Why Is My Aqara Doorbell Not Recording Clips Find Fixes Here

Your Aqara doorbell isn’t recording clips due to incorrect settings, poor Wi-Fi, or a full storage device—check these first. Ensure motion detection and clip recording are enabled in the Aqara app, and verify your microSD card or cloud subscription is active and has space. Quick fixes like restarting the device or updating firmware often resolve glitches instantly.

Key Takeaways

• Check Wi-Fi signal: Ensure strong connection for reliable clip recording.
• Verify Aqara app settings: Confirm recording is enabled in device options.
• Update firmware regularly: Install latest updates to fix known bugs.
• Inspect microSD card: Ensure it’s properly inserted and not full.
• Restart the doorbell: Power cycle to resolve temporary glitches.
• Review subscription plan: Confirm cloud storage isn’t expired or full.

The Frustration of a Silent Doorbell: Why Is My Aqara Doorbell Not Recording Clips?

Imagine this: a delivery person knocks, your Aqara doorbell rings, and you rush to check the app—only to find no video clip. You’re left wondering if the package arrived or if someone just pressed the button for fun. This scenario is more common than you think. Aqara doorbells are renowned for their sleek design, smart home integration, and reliable performance, but even the best tech can hit a snag. When your doorbell stops recording clips, it’s not just inconvenient—it undermines the security and convenience you invested in. Whether you’re a smart home enthusiast or a new Aqara user, this issue can be baffling, especially if you’ve ruled out obvious causes like power outages or Wi-Fi drops.

The good news? Most recording issues are fixable, and the root causes often boil down to a few common culprits. From subscription hiccups to firmware glitches, this guide will walk you through every possible reason your Aqara doorbell isn’t capturing clips—and how to resolve them. We’ll cover everything from network settings to app configurations, with actionable steps and real-world examples. By the end, you’ll not only understand why is my Aqara doorbell not recording clips but also how to prevent it from happening again. Let’s dive into the troubleshooting journey!

1. Subscription and Cloud Storage Issues

Understanding Aqara’s Cloud Recording Model

Aqara doorbells rely on cloud storage for video clips, which means a valid subscription is essential. If your subscription has expired or payment failed, recordings will stop immediately. For example, the Aqara G2H Pro requires a Aqara Cloud Basic plan (free for 7 days of rolling storage) or Premium (30 days). Even a 1-day lapse in payment can halt recordings. Check your subscription status by:

• Opening the Aqara app > tapping your profile icon > Cloud Services.
• Reviewing the expiration date and payment method.
• Enabling auto-renewal if disabled (common after free trials).

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder 3 days before expiration to avoid gaps. If you’re on a free trial, note that recordings stop the moment it ends—even if you’re mid-conversation with a delivery person!

Regional Availability and Service Outages

Cloud services vary by region. For instance, Aqara’s cloud storage is unavailable in certain countries (e.g., Russia, China), forcing users to rely on local storage (microSD). If you recently relocated or your region’s service was suspended, clips won’t upload. To verify:

• Check Aqara’s official website for your country’s supported services.
• Contact Aqara support to confirm if regional restrictions apply.

Example: A user in Germany reported no recordings until they switched to a microSD card, as their area had temporary cloud outages. Aqara’s status page (status.aqara.com) also logs service disruptions.

Storage Limit Reached

Even with a subscription, cloud storage has limits. The Basic plan holds 7 days of footage, while Premium offers 30 days. If your clips exceed these limits, older files are overwritten. To manage this:

• Download important clips manually to your phone.
• Upgrade to Premium if you need longer retention.
• Use microSD for local backups (see Section 3).

2. Network and Connectivity Problems

Wi-Fi Signal Strength and Interference

Aqara doorbells require a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection (5GHz is unsupported). Weak signals or interference from thick walls, metal doors, or other electronics can disrupt clip uploads. Symptoms include:

• Clips failing to record after motion is detected.
• App showing “Upload failed” or “Network error” alerts.

