How to Fix a Canary Camera That Keeps Going Offline
When your Canary camera goes offline, it can't monitor your home, send you motion alerts, or record video. This undermines the very reason you have a security camera. Frequent "Canary is offline" notifications are a clear sign that there's a connectivity issue that needs to be addressed.
This guide will help you troubleshoot the common causes of Canary wifi disconnections and provide you with the steps to restore a stable and reliable connection.
## Step 1: Check the Essentials First
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, let's cover the basics.
- Check Canary's Service Status: Sometimes the issue isn't with your setup. Visit the official Canary status page (a quick web search for "Canary status" will find it) to see if they are experiencing any service outages.
- Verify Power: Ensure the Canary device is securely plugged into a working power outlet. Check that the micro-USB cable is firmly connected to both the device and the power adapter.
- Check Your Home Internet: Is your internet down? Use another device, like your phone (with wifi turned on), to see if you can browse the web. If not, the problem is with your internet service provider, and you'll need to reboot your router or contact them.
## Step 2: Understand the Status Light
The coloured light at the bottom of your Canary device is a key diagnostic tool.
- Solid White: Your Canary is on and monitoring. This is the normal state.
- Solid Yellow/Green/Blue (during setup): The device is in a setup or connection phase.
- Spinning White: The Canary is trying to connect to the network. If it stays this way for a long time, there's a connection problem.
- Flashing Blue: The device is in Bluetooth pairing mode, ready to be set up or have its connection changed.
- No Light: The device has no power.
## Step 3: Reboot Your Network and Canary
A simple reboot often resolves temporary connectivity glitches. It's important to perform the reboot in the correct sequence.
- Unplug your Canary device.
- Unplug your wifi router and modem from their power outlets.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug in the modem first and wait for its lights to stabilise.
- Plug in the router next and wait for it to fully boot up.
- Finally, plug your Canary device back in. It may take a few minutes to boot up and reconnect.
## Step 4: Improve Wifi Signal and Reduce Interference
A weak or interrupted wifi signal is a primary cause of disconnections.
- Move Closer: Try moving your Canary device closer to your wifi router. Even a few feet can make a difference. If the connection becomes stable, you've identified a signal strength issue. A wifi extender can help boost the signal to that area of your home.
- Avoid Obstructions: Wifi signals are weakened by thick walls (concrete, brick), large metal objects (refrigerators, filing cabinets), and even aquariums. Ensure the path between your router and Canary is as clear as possible.
- Check for Interference: Many household electronics use the same 2.4 GHz frequency as Canary. Keep the device away from microwave ovens, cordless phones, and powerful Bluetooth devices.
## Step 5: Change Your Wifi Connection
If you've recently changed your wifi password or network name (SSID), or if you want to move the Canary to a different network, you'll need to update its settings.
- Open the Canary app.
- From the dashboard, swipe down and tap the gear icon in the top right.
- Tap on "My Devices" and select your Canary.
- Tap on "Device connection" and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the new network. This will typically involve using Bluetooth on your phone to communicate the new wifi details to the Canary.
By systematically addressing these potential issues, you can resolve most Canary offline problems and ensure your device is always connected and ready to protect your home.