Why Won't My Kasa Camera Record Motion Events?

Problem Description

Your Kasa camera shows live video but does not record motion events or send notifications. You can open the app and see what is happening right now, but when you check activity history there are no recordings. Motion happens in front of the camera but no clips appear and no push notifications arrive. You expected the camera to capture everything and now you realize you have no footage of important events. This defeats the purpose of having a security camera. The issue is usually motion detection settings, notification permissions, or storage configuration.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

A Kasa camera that shows live video but doesn't record motion usually has a storage or settings gap: local recording needs a compatible, formatted microSD card that isn't full, and cloud recording needs a Kasa Care subscription — without one of those, there's nowhere to save clips. Motion detection and a recording mode also have to be switched on.

Check that motion detection and recording are enabled in the app, and that a healthy microSD is inserted (or that your cloud subscription is active). Then make sure sensitivity is high enough and activity zones actually cover where movement happens. A card that's full or failing silently stops recording, so replace it if needed, and keep firmware current. Note that getting notifications isn't the same as saving a clip.

Symptoms

• Live video works but no motion recording
• No clips saved
• Motion detection not triggering recording
• microSD not recording
• Missing event clips
• Records sometimes
• No recording at night
• Recording turned off unexpectedly

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• Motion detection turned off
• No/unformatted/full microSD (for local recording)
• Motion sensitivity too low or zones exclude the area
• Cloud recording needs a subscription (Kasa Care)
• Recording schedule not enabled
• Firmware out of date
• Card incompatible or failing
• Notifications on but recording off

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Enable Motion Detection in Camera Settings

Open the Kasa app and tap your camera. Tap the gear icon for settings then find Motion Detection or Activity Detection. Make sure the toggle is turned on. Below the toggle you should see sensitivity settings and activity zone options. If motion detection was accidentally turned off no clips will be recorded and no notifications will be sent regardless of other settings. Turn it on and test by walking in front of the camera.

2

Configure Activity Zones Properly

Activity zones limit where the camera looks for motion. If zones are set wrong the camera ignores motion in important areas. In camera settings tap Activity Zones. You should see a grid overlay on the camera view. Make sure the squares covering areas you want monitored are selected. Deselect areas with constant movement like trees or busy streets that cause false alerts. If no zones are selected the camera may not detect anything. Select at least the main area you want covered.

3

Check Phone Notification Permissions

Even if the camera detects motion you will not get push notifications if your phone blocks them. On iPhone go to Settings then Notifications then find Kasa. Make sure Allow Notifications is on and the alert style is set to show on lock screen and banners. On Android go to Settings then Apps then Kasa then Notifications and make sure they are enabled. Also check Do Not Disturb is not blocking alerts during times you expect notifications.

4

Verify Storage Is Available

Kasa cameras need somewhere to store recordings. Without a Kasa Care subscription or SD card there is nowhere to save clips. In the Kasa app go to camera settings then Storage. If you have an SD card it should show capacity and usage. If it shows no SD card detected remove and reinsert the card. If you want cloud storage you need a Kasa Care subscription. Without either option only live viewing works and nothing is recorded.

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5

Format SD Card Through Kasa App

If you have an SD card but recordings are not saving it may be full or improperly formatted. In camera settings tap Storage then SD Card. Look for an option to Format SD Card. This erases everything on the card and sets it up correctly for the camera. After formatting enable loop recording so when the card fills up old footage is automatically deleted to make room for new recordings. Cards 32GB to 256GB work best.

Quick Solutions

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

Need More Help? Kasa Smart Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Kasa Smart's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.

How Does Kasa Smart Compare?

Before replacing your Kasa Smart device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.