Is Your Doorbird Blind in the Dark?
The ability to see clearly at night is a fundamental feature of your Doorbird video doorbell. Its infrared (IR) night vision is designed to give you a crisp, black-and-white image of your doorstep, regardless of the lighting conditions. When this feature fails, you're left with a dark or completely black video feed, severely compromising your nighttime security.
If you can no longer see visitors or your property after sunset, don't worry. This issue is often caused by a handful of common problems that you can troubleshoot and fix yourself. This guide will walk you through the process.
Common Signs of Night Vision Failure
- The nighttime video feed is entirely black or extremely dark.
- The image is grainy and unclear, making it impossible to see details.
- The faint red glow of the IR LEDs around the camera lens is absent in the dark.
- The camera gets stuck in colour (day) mode, resulting in a very poor, dark image at night.
- Night vision cuts in and out, or works on some nights but not others.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Doorbird Night Vision
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and resolve the issue with your Doorbird's night vision.
1. Check the Power Supply (PSU)
This is the most common cause of night vision failure. The IR LEDs require a significant amount of power, and an inadequate power supply will cause them to fail.
- Verify Transformer Specs: Check the installation manual for your specific Doorbird model and confirm the required voltage (V) and amperage (A) for your power supply unit (PSU).
- Inspect Your Transformer: Ensure the transformer connected to your Doorbird meets these specifications. An underpowered transformer might provide enough energy for daytime operation but fail when the more demanding night vision tries to activate.
- Check Wiring: Look for any loose or corroded wires in the connection between the transformer and the Doorbird. A poor connection can lead to a voltage drop.
2. Review Settings in the Doorbird App
An incorrect setting may be preventing night vision from activating.
- Open the Doorbird app and go to Settings > Camera.
- Check the Night Vision setting. Make sure it is enabled or set to "Auto." If it has been turned off, the IR lights will not come on.
- Save any changes and wait until it's dark to test the camera again.
3. Clean the Camera and Light Sensor
A dirty lens or sensor can trick the device into thinking it's still daytime.
- The Doorbird has a light sensor that detects ambient light levels.
- Gently wipe the entire camera unit, including the lens and the surrounding black areas, with a soft, clean microfibre cloth.
- Remove any accumulated dust, grime, or spiderwebs that could be covering the light sensor and preventing it from detecting darkness.
4. Eliminate Conflicting Light Sources
A bright light shining directly into the Doorbird's camera or light sensor can prevent night vision mode from engaging.
- Check for porch lights, streetlights, or security floodlights that might be aimed directly at the Doorbird.
- If a light source is too close and too bright, the camera's sensor will think it is daytime.
- Try turning off the conflicting light or repositioning it. If the night vision turns on, you've found the culprit. You may need to add a small shield or hood to your Doorbird to block the direct light.
5. Reboot the Doorbird and Your Network
A simple reboot can often clear up temporary software or connectivity glitches.
- Start by rebooting your home's router. Unplug it, wait a minute, and plug it back in.
- Once your network is back online, reboot the Doorbird. You can do this by disconnecting its power source (e.g., at the circuit breaker) for 60 seconds and then reconnecting it.
- Give the device a few minutes to restart and connect to the network before testing it.
6. Update the Firmware
Ensure your Doorbird is running the latest firmware, as updates often include fixes for known bugs.
- In the app, find the Administration section in the settings.
- Check for a Firmware Update and install it if one is available.
By methodically working through these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of your night vision problem and restore your Doorbird's sight in the dark.