Quick answer
If one camera is offline, the cause is usually that camera’s cable, connection or power. If every camera is offline in the app but works on the recorder’s screen, it’s usually an internet or modem problem. If the recorder shows nothing at all, check its power and hard drive.
Work out what’s offline
One camera
Usually the camera, its cable, a connector or its power supply.
All cameras, app only
Usually the internet, modem or app connection, not the cameras.
Everything
The recorder may have lost power, crashed or have a hard drive fault.
Safe things to check
- Is the recorder powered on and showing cameras on its own screen?
- Did your modem, NBN provider or Wi-Fi password change recently?
- Has there been a storm, power cut or building work near the cables?
- Restart the modem, then the recorder, using their normal power buttons or menus
- Check the app is up to date and you’re logged in to the right account
When it’s a hardware fault
- Camera stays offline after a restart. The camera, cable or PoE port may have failed.
- Night video is black or blurry. The infrared lights may have failed, or a spider web or dirt is on the lens.
- Recorder beeps or shows a disk error. The hard drive may be faulty or not recording.
- Cameras drop in and out. Loose connections, water in a connector or an overloaded power supply are common causes.
Don’t open camera housings or climb onto roofs to check cables. Book a technician instead.
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