Aqara Camera Shows Pink or Purple Tint? Here’s What to Do
If your Aqara camera is displaying a pink or purple tint in live or recorded footage, it’s likely due to a stuck IR cut filter, sensor calibration issues, or firmware bugs. This guide will walk you through brand-specific fixes using Aqara’s Device Health, Network diagnostics, and HomeKit status check tools. Follow these steps to resolve the issue efficiently.
Quick Fixes for Aqara Pink/Purple Tint
Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, try these 30-second checks:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the camera (or remove the battery for battery models) for 10 seconds, then reconnect. For the Camera G510 Battery, use a paperclip to press the reset button briefly.
- Check LED status: Open the Aqara Home app and go to Device Health → Status. A blinking LED may indicate a hardware fault.
- Verify app login: Ensure you’re logged into the Aqara Home app with the correct account. Re-login if needed.
- Inspect power cable: For wired models like the Camera E1, check the transformer and power cable for damage.
- Restart the app: Close and reopen the Aqara Home app to refresh the connection.
Systematic Aqara Problem Solving for Aqara Cameras
Check Wi-Fi Band Settings
Aqara cameras use 2.4GHz WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for optimal performance. If your camera is connected to a 5GHz network, it may struggle with sensor calibration. To switch bands:
- Open the Aqara Home app and go to Device Settings → Wi-Fi Network.
- Select 2.4GHz Band from the available options.
- Confirm the change and wait for the camera to reconnect.
For the Camera G100, ensure the 3MP 2K resolution is enabled in the app’s Camera settings → Video Quality.
Update Firmware via Aqara Home App
Outdated firmware can cause sensor errors. To update:
- In the Aqara Home app, navigate to Device Health → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- After the update, restart the camera and check if the tint resolves.
Diagnose Network Signal Strength
Weak Wi-Fi signals can disrupt the IR cut filter. To check signal strength:
- In the Aqara Home app, go to Device Health → Network diagnostics.
- Look for RSSI values. A signal below -70dBm may cause issues.
- If the signal is weak, move the camera closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
For Camera E1 models, ensure the Bluetooth 5.2 connection during initial setup is stable.
Factory Reset Specific to Aqara Models
If the issue persists, perform a factory reset:
- Camera E1: Press the reset button 10 times rapidly or long-press for 3 seconds until the status indicator blinks.
- Camera G100: Press the reset button 10 times in rapid succession.
- Camera G510 Battery: Use a paperclip to press the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks.
After resetting, re-pair the camera via the Aqara Home app: Add Device → Camera → Select Model.
Use Aqara’s HomeKit Status Check
If your camera is integrated with HomeKit, verify compatibility:
- Open the Aqara Home app and go to HomeKit status check.
- Ensure the camera is listed as Connected and Supported.
- If issues persist, disable HomeKit integration temporarily and check if the tint resolves.
Deeper Aqara Pink Purple Tint Troubleshooting
Extract Diagnostic Logs from Aqara App
For persistent tint issues, share logs with Aqara support:
- In the Aqara Home app, go to Device Health → Export Logs.
- Save the logs to your device and email them to Aqara’s support team at their official website.
- Include details about when the tint occurs (e.g. night/day, specific camera model).
Contact Aqara Support Directly
If all steps fail, contact Aqara’s support team:
- Visit www.aqara.com/eu/support for live chat or email.
- Provide your camera model, firmware version, and any error codes from the app.
- Include screenshots of the tinted footage and app diagnostics.
Understanding the Root Cause of Aqara’s Pink/Purple Tint
The pink or purple tint typically stems from one of three causes:
- Stuck IR cut filter: This occurs when the camera fails to switch between day and night modes, causing overexposure in low light.
- Sensor calibration errors: Firmware bugs or poor Wi-Fi signal strength can disrupt sensor readings, leading to colour distortion.
- Hardware faults: In rare cases, a damaged sensor or lens may cause persistent tinting, especially in older models like the Camera E1.
UK-specific challenges, such as dense building materials and high humidity, can exacerbate these issues by weakening Wi-Fi signals and affecting sensor performance.
Preventive Care for Aqara Cameras
To avoid future tint issues:
- Regularly check RSSI signal strength in the Aqara Home app and ensure the camera is on a 2.4GHz band.
- Update firmware promptly via the app’s Device Health section.
- Clean the lens periodically to prevent condensation or smudges from affecting colour accuracy.
- For Camera G510 Battery models, replace the battery if it no longer holds a charge for more than 24 hours.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that show incorrect colours due to software or hardware faults. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet.
When to Replace Your Aqara Camera
If troubleshooting fails and the tint persists, consider replacement:
- Battery cameras (e.g. G510): Replace after 3-5 years or if the battery degrades below 20% capacity.
- Wired cameras (e.g. E1): Replace after 5-8 years or if firmware updates are no longer supported.
- Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK users have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods. Contact Aqara’s support team for repair or replacement options.