Review Insights · App Store
Zmodo
EP Technology Corporation · 1,722 ratings · ★ 3.0
3.0
★★★★★
1,722 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 98 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"cameras"
51 negative reviews mention this · 52% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Ads on opening? I pay $70 a year.. Never was the greatest app. The cameras work ok, and it was enough to get by. But now with the most recent update they’ve added popup ads you have to view before opening the app. Crazy considering I’m paying $70 a year for their services." - Slickmeyer
2
"camera"
27 negative reviews mention this · 28% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Annoying advertisement. I am paying for a subscription, and recently every time I open app there is an annoying advertisement, that makes me wanting to get a different camera. I’ve been a subscriber for years, I think this is very disrespectful to paying customers…" - Mashanay
3
"update"
26 negative reviews mention this · 27% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Ads on opening? I pay $70 a year.. Never was the greatest app. The cameras work ok, and it was enough to get by. But now with the most recent update they’ve added popup ads you have to view before opening the app. Crazy considering I’m paying $70 a year for their services." - Slickmeyer
4
"zmodo"
22 negative reviews mention this · 22% of all complaints
★★★★★ "So many ads. They just added an ad that plays as soon as you open the app, you have to wait for the ad to play all the way through before you can access your cameras. I pay a subscription for half of my cameras, why am I seeing an ad? Looking into chang…" - Mhighsm
5
"years"
21 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Annoying advertisement. I am paying for a subscription, and recently every time I open app there is an annoying advertisement, that makes me wanting to get a different camera. I’ve been a subscriber for years, I think this is very disrespectful to paying customers…" - Mashanay
6
"been"
16 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Annoying advertisement. I am paying for a subscription, and recently every time I open app there is an annoying advertisement, that makes me wanting to get a different camera. I’ve been a subscriber for years, I think this is very disrespectful to paying customers…" - Mashanay
7
"subscription"
15 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Annoying advertisement. I am paying for a subscription, and recently every time I open app there is an annoying advertisement, that makes me wanting to get a different camera. I’ve been a subscriber for years, I think this is very disrespectful to paying customers…" - Mashanay
8
"every"
15 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Annoying advertisement. I am paying for a subscription, and recently every time I open app there is an annoying advertisement, that makes me wanting to get a different camera. I’ve been a subscriber for years, I think this is very disrespectful to paying customers…" - Mashanay
9
"view"
14 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Ads on opening? I pay $70 a year.. Never was the greatest app. The cameras work ok, and it was enough to get by. But now with the most recent update they’ve added popup ads you have to view before opening the app. Crazy considering I’m paying $70 a year for their services." - Slickmeyer
10
"already"
13 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Annoying advertisement. I am paying for a subscription, and recently every time I open app there is an annoying advertisement, that makes me wanting to get a different camera. I’ve been a subscriber for years, I think this is very disrespectful to paying customers…" - Mashanay
11
"screen"
13 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "This App Went to the Toilet. This app used to be useful, now with forced full screen ads and a delay before you can enter the app to view cameras, it is complete junk. On top of that, there are more ads once you enter the app too. Reading other reviews, Zmodo is trea…" - WeisGuy5
12
"company"
13 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Fake virus ads. Now I get ads that appear as fake viruses. No legitimate company would use an ad service like this. Just use google ads like any reputable company would. Edit: what a joke of a developer response. Anything short of "we apologize sincerely,…" - 8ate8
📋 All 98 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Annoying advertisement
I am paying for a subscription, and recently every time I open app there is an annoying advertisement, that makes me wanting to get a different camera. I’ve been a subscriber for years, I think this is very disrespectful to paying customers. I am not sure at this point for how long I would want to keep this service. Already bought new camera, just need to install it and I’ll be done with this one. So not worth my time.
Ads on opening? I pay $70 a year.
Never was the greatest app. The cameras work ok, and it was enough to get by. But now with the most recent update they’ve added popup ads you have to view before opening the app. Crazy considering I’m paying $70 a year for their services.
So many ads
They just added an ad that plays as soon as you open the app, you have to wait for the ad to play all the way through before you can access your cameras. I pay a subscription for half of my cameras, why am I seeing an ad? Looking into changing companies now, this is all too annoying for me. Also, the ads play very loud, they also removed the ability to mute the ads. Zmodo has gone down hill and continues to get worse. Look elsewhere.
Why would you add Ads???
The app added ads and it had completely ruined the app. You can’t check the cameras without waiting for the ad to finish playing. Will be looking for alternative.
Why Ads?
I already paid for the cameras and pay for the service, why do I need to see ads?
