Amcrest Camera Keeps Disconnecting? Here's How to Fix It
An Amcrest security camera that constantly disconnects from your network is both frustrating and unreliable. Random offline alerts or finding you can't access the live view defeats the purpose of having a security system. This guide will help you diagnose and solve the common reasons for these persistent connection drops.
The issue almost always comes down to the quality and stability of the Wi-Fi connection between your camera and your router.
## Step 1: Analyse Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
This is the most critical factor. A camera needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal to upload a continuous video stream. A signal that is good enough for browsing on your phone might not be sufficient for a camera.
- The Smartphone Test: Take your smartphone right next to your Amcrest camera. Look at the Wi-Fi icon. How many bars of signal do you have? If it's only one or two, the signal is too weak. The camera's small internal antenna is likely struggling even more than your phone.
- Sources of Interference: Wi-Fi signals can be blocked or disrupted by common household materials and devices. These include:
- Thick walls (brick, concrete)
- Large metal appliances (refrigerators, washing machines)
- Microwave ovens
- Cordless phones
- Other Wi-Fi networks from your neighbours
Solutions:
- Move your Wi-Fi router to a more central location in your home.
- If you can't move the router, consider installing a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system to provide a stronger signal to the area where the camera is located.
## Step 2: Optimise Your Wi-Fi Router Settings
A few tweaks to your router's configuration can make a huge difference to the stability of your smart home devices.
- Use the 2.4GHz Band: While the 5GHz band is faster, the 2.4GHz band has a much better range and is more effective at penetrating walls. For any camera that isn't in the same room as the router, the 2.4GHz network is the better choice. Log into your router's settings and ensure the camera is connected to this band.
- Change the Wi-Fi Channel: Wi-Fi networks operate on different channels. If many networks in your area (e.g., your neighbours') are using the same channel, it causes congestion and interference.
- Log into your router's administration page (usually via a web browser).
- Go to the Wi-Fi settings for the 2.4GHz band.
- Find the 'Channel' setting. It might be set to 'Auto'. Try setting it manually to Channel 1, 6, or 11, as these are non-overlapping channels.
- Save the settings and see if the camera's connection becomes more stable.
## Step 3: Update Camera Firmware
Firmware is the software that runs on the camera itself. Amcrest regularly releases firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities. Connection stability issues are often resolved with a firmware update.
- How to Update:
- Using the App: Check within the Amcrest View Pro app for a firmware update option in the camera's settings.
- Using the Web Interface: For a more reliable update, log into the camera's IP address on a computer. Go to the Setup > System > Maintenance section where you will find the option to check for and upload new firmware files, which can be downloaded from the Amcrest support website.
- Always reboot the camera after a firmware update is complete.
## Step 4: Check the Power Supply
Finally, a faulty power supply can cause the camera to reboot or disconnect randomly.
- Inspect the Cable: Check the power cable for any signs of damage or loose connections at both ends.
- Use the Official Adapter: Ensure you are using the original power adapter that came with your Amcrest camera. Using a different adapter with the wrong voltage or amperage can cause instability.
By systematically improving your Wi-Fi signal, optimising your network, updating the firmware, and checking the power source, you can create a stable environment for your Amcrest camera and put an end to frustrating disconnects.