How to test: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (e.g., NetSpot) to check signal strength at the doorbell’s location. If RSSI (signal strength) is below -70 dBm, consider:

• Relocating your router or adding a Wi-Fi extender.
• Using a wired Ethernet connection via a PoE adapter (for models like G2H Pro).
• Removing interference sources (e.g., microwave ovens, cordless phones).

Example: A user with a brick wall between their router and doorbell resolved the issue by installing a mesh network extender near the front door.

Router and Firewall Settings

Overly strict router settings can block Aqara’s cloud servers. Common issues include:

• Firewalls blocking UDP/TCP ports used by Aqara (e.g., port 443).
• Quality of Service (QoS) settings deprioritizing the doorbell.
• MAC address filtering accidentally excluding the device.

To fix this:

1. Log in to your router admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1).
2. Check firewall settings and add Aqara’s servers to the whitelist (e.g., cloud.aqara.com, *.aqara.com).
3. Disable QoS for the doorbell’s MAC address or set it to “High Priority.”

Note: If you’re on a corporate or public network (e.g., office Wi-Fi), contact your IT department—they may need to adjust settings.

Dynamic IP and DNS Issues

Some ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses, which can cause brief disconnections. Aqara doorbells may fail to reconnect after an IP change. Solutions:

• Assign a static IP to the doorbell via your router’s DHCP settings.
• Switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) for better reliability.

3. Hardware and Storage Limitations

MicroSD Card Problems (Local Storage)

If you’re using a microSD card for local clips, issues like corruption, full storage, or incompatibility can prevent recordings. Aqara recommends:

• Using Class 10 or UHS-I cards (e.g., SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO).
• Formatting the card via the Aqara app (Settings > Device > Local Storage).
• Avoiding cards larger than 256GB (some models max out at 128GB).

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Remove the card and test it on another device (e.g., laptop).
2. If unreadable, reformat it in the Aqara app.
3. Replace the card if it fails repeatedly (a $15 fix often solves the problem).

Example: A user’s doorbell recorded only 3 clips per day until they replaced a 32GB card with a 64GB UHS-I card—recording resumed normally.

Doorbell Power Supply

Low power can cause intermittent recording failures. Symptoms include:

• Clips stopping mid-recording.
• Device rebooting during upload.

For wired doorbells (e.g., G2H Pro), ensure your transformer provides 16-24V AC. For battery-powered models (e.g., E1), replace batteries if below 20%. Use a multimeter to test voltage at the doorbell terminals.

Physical Obstructions and Sensor Range

Aqara’s motion detection uses PIR (passive infrared) sensors. Obstructions like:

• Overgrown plants blocking the sensor.
• Direct sunlight causing false triggers.

can reduce recording accuracy. Adjust the detection zone in the Aqara app (Settings > Motion Detection > Sensitivity) or reposition the doorbell.

4. App and Firmware Glitches

Outdated Firmware

Firmware bugs often cause recording failures. Aqara releases updates to fix issues like:

• Memory leaks that prevent clip storage.
• Wi-Fi reconnection bugs.

To update:

1. Open the Aqara app > tap your doorbell > Settings > Firmware Update.
2. If no update appears, manually check via Device > Advanced > Check for Updates.

Example: A 2023 firmware update (v3.2.1) resolved a bug where clips failed to upload during high humidity.

App Cache and Permissions

Corrupted app data or denied permissions can block recordings. On Android/iOS:

• Clear the Aqara app cache (Settings > Apps > Aqara > Storage > Clear Cache).
• Grant all permissions: Camera, Storage, Notifications, and Background Data.

On iOS, enable Background App Refresh for the Aqara app to ensure it stays active.

Device-Specific Bugs

Some Aqara models have known quirks. For example:

• The G3 camera doorbell requires a firmware reset if clips fail after 2 weeks of use.
• The E1 doorbell may need a factory reset if the app shows “Recording disabled” errors.

Always check Aqara’s community forum for model-specific fixes before assuming hardware failure.

