Anran Night Vision Not Working? Easy Fixes to Try Now
One of the most critical features of any security camera is its ability to see in the dark. Anran cameras use infrared (IR) technology to provide clear black and white images even in complete darkness. When this feature fails, your nighttime security is compromised. Whether your camera's image is pitch black, blurry, or simply not switching to night mode, this troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and solve the problem.
We'll cover the most common causes for Anran night vision failure and provide simple, step-by-step solutions to get your camera seeing in the dark again.
## Understanding How Anran Night Vision Works
Your Anran camera has several components that work together for night vision:
- IR LEDs: These are small infrared lights surrounding the camera lens. They emit light that is invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor. You can sometimes see them as a faint red glow when looking at the camera in the dark.
- Light Sensor: A small sensor detects the amount of ambient light. When the light level drops below a certain point, it tells the camera to switch to night vision mode.
- IR Cut Filter: This is a mechanical filter that sits in front of the lens. During the day, it's in place to filter out IR light for accurate colour reproduction. At night, it physically moves out of the way (often with an audible 'click') to let the IR light hit the sensor.
When night vision fails, the problem usually lies with one of these three components or the camera's power supply.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Night Vision Issues
Let's start with the most common and easiest fixes.
### 1. Check Night Vision Settings in the App
Before anything else, ensure the feature hasn't been accidentally disabled in the software.
- Open the Anran app on your phone.
- Select the camera that is having the issue.
- Go to its Settings.
- Look for a menu item like "Night Vision," "IR Light," or "Image Settings."
- The night vision mode should be set to "Auto." This allows the camera to switch automatically based on the ambient light. If it's set to "Off" or "Day," change it back to "Auto."
### 2. Ensure Sufficient Power
The IR LEDs consume a significant amount of power. If the camera isn't receiving enough electricity, it might have enough power to stream video during the day but not enough to activate the IR lights at night.
- Check Connections: Make sure the power cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the power adapter, and that the adapter is firmly in the wall socket.
- Try a Different Outlet: Plug the camera into a different power outlet to rule out a faulty socket.
- Use the Original Adapter: Always use the power adapter and cable that came with your Anran camera. Using a third-party adapter with a lower amperage might not provide enough power.
### 3. Clean the Camera Lens and Housing
A dirty lens can cause blurry, foggy, or glaring night vision images.
- Use a soft, microfibre cloth to gently wipe the camera lens and the dark plastic covering over the IR LEDs.
- Remove any cobwebs, dust, or grime that may have accumulated.
- Peel off the protective film! New cameras come with a thin plastic film over the lens. If this was never removed, it will cause terrible glare and blurriness when the IR lights are on.
### 4. Reposition the Camera to Avoid IR Reflection
This is the most common cause of a white, washed-out, or foggy night vision image. The camera's own IR light is bouncing off a nearby object and flooding the lens.
- Check for Overhangs: Make sure the camera is not positioned directly under a ledge, windowsill, or the eaves of your roof. Move it so there are at least a few inches of clear space in front of it.
- Remove Obstructions: Don't point the camera directly at a nearby wall or a large object.
- Avoid Pointing Through Glass: You cannot get clear night vision by pointing a camera out of a window. The IR lights will simply reflect off the glass, making it impossible to see outside. You must mount the camera outdoors.
### 5. Power Cycle the Camera
A classic "turn it off and on again" can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Unplug the camera from its power source.
- Wait for at least 30-60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and wait for it to fully reboot.
- Test the night vision again once it gets dark.
### 6. Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If none of the above steps work, the camera's software may be corrupted. A factory reset will return it to its original settings.
- Find the small reset button on the camera.
- With the camera powered on, press and hold this button for 15-20 seconds.
- The camera will reboot. You will need to set it up again from scratch in the Anran app.
If after a factory reset the night vision is still not working—you don't see the faint red glow from the LEDs in the dark, and the image remains black—it is likely that the camera has a hardware fault. In this situation, you should contact Anran customer support for a potential replacement.