Canary Camera Suddenly Stopped Working? Here's How to Fix It
A security camera that's offline is no security at all. If your Canary camera has suddenly stopped working, is showing as offline in the app, or is completely unresponsive, don't worry. Most of the time, the issue is related to power or network connectivity and can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting. This guide will help you diagnose the problem and get your camera back online.
Understanding the Canary Status Light
The LED light on the bottom of your Canary is the best indicator of its status:
- Solid White: Everything is normal. The camera is online and monitoring.
- Light Off: The camera has no power or is in privacy mode.
- Solid Red: The camera is booting up or cannot connect to the network.
- Flashing Blue: The camera is in pairing mode, waiting for setup.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for an Unresponsive Canary
Follow these steps in order to identify and solve the issue.
1. Check the Power Supply
The most basic problem is a lack of power.
- Inspect the Cable: Ensure the micro USB cable is securely plugged into the back of the Canary and the power adapter. Check that the adapter is firmly in a working wall outlet.
- Test the Outlet: Plug another device into the same outlet to confirm it's providing power. Avoid outlets controlled by a wall switch.
- Try a Different Cable/Adapter: The power cable or adapter could be faulty. Try swapping them with another set you know is working to see if the camera powers on.
2. Address the 'Offline' Status in the App
If the camera has power but is showing as 'Offline', the issue is with its internet connection.
- Check Your Home Internet: Is your Wi-Fi working? Test it with another device like your phone or a laptop. If your internet is down, the Canary won't be able to connect.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from power for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully restart (this can take several minutes).
- Reboot Your Canary: Once your router is back online, unplug your Canary camera, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to boot up and reconnect. The light should turn from red to solid white.
3. Did Your Wi-Fi Details Change?
If you recently got a new router or changed your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) or password, your Canary will not be able to connect until you update it with the new credentials.
- Open the Canary App.
- Go to the Settings for your offline camera.
- Tap on "Device Connection" or "Wi-Fi Connection".
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect your phone to the camera (often via Bluetooth) and provide it with the new Wi-Fi information.
4. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
If the camera is far from the router, the signal may be too weak to maintain a stable connection.
- Move Camera Closer: As a test, temporarily move the Canary camera closer to your Wi-Fi router. If it comes online and stays online, you've identified the problem.
- Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you can't move the router, a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh network system can help deliver a stronger signal to the camera's permanent location.
If after trying all these steps your Canary camera still won't work, there may be a hardware issue with the device itself.