How to Know if a Security Camera is Recording?

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surveillance cams

You can check these points if you’re wondering how to know if a security camera is recording:

  1. You can see the security camera’s working status if it’s constantly rotating.
  2. A camera with red lights around it is also easy to check since the light is on when they’re working.
  3. How to tell if a camera has night vision? The red lights, while recording, will tell you.
  4. Check your live streaming. If you’re getting the updates in real time, that means your security camera is working.
  5. How do you know if a camera is recording? By checking if the ‘working’ light of the base system is on.
  6. Electronic bug detectors are devices that help detect bugs or presence around your security cameras. So you can use one of these to detect camera functionality.
  7. If you don’t know how to tell if a security camera is confirmed, see if it’s rotating with a buzzing sound.
  8. Check the security camera’s status on its native app.

This was all from our ‘quick guide for how to know if cameras are on. Keep on reading to the next section where we will talk about the types of security cameras types.

Security cameras are divided into two categories.

Types of Security Cameras

In your quest for how to tell if a security camera is recording, I’ll help you from the start.

First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on prioritizing your security. Having an IP or a CCTV camera with recording and audio capabilities will protect you with a good percentage of 67% to 70% crime deterrence. So, kudos!

There are two types of security cameras. Both of them serve the same purpose, surveillance, with a slight difference.

  1. IP security camera
  2. CCTV (close circuit television) security camera

The only difference can be the network where collected data is transferred. IP cameras connect to the leading network, while CCTV cameras only transmit to a local monitor point with restricted image quality.

Types based on shapes:

  • Box Camera (Box-shaped and fixed)
  • Dome Camera (dome-shaped with hidden camera direction)
  • PTZ Camera (Pan, Tilt, and Zoom features, rotates)
  • Bullet Camera ( rifle bullet-shaped with a fixed angle)
  • IP Camera (Tilting and swivel options to maximize viewing)

Types based on connection:

  • Wired (works on the network)
  • Wireless (works on WiFi)
  • Wire-free (rechargeable)

Types based on usage:

  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
  • Doorbell

These are basic types that are used worldwide. But, there are fake security cameras as well. How would you differentiate? Look for these signs.

  • Blinking light
  • Plastic covering
  • Low-quality footage
  • Sticking wires

The four points I mentioned are for you to check before you make a purchase. Most fake security cameras try to make an excellent copy of high-quality cameras, and you become just another fish.

I hope I made the signs clear, but ask me anything in the comment section. Let’s now jump to the subject of how to tell if a home security camera is on. The signs are the same for CCTV and IP cameras.

2 Must-Have Features for Your Security Cameras

Wireless

Your security camera MUST be wireless to avoid installation hassle and safety threats. How? Wireless security cameras do not rely on wires that intruders can easily cut and break into your house.

Home Automation

Connected home technologies provide us privileged access to observe and control what’s going on in our houses from anywhere in the world.

Connected smart homes offer you real-time information on your security system, and some even allow you to view your feed from the security system’s cameras directly on the devices.

Make sure your security cameras have these two features.

5 Ways to Leverage Security Cameras

Having a security camera installed and knowing how to find whether a CCTV camera working or not is not enough for the protection of your privacy.

There are other measures that you’ll need to ensure, and I’m going to tell you all about them here.

Secure Your Network

You’ve placed outdoor, doorbell, or indoor security cameras in the home or your workplace to secure it but is it of any use if the collected data is accessible to anybody, especially malicious actors?

Cybercriminals have become smarter as we have advanced in our security measures. They now hack your data to track your activities and then plan their actions accordingly.

What you must do in this case is secure your network, so your data is further secured.

Make Your Security Device Visible

I know you’ve heard to keep your security cameras hidden because they are the first thing professional burglars will look for and dewire.

But, keeping them placed on a higher spot will keep them out of reach and deter criminals with the ‘working’ LED light that they are being watched.

I’m not saying that you should make them accessible and visible at the same time because that would be like giving criminals a golden chance. Besides, you should also have hidden cameras around the place as backup options due to security threats. 

Sign up for Auto Help Dispatch

Connecting to the CCTV app is one thing and signing up for professional help dispatch is another. How? One keeps you connected to the system while the other stays alert for help.

You will get live streaming from your mobile app, but what if you’re not in a position to respond immediately? Your WiFi connection can be disrupted, or you may run out of mobile credit.

The unlikeliness of these events is not something that you should rely on, and having a backup doesn’t hurt anybody.

Go for Extra Storage

We all know that CCTV recordings are stored either at a local storage point or on the cloud, so we can use them when needed.

Usually, our camera storage, by default, is limited, and not all companies notify us when all of it is getting to the deadline.

Since the security cameras are recording 24/7, the available storage can get booked in a short time.

To save space, you can either set the parameters to ‘motion only,’ or you can keep a regular check or buy additional storage so you won’t miss out on anything and the live streaming continues without issues.

Shift to Weather Resistant Cameras

If the security cameras you’re currently using aren’t weather-friendly, you need to make the shift.

Usual cameras that are not weather resistant stop working when there are extreme weather conditions, and you sure don’t want that.

A tip here is to place the cameras at a safe point so they are not directly exposed to sunlight so they can record efficiently.

Also, some security companies are allowing for a replacement with a bit of an additional fee, so you may not have to buy a new product whatsoever.

Conclusion

Security cameras are extremely important, especially in these times. With their strongest tactics, burglars and package thieves are at risk, so we need to combat them with advanced technologies.

The best part is, you have a list of options to choose your security camera based on functionality, connectivity, features, and shape. But I’d recommend you go for something that has night vision, HD recording, cloud storage, a mobile app, and professional monitoring options.

Learn more about Smart Home Security