How to Access Eufy Recordings
Accessing your Eufy security camera recordings is simple once you know the right steps. Whether you use cloud storage, local SD cards, or the Eufy app, this guide walks you through every method to view, download, and manage your footage with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Eufy Security app: The primary way to view recordings is through the official mobile app, available on iOS and Android.
- Check your storage type: Eufy supports both cloud and local storage—know which one your camera uses to access recordings correctly.
- Enable event recording: Only motion or sound-triggered events are saved, so ensure event detection is turned on.
- Access via web browser: Log in to your Eufy account on the official website to view and download clips from any computer.
- Download recordings locally: Save important clips to your phone or computer for offline access or sharing.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If recordings aren’t showing, check Wi-Fi, storage space, or app updates.
- Use HomeBase for local storage: Cameras connected to a HomeBase can store footage on a built-in hard drive for private, subscription-free access.
How to Access Eufy Recordings: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve invested in Eufy security cameras, you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to home protection. But what good are those cameras if you can’t easily access the recordings when you need them? Whether you’re checking for a package delivery, reviewing a suspicious event, or just want to see what your pet was up to while you were away, knowing how to access Eufy recordings is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every method to view, download, and manage your Eufy camera footage. You’ll learn how to use the Eufy Security app, access recordings via the web portal, retrieve clips from local storage like SD cards or HomeBase, and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll be a pro at finding and saving your important video clips—no tech degree required.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding Eufy Storage Options
Visual guide about How to Access Eufy Recordings
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Before you can access your recordings, it’s important to understand how Eufy stores your footage. Unlike many competitors that rely heavily on cloud subscriptions, Eufy offers flexible storage options—giving you more control over your privacy and costs.
There are three main ways Eufy saves recordings:
- Local Storage (SD Card): Many Eufy cameras, like the EufyCam 2 or Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt, support microSD cards. When motion is detected, the camera saves short video clips directly to the card. This method doesn’t require a subscription and keeps your data private.
- HomeBase Local Storage: If you have a Eufy Security HomeBase (like the HomeBase 2 or HomeBase 3), your cameras can store recordings on the built-in hard drive. This is ideal for users who want continuous recording without monthly fees.
- Cloud Storage (Optional): Eufy also offers cloud plans through their Eufy Cloud service. While not required, cloud storage allows you to access recordings from anywhere, even if your camera or HomeBase is damaged or stolen.
Knowing which storage method your camera uses is the first step to accessing your recordings. Most users start with local storage, but combining it with cloud backup gives you the best of both worlds.
Accessing Eufy Recordings via the Mobile App
Visual guide about How to Access Eufy Recordings
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The Eufy Security app is the easiest and most convenient way to view your recordings. Available for free on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android), the app lets you monitor your cameras, review past events, and manage settings—all from your smartphone or tablet.
Here’s how to access your recordings using the app:
Step 1: Download and Log In to the Eufy Security App
If you haven’t already, download the “Eufy Security” app from your device’s app store. Open the app and log in using your Eufy account credentials. If you don’t have an account, tap “Sign Up” and follow the prompts to create one using your email address.
Tip: Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Step 2: Select Your Camera
Once logged in, you’ll see a list of your connected cameras on the home screen. Tap on the camera you want to review. This will open the live view screen.
Step 3: Navigate to the Playback or Event Tab
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see several icons. Look for the one labeled “Playback” or “Events” (the exact label may vary slightly depending on your camera model and app version). Tap it to view recorded clips.
- Playback Mode: Shows a timeline of all recorded events. You can scrub through the timeline to find specific moments.
- Events Tab: Displays a list of motion or sound-triggered events with thumbnails and timestamps.
Step 4: Choose a Recording to View
In Playback mode, you’ll see a horizontal timeline at the bottom. Green bars indicate when motion was detected and recordings were saved. Tap on a green segment to jump to that time.
Alternatively, in the Events tab, scroll through the list and tap any event to watch the full clip.
Step 5: Download or Share the Recording
While viewing a clip, look for the download or share icon (usually a downward arrow or three dots). Tapping this allows you to:
- Save the video to your phone’s photo gallery
- Share it via email, text, or social media
- Upload it to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox
Note: Downloaded clips are saved in MP4 format and can be played on any device.
Step 6: Adjust Playback Settings (Optional)
You can customize how recordings are displayed:
- Timeline Zoom: Pinch to zoom in or out on the timeline for more precise navigation.
- Playback Speed: Some models let you speed up or slow down playback.
- Date Selection: Tap the calendar icon to jump to recordings from a specific day.
Accessing Eufy Recordings via the Web Portal
If you’re at a computer and prefer a larger screen, you can access your Eufy recordings through the official web portal. This is especially useful for reviewing longer clips or downloading multiple files at once.
Step 1: Go to the Eufy Security Website
Open your preferred web browser and go to mysecurity.eufylife.com. This is the official Eufy Security web portal.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
Enter your Eufy account email and password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, you’ll need to enter the verification code sent to your phone or email.
Step 3: Select Your Device
Once logged in, you’ll see a dashboard with all your connected devices. Click on the camera you want to review.
Step 4: Open the Playback or Event History
Look for a tab or button labeled “Playback,” “Event History,” or “Recordings.” Click it to view saved clips.
The interface is similar to the mobile app, with a timeline and event list. You can click on any recorded segment to watch it.
Step 5: Download Recordings
While viewing a clip, look for a download button (usually a downward arrow). Click it to save the video to your computer.
Tip: Use the date picker to filter recordings by day, week, or month. This helps when you’re looking for footage from a specific time.
