Friedland Doorbell Camera Not Showing Video? Here's How to Fix It
It can be very concerning when your Friedland video doorbell, a key part of your home security, stops showing a video feed. A blank or black screen means you can't see who is at your door, defeating its main purpose. The good news is that most causes for this issue are common and can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting.
This guide will take you through the most likely reasons for video loss and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to get your Friedland doorbell camera working again.
Step 1: Check the Power Source
Whether your model is battery-powered or hardwired, a lack of consistent power is the number one cause of a "no video" problem.
- For Battery-Powered Models:
- Low Battery: The most obvious reason is that the battery has been depleted. You should have received low battery notifications in the app, but these can sometimes be missed.
- Charge the Battery: Remove the battery pack from the doorbell unit. Connect it to a recommended USB charger using the provided cable and let it charge completely. This can take several hours.
- For Hardwired Models:
- Check the Circuit Breaker: Ensure the circuit that powers your doorbell transformer has not been tripped.
- Inspect the Transformer: Hardwired doorbells use a transformer to step down your home's voltage. These can occasionally fail. Check that the transformer is providing the correct voltage (consult your manual for specifications). This may require a multimeter and professional assistance.
Step 2: Troubleshoot the Wi-Fi Connection
A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for your Friedland doorbell to stream video to your phone. Even if the doorbell has power, a poor connection will result in no video.
- Router Proximity and Signal Strength: Your front door might be a Wi-Fi weak spot in your home. Thick walls or distance from the router can cause a poor signal. Try temporarily moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the doorbell to see if the video feed appears.
- Restart Your Router: A simple and often effective solution is to restart your router. Unplug it from power for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for it to fully boot up and for the doorbell to reconnect.
- Use a Wi-Fi Extender: If you confirm that the signal is weak at your door, a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can provide a more reliable connection for your doorbell.
Step 3: Investigate the Friedland App
Sometimes the hardware is fine, but there's a glitch in the software on your smartphone.
- Restart the App: Fully close the Friedland app on your phone (don't just switch to another app). On most phones, you can do this from the recent apps screen. Then, reopen the app and check the video feed.
- Check for Updates: Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and see if there is an update available for the Friedland app. Developers frequently release updates to fix bugs.
- Clear Cache / Reinstall: If an update doesn't help, try clearing the app's cache in your phone's settings. If that fails, the final step is to uninstall the Friedland app completely and then reinstall it from the app store.
Step 4: Reset the Doorbell
If all the above steps fail, you can perform a factory reset on the doorbell itself. This should only be done as a last resort, as it will erase all your settings and require you to set up the device again from the beginning.
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is typically a small, recessed button on the back of the doorbell unit.
- Press and Hold: You will likely need a paperclip or a similar tool. Press and hold the reset button for 15-20 seconds until the doorbell's light flashes or you hear a sound indicating the reset process has started.
- Re-run Setup: Once the reset is complete, open the Friedland app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your doorbell again.
If you are still unable to get a video feed after a full reset, it could indicate a hardware failure, and you should contact Friedland customer support for further assistance.