Plan Verkada camera replacement around its irreversible read-only transition

Treat the original camera’s read-only transition as a coverage and preservation checkpoint before replacement.

Source facts

Verkada camera replacement switches the original camera into read-only mode, so it stops recording new footage. The documented workflow asks the administrator to select footage, quality, and an upload schedule, then wait for the safe-to-disconnect banner before unplugging the device. Backed-up footage remains associated with the original camera rather than moving to the replacement. Deleting that original device removes its associated data. Read-only mode cannot be reversed through the normal workflow; Verkada directs customers to Support for assistance.

Source: Verkada Help — Camera Replacement.

Applicability

Applies to the Camera Replacement workflow documented in Verkada Command. This is a device retirement transition; it does not establish the replacement camera’s coverage or recording readiness.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends scheduling the read-only transition as an explicit coverage change. Identify the camera that will cover the area while the old device uploads, and obtain approval for any uncovered interval. Preserve specifically required clips separately before the transition. Put the original serial number, replacement serial number, selected upload interval, and disconnection authorization in the change record. Keep the original Command entry available until the footage owner approves its eventual removal.

Verification

Before disconnecting, inspect the completion banner and play representative backed-up clips. Independently confirm that the new camera records the required scene. Reopen the old camera’s history to establish that investigators can still find the earlier material; do not use a green status on the replacement as that proof.

Official reference

Verkada Help — Camera Replacement. Reviewed October 15, 2026.