Pathetic
Despite a bug fix in the last 22 hours, the group functionality is still broken. You can still create groups BUT they only exist for the duration of the session. Once you close the app they go away.
This App Went to the Toilet
This app used to be useful, now with forced full screen ads and a delay before you can enter the app to view cameras, it is complete junk. On top of that, there are more ads once you enter the app too.
Reading other reviews, Zmodo is treating this like it is some malfunction we should call support about. Really? You did this, don’t pretend to be helpful like you do not know about it. Just fix it by removing the ads with the delay. Your product is good, your app used to be good. Don’t throw away good for something new that needs flushed.
Reading other reviews, Zmodo is treating this like it is some malfunction we should call support about. Really? You did this, don’t pretend to be helpful like you do not know about it. Just fix it by removing the ads with the delay. Your product is good, your app used to be good. Don’t throw away good for something new that needs flushed.
Showing me ads before I can use the feature.
What an absolute piece of nonsense garbage this app is. After the last update, you need to view an ad before you can view your active cameras. How much revenue is this actually driving for the business? I paid for the camera, and the app came with it. I never agreed to watch ads every time I want to access the camera. So lame.
Spam
I never had an issue until recently. Every time the app is opened, I get spam pop ups. Please fix this!
Ads
Ads? What a joke
Latest update Ads!
Constant ads on latest update. Garbage. Will have to find new cameras now. Can’t stand the ads.
DELETED DUE TO ADVERTISEMENTS
They made this unusable and untrustworthy. I got a popup to update my firmware and it bricked my camera. I deleted this trash. WILL NEVER USE AGAIN!
Holy adgasm Batman!
One of the more recent updates as of this review turned on very invasive ads that you have to deal with before you can even get to the home screen!
Adds steal your info
Do not use. The adds when you open up the app steal info.
Fake virus ads
Now I get ads that appear as fake viruses. No legitimate company would use an ad service like this. Just use google ads like any reputable company would.
Edit: what a joke of a developer response. Anything short of "we apologize sincerely, we didn't realize you were going to receive those types of ads, and we'll immediately remove them" shows you this company doesn't care about you.
Edit: what a joke of a developer response. Anything short of "we apologize sincerely, we didn't realize you were going to receive those types of ads, and we'll immediately remove them" shows you this company doesn't care about you.
Ads
Why add ads to a camera app poor way to fund the app and company
SCAMS
This app used to work just fine. Now, when you open it, scam ads pop up trying to make you panic click them instead of letting you see your video feed. The close button doesn’t appear for seconds and it is dangerously close to the ads. Click one on accident and you’ll be sent to who knows what kind of scam website.
REMOVE THIS NOW
REMOVE THIS NOW
Ads now? Even though we’ve paid?
Update!! The ads are super scammy, rude, inappropriate, offensive, and unnecessary. Not renewing. Ever.
Now there’s an ad every time I open the app… we pay for the subscription. I’ll be switching brands now.
Editing my review to say it’s not just ads when you open the app. They pop up constantly while trying to view videos or do anything. Very unhappy with this service.
Now there’s an ad every time I open the app… we pay for the subscription. I’ll be switching brands now.
Editing my review to say it’s not just ads when you open the app. They pop up constantly while trying to view videos or do anything. Very unhappy with this service.
Forced ads delay camera viewing and lead to poor security
The introduction of a forced ads when opening the app is incredibly problematic. We need to be able to see and access our cameras quickly, we have to now see an ad and have to wait for the close button to appear. I’m quite frankly shocked that a security app would add ads like this to their app. Hoping this will change or I will gladly move to a different company.
If you like ads get this app
Not happy with the update. Just to login you have to watch an ad first. So many ads you can’t reach the cameras right away. Horrible decision to add ads before you can login. Before you can click on settings you watch another add.
The ads are awful and some are showing nude photos not acceptable.
Every time I open the app now there are ads and sometimes it is nude photos which is not acceptable.
New app gets a bunch of ads
The camera works pretty well, but the problem is with this new update to the app. You have to watch ads and some ads even have sound. Pretty poor marketing if you ask me. Would not recommend.
Ads Make This Security App Useless
This app is supposed to provide quick access to home security footage, but it’s overloaded with ads. Ads should never interfere with live camera access - that’s the main purpose of the app.
Delays caused by ads defeat the purpose of having a security system. This is not just annoying, it’s a serious usability and safety issue.
If ads are necessary, they should never appear when opening live view. Until this is fixed, the app is not reliable for real security use.
Delays caused by ads defeat the purpose of having a security system. This is not just annoying, it’s a serious usability and safety issue.
If ads are necessary, they should never appear when opening live view. Until this is fixed, the app is not reliable for real security use.
