A security camera is a common way to protect home security, but you may wonder if it is actually recording when you are not at home. There are a few ways to tell if your security camera is actually recording.
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1. Camera Light
First, check the light on the camera itself. If the light is flashing or continuously on, then it means that the camera has been activated and is recording video footage of what’s happening in front of it. If the light is off, however, then the camera is likely not recording.
2. Check the status of the LEDs
If it’s an infrared IP security camera, you should be able to see little red LEDs on the camera if it’s recording in the dark. The number of LEDs that are lit up will depend on how good the night vision is on your particular camera model.
3. Check if the Camera is Moving
If you install a pan tilt-type security camera, you will be able to tell if it is recording by checking if the camera is moving. If the camera is static, then it is likely not recording. If you have set up CCTV cameras at home, you may be able to see the camera lens moving back and forth as it scans the area. If you see this movement, then you know that the camera is recording.
4. Use Electronic Bug Detectors
With the help of an electronic bug detector, CCTV cameras generate a balanced signal that can be detected by certain devices. If you suspect that your camera is recording, you can use an electronic bug detector to check for the signal.
You should see a strong reading on the detector if it has been activated and is currently recording. However, if there is no reading on the detector, it may mean that the camera is not currently turned on or is not recording.
5. Use your WiFi connection
If you’re using a WiFi-enabled security camera, you can check to see if it’s recording by checking your WiFi connection. If the camera is on and connected to your home network, then it is likely that it is recording.
However, if the camera is not connected to your WiFi or if there are no devices connecting to the camera, then it is likely that the camera is not recording.
6. Check the Memory Card
If your security camera has a memory card, check to see if there is any footage on it. If the card is full or if there are recently recorded videos, then it means that the camera has been activated and is currently recording. However, if there is no footage on the card or if there are very few files saved, then it may mean that the camera was not recording when you were away.
7. Login to the Security Camera software
If you’re still not sure whether or not your camera is recording, try logging in to the security camera software that controls it. In most cases, you’ll be able to see a live feed of what the camera is currently recording, so this is a good way to tell if it’s actually on and working.