How to Find Deleted Videos on Eufy

How to Find Deleted Videos on Eufy

This guide explains how to find deleted videos on Eufy security cameras using built-in features, cloud storage, and local backups. You’ll learn practical steps to recover lost footage and prevent future deletions.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the Eufy app’s playback section first: Most deleted videos can be found in the event history or playback timeline before permanent removal.
  • Use cloud storage if enabled: Videos stored in Eufy Cloud may remain accessible even after local deletion, depending on your plan.
  • Review local storage settings: Footage saved to a HomeBase or microSD card might still exist if automatic deletion hasn’t occurred yet.
  • Enable video retention settings: Adjust how long videos are kept to avoid accidental or premature deletion.
  • Contact Eufy support for help: If standard methods fail, customer service may assist with advanced recovery options.
  • Prevent future loss with backups: Regularly export important clips to external drives or third-party cloud services.
  • Understand deletion causes: Learn why videos disappear—overwriting, manual deletion, or system errors—to respond effectively.

How to Find Deleted Videos on Eufy: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Losing important video footage from your Eufy security camera can be stressful—especially if it captures a break-in, package theft, or a cherished family moment. Fortunately, Eufy’s ecosystem is designed with multiple layers of storage and retention, which means deleted videos aren’t always gone forever. Whether you accidentally deleted a clip, your camera overwrote old footage, or you’re trying to recover something from days ago, this guide will walk you through every possible method to find deleted videos on Eufy.

In this comprehensive how-to guide, you’ll learn:

  • Where Eufy stores your videos (local vs. cloud)
  • How to check playback history for recently deleted clips
  • Steps to recover footage from HomeBase or microSD cards
  • How cloud storage plans affect video retention
  • Best practices to prevent future video loss
  • Troubleshooting tips when nothing seems to work

By the end, you’ll have a clear action plan to recover lost footage and protect your recordings moving forward. Let’s dive in.

Understanding How Eufy Stores Your Videos

Before attempting to recover deleted videos, it’s essential to understand where Eufy saves your footage and how deletion works. Eufy cameras use a hybrid storage system that combines local and cloud options, giving you flexibility—but also complexity when tracking down missing clips.

How to Find Deleted Videos on Eufy

Visual guide about How to Find Deleted Videos on Eufy

Image source: stellarinfo.com

Local Storage: HomeBase and microSD Cards

Most Eufy Security systems rely on a HomeBase station, which acts as a central hub for your cameras. This device connects to your home network and stores video recordings locally. Depending on your model, the HomeBase may have built-in storage (typically 16GB to 128GB) or support for an external microSD card.

When motion is detected, your Eufy camera records a short clip (usually 10–30 seconds) and saves it to the HomeBase. These clips are stored in a rolling buffer, meaning older videos are automatically deleted to make room for new ones—unless you’ve adjusted the retention settings.

Some Eufy cameras (like the SoloCam S40 or EufyCam 2C) also support direct microSD card recording. In this case, footage is saved directly to the card inside the camera, bypassing the HomeBase. This is useful for outdoor setups or areas with weak Wi-Fi.

Cloud Storage: Eufy Cloud Plans

In addition to local storage, Eufy offers optional cloud storage subscriptions through its Eufy Cloud service. With a paid plan (such as the Basic or Premium Cloud Plan), your videos are uploaded securely to Eufy’s servers and accessible from anywhere via the Eufy app.

Cloud storage has several advantages:

  • Videos are preserved even if your HomeBase is damaged or stolen
  • Longer retention periods (up to 30 days or more, depending on the plan)
  • No risk of overwriting due to storage limits

However, cloud storage is not automatic—you must enable it in the app and subscribe to a plan. If you haven’t activated cloud storage, your videos exist only locally and are more vulnerable to deletion.

How Deletion Works on Eufy

When you delete a video on Eufy, it doesn’t always vanish immediately. Here’s what typically happens:

  • Manual deletion: If you tap “Delete” on a clip in the app, it’s removed from the current view but may still exist in the system for a short time.
  • Automatic overwriting: Local storage uses a “first in, first out” system. When space runs out, the oldest videos are deleted to accommodate new recordings.
  • Cloud retention policies: Cloud-stored videos are kept for a set period (e.g., 7, 14, or 30 days) before being permanently deleted.

