What to Do if Your Eufy Camera Suffers Water Damage
Eufy security cameras are designed to be weather-resistant, offering protection against rain and splashes. However, they are not fully waterproof. Severe storms, improper installation, or accidental submersion can lead to water getting inside the device, causing significant damage. If you suspect your Eufy camera has been damaged by water, it's crucial to act quickly and correctly to maximise the chances of saving it.
This guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step plan of action. We will cover the immediate steps you must take, how to properly dry the device, and how to assess whether it can be salvaged. Please read these instructions carefully before you proceed.
Immediate Signs of Water Damage
It's important to recognise the symptoms of water damage early. The sooner you act, the better.
- The camera is completely dead and will not power on.
- The lens is foggy or has visible condensation behind it.
- The LED indicator lights are behaving erratically or not lighting up at all.
- The video feed is distorted, has strange colours, or is completely black.
- The speaker or microphone produces crackling sounds or no sound at all.
- The battery compartment or charging port shows signs of corrosion (a white or greenish crust).
- The device feels unusually hot to the touch.
Your Emergency Action Plan for a Water-Damaged Eufy Camera
If your Eufy device has been exposed to a significant amount of water, follow these steps precisely. Do not skip any steps.
1. Disconnect All Power Immediately
This is the most critical step. Electricity and water are a disastrous combination for electronics. Continuing to supply power to a wet device will almost certainly cause a short circuit and fry the internal components.
- For Battery-Powered Cameras (e.g., EufyCam 2C/3): Immediately eject and remove the battery pack.
- For Wired Cameras (e.g., Indoor Cams): Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet instantly.
- For Doorbells: You must turn off the power at the circuit breaker that supplies your doorbell wiring.
- Do NOT attempt to turn the device on to "see if it still works."
2. Disassemble and Dry the Exterior
Once the power is disconnected, you need to begin the drying process.
- Bring the device indoors to a dry location.
- If possible, remove any covers, such as the battery compartment door or mounting plates, to allow better airflow.
- Use a soft, microfibre cloth to gently pat the exterior of the camera dry. Pay close attention to seams, ports, and any openings where water could have entered.
3. The Long Wait: Drying the Interior
The most difficult part is removing the moisture from inside the camera's housing. This requires patience.
- Open Air Method: Place the camera and its removed battery in a dry, warm (not hot), and well-ventilated area. A spot near a dehumidifier is ideal. Let it sit for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours.
- Desiccant Method: For a more active approach, place the camera and its parts inside a sealed, airtight container. Fill the container with a desiccant (a substance that absorbs moisture).
- Best Option: Silica gel packets (often found in new shoe boxes or electronics packaging).
- Common Alternative: Uncooked white rice. Completely submerge the device in the rice.
- Do NOT use direct heat. Avoid using a hairdryer, oven, or microwave. Excessive heat can warp plastic components and damage the delicate electronics inside.
4. Reassembly and Cautious Testing
After at least 48-72 hours have passed, you can attempt to see if the device has survived.
- Inspect the battery contacts and ports for any signs of corrosion. If you see any, you can try to gently clean it with a cotton swab and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
- Reinsert the battery or reconnect the power source.
- Attempt to power the device on.
- If it turns on, test all of its functions: check the video feed, test the two-way audio, and see if it records correctly.
If the camera does not power on or some of its features no longer work, the water has likely caused permanent damage. At this point, you should contact Eufy customer support to inquire about out-of-warranty repair or replacement options.