Foscam

Foscam Wrong Timestamp? Fix It in Minutes

Foscam camera timestamps are wrong? Fix it with step-by-step guidance tailored to your model. Discover brand-specific solutions now.

Is this your issue?

Recordings show incorrect dates or times
Timestamps do not update automatically
Footage appears to be from the wrong day or time
NTP sync fails repeatedly in the Foscam App
Camera shows a different time than the router
Timestamp errors occur only during daylight saving changes

Sound familiar? The guide below will help you fix it.

Foscam Camera Shows Wrong Timestamp? Here’s How to Fix It

Incorrect timestamps on your Foscam camera footage can render it useless for security or evidence. This guide provides brand-specific solutions tailored to Foscam models like the FI9928P, G4P, and FN9108HE NVR, ensuring your recordings are accurate and reliable.

Quick Fixes for Foscam Timestamp Issues

These steps take under 30 seconds and address common causes of timestamp errors:

Power cycle your camera: Unplug the power adapter for 30 seconds, then reconnect it. For wired models like the FI9928P, ensure the transformer voltage is between 16–24V AC.
Restart the Foscam App: Close the app completely and reopen it. For iOS users, swipe up from the home screen to force-close the app.
Check LED status: Look for a steady green light on the camera. A blinking red light indicates a firmware update failure or low battery (for wireless models).
Verify app login: Ensure you’re logged into the correct account in the Foscam App. If unsure, use the Forgot Password option in the app’s settings.
Confirm internet connectivity: Ensure your router is functioning and the camera is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz band for most Foscam models).

Detailed Foscam Troubleshooting Guide for Foscam Timestamp Errors

Check Your Foscam Camera’s NTP Settings

Incorrect NTP (Network Time Protocol) configurations are a common cause of timestamp errors. Follow these steps:

Open the Foscam App and select your camera.
Navigate to Device Settings → Time & Date.
Ensure Automatic Time Sync is enabled. If not, toggle it on.
For models like the FI9928P, verify the NTP Server field is set to a public server (e.g. time.google.com or time.nist.gov).
Save changes and wait 5–10 minutes for the timestamp to update.

Update Firmware via the Foscam App

Outdated firmware can cause time sync issues. To update:

Open the Foscam App and go to Device Settings → Firmware Update.
If an update is available, tap Download & Install.
Follow on-screen instructions. For the FN9108HE NVR, ensure the Ethernet uplink is connected during the update.
After the update, restart the camera and check the timestamp again.

Reset Your Foscam Camera (Model-Specific Instructions)

If the issue persists, perform a factory reset using the model-specific method:

FI9928P: Press and hold the reset button near the SD card slot for 15–30 seconds until the camera pans and tilts.
G4P: Hold the Reset button for more than 10 seconds while the camera is powered on.
FN9108HE NVR: Use a pin to press the reset button on the back for 15–30 seconds until you hear a beep.

After resetting, reconfigure the Time & Date settings in the Foscam App and ensure Automatic Time Sync is enabled.

Verify Wi-Fi Band and Signal Strength

Weak Wi-Fi signals or incorrect band settings can disrupt NTP sync. To check:

Open the Foscam App and go to Device Health → Signal Strength.
Ensure the signal strength is above -70dBm. If it’s weaker, move the camera closer to the router.
For UK ISP networks (e.g. Virgin Media), disable the 5GHz band temporarily during setup. Most UK routers use a single SSID for both bands, so creating separate SSIDs may help.

Check for Double NAT Issues (UK-Specific)

Some UK ISP routers (e.g. Virgin Media Hub 5x) create double NAT, which can interfere with NTP sync. To fix:

Enable modem mode on your router to bypass double NAT.
Alternatively, set up a DMZ for your Foscam camera in the router’s advanced settings.
For models like the FI9928P, ensure the camera is connected to the 2.4GHz band (not 5GHz) during setup.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Foscam Timestamp Errors

Use Diagnostic Logs from the Foscam App

If basic steps fail, use the Device Status and Network Diagnostics tools in the Foscam App:

Go to Device Settings → Diagnostics.
Tap Generate Log File and send it to Foscam support via their official website.
Include details about your router model and ISP in the support request.

