Wi-Fi security cameras have made monitoring your properties remotely possible thanks to the internet. But here’s the catch.
The camera needs to be connected to the internet 24/7. But one of the most common problems Wi-Fi Security camera owners face is that the camera keeps going offline.
Security cameras can go offline due to poor internet connection, low power, software, or firmware settings, among other reasons. This can be seriously frustrating because the moment your camera goes offline, it stops recording.
This article will cover the reasons why your security cameras keep going offline and how to prevent this.
Let’s get your cameras fixed!
7 Reasons Why Your Security Cameras keep Going Offline
Before we go onto the solutions, we need to find out the root cause of why the cameras are going offline. We’re mentioning the common reasons why this can happen.
You can go through the list of reasons and double-check your cameras to find which reasons are making your camera go offline.
#1 Insufficient Internet Speed and Bandwidth
If you have an unstable internet connection, this can very well cause your security cameras to go offline frequently.
Security cameras usually have a minimum requirement for internet speed. Tend and Blink cameras, for example, need at least 2 Mbps of upload speed.
If your internet is too slow to provide the required speed, your camera may disconnect from the network. You can check your internet speed on Fast. In case your internet speed is okay, then bandwidth is another issue you have to keep in mind.
Multiple security cameras on the same internet network, along with other devices, will take up a lot of bandwidth. By getting the bandwidth divided so much, the cameras will not get enough to keep working online.
Also, an internet connection that is not strong enough to support the camera’s streaming video will make the camera go offline.
2# Low Power
Security cameras don’t consume a lot of power in general. But if the power you’re supplying is not sufficient, the camera will lose power and go offline.
Sometimes due to bad weather, load shedding, and circuit overload, you may face a lower electricity supply to your appliances. This can cause problems for both your router and your security camera since both need electrical power to operate.
For battery-powered security cameras, you need to be aware of how long the batteries last. Rechargeable batteries need to be charged if they are low on power. To save power, the camera may disconnect from the internet.
3# Camera Parts Malfunction
It is also possible that there is a problem with the camera itself, causing it to malfunction. There are small parts in your camera that are responsible for receiving Wi-Fi signals, and connecting and disconnecting from networks.
If there is any problem with these particular pieces, the whole camera becomes unable to connect to the internet. This is why it goes offline again and again.
4# Long Distance Between Camera And Internet Source
If your security camera is too far from the router or modem that it barely receives signals, this can cause the camera to go offline.
Wi-Fi security cameras need to be in close range of the internet source. Modems and routers have an optimal range after which the signal becomes weak.
This weak signal may sometimes fail to reach the camera, causing a disconnection.
5# Obstacles Between The Camera And The Internet Source
Even if your camera is within Wi-Fi range, there might be obstructions like walls and giant furniture that are blocking the signals.
Wi-Fi signals travel through waves which can get blocked by solid objects.
6# Other Electrical Devices Are Interfering With the Wi-Fi Signals
If there are many electronics around the camera, those may as well interfere with the internet signals. Different kinds of devices emit different types of waves. These waves intermingle with one another, causing each other to become weak and diverted.
LED lights, for example, can interfere with your Wi-Fi. Though the individual effects aren’t major, they can add up quickly.
7# Outdated Software or Firmware
Most Wi-Fi cameras have dedicated mobile apps. And each camera model has its own firmware. Camera companies release new updates to their device software and firmware on a regular basis. If you’re someone who forgets to update them, you’re in trouble.
This can cause performance issues, bugs, and glitches. If your security camera has become incompatible due to outdated software or firmware, it may not be able to connect to the internet properly and go offline.
What To Do If Security Cameras Keep Going Offline?
Depending on the reason why your security camera keeps going offline, you need to do some troubleshooting so that it doesn’t happen again.
So what can you do?
We’ve listed, tried, and tested some solutions from real users who fixed their cameras facing the same problem. You can apply one or more to see which one works for you.
