Foscam Camera Stopped Working? Here's How to Fix It
A Foscam camera that has suddenly stopped working can be a major concern, leaving your property unmonitored. Fortunately, many issues that cause a camera to stop functioning can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting. Before contacting support or buying a new device, follow these steps to diagnose and fix the problem.
## Step 1: Check the Power Supply
The most fundamental reason for a camera to stop working is a loss of power. It might seem obvious, but it's the most common culprit.
- Inspect the LED Indicator: Look at the status light on your Foscam camera. If the LED is completely off, it's almost certainly not receiving power.
- Verify Connections: Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into the camera's power port and the power adapter is firmly seated in a working wall outlet.
- Test the Outlet: Plug a lamp or another small appliance into the same power outlet to confirm it has power.
- Check the Power Adapter: Power adapters can fail. If you have another compatible adapter with the same voltage and amperage rating, try using it to see if the camera powers on.
## Step 2: Analyse the Network Connection
If the camera has power (indicated by an LED light) but isn't accessible via the app, the problem is likely network-related.
- Reboot Your Router: A simple router reboot can often resolve temporary network glitches that may have knocked your camera offline. Unplug your router from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully restart before checking your camera again.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: If your camera is connected via Wi-Fi, it may have dropped the connection due to a weak signal. Obstructions like thick walls can interfere with the signal. Try moving the camera closer to the router temporarily to see if it reconnects.
- Ethernet Connection: If you are using a wired connection, check that the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the camera and your router. Look for the link lights on the camera's Ethernet port to confirm a connection.
## Step 3: Power Cycle the Foscam Camera
A power cycle is a simple but effective way to reboot the camera's internal processor and clear any temporary software bugs.
- Unplug the camera from its power source.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds. This ensures a full power discharge.
- Plug the camera back in and give it a few minutes to boot up and reconnect to your network.
## Step 4: Perform a Factory Reset
If the previous steps haven't worked, a factory reset is your last resort. This will erase all your custom settings, including Wi-Fi credentials, and return the camera to its out-of-the-box state.
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is typically a small, recessed button on the back or bottom of the camera.
- Press and Hold: While the camera is powered on, use a paperclip or a similar tool to press and hold the reset button for about 15-20 seconds.
- Wait for Reboot: The camera will reboot. Once it has restarted, you will need to go through the initial setup process again using the Foscam app to add the camera back to your account.
If your Foscam camera still won't work after a factory reset, it may indicate a hardware failure. At this point, you should check your warranty status and contact Foscam's official support for further assistance.