Contact Foscam Support with Model-Specific Details

If the issue remains unresolved, provide Foscam support with:

Your camera model (e.g. FI9928P or FN9108HE NVR).
Firmware version (check via Device Settings → Firmware Update).
A copy of the diagnostic logs from the Foscam App.
Details about your router and ISP (e.g. Virgin Media, EE, or Sky).

Consider Hardware Faults

If all software steps fail, the issue may be hardware-related. For the FI9928P, test the camera on a different network to rule out router interference. For the FN9108HE NVR, check the Ethernet uplink connection and ensure the NVR’s PoE ports are functioning correctly.

Understanding the Root Causes of Foscam Timestamp Errors

Incorrect timestamps often stem from:

Misconfigured NTP settings in the Foscam App.
Outdated firmware on the camera or NVR.
Weak Wi-Fi signals or incorrect band settings (e.g. using 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz for most Foscam models).
Double NAT from UK ISP routers (e.g. Virgin Media Hub 5x).
Battery degradation in wireless models (e.g. G4P) causing intermittent connectivity.

UK-specific challenges include single-SSID routers and double NAT issues, which can disrupt NTP sync. Ensure your camera is connected to the 2.4GHz band and avoid using 5GHz unless your router supports separate SSIDs.

Preventing Foscam Timestamp Errors in the Future

To avoid recurrence:

Update firmware regularly via the Foscam App.
Enable Automatic Time Sync in the Time & Date settings.
Use a reliable NTP server (e.g. time.google.com).
Avoid double NAT by enabling modem mode on UK ISP routers.
Check signal strength regularly in the Device Health section.

Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that rely on accurate timestamps for security. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via Ethernet to eliminate sync issues.

When to Consider Replacing Your Foscam Camera

If your Foscam camera shows persistent timestamp errors despite troubleshooting, consider replacement:

Battery-powered models (e.g. G4P) typically last 3–5 years. Replace if the battery holds less than 20% charge after 300–500 cycles.
Wired models (e.g. FI9928P) last 5–8 years but may require sensor or firmware upgrades.
NVR systems (e.g. FN9108HE) use surveillance-rated HDDs (3–5 years lifespan). Replace if the NVR shows signs of hardware failure.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your camera is under warranty, contact Foscam support via their official website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Incorrect timestamps often stem from misconfigured NTP settings or firmware issues. To resolve this, open the Foscam App, navigate to Device Settings → Time & Date, and ensure Automatic Time Sync is enabled. If your camera is on a UK ISP network with double NAT, temporarily disable 5GHz mode on your router. For models like the FI9928P, verify the NTP Server field is set to a public time server (e.g. time.google.com). If the issue persists, perform a factory reset via the reset button (see Section 4 for model-specific steps).

To reset your Foscam camera, use the reset button specific to your model. For the FI9928P, press and hold the reset button near the SD card slot for 15–30 seconds until the camera pans and tilts. For the FN9108HE NVR, use a pin to press the reset button on the back for 15–30 seconds until you hear a beep. After resetting, reconfigure the Time & Date settings in the Foscam App and ensure Automatic Time Sync is enabled. If your camera is on a UK Virgin Media Hub 5x, enable modem mode to avoid double NAT issues.

If your Foscam camera's timestamp is still incorrect after resetting, check the NTP Server configuration. Open the Foscam App, go to Device Settings → Time & Date, and manually enter a public NTP server (e.g. time.nist.gov). For models like the G4P, ensure Daylight Saving Time is enabled in the app. If your router uses a single SSID for both Wi-Fi bands, temporarily disable 5GHz mode during setup. For wired models, confirm the transformer voltage at the junction box is between 16–24V AC. If the problem continues, contact Foscam support via their official website.

To prevent timestamp errors, ensure your Foscam camera's firmware is up to date. Open the Foscam App, navigate to Device Settings → Firmware Update, and follow the on-screen instructions. For models like the FI9928P, use the NTP Server field to specify a reliable time source. Avoid using UK ISP routers that create double NAT unless you enable modem mode or set up a DMZ. Regularly check the Device Health section in the app for signal strength and firmware status. If your camera is battery-powered, replace the battery if it shows less than 20% charge.

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