Camera access is not a camera loop. You can hack a camera without a skill, but stopping its detection requires Playback and available Runtime. This guide explains the documented rules, not a guaranteed fix for every bug.
Check Playback first
In the skill editor, check that Playback is equipped. Update 3.6 moved and redesigned Playback and Security Expert; previously equipped versions may need to be equipped again. Security Expert's marking effect does not replace Playback's loop.
Temporary versus permanent loops
| Playback state | Cost | Duration and return of Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 1 Runtime | 10 seconds; the spent resource returns when the hack expires. |
| Aced | 1 Runtime | No time limit; destroying the looped camera refunds its spent resource. |
During the loop, that camera stops detecting your crew. Permanent describes duration, not unlimited Runtime. Do not assume it disables every camera in the heist.
How much Runtime do you have?
Playback provides 1 Runtime. Each pair of equipped skills in the same branch beyond the first adds 1, up to 4 total. Runtime is separate from skill points; check the available resource before another operation. Security Expert marking and drone hacks also spend Runtime.
Diagnose the symptom
- Can access the view but cannot loop: check Playback and available Runtime; basic access alone is insufficient.
- Loop ends after 10 seconds: this matches base Playback; check whether it is aced.
- Old loadout stopped working after 3.6: check the re-equip warning before copying old skill instructions.
- Camera marks guards but still detects the crew: marking and looping are different operations.
These checks follow the documented mechanics. They do not establish a platform-specific bug or prove a universal cure.
If it still fails
Record your game version, platform, equipped Playback state, available Runtime and the exact symptom for a support report. For the broader skill budget and Security Expert effects, see the Skills 2.0 guide.
Sources
Based on official documentation. Gameplay advice is editorial unless a test is explicitly documented.