The motion detection feature revolutionized security cameras because it enables the system to record only when motion is detected which extends the storage space and makes it easier to playback and find relevant incidents.
It’s important to ensure that the motion detection is actually enabled and works properly. Imagine if the motion is off and no videos are recorded! If your ADT cameras are not recording motion, then follow this easy troubleshooting guide.
These are the main reason why an ADT camera system may stop recording on motion detection:
- The motion detection is not enabled or is not set up correctly.
- The camera’s firmware is old.
- The monitoring app (or software) is out of date.
Basically, it comes down to two factors: it’s either a problem with the settings (such as misconfiguration) or the firmware is out of date.
You have to troubleshoot both these problems and check if it’s not. If not, then it’s time to call ADT Customer Service and schedule an on-site appointment with them.
Why ADT Camera is Not Recording Motion
Security camera systems use software-based mechanisms to trigger the motion detection recording. Basically, the video feed is analyzed by the software step by step and if pixel changes are noticed then the system will start to record the feed. In other words, the motion detection functions on algorithms, rather than being a physical trigger.
Sometimes the settings are incorrect, the motion may be disabled altogether, or the scheduling is not set properly for each camera.
In some cases, old firmware may randomly reset the configuration and cause the camera not to record. There are many reasons that the camera can’t pick up the motion, you can troubleshoot it by following the suggestions listed below.
Check the motion detection settings
Start by checking the current motion detection settings and find out why the camera is not picking up when triggered. While the procedure may vary based on the camera model, the logic is pretty much the same.
- Ensure that motion detentions are enabled. Go to each camera on the system, open up the motion section and make sure the box is ticked.
- Adjust the motion sensitivity settings. The system allows the user to choose the sensitivity level, if too low then the motion will not trigger easily. Increase the sensitivity to ensure that the system is picking up short movements.
- Adjust the object size settings. This option allows you to select the size of the objects that can trigger the motion. If it’s not picking up well, lower the objects’ size.
The exact settings depend on the ADT panel installed in the location, but generally speaking, you should follow these steps:
- Access the ADT panel by entering the security code.
- Select the Devices section.
- Select the device (camera) that is showing problems. You may need to do this for each camera.
- Select the Adjust Motion Detection settings.
- Adjust the settings accordingly.
Additionally, you may consult the owner’s manual book for the exact step. Check the motion settings for all the cameras hooked into the panel.
Check the monitoring software
This is the ADT software used to run and analyze the video feed. As a rule, the monitoring software must be kept always updated to the latest version. Older versions may contain bugs and errors that possibly prevent the motion detection from getting triggered.
And in some cases, the software may not even be able to communicate with the camera. All these miscommunication and software issues will ultimately cause the system not to record the footage.
There are many ways to update the software and that depends on the model. Updating the software may be super easy such as accessing the ADT Pulse app on the phone, or the ADT website and performing an Update check on the system. Then the system will self-update and reboot when done.
Additionally, once the update is done, it’s better to double check the motion detection settings one more time to ensure that everything is in place. Make sure the motion detection is enabled and the sensitivity at a correct level (set it on the high end).
Update the camera’s firmware
Same as the monitoring software, ADT cameras must always keep updated to the latest version. However, most ADT cameras’ firmware can be updated by an ADT technician only. So, call ADT Customer service and make an appointment.
In certain systems, you may be able to see an Update option beside the camera info when accessing the system via the web browser.
Log into the ADT web panel and find out if you see such an option. If so, click Update and wait until the process is done.
Reboot the system
It can be as simple as that, you may reboot the system and the motion detection will start to work again. In electronics, rebooting is the king of solving tech issues.
Inspect your ADT panel, access the unit, and find the Restart option (you will need to use the pin code to enter the interface). Wait until the system is back on and check the playback to find out if the system is recording again.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to ensure at all times that the ADT system is working on motion detection. If somehow this function is off, you may end up without any recording which will comprise the entire security of your property.
The motion detection usually fails to work if it’s misconfigured or if the firmware on the camera is outdated. In this guide, we showed how to check the motion detection settings, how to update the monitoring firmware, and how to update the camera as well.
If nothing works, contact ADT and ask them for further technical support. They will either try to fix it remotely for you or send a technician to the location.