default, Wyze cameras record events when they are triggered, but you can enable continuous recording by installing a memory card in your device.
Can Wyze cameras record events without a memory card?
Yes, Wyze cameras can record events without a memory card. The recordings will be stored in cloud storage. However, if you want to enable continuous recording, you will need to insert a microSD card and subscribe to Wyze Cam Plus for additional features and extended recording times.