How to Fix PIR Motion Detection False Alarms – Zosi Help Center Support

Thank you for choosing our battery-powered camera. We understand that occasional false alarms from the PIR (Passive Infrared) motion detection can be frustrating. This guide explains how PIR works, the common causes of false triggers, and provides practical solutions to optimize your device settings for a more accurate security experience.

1. How Does PIR Work? Why Do False Alarms Happen?

Our battery cameras use a PIR sensor to intelligently wake the device and trigger alarms. Its core function is to detect changes in infrared (heat) radiation within a scene. When a heat source (like a human body) moves across the detection area, the sensor perceives this change and wakes the camera.

A PIR sensor is essentially a "heat-change" detector, not an "image" detector. Therefore, any factor that causes a sudden change in thermal radiation in the scene can potentially trigger a false alarm. This is a physical characteristic, not a device malfunction.

2. Common Causes of False Triggers & Solutions

Please refer to the following checklist, starting with the simplest adjustments. Most false alarm issues can be resolved effectively.

A. Installation Location & Environmental Factors

Common Cause Description Solution

Light & Shadow Interference

Moving car headlights, swaying tree shadows,

or changing sunlight patterns from clouds.

Smooth floors, glass, and mirrors can reflect sunlight.

(Most common cause)

Adjust the camera angle to avoid facing windows,

trees, glass, mirrors, or other reflective surfaces.

Environmental Heat Disturbances

Direct airflow or heat radiation from air conditioners,

heaters, fans, or the hot exhaust from passing vehicles.

Inspect the camera's field of view for such devices.

Relocate the camera to avoid direct airflow or radiation paths from heat sources.

Small Animal Activity

Heat sources from moving pets (cats, dogs) or insects.

Mount the camera at least 2.5 meters (8 feet) above the ground and tilt it slightly downward.

This optimizes the detection pattern for human movement. Also, adjust the sensitivity in App -> PIR Setting.

B. Device Settings

Common Cause	Description	Solution
Sensitivity Set Too High	The camera is overly responsive to even minor thermal changes.	In the `App -> PIR Setting`, reduce the sensitivity level.

C. Hardware Issues

Common Cause

Description

Solution

Lens Contamination

At night, dust particles or spider webs in front of the lens can cause

PIR signal distortion, especially under streetlights.

Avoid installing the camera directly under a streetlight.

Periodically clean the lens with a soft cloth to keep it spotless.

Unstable Mounting

The camera itself vibrates slightly

(e.g., mounted on a thin wooden door).

Check that the mounting bracket is secure.

Ensure the camera does not vibrate due to wind or door movements.

3. How We Reduce False Alarms Through Technology

To provide a better experience, our products integrate advanced technologies:

AI Human Detection: This is the most crucial technology. After the PIR sensor wakes the device, the first frame of the image is immediately analyzed by the local AI chip. Only when a human figure is confirmed will an alert be sent and video recorded. Please ensure your App and device firmware are up-to-date to benefit from the latest AI algorithms.

4. If You've Tried Everything and the Problem Persists

If you have exhausted all the above methods without success, please contact our customer support team. To help us resolve your issue more efficiently, please prepare the following information:

Your device model and serial number.
The approximate time(s) when the false alarms occurred.
Screenshots or video clips of the false alarm (this helps us most directly determine the cause).
The solutions you have already tried.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will false triggers drain the battery faster?

A: Yes! Each false trigger wakes the camera, records video, and sends a notification. A single false trigger consumes roughly the same power as 2 hours of normal standby. Resolving false triggers is key to extending battery life.

Q2: How can I confirm if it's a "false trigger" or a "real event"?

A: Check the alert video! If the video shows no moving targets like people or pets, only sunlight, curtains, or vehicles, it's a false trigger. If the video shows an unfamiliar figure, we recommend checking for potential security risks.

Q3: The PIR triggered, but there's no target in the video. Is the camera broken?

A: Not necessarily. Possible reasons:

Incorrect installation angle: For example, the PIR can detect moving curtains on a balcony to the side, but the lens is pointed at the living room, so the source of the disturbance isn't captured.
Rapid movement: A person moving too quickly through the scene might not be captured. Try adjusting the camera's position.

Q4: How should I set the PIR sensitivity for different scenarios (e.g., day/night, indoor/outdoor)?

A: There's no "one-size-fits-all" setting. Adjust according to the scene for best results:

Daytime (Outdoor / Street-facing): With strong light and many disturbances (cars, pedestrians), set the sensitivity to Medium to avoid frequent false alarms.
Nighttime (Indoor / Quiet Neighborhood): With fewer disturbances and a need for accurate detection, set the sensitivity to High to prevent missing real human activity.

More question，feel free to let us know.

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