What to Do When Your Anran Camera Stops Working
An Anran security camera is a reliable tool for keeping an eye on your property, but it can be alarming when a camera that was working perfectly suddenly stops. Whether it's showing as "offline" in the app, has no power at all, or the video feed is frozen, the issue is usually caused by a handful of common problems.
This guide will help you diagnose the reason your Anran camera has stopped working and walk you through the most effective solutions to bring it back online. We'll approach this by checking the three most likely areas of failure: power, network, and the camera hardware itself.
Step 1: Troubleshoot the Power Supply
Before diving into complex network settings, always check the power first. A camera without consistent power can't function or stay connected.
- Verify the Power Outlet: Unplug the camera's power adapter and plug in a different device, like a lamp or phone charger, to confirm the wall socket is working.
- Inspect the Power Cable: Carefully examine the entire length of the power cable and the adapter for any signs of physical damage, such as cuts, fraying, or bent pins.
- Check Connections: Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into both the wall adapter and the back of the Anran camera. These connections can sometimes become loose over time.
- Look for Indicator Lights: Does the camera have any status LEDs? Check if any lights are on. If there are no lights at all, it strongly suggests a power issue. In the dark, check if the infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision are glowing faintly red. If not, the camera is definitely not receiving power.
- Power Cycle the Camera: This is the simplest and often most effective step. Unplug the camera from the power source, wait for at least 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. This allows the camera to perform a full reboot, which can clear temporary glitches.
Step 2: Diagnose Wi-Fi and Network Issues
If you've confirmed the camera is receiving power but it's still showing as "offline" in the app, the problem is almost certainly with its connection to your Wi-Fi network.
- Reboot Your Router: Just like the camera, your Wi-Fi router can benefit from a restart. Unplug your router from power, wait a minute, and plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to fully restart, and then check if your Anran camera reconnects automatically.
- Check Router Distance and Obstructions: Have you recently moved your router or the camera? Walls, especially those made of concrete or brick, and large metal objects can significantly weaken the Wi--Fi signal. Try moving the camera temporarily closer to the router to see if the connection is restored. If it is, you may need to consider a Wi-Fi extender for a permanent solution.
- Changes to Your Network: Did you recently change your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) or password? If so, the camera will not be able to connect. You will need to perform a factory reset on the camera and set it up again with the new Wi-Fi credentials.
Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset
If power and network troubleshooting have not solved the problem, the camera's internal software may be in a faulty state. A factory reset will wipe its current settings and return it to its original, out-of-the-box condition.
- Locate the Reset Button: Find the small, often recessed reset button on the camera's body. You will likely need a paperclip or a similar tool to press it.
- Press and Hold: With the camera plugged in and powered on, press and hold the reset button for about 15-20 seconds.
- Wait for Confirmation: The camera will usually provide an audible confirmation, like a beep or a spoken message, or its status light will change to show it has been reset.
- Re-add the Camera: Once reset, you must delete the "offline" camera from your Anran app and then go through the full setup process again, as if it were a brand new camera.
If your Anran camera still doesn't work after a factory reset, it may indicate a hardware failure, and you should contact Anran customer support for further assistance.