5. Advanced Fixes and Proactive Measures

Factory Reset and Re-pairing

If all else fails, a factory reset can resolve deep-seated issues. Warning: This erases all settings and clips. Steps:

1. Press and hold the doorbell’s reset button (usually 10-15 seconds).
2. Re-pair the device in the Aqara app.
3. Reconfigure Wi-Fi and subscriptions.

Tip: After resetting, test recordings immediately before reconfiguring other smart home integrations (e.g., Alexa).

Third-Party Integrations and IFTTT

Using Aqara with Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT can sometimes conflict with clip storage. For example:

• IFTTT applets that trigger “Record Video” may overload the cloud.
• Alexa’s “Drop In” feature can interrupt recordings.

Temporarily disable integrations to isolate the issue.

Proactive Maintenance Checklist

Prevent future issues with this monthly routine:

• Check subscription status and Wi-Fi signal strength.
• Update firmware and clear app cache.
• Test microSD card health (if used).
• Clean the doorbell lens and sensor.

6. When to Contact Aqara Support

Identifying Hardware Failure

If none of the above fixes work, the doorbell’s hardware (e.g., camera module, Wi-Fi chip) may be faulty. Signs include:

• Consistent “Device Offline” errors.
• Physical damage to the lens or housing.
• No response to factory reset.

Before contacting support, document your troubleshooting steps and error messages. Aqara’s warranty (usually 1 year) may cover replacement.

Data Table: Common Aqara Doorbell Models and Their Recording Limits

Model	Cloud Storage (Days)	MicroSD Support	Wi-Fi Band	Motion Detection Range
G2H Pro	7 (Basic), 30 (Premium)	Yes (up to 256GB)	2.4GHz	10m
E1	7 (Basic), 30 (Premium)	Yes (up to 128GB)	2.4GHz	6m
G3	7 (Basic), 30 (Premium)	No	2.4GHz	15m

Support Channels and Warranty Tips

Contact Aqara via:

• App: Settings > Help & Feedback > Contact Us.
• Email: support@aqara.com (include device model and error logs).
• Community: Aqara Community Forum.

For warranty claims, keep the original receipt and note the purchase date. Aqara often requires video proof of the issue.

Resolving why is my Aqara doorbell not recording clips requires patience, but most issues are fixable with the right approach. Whether it’s a subscription lapse, Wi-Fi tweak, or a simple firmware update, this guide arms you with the tools to restore your doorbell’s functionality. Remember: regular maintenance and proactive checks are key to avoiding disruptions. By understanding your doorbell’s dependencies—from cloud storage to sensor placement—you’ll ensure it stays a reliable guardian of your home. If all else fails, Aqara’s support team is there to help. Now, go test those fixes and enjoy peace of mind with every ring!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Aqara doorbell not recording clips even though it shows online?

This could be due to disabled clip recording in the app settings or insufficient cloud/local storage. Check the “Recording Settings” in the Aqara app to ensure clip recording is enabled and your subscription (if using cloud) is active.

How do I fix my Aqara doorbell if it’s not saving video clips?

First, verify that motion detection and recording zones are properly configured. If using a microSD card, ensure it’s correctly inserted, formatted, and has sufficient space. Restart the device if issues persist.

Why isn’t my Aqara doorbell recording clips to the microSD card?

The card may be corrupted, improperly inserted, or incompatible (e.g., not UHS-I or above). Try reformatting the card via the Aqara app or replacing it with a compatible one to resolve the issue.

Does the Aqara doorbell require a subscription to record clips?

No, Aqara doorbells support local recording via microSD card without a subscription. However, cloud storage requires an active Aqara Premium plan for event-based clip backups.

Why does my Aqara doorbell detect motion but not record clips?

This may occur if the motion sensitivity is too low or the recording delay is set too high. Adjust these settings in the app and ensure the device firmware is updated to the latest version.

Can Wi-Fi issues cause my Aqara doorbell to not record clips?

Yes, unstable Wi-Fi can disrupt cloud uploads and trigger delays in clip processing. For local recording, Wi-Fi isn’t required, but a strong connection improves overall performance and event notifications.