In order to fix a security camera motion detection not working, you should first troubleshoot the network connection. In addition to this, technical issues like firmware, software, and placement can also be blamed for cameras' inability to trigger motion alert, record motion or push notifications. Now let's explore the details.
What Is Motion Detection?
Motion detection is a required feature of a smart home security system. When an object moves in the monitored area of a security camera, motion detection will be triggered and the homeowner will be notified and know what is going on around them.
There are two main types of motion sensors in surveillance systems, one that triggers motion by measuring pixel changes and relying on motion algorithms, known as optical-based motion sensors, and another that triggers motion alerts by detecting body heat and infrared energy, known as PIR motion sensors.
How To Fix Motion Detection Not Working?
If your security camera's motion detection has stopped working and you want to fix it yourself, here are the top four steps you can implement.
Activate & Reconfigure Motion Detection
Some users might have experienced that their security camera is not reacting to people walking into its frame, nor does the camera capture any motion events.
In such case, it’s likely that user forgets to configure motion detection setting during setup stage. Some security cameras will initiate motion detection by default while some are not.
Thus, make sure you have enabled motion detection in your desktop software or mobile apps.
If you don't know how to set up motion detection on your phone or laptop, the video below can help you a lot.
Or you did all above and the problem is still there, readjust sensibility and change other motion detection settings like increasing sensibility to object size, increasing contrast to the max, resetting Geo-fencing, resetting motion detection schedule or resetting threshold level.
Update Firmware
Many security cameras will start recording when movement is detected. Behind such technology lies in the complicated algorithm which will calculate the pixies difference between different frames.
However, once the algorithm is not properly calculated, situations like cameras are not recording movements even there are people approaching or walking pass, will occur.Updating security camera firmwareor firmware of NVR/DVR to the latest version could fix potential bugs that have been meddling with the motion detection or push notification.
Update Monitoring Software
[Monitoring software or apps](https://reolink.com/free-ip-security-camera-software/ play a role in motion capture and motion alert triggers since you need them to enable motion detection and trigger in the first place, or not for some of them trigger motion by default.
Any bugs or unresolved technical problems in the monitoring software or apps could have an impact on the general performance of your security cameras or systems.
Think about the movie Ant-man or TV show Arrow, a simple glitch could jeopardize the overall functionality. Upgrading your apps or software to an updated version and gets rid of this nagging problem once for all.
Change Cameras’ Placement or Pointing Angle
Security cameras with built-in PIR motion sensor, such as Arlo cameras could see cameras do detect motion but fail to record or capture movement. Or cameras can’t detect or record motions through glass or window glass panel.
In such cases, avoid placing motion detection security cameras behind the glass window especially cameras with a PIR motion sensor; do place wireless motion sensor security cameras closer to a WiFi router or hotspot.
The object from afar is relatively easier to be miss out, so don’t expect security cameras to pick up every movement within its field of view. Focusing on strategic areas for motion detection helps achieve maximal peace of mind as well as reducing unwanted false alarms.
FAQs
1. Why is my security camera not picking up motion?
If your security camera is not picking up motion, first check its placement and aim, adjusting sensitivity settings as needed. Ensure the camera has the latest firmware updates and stable power and network connections. Clean the lens and sensor for any obstructions, verify that the camera's field of view includes moving objects, and address interference or lighting issues if applicable. Confirm that sensitivity settings match your detection needs and check for software alerts.
If issues persist, consider the camera's overall health and Wi-Fi signal strength, and contact the manufacturer or a technician for further assistance.
2. Why am I not getting notifications from my security camera?
Check the notification settings within your camera's mobile app or software. Ensure that notifications are enabled for the camera and that you've selected the specific types of events (motion detection, sound, etc.) for which you want to receive alerts.
Sometimes, there may be a delay in receiving notifications due to server or network issues. Check if notifications arrive after a slight delay.
3. Why security cameras detection zone not working?
Double-check the configuration of your detection zones. Ensure that you have properly defined and customized the zones in the camera's settings to cover the areas where you want motion detection to occur.
Ensure that detection zones do not overlap or conflict with each other. Overlapping zones can lead to unexpected behavior.
Check the camera's physical placement and angle. Ensure that it has a clear line of sight to the areas you've defined in the detection zones. Obstructions or positioning issues can affect zone functionality.
4. Why are security cameras not recording motion?
If your security cameras aren't recording motion, start by reviewing and adjusting motion detection settings, checking detection zone configurations, and verifying camera placement. Ensure a stable power supply and network connection, and confirm sufficient storage capacity.
Conclusion
Normally, people infuriate about getting loads of false alarm alerts and getting their storage/inbox flooded with notifications, but not so much furious when not getting any notification or motion alert.
However, more often than not, no news is not always good news, especially if you are not storing footage to an on-site NVR or uploading to a cloud server, missing out such important forensic video evidence is unnerving.
Technically speaking, many cheap or cheapish security cameras, despite having built-in motion sensors, could experience problems like motion detection not working, frequent motion triggers or missing motion capture after months of use.
Buying security cameras from top CCTV camera brand like Reolink could reduce such risks and guarantee long-term stability in performance.