Aqara Camera Keeps Going Offline? Here’s the Fix
An Aqara camera that frequently disconnects or appears as 'Offline' in the Aqara Home or Apple Home app is a major reliability concern. This issue prevents you from viewing the live feed, accessing recordings, and receiving important notifications. This guide will help you diagnose the root cause of the connectivity problem and provide clear steps to ensure your camera stays online and operational.
Why Your Aqara Camera Is Disconnecting
The 'Offline' status is almost always a symptom of a network communication problem. Here are the most common reasons:
- Poor Wi-Fi Signal: The camera is too far from your router, or there are physical obstructions (like thick walls) blocking the signal.
- Wi-Fi Band Issues: Aqara cameras require a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and cannot connect to 5 GHz bands.
- Router Problems: Your router might be unstable, overloaded with too many connected devices, or have settings that conflict with the camera.
- IP Address Conflicts: Another device on your network might be trying to use the same IP address as your camera.
- Power Supply Issues: An unstable or faulty power adapter or cable can cause the camera to reboot and lose connection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Your Offline Aqara Camera
Follow these troubleshooting steps to restore a stable connection to your Aqara camera.
Step 1: Check Your Wi-Fi Network Environment
The quality of your Wi-Fi connection is the most critical factor.
- Verify Wi-Fi Band: Ensure your smartphone is connected to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network during setup and that this is the network your camera is trying to connect to. If you have a dual-band router with a single network name (SSID), consider temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band during setup.
- Check Signal Strength: Move the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router. If the connection becomes stable, a weak signal is the likely culprit. You may need to invest in a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system for better coverage.
- Minimise Interference: Keep the camera and router away from other electronic devices that can cause interference, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth speakers.
Step 2: Power Cycle Everything
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches in your camera and router.
- Unplug the Aqara Camera: Disconnect the camera from its power source.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from the wall outlet.
- Wait: Leave both devices unplugged for at least 60 seconds.
- Reconnect: Plug the router back in first and wait for it to fully restart (all lights are stable). Then, plug your Aqara camera back in.
- Check the App: Give the camera a few minutes to boot up and reconnect. Check its status in the Aqara Home app.
Step 3: Update Firmware for Camera and Hub
Firmware updates often contain important bug fixes and stability improvements.
- Camera Firmware: Open the Aqara Home app, select your camera, and go to its settings. Look for an option to check for firmware updates and install any that are available.
- Aqara Hub Firmware: If your camera is connected to an Aqara hub (like the M2 or G2H), ensure the hub's firmware is also up to date.
Step 4: Assign a Static IP Address (Advanced)
If the camera is disconnecting intermittently, it could be due to your router assigning it a new IP address. Assigning a static IP can prevent this.
- Log in to your router's administration panel (usually via a web browser).
- Find the DHCP settings or 'Address Reservation' section.
- You will need the MAC address of your Aqara camera (found in the app or on the device itself).
- Follow your router's instructions to reserve a specific IP address for the camera's MAC address. This ensures it always connects with the same address.
Last Resort: Factory Reset
If none of the previous steps have worked, a factory reset should be your final troubleshooting step.
How to Factory Reset Your Aqara Camera
Note: This will erase all settings and remove the camera from your account.
- Find the reset button on the camera. It is usually a small, recessed button that you'll need a paperclip or SIM eject tool to press.
- Press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds until you hear a voice prompt or see an indicator light flash.
- The camera will reboot to its factory default settings.
- You will then need to delete the camera from the app and add it again as a new device.
If the camera continues to go offline after a factory reset, this may indicate a hardware fault. In this situation, you should contact Aqara customer support for further assistance.