Eve Outdoor Cam Not Recording or Connecting

The Eve Outdoor Cam provides HomeKit Secure Video recording with motion detection and a spotlight. The 2nd generation adds Thread support. This guide covers connectivity and recording issues.

Camera Not Connecting During Setup

Symptoms

  • HomeKit code scan fails
  • Camera not found in Eve app
  • Setup times out

Solutions

  1. Check power - Camera requires hardwired power connection to existing outdoor light fixture.
  2. WiFi signal - Verify strong 2.4GHz or 5GHz signal at mounting location.
  3. Use Eve app - Download Eve app for initial setup guidance.
  4. Reset camera - Hold reset button for 10 seconds until LED flashes.
  5. HomeKit code - Scan code on camera or cable, or enter manually in Home app.

HomeKit Secure Video Not Recording

Symptoms

  • Motion detected but no clips
  • Live view works but no recordings
  • iCloud storage issues

Solutions

  1. iCloud+ subscription - HSV requires iCloud+ with at least 50GB plan.
  2. Home Hub required - Apple TV or HomePod must be set as home hub.
  3. Camera limit - Check your iCloud+ plan's camera limit (1, 5, or unlimited).
  4. Recording settings - In Home app, configure when to record (Stream, Detect, Record).
  5. Activity zones - Set up zones to focus recording on important areas.

Motion Detection Issues

Symptoms

  • Motion not detected
  • Too many false alerts
  • Motion sensitivity too high/low

Solutions

  1. Activity zones - Create zones to focus on areas of interest, exclude busy areas.
  2. Object detection - Enable people, animal, or vehicle detection to filter alerts.
  3. Sensitivity - Adjust motion sensitivity in camera settings.
  4. Mounting angle - Camera should be angled to capture motion crossing field of view.

Spotlight and Night Vision

Symptoms

  • Spotlight not activating
  • Night vision too dark
  • Spotlight always on

Solutions

  1. Configure spotlight - In Eve app or Home, set spotlight to activate on motion.
  2. Brightness - Adjust spotlight brightness level in settings.
  3. Schedule - Set spotlight to only work during night hours.
  4. IR night vision - Ensure camera isn't pointed at reflective surfaces causing IR glare.

Thread Connectivity (2nd Gen)

Symptoms

  • Thread not connecting
  • Slower than expected
  • Falls back to WiFi

Solutions

  1. Thread border router - Requires HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K for Thread.
  2. Camera uses WiFi primarily - Thread provides additional connectivity but video uses WiFi.
  3. Update firmware - Use Eve app to update to latest Thread-compatible firmware.