1) Turn Off and Restart Your Camera System
This is the easiest solution to troubleshoot any digital device. If your camera is connected to a power outlet, turn it off. Disconnect it from the outlet. Unplug all other wires from your camera.
Check if the camera is overheating. Keep the camera unplugged for 10 – 20 minutes. Keep it in a cool environment.
If your camera uses batteries, then pull out the batteries from it after you turned it off. For rechargeable batteries, charge them up.
For non-rechargeable batteries, see if it’s time to replace them with new ones. You can find that information on the camera manual or product page.
You can also auto-reboot your security camera every day at a scheduled time. You will need smart plugs to do so. This will keep your camera refreshed and start working as usual.
2) Factory Reset Your Camera
If a normal power reset isn’t cutting it, then you may need to resort to a hard reset. For most security cameras, you can reset it using the following method:
- Locate the reset button.
- Press and hold the button for a couple of seconds.
- If an LED indicator starts blinking, release the button.
The good way is to check your camera manual for instructions on how to factory reset your camera. You can also check out this guide which covers most security camera brands.
3) Reboot Your Router
If you’re done dealing with the camera and the problem still persists, move on to the router.
Before you do anything, check other devices that are connected to the router like your laptop or smartphone. If you notice network problems on these machines too, reboot your router.
- Turn off the router.
- Keep it in that state for a few minutes.
- Turn back on your router.
There’s no harm in rebooting your router so it’s worth a shot. In fact, rebooting your router occasionally is a good practice.
4) Update Camera Firmware And Software
If there is an available update for your security camera’s firmware or software, you will receive notifications about it. If not, visit the company’s website or user communities to keep up with the latest news.
Once you find a new version released, update the camera software and firmware to the latest version. Keeping your system up to date can get rid of most errors.
5) Change Wi-Fi Channel On Modem/Router
Your router sends and receives information through frequencies. These frequencies are known as “Wi-Fi channels”. If you have multiple devices that utilize the same Wi-Fi channel, it’s normal for you to get a sluggish internet experience.
You need to check on which channel your cameras are operating. The most optimum Wi-Fi channels are 1, 6, and 11. Follow these instructions to change your router or modem’s Wi-Fi channel.
Optimizing your Wi-Fi channel requires a bit of knowledge, but it can solve your issue for good.
6) Use A Wi-Fi Extender
It’s important to mount your security camera near the internet source. In case that’s not possible for you, consider buying a Wi-Fi extender.
It’s an excellent tool that amplifies the Wi-Fi signal so that your security camera can receive them at max strength.
Whether there’s a long distance between your camera and the router/modem or there are too many obstructions between them, a Wi-Fi extender can solve both problems.
Plug it in near the camera, set it up, and connect it to your camera, and you’re good to go.
7) Upgrade Your Internet Connection
If you don’t have a strong internet connection that can handle all your cameras and other internet-dependent devices, it’s time to upgrade it.
Call your ISP provider and tell them to check your connection. If anything is wrong, they will fix the issue and ensure you that can run all your smart devices without compromising quality.
Keep in mind you should measure the necessary internet speed and bandwidth before you decide on a package.
8) Hire A Professional
If nothing worked for you till now, this is the last resort. Security camera companies offer support and services for their products. Sometimes they can offer free servicing for a limited time after you make the purchase.
An expert eye can notice what untrained eyes miss. A professional can identify the problem upon experimenting and tell you what you need to do next to fix your issues.
Yes, hiring a professional can cost a lot. But if that fixes your camera from going offline, it’s worth it.
Final Words
If your security cameras keep going offline, you will need to search for the reason why it’s happening. Next, you need to troubleshoot the problem.
This guide shows you the possible reasons why the cameras can go offline repeatedly. We’ve also mentioned some methods you can apply to fix it.
These solutions are tested by real users who were facing the same issue. I hope it will fix yours too. So, which solution worked for you personally? Let us know in the comments below.