Advertisements
Advertisements when opening the app and I’m a paid customer! Crazy!
Yes!
I’ve always said that in the event of an emergency or life threatening situation, there needs to be an add between opening the app and accessing the cameras. When time is most important, you need product placement. Finally! Zmodo gets that your safety isn’t that important anyway.
Edit: just look at the recent reviews. Way to ruin a good product you morons.
2nd Edit: I received the same form letter nonsense response that we all are getting. lol. They want to know where to put the ad…lol. This company is doomed.
Edit: just look at the recent reviews. Way to ruin a good product you morons.
2nd Edit: I received the same form letter nonsense response that we all are getting. lol. They want to know where to put the ad…lol. This company is doomed.
Ads?! On my security cameras?!
I don’t know who thought that ads on a security camera app was a good idea but I shouldn’t have to close an ad to see if my house is getting robbed. Absolutely ridiculous as I pay monthly for you to even store half the camera videos. Looks like it’s time to switch to someone else who is more worried about safety and security.
Excessive pop-up ads
I am a paid member for multiple cameras using the platform. When you get an alert that there is something that needs to be reviewed immediately like somebody in your house. That’s not supposed to be there. Only to find when you open the app you have to wait about 10 to 15 seconds for all of the pop-up ads to cycle through so that you can even see the recorded footage is ridiculous. I understand platforms cost money, but when you pay for the service you don’t expect to have to deal with pop-up ads like it’s some free game/app You downloaded on the App Store, one second matter to you all that this company cares about is some random product being pushed in your face
A mess
New update is awful! The unnecessary pop up adds, can’t see the time on videos, and replay lags
Ads for improve infrastructure
That is the biggest pile of bull. You are just trying to make more money while screwing over paying subscription customer. Ads should be for those that don’t have subscriptions. I would be switching to a better product and company
The company has to have been hacked
There's no way forcing ads on a security app, one required to download in order to use cameras that you spent hundreds of $ on, can be legal. This isn't some free mobile game, it's literally half of the camera functionality. Makes me think that they're jumping ship and just trying to scam as many people as they can before they finally just disappear one day. I'm buying new cameras TODAY and will have these removed by the end of the week.
Edit: after receiving the same basic response as everyone else, it should be known that I don't pay for a subscription. Even if I did, this wouldn't make sense as a subscription is literally to cover the costs they stated. On the other hand, I have an NAS system so I don't use your cloud based services. The cameras are connected to the base with my local hard drive, and this newly ad ridden app is the only way to access them. Thus, it is predatory to put ads on the only place that I can go to in order to view cameras that I paid pull price for years ago with the idea that I wouldn't have to use cloud services. You're a fraud of a company.
Edit: after receiving the same basic response as everyone else, it should be known that I don't pay for a subscription. Even if I did, this wouldn't make sense as a subscription is literally to cover the costs they stated. On the other hand, I have an NAS system so I don't use your cloud based services. The cameras are connected to the base with my local hard drive, and this newly ad ridden app is the only way to access them. Thus, it is predatory to put ads on the only place that I can go to in order to view cameras that I paid pull price for years ago with the idea that I wouldn't have to use cloud services. You're a fraud of a company.
Worst update I’ve ever seen!
Why did you change a app that works? Can’t save my settings to make a group. Commercials take longer to respond to alerts. Not a good look for Zmodo. I’ve always recommended Zmodo to people I meet. You can do better than this. Did you even test it or just throw it at customers?
App don’t work on my iPad
Why would I want to buy more cameras when your app doesn’t work on the ones already bought from you this sucks I have wasted my money and you don’t seem to care
These cameras and app are a joke
I’ve been unfortunately using these camera for a couple years now. While the perks of them are good, you have to pay for each individual camera if you want 24/7 play back as well as having storage for them. You can’t but the “premium” or whatever once and be good. It’s a subscription service that you have to buy for EACH INDIVIDUAL CAMERA. Not to mention the most recent update forces you to watch an ad before you can open up your cameras feed. God forbid you have an emergency situation and need to access your cameras fast. Nope, your life could turn completely upside down because you have to watch an add first. Everything about these cameras and the app is a complete joke. Steer very clear from these!!!
HACKED
This app is now full of scam ads. Terrible user experience. Will never buy these cameras again. Avoid this company with the entirety of your being.
Scammy ads on new app version!
Why is Apple allowing an app that is running scam ads on their app? The more this app installs the worst it gets. The cameras are cheap but the scammy ads are what gets you! Really bad!
Turn a turn for the worst
App was fine up until a few days ago when they added scam ads before you can even view your cameras. They forced an app update for this…absolute trash and time to find a new camera system.
