Canary Camera Audio Not Working? Here's the Fix.
Your Canary camera provides both video and audio to keep you connected to your home. Whether you're listening in for unusual noises or using the two-way talk feature, clear audio is a critical part of your home security. If you've suddenly lost sound or the audio isn't working as expected, there's no need to panic.
This issue is typically caused by a simple setting or a minor glitch. This guide will walk you through the essential troubleshooting steps to get your Canary's audio working again.
Start with Your Phone and App Settings
The problem often lies with the device you're using to listen, not the Canary camera itself. Let's check the basics first.
1. Check Your Phone's Volume
It's a simple mistake to make. Ensure that your smartphone's media volume is turned up. If your phone is on silent or vibrate-only mode, you might not hear the audio from the app. Adjust the volume using the physical buttons on your phone while the Canary app is open.
2. Unmute the Live Stream
When you are watching the live feed from your Canary, there is a microphone icon on the screen. This icon toggles the audio stream on and off.
- Tap the Microphone Icon: Make sure the icon does not have a line through it. If it does, it means the audio is muted. Tap it once to enable the sound.
3. Check App Permissions
The Canary app needs permission to use your phone's microphone for the two-way talk feature to work, and sometimes these settings can affect listening as well.
- For iOS (iPhone/iPad): Go to
Settings>Privacy>Microphone. Make sure the switch next to the Canary app is turned on (green). - For Android: Go to
Settings>Apps>Canary>Permissions. Ensure that "Microphone" is listed under the "Allowed" section.
Troubleshooting the Canary Device Itself
If your phone and app settings are correct, the next step is to check the Canary camera.
4. Power Cycle the Canary Camera
Restarting the device can clear many temporary software issues that might be affecting the audio.
- Unplug the Device: Disconnect the Canary camera from its power source.
- Wait 60 Seconds: Leave it unplugged for a full minute. This allows the internal components to fully power down.
- Plug It Back In: Reconnect the power cable and wait for the device to boot up and come online. This may take a few minutes. Once it's online, check the audio again.
5. Check Your Network Connection
A poor or unstable Wi-Fi connection can cause the audio stream to drop out, even if the video seems to be working.
- Restart Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Check Signal Strength: If the Canary is far from the router, it may have a weak connection. A poor connection can lead to distorted or intermittent audio.
Using the Two-Way Talk Feature (Canary Talk)
If you're having trouble with the "Canary Talk" feature specifically, where you can't be heard through the camera's speaker, the issue is almost always related to app permissions.
- Re-confirm Microphone Permissions: Double-check the app permissions as described in step 3. This is the most common reason why Canary Talk fails.
- Press and Hold: Remember that you need to press and hold the microphone icon in the app while you are speaking, and then release it to listen for the reply.
If you have walked through all these steps and are still experiencing audio issues, it may be helpful to check Canary's official support website or contact their customer service for more specific assistance.