Understanding these mechanisms is key to knowing where to look and how long you have to recover a deleted video.

Step 1: Check the Eufy App Playback Section

The first and easiest place to look for deleted videos is the Playback section in the Eufy Security app. This feature shows a timeline of all recorded events, even if they’ve been marked for deletion.

How to Find Deleted Videos on Eufy

Visual guide about How to Find Deleted Videos on Eufy

Image source: stellarinfo.com

Open the Eufy Security App

Launch the Eufy Security app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the correct account and that your camera is online.

Navigate to the Playback Tab

At the bottom of the screen, tap the Playback icon (it looks like a calendar or timeline). This will display a chronological list of motion events recorded by your camera.

Scroll Through the Timeline

Use the date picker at the top to select the day when the video was recorded. Then, scroll through the timeline to find the event. Even if you deleted the clip, it may still appear here with a grayed-out or “deleted” label.

Look for “Deleted” or “Expired” Labels

Sometimes, deleted videos remain visible in the timeline but are marked as “Deleted” or “Expired.” While you can’t play them directly, their presence confirms the recording existed. This can help you determine if the footage was overwritten or truly gone.

Try the “Recover” Option (If Available)

In some cases, Eufy allows you to restore recently deleted clips. If you see a “Recover” button next to a deleted event, tap it to restore the video to your library. Note: This feature is not available on all models or app versions.

Tip: If you can’t find the video in Playback, try switching between cameras (if you have multiple) or checking different dates. Sometimes events are mislabeled or recorded under the wrong camera.

Step 2: Access Local Storage via HomeBase or microSD Card

If the video isn’t in the app’s Playback section, it may still exist on your HomeBase or microSD card—especially if it was deleted recently and hasn’t been overwritten yet.

Check HomeBase Storage

Your HomeBase stores videos in a proprietary format, so you can’t simply plug it into a computer and browse files. However, you can access the footage through the Eufy app or by connecting the HomeBase to a monitor.

Use the Eufy App to Browse Local Files

Open the Eufy app and go to Device Settings > Storage > Local Storage. Here, you’ll see a list of recorded events stored on the HomeBase. Look for the date and time of the missing video.

If the video appears but won’t play, it may be corrupted or partially overwritten. Try exporting it (if the option is available) or take a screenshot of the event details for reference.

Connect HomeBase to a Monitor (Advanced)

Some HomeBase models (like the HomeBase 2) have an HDMI port. You can connect it directly to a TV or monitor to view recordings without using the app. This method bypasses the app’s interface and may reveal hidden or deleted files.

To do this:

  1. Power off the HomeBase
  2. Connect an HDMI cable from the HomeBase to your TV
  3. Power on the HomeBase and select the correct input on your TV
  4. Use the on-screen menu to navigate to recorded events

Note: Not all HomeBase models support HDMI output. Check your user manual to confirm compatibility.

Remove and Read the microSD Card

If your camera uses a microSD card, you can remove it and read the files directly on a computer. This is one of the most effective ways to recover deleted videos.

Steps:

  1. Power off the camera and remove the microSD card
  2. Insert the card into a card reader and connect it to your computer
  3. Open the card’s folder and look for video files (usually in .mp4 or .mov format)
  4. Sort files by date to find the missing recording

Important: Eufy encrypts video files on microSD cards for security. If you see files but can’t open them, they may be encrypted and only playable through the Eufy app or HomeBase. In this case, reinsert the card and try accessing the footage via the app.

Pro Tip: Use data recovery software like Recuva (Windows) or Disk Drill (Mac) to scan the microSD card for deleted files. These tools can often recover videos that have been erased but not yet overwritten.

Step 3: Use Eufy Cloud Storage to Recover Deleted Videos

If you have a cloud storage plan, your deleted videos may still be accessible—even if they’re gone from local storage. Cloud retention policies vary by plan, so check your subscription details.

