Key Takeaways
- Why Your Ring Event History May Be Missing:
- Poor or Unstable Internet
- No Active Ring Protect Plan Subscription
- Using an Older Version of the Ring App
- Motion Detection or Recording Disabled
- Corrupted App Cache Problems
- Ring Server Outage
- To Fix the “Video for this event does not exist” Error:
- Ensure a Stable Wi-Fi Connection
- Verify Your Ring Protect Plan
- Update Your Ring App
- Check Ring Server Status
- Contact Ring Support (if all else fails)
Is your Ring camera not recording important events? This can seriously impact your home security. In this post, I’ll explore why you may find your Ring Event history missing and provide quick solutions to get your camera back to recording and storing videos.
Why Is My Ring Event History Missing?
Your Ring event history may be missing due to several reasons, including the following:
- Internet Connection: If your Ring device has a weak or unstable connection, it might not upload events properly, showing you a “The video is not available” message.
- No Active Subscription: Without a Ring Protect Plan, event recordings won’t be saved in your history.
- Outdated App: Using an older Ring app version can cause issues with event display.
- Settings Misconfigured: If motion detection or recording settings are off, events won’t be recorded.
- App Cache Issues: A corrupted app cache might block events from appearing.
- Server Outages: If Ring’s servers are down, your event history may temporarily disappear.
How to Fix a Ring Event History Missing Issue
Before we begin…
Check the Ring status page to see if there’s a server issue. Since Ring stores videos in the cloud, server issues can prevent recordings from being saved or displayed, leading to missing event history. If the server is down, you can’t really do much until Ring fixes it.
Now, let’s fix the Ring event history missing issue.
1. Fix Network Issues
If you’re seeing “The video for this event does not exist” on your Ring device, your Wi-Fi signal may be too weak. Here’s how to improve it:
- Position Your Router Centrally: Place it away from walls or obstacles for even Wi-Fi coverage.
- Reduce Interference: Keep the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, or other electronics that could interfere.
- Consider a New Router: Upgrading to a router with the latest Wi-Fi standards can boost performance.
- Use Wi-Fi Extenders or Mesh Networks: These help create a consistent network across your home, eliminating weak spots.
- Choose the Right Band: Connect your Ring devices to the 5GHz band for faster, more stable performance, which can reduce event history issues.
2. Prevent Subscription Lapses
To save and access recorded videos, Ring requires an active Protect Plan. If your event history shows a “Ring Protect was inactive during this event” error, your subscription may have lapsed. Here’s how to prevent that:
a. 🔁 Set Up Automatic Renewal
- Log into your Ring account.
- Navigate to your subscription settings.
- Ensure auto-renewal is enabled to automatically renew your subscription before it expires.
- Also, keep your payment method up to date, especially if your credit card is expiring soon, to avoid failed renewals.
b. 🔔 Enable Subscription Status Alerts
- Go to the Ring account setting.
- Verify your email address and opt-in for subscription notifications to receive reminders before your subscription expires.
- Enable push notifications in the Ring app for subscription updates, providing an extra reminder to renew on time.
c. 💳 Review Payment Information Regularly
Log into your Ring account regularly to review your payment information. This is crucial if you recently got a new card or if your bank has issued cards with updated security features.
3. Address Software Glitches
Software glitches in the Ring app or device firmware can lead to missing event histories, often due to outdated software. Here’s how to fix or prevent these glitches:
a. ⚙️ Enable Automatic Updates in the Ring App
- Open the Ring app.
- Navigate to Account Settings.
- Find the Update Settings or similar options and enable automatic updates for both the app and device firmware.
b. 📲 Manually Check for Updates
On iOS or Android, open the app store, search for Ring, and tap Update if available. Also, check the Device Health section in the Ring app to update firmware if needed.
c. 🔄 Reboot via the Ring App
- Open the Ring app and tap ☰ (Menu).
- Select the device you want to reboot and tap Device Health.
- Scroll down and tap Reboot This Device.
- Confirm and let your Ring device reboot. It might take a few minutes.
d. 🔌 Power Cycle Your Device
For persistent issues, power cycling your Ring device can help resolve minor glitches. Here’s how to do it:
- Disconnect the device from its power source (unplug or remove the battery).
- Wait about 1 minute.
- Reconnect the power or reinsert the battery and wait a few minutes for the device to restart.
4. Check Hardware Issues
If none of the above resolves your issue, there could be a hardware problem with your Ring device. For example, direct sunlight or blocked sensors can interfere with performance. Here’s how to prevent hardware issues:
To prevent such issues from impacting your Ring device’s ability to record events, here’s what you can do:
- 🔍 Inspect Your Device: Regularly check your Ring device for visible damage or wear, such as cracks, water damage, or loose parts.
- 🛡️ Protect Your Device: Shield your Ring device from harsh weather, water damage, and environmental factors with a protective cover.
- 🧼 Clean Your Device: Gently clean your device with a soft, dry cloth, and remove any debris or obstructions that could block the camera lens or motion sensors.
- 🚧 Check for Obstructions: Ensure there are no physical obstructions like plants or branches blocking your device’s view or sensors; trim foliage and adjust positioning as needed.
🔋 For Battery-Operated Models:
- Regularly check the battery level via the Ring app. While you’ll receive low battery notifications, it’s wise to manually check, especially before long absences.
- If the battery is low, replace or recharge it using the recommended battery type, following the proper charging instructions.
⚡ For Wired Models:
- Ensure all power connections are secure, including the plug and device connections.
- Verify that your device’s power supply is functioning correctly. If there’s a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker, check your home’s electrical panel to ensure power is restored to the circuit.
Never Miss Your Ring Event Footage
To prevent the Ring Camera from missing events, ensure a stable internet connection, have a Protect Plan subscription, and maintain software and hardware health.
Here’s more that you may find helpful:
- You should know how long Ring keeps videos on its cloud before you start troubleshooting for missing footage.
- Use Ring Doorbell local storage to store footage locally for better privacy and data control.
- Since Ring Doorbells don’t record all the time, you may not have a recorded stream of 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Ring Timeline Missing?
What does “Ring Protect was inactive during this event” mean?
Can I retrieve videos from a period when my Ring Protect subscription was inactive?
What happens to my Ring event history if I switch Wi-Fi networks?
Is there a limit to how many events Ring can store in the event history timeline?
What should I do if my Ring device is recording events, but they are not showing up in the timeline?
Hashir
Hi, I’m Hashir, a tech enthusiast with a deep love for smart home innovations. My interest in technology has always been driven by the idea of making everyday life more streamlined and efficient. After years of experimenting with smart devices in my own home, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I focus on practical, easy-to-understand solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their home. Writing for JustSmarter allows me to connect with fellow tech lovers and help them take their first steps—or next steps—into the exciting world of smart homes.