Horrendous App
I’ve had Zmodo for roughly five years and we will no longer be using them. The latest update was for “emergency bug fixes,” but I am suddenly inundated with extremely predatory ads stating my account has been hacked and I need to click a link. I was also forced to sit through another ad when I tried to pull up system settings. I can no longer pull up my camera footage in a moment’s notice because of the ads I have to sit through. I’ve paid for roughly 15 cameras from Zmodo, I pay $40 a month for their cloud service, and I still have to sit through extremely predatory ads that I’m sure someone else has already fallen for.
PREDATORY ads
New app version has very sketchy and predatory ads. There should be NO ads…but the predatory nature of the ads makes this system look very unstable and shady.
Harmful Ads
The most recent app update inserts an ad splash screen you must click past to get to the app. These are ads that say things “a virus has been detected on your phone” and the like. These ads display again if you move to another app & switch back. Ads still display with a subscription. Will be moving to a competing camera platform .
New ads in app startup
The app used to be OK, not great but usable. Lots of glitches and missed connections. But it worked for what it was, an entry level no name security system. They recently added ads to the startup of the app. You have to wait and click out of the ads now. Super frustrating when you’re trying to check the doorbell to wait for an ad. Makes these cameras somewhat worthless. If they don’t remove the ads, I will be removing the cameras within 30 days. Too bad greed took over.
Ads
Been a paying Customer for 10+ years. Two weeks ago all of a sudden started getting ads every time I open the app up. Paying customers should not be seeing ads. I just canceled my subscription last week and will be looking for new cameras.
Updated now adds
This app was good untill the last update. Now all you get is spammed with pop up ads
Annoying pop up ads
Just started recently every time I open the app to view live feeds I have pop up ads. I have to close those as it blocks the entire screen before I’m able to view my feeds. When I pay for cameras to use, they shouldn’t have any ads
The app has been very glitchy and I reported that to CS. I got a reply back saying I was the only Apple user reporting any issues. Makes me reconsider my purchases of 6 cameras.
The app has been very glitchy and I reported that to CS. I got a reply back saying I was the only Apple user reporting any issues. Makes me reconsider my purchases of 6 cameras.
What happened?
Once great, not anymore after last push! 4 cams subscribed. Now, ads all over the place. GROUPS disappeared have to re-add group at each sign. States device has already added to (null). Move device to current group? So I do but it’s only Temporary and disappears again. FRUSTRATED and about ready to dump Zmodo completely. Roll it back please.
Awful Ads with recent updates!
What did you people do with this app? You ruined it! It was already slow to show the cameras but I was able to work around that by opening it more frequently. Now, since the latest update, I’m getting pop up ads that take up the entire screen, the moment I open the app! I tried to x out and it tried to install. I thought at first it was some sort of virus / malware but this was legitimately part of the most recent update. You’d better rethink this Zmodo or you’re going to start losing customers. Truly awful to do this on a security system that needs to be able to open quickly for emergencies. Do better and fix this please.
Do not buy
-1 star do not buy or subscribe unless you want Ads displaying before you even access your camera and on the top right corner in little letters it says “continue to Zmodo” it’s annoying and will be replacing mine with Ring or Arlo!!!
Ads and glitches
I have had several indoor cameras for several years. They have worked wonderfully up until recently.
Now, anytime you open the app, you are subjected to ads. I pay subscription fees already. It’s ridiculous.
Also, I am no longer able to view my cameras all on one screen as a group anymore. I have to click each one individually and can no longer open the group just to scan the house as a whole on one screen.
If these issues are not resolved soon, I will be upgrading to a completely different system with a different brand.
Now, anytime you open the app, you are subjected to ads. I pay subscription fees already. It’s ridiculous.
Also, I am no longer able to view my cameras all on one screen as a group anymore. I have to click each one individually and can no longer open the group just to scan the house as a whole on one screen.
If these issues are not resolved soon, I will be upgrading to a completely different system with a different brand.
Ads even if you pay
Been paying for Zmodo for YEARS and now all of a sudden they have SCAM ads saying my phone has viruses and whatnot. Currently in the process of finding a new camera. Hopefully these ads will make up for all the revenue loss they’re about to have from people leaving.
Groups? BROKEN
Want groups? Too bad you can create it but next time you open the app we are deleting it to make you do it again, why? Cause we like our bad ad app which of course we don’t use
App has now added scam ads
The app used to be fine. Now it’s added advertisements when you open it for adware pretending you have viruses or have been hacked in attempt to get you to download sketchy apps.
+ 48 more in the clipboard copy
Sentiment summary
46%
Positive (4-5★)
7%
Neutral (3★)
47%
Negative (1-2★)