Check Your Cloud Plan

Open the Eufy app and go to Me > Cloud Subscription. Confirm that you have an active plan and note the retention period (e.g., 7, 14, or 30 days).

Access Cloud Playback

Tap the Playback tab and switch to the Cloud view (usually a toggle at the top). This shows only videos stored in the cloud.

Search for the Missing Video

Use the date and time filters to locate the event. Cloud-stored videos are typically preserved longer than local ones, so there’s a good chance your deleted clip is still here.

Download or Share the Video

If you find the video, tap the download icon to save it to your device. You can also share it via email or messaging apps for safekeeping.

Note: Cloud storage only retains videos for the duration of your plan. If the deletion occurred outside this window, the video is likely gone forever.

Step 4: Adjust Video Retention Settings to Prevent Future Loss

One of the best ways to avoid losing videos is to customize your retention settings. Eufy allows you to control how long footage is kept before being deleted.

Set Local Storage Retention

In the Eufy app, go to Device Settings > Storage > Local Storage. Look for “Retention Period” or “Auto Delete After.”

Choose a longer period (e.g., 30 days) to give yourself more time to review and save important clips. Keep in mind that longer retention uses more storage space.

Enable Cloud Storage

If you haven’t already, consider subscribing to Eufy Cloud. Even the Basic plan offers 7-day retention, which is often enough to recover accidentally deleted videos.

Turn Off Auto-Delete (If Available)

Some Eufy models allow you to disable automatic deletion entirely. This means videos will only be removed manually. While this prevents overwriting, it can fill up storage quickly—so use it wisely.

Step 5: Contact Eufy Support for Advanced Recovery

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still can’t find your deleted video, it’s time to reach out to Eufy Customer Support.

Prepare Your Information

Before contacting support, gather the following:

  • Camera model and serial number
  • Date and time of the missing video
  • Your Eufy account email
  • Screenshots of the Playback timeline (if possible)

Submit a Support Ticket

Visit the Eufy Support website and submit a ticket. Explain the situation clearly and ask if they can recover the video from their servers or logs.

Call or Chat Live (If Available)

For faster assistance, use the live chat or phone support options. Eufy’s support team may be able to access backend logs or provide firmware updates that improve recovery options.

Note: Eufy cannot recover videos that have been permanently deleted from both local and cloud storage. However, they may offer troubleshooting tips or confirm whether recovery is possible.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the right steps, you might run into problems. Here’s how to handle common issues when trying to find deleted videos on Eufy.

Issue: Video Doesn’t Appear in Playback

Solution: Check if motion detection was enabled at the time. If the camera didn’t detect motion, no video was recorded. Also, verify that the camera was online and recording.

Issue: microSD Card Shows No Files

Solution: The card may be corrupted or formatted. Try reinserting it into the camera and checking via the app. If that fails, use data recovery software or replace the card.

Issue: Cloud Video Not Available

Solution: Confirm your cloud plan is active and the video was recorded within the retention period. If not, the video has likely been purged from the server.

Issue: HomeBase Not Responding

Solution: Restart the HomeBase by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If it still doesn’t work, reset it to factory settings (note: this will erase all local footage).

Best Practices to Avoid Losing Videos in the Future

Prevention is better than recovery. Follow these tips to protect your Eufy footage:

  • Enable cloud storage for critical cameras
  • Regularly export important clips to your phone or computer
  • Set longer retention periods for high-traffic areas
  • Use dual storage (HomeBase + microSD) for redundancy
  • Label events in the app to make them easier to find later

Conclusion

Finding deleted videos on Eufy is possible—but it requires knowing where to look and acting quickly. Start with the app’s Playback section, then check local storage (HomeBase or microSD), and finally review cloud backups. Adjust your retention settings to prevent future loss, and don’t hesitate to contact Eufy support if needed.

While not every deleted video can be recovered, following this guide gives you the best chance of success. With the right setup and habits, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your important moments are safe and accessible.

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