How to Solve Problems When Adding a Fermax Camera
Setting up a new Fermax camera or video intercom should be a straightforward process, but sometimes the device can't be found by the app or fails to connect to your system. This can be caused by a range of simple network or configuration issues.
This troubleshooting guide will walk you through the most common reasons why you can't add your Fermax device and provide clear, step-by-step solutions to get you connected.
Pre-Setup Checklist: The Essentials
Before you even begin, make sure you have the following sorted. These basics account for a large number of setup failures.
- Solid Power Supply: Ensure the Fermax device is correctly powered on. Check for status lights on the unit to confirm it has power.
- Strong Wi-Fi Signal: If you are connecting a Wi-Fi device, make sure it is in a location with a strong and stable signal from your router. A weak signal will cause the setup to fail.
- Correct Mobile App: Ensure you have downloaded the correct, most up-to-date Fermax app for your specific system (e.g., MEET, Blue).
- App Permissions: Check your phone's settings and grant the Fermax app all necessary permissions, especially for network access and camera (for scanning QR codes).
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
If you're still having trouble, work through these common problem areas.
1. Connect to the Same Local Network
This is the most critical step. For the initial setup, the smartphone running the Fermax app must be connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network as the Fermax device you are trying to add.
- Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings and verify you are on your home or office network.
- Ensure the Fermax device is also connected to this same network (either via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable to the same router).
- The app uses a local network scan to discover new devices. If your phone is on mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network, it will not be able to find the camera.
2. What to Do If QR Code Scanning Fails
The QR code is the quickest way to add a device, but it can sometimes fail.
- Clean the Lens: Make sure your phone's camera lens is clean and free of smudges.
- Good Lighting: Ensure the QR code sticker on the Fermax device is well-lit and that there is no glare or reflection obscuring it.
- Manual Entry: If scanning repeatedly fails, look for an option in the app to "Manually Add Device" or "Enter Serial Number". You can then type in the alphanumeric code that is usually printed next to the QR code.
3. Reboot Your Network and Devices
A simple reboot can often clear up temporary network glitches that prevent device discovery.
- Power off your Fermax camera/intercom.
- Unplug your internet router from the power outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug your router back in and wait for it to fully restart (all the lights should return to their normal state).
- Power your Fermax device back on.
- Once the device has started up, try the setup process in the app again.
4. Perform a Factory Reset
If the device was previously configured, or if a setting was entered incorrectly, a factory reset will return it to its original state, ready for a fresh setup.
- Locate the physical reset button on your Fermax device. It is often a small, recessed button that you will need a paperclip to press.
- With the device powered on, press and hold this button for 10-15 seconds.
- The device's status light will usually flash to indicate that the reset is complete.
- After it reboots, it will be as if it is new out of the box. Attempt the setup process again from the beginning.
If you have followed all these steps and are still unable to add your camera, there could be a more advanced network issue or a hardware fault, and it may be time to contact Fermax technical support or your professional installer.