Canary Camera Not Working? A Complete Troubleshooting Guide
A Canary camera is a great all-in-one security solution, but it's frustrating when it stops working. Whether your device is showing as offline, failing to record video, or you can't view the live stream, the problem is usually something you can fix yourself.
This guide will take you through the most common issues that cause a Canary camera to stop working and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to get it back online and protecting your home.
Understanding the Root of the Problem
When your Canary isn't working, it generally falls into one of three categories:
- Power Issues: The device isn't receiving power.
- Connectivity Problems: The camera has lost its connection to your Wi-Fi network or the internet.
- Account/Subscription Issues: Your Canary account or subscription plan is preventing certain features from working.
By systematically checking each of these areas, we can diagnose and solve the issue.
Step-by-Step Canary Troubleshooting
Let's start with the most common and easiest fixes first.
1. Check the Power and Status Light
Before anything else, let's make sure the device is on.
- Inspect the Power Cable: Ensure the micro-USB cable is securely plugged into the back of the Canary and the power adapter is firmly in a working wall socket.
- Observe the LED Light: The light at the bottom of the unit is your best diagnostic tool.
- No Light: The device has no power. Check the cable and outlet.
- Solid White Light: The Canary is powered on, connected to the internet, and monitoring. This is the normal state.
- Spinning White Light: The device is booting up or trying to connect.
- Flashing Blue Light: The Canary is in the process of pairing with your Wi-Fi network.
- Solid Red Light: There has been a connection failure.
2. Power Cycle Your Canary and Network Router
This is the single most effective troubleshooting step for almost any smart home device. A restart can clear up temporary software glitches.
- Unplug your Canary camera from the power source.
- Unplug your main Wi-Fi router from its power source.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug your router back in first. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to fully restart and connect to the internet.
- Plug your Canary back in. Give it a few minutes to boot up (it will spin a white light) and attempt to reconnect.
3. Verify Your Canary Premium Subscription
Many features of the Canary are dependent on a paid subscription. If it has lapsed, your camera might seem broken.
- Open the Canary app or log in to the website.
- Go to your 'Settings' or 'Account' section.
- Check your subscription status. If it has expired, you will need to renew it to restore full functionality, including extended video storage and two-way talk.
4. Troubleshoot Your Wi-Fi Connection
If the power cycle didn't work and the light indicates a connection issue (red, or spinning white), focus on the Wi-Fi.
- Check Wi-Fi on Other Devices: Is your internet working on your phone or computer? If not, the problem is with your internet service provider.
- Move Closer to the Router: If the Canary is far from your router, the signal may be too weak. Try temporarily moving it much closer to the router. If it connects, you've identified a signal strength issue.
- Did You Change Your Wi-Fi Password? If you have recently updated your Wi-Fi name (SSID) or password, the Canary cannot connect. You will need to update the Wi-Fi settings for the device in the Canary app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why has my Canary camera stopped working?
A Canary camera can stop working for several reasons. The most common are a loss of Wi-Fi connectivity, a problem with the power supply, or an issue with your Canary subscription plan. Sometimes, a temporary glitch can be resolved with a simple restart of the device.
What should I do to fix my Canary camera?
First, check the light on the bottom of the device. A solid white light means it's online and monitoring. If there is no light, check the power cable and outlet. If the light is flashing or a different colour, it indicates a connectivity issue. The best first step is to power cycle the Canary by unplugging it for 60 seconds, then plugging it back in. Also, restart your Wi-Fi router.
Does my Canary camera need a subscription to work?
Yes, many of the Canary's core features, including storing video recordings for more than 24 hours, two-way talk, and other advanced functions, require an active Canary Premium subscription. If your subscription has lapsed, your camera's functionality will be severely limited, which may seem like it's not working correctly.
What do the different coloured lights on my Canary mean?
A solid green light during setup means the Canary has created its own local Wi-Fi network for your phone to connect to. A flashing blue light means it is trying to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. A solid red light indicates a connection failure. If it's offline, you will likely see no light or a spinning white light.
My Canary is still offline after a restart. What's next?
If you've tried restarting the device and your router, and you've confirmed your subscription is active, the next step is to check your Wi-Fi. Make sure the camera is not too far from your router. If you've recently changed your Wi-Fi password, you will need to re-connect the Canary to the network by following the setup process in the app.