Step 6: Use Advanced Filters (If Available)
Some Eufy models allow you to filter recordings by:
- Motion type (person, vehicle, pet)
- Time of day
- Camera zone (if you’ve set up activity zones)
This makes it easier to find relevant clips without scrolling through hours of footage.
Accessing Recordings from Local Storage (SD Card or HomeBase)
If your Eufy camera uses local storage—either a microSD card or a HomeBase device—you can access recordings directly without needing the app or internet.
Method 1: Using a microSD Card
Many Eufy cameras support microSD cards up to 128GB or 256GB (depending on the model). Here’s how to retrieve recordings:
Step 1: Power Off the Camera
To avoid corrupting the card, turn off the camera before removing the SD card. For battery-powered models, simply remove the battery.
Step 2: Remove the SD Card
Locate the SD card slot (usually on the side or bottom of the camera). Use a SIM ejector tool or paperclip to gently push the card out.
Step 3: Insert the Card into a Card Reader
Plug the microSD card into a USB card reader and connect it to your computer.
Step 4: Navigate to the Video Files
Open the SD card on your computer. You’ll see folders labeled by date (e.g., “2024-04-05”). Inside, you’ll find video files in MP4 format.
- Files are typically named with timestamps (e.g., “20240405_143022.mp4”)
- Each file represents a motion-triggered event
Step 5: Copy and Play the Files
Drag the files to your computer to save them. You can play them using any media player like VLC, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime.
Tip: Organize files by date or event type to make future searches easier.
Method 2: Using HomeBase Local Storage
If your cameras are connected to a HomeBase (like HomeBase 2 or 3), recordings are stored on the internal hard drive. Here’s how to access them:
Step 1: Connect HomeBase to Your Network
Ensure your HomeBase is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Access via the Eufy App or Web Portal
You can view HomeBase recordings the same way as SD card footage—through the app or website. The app will automatically detect the HomeBase and show stored clips.
Step 3: Use the HomeBase Interface (Advanced)
Some HomeBase models allow direct access via a web interface:
- Find the HomeBase IP address in your router settings
- Enter the IP in your browser (e.g., “192.168.1.100”)
- Log in with your Eufy credentials
- Browse and download recordings
Note: This method requires technical knowledge and may not be supported on all models.
Step 4: Backup Important Clips
Regularly download important recordings to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This protects your footage in case the HomeBase fails or is damaged.
Enabling and Managing Event Recording
Not all motion triggers a recording. Eufy cameras use smart detection to save only relevant events—saving storage space and battery life.
Step 1: Open the Eufy App
Go to the camera you want to configure and tap the settings icon (gear symbol).
Step 2: Enable Motion Detection
Look for “Motion Detection” or “Event Detection” and make sure it’s turned on.
Step 3: Adjust Sensitivity
Set the sensitivity level (Low, Medium, High). Higher sensitivity means more recordings, but also more false alerts (like moving trees or shadows).
Step 4: Set Activity Zones
Draw zones on the camera view where you want to detect motion. For example, you might ignore the street but monitor your front door.
Step 5: Enable Person, Pet, or Vehicle Detection
If your camera supports AI detection, turn on filters for people, pets, or vehicles. This reduces clutter by only recording what matters.
Step 6: Check Recording Duration
Set how long the camera records after detecting motion (e.g., 10, 30, or 60 seconds). Longer durations capture more context but use more storage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might not see any recordings—even though your camera is working. Here’s how to fix common problems.
Issue 1: No Recordings in the App
- Check Motion Detection: Make sure it’s enabled in the app settings.
- Verify Storage: If using an SD card, ensure it’s inserted and has free space.
- Update the App: Outdated apps can cause sync issues. Update via the App Store or Google Play.
- Restart the Camera: Power cycle the camera by turning it off and on.
Issue 2: Playback Timeline is Blank
- Check Date and Time: Make sure your phone and camera have the correct date and time settings.
- Wi-Fi Connection: Poor signal can prevent recordings from syncing. Move the camera closer to the router.
- Storage Full: If the SD card or HomeBase is full, old recordings may be deleted. Free up space or expand storage.
Issue 3: Can’t Download Recordings
- App Permissions: Ensure the app has permission to access your phone’s storage.
- File Format: Some devices can’t play MP4 files. Use a media player like VLC.
- Network Speed: Slow internet can interrupt downloads. Try again on a faster connection.
Issue 4: Recordings Are Missing or Corrupted
- SD Card Error: Format the card using the app (Settings > Device > Format SD Card).
- Power Interruption: Sudden power loss can corrupt files. Use a stable power source.
- Firmware Update: Check for camera firmware updates in the app.
Tips for Managing Your Eufy Recordings
To get the most out of your Eufy system, follow these best practices:
- Regularly Review Footage: Check recordings weekly to ensure everything is working.
- Label Important Clips: Rename downloaded files with descriptive names (e.g., “Front Door Package Theft – April 5”).
- Use Cloud Backup: Even with local storage, consider a cloud plan for critical events.
- Clean Your Camera Lens: Dust or dirt can block the view and reduce recording quality.
- Set Up Alerts: Enable push notifications so you’re instantly alerted to motion events.
Conclusion
Accessing Eufy recordings doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re using the mobile app, web portal, or retrieving files from local storage, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. By understanding your storage options, enabling proper detection settings, and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll always have access to the footage you need.
Remember, the key to seamless access is consistency—regularly check your settings, keep your app updated, and back up important clips. With Eufy’s flexible storage and user-friendly interface, you’re in full control of your home security.
So the next time you need to review a recording—whether it’s to check on a delivery, identify a visitor, or just see what your dog did all day—you’ll know exactly what to do. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable home monitoring.
