Doorbird Camera Stopped Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
It can be unsettling when your Doorbird video doorbell camera suddenly stops working, leaving your property's entrance unmonitored. This issue can stem from several sources, ranging from simple power problems to more complex network or hardware faults. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential troubleshooting steps to diagnose the problem and get your Doorbird camera back online.
### Step 1: Verify the Power Supply
The most common culprit for a non-working camera is a loss of power. Your Doorbird can be powered in a few different ways, so let's check them all.
- Mains Power Adapter: If your Doorbird is powered by a plug-in adapter, check that it is securely plugged into a working electrical socket. Test the socket with another device, like a lamp, to confirm it has power. Inspect the power cable for any signs of damage.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Many Doorbird installations use PoE. Check your PoE injector or switch. Are its power and status lights on? Ensure the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to both the Doorbird unit and the PoE port on your switch or injector. Try a different port on the switch if one is available.
- Existing Doorbell Wiring: If using traditional low-voltage doorbell wiring, ensure the transformer is functioning correctly and there are no loose connections at the transformer or the chime.
### Step 2: Investigate Network Connectivity
A stable network connection is crucial for your Doorbird to function. If the power supply is fine, the network is the next place to look.
- Check the Ethernet Cable: Inspect the full length of the Ethernet cable connected to your Doorbird for any cuts, kinks, or damage. A damaged cable can disrupt both power (if using PoE) and data.
- Reboot Your Network: Restarting your network hardware can clear up temporary glitches.
- Unplug your modem and router from power.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in first and wait for it to fully boot up.
- Plug the router back in and wait for its lights to become stable.
- Restart your Doorbird by disconnecting its power source for 30 seconds.
- Check the App and Portal: Open the Doorbird app on your phone or log into the web portal. Does the device show as "Offline"? This confirms a connectivity issue. If you have recently changed your router or Wi-Fi password, you will need to update these settings for your Doorbird.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Your Doorbird Camera
If the basic power and network checks don't resolve the issue, it's time to dig a little deeper.
### Physical and Environmental Checks
- Lens Obstruction: Is the camera lens clean? Wipe it gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or spiderwebs that could be obscuring the view.
- Weather Impact: Extreme weather can sometimes cause temporary shutdowns. If it's unusually hot or cold, the device may stop working to protect its internal electronics. It should resume normal operation once temperatures moderate. Check for any signs of water ingress after heavy rain, which could indicate a compromised seal.
- Diagnostic LEDs: Some Doorbird models have small LED lights near the network port. Check your manual to understand what these lights indicate. A lack of flashing or a solid red/amber light often points to a specific problem.
### When to Suspect Hardware Failure
If you have exhausted all the above steps and the camera is still not working, a hardware fault is possible.
- No Signs of Life: If the device shows no lights and is completely unresponsive despite confirming power is being delivered, the internal circuitry may have failed.
- Persistent Connectivity Issues: If the camera repeatedly goes offline even after troubleshooting the network, the network interface on the device could be faulty.
- Distorted Video: If you get a video feed, but it's black, heavily distorted with lines, or has a strong colour cast that power cycling doesn't fix, the camera sensor itself might be damaged.
In these cases, the best course of action is to contact Doorbird's official customer support. Provide them with the troubleshooting steps you've already taken, which will help them diagnose the problem more efficiently.