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Why Is My Trail Camera Not Taking Pictures?

Trail cameras are valuable tools for hunters and nature lovers year-round. You can place these devices throughout your hunting or outdoor areas to capture images of wildlife. With a camera boasting time-lapse and motion detection features, you can use images to determine animal patterns and hotspots on your property. Many hunters rely on cameras for information about game and important locations.

That's why it's so frustrating when you check your trail camera only to find it has been taking poor quality images or no pictures at all! Thankfully, trail cameras are straightforward devices. If your game camera is not taking pictures, you can solve and avoid most issues with these simple troubleshooting steps.

How to Troubleshoot Your Trail Camera

Trail cameras generally have one primary purpose: take photos on your property. This singular task means there are fortunately only so many things that can go wrong with your device. Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can solve and prevent problems with your device.

Read the Camera Manual

When you get a new trail camera (or if you're having trouble with a previous purchase), fully read the camera manual that comes with it. Every device is unique, and even products from the same manufacturer will differ between models. The manual is your best resource for specific tips and solutions for your trail camera. You'll understand your camera inside and out and be able to identify or prevent issues in the future.

Review Your Settings

If you check your trail camera only to find it hasn't been taking photos, double-check your current settings. Sometimes you simply forget to start it up — make sure the camera is on. Then review your settings to confirm your device is set to take photographs when it detects motion, or put it in time-lapse mode.

Check the Batteries

If your device only took a few photos or won't turn on, inspect the batteries. Most battery-powered trail cameras will last over time, but sometimes the batteries fail for several reasons. Luckily, this issue is a quick fix as long as you have fresh batteries on hand. Make sure you're using the proper kind of batteries and install them correctly.

Inspect Your SD Card

The SD card is an essential part of your trail camera and a common source of issues. If you want to avoid these problems, use the SD card the manufacturer recommends for your camera. Before inserting the card, make sure it is unlocked by checking the small switch on the side, and format it with the camera so that it will work properly.

Trail Cameras From Moultrie

Check out our FAQ page for more troubleshooting tips and support from Moultrie. We're ready to help you solve your trail camera or other equipment issues so you can get back into the woods as soon as possible.

Moultrie is a leader in the game camera and feeder industries. We're proud to bring you the best cameras and equipment to help you monitor your hunting area year-round. Capture and store thousands of images with our dependable trail cameras to make hunting and scouting so much easier. Browse our selection of available game cameras today!