What to Do When Your Geeni Camera Keeps Going Offline
A smart camera is meant to provide reassurance, so when your Geeni camera repeatedly goes offline, it can be a source of significant frustration. An offline camera means you can't check your live feed, receive motion alerts, or review recordings. This guide will help you diagnose and solve the common reasons why your Geeni camera might be losing its connection.
The good news is that the problem is usually related to your home Wi-Fi network, and can often be fixed with a few simple adjustments.
## Why Your Geeni Camera Goes Offline
The stability of any smart camera is entirely dependent on the quality of its Wi-Fi connection. A weak, congested, or improperly configured network is the number one cause of a camera going offline. Let's explore how to fix this.
## Step 1: Troubleshoot Your Wi-Fi Connection
Start by investigating the link between your camera and your router.
- Check the Distance and Obstructions: How far away is your camera from your Wi-Fi router? The signal gets weaker with distance. Walls (especially brick or concrete), large metal appliances (like refrigerators), and even fish tanks can severely block the signal. Try temporarily moving the camera closer to your router. If the connection becomes stable, you have identified the problem as a weak signal.
- Invest in a Wi-Fi Extender: If you can't move your router, a Wi-Fi range extender is an excellent solution. These devices pick up your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it, strengthening the connection in areas of your home that are further away.
- Check Your Wi-Fi Band: Geeni cameras, like many smart devices, operate on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Many modern routers are dual-band, meaning they broadcast both a 2.4GHz and a 5GHz network. The 5GHz band is faster, but the 2.4GHz band has a much better range. Ensure your phone and camera were connected to the 2.4GHz network during setup.
## Step 2: Check the Power Supply
A consistent power source is just as important as a good Wi-Fi signal.
- Use the Original Power Adapter: Make sure you are using the USB adapter and cable that came in the box with your Geeni camera. A phone charger might look the same, but it may not provide the stable amperage required, causing the camera to reboot or go offline.
- Secure the Connection: Check that the cable is firmly plugged into both the camera and the power adapter. Try plugging it into a different wall socket to rule out a faulty outlet.
## Step 3: Update the Geeni App and Camera Firmware
Running outdated software can lead to performance bugs.
- Update the App: Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and check if there is an update available for the Geeni app.
- Update Camera Firmware: In the Geeni app, select your camera, go to its settings (often a pencil icon or three dots), and look for an option related to 'Device Information' or 'Firmware Update'. If an update is available, be sure to install it.
## Step 4: The Last Resort - A Factory Reset
If you've tried everything else and the camera still goes offline, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase its current settings, including your Wi-Fi details, and you will need to set it up again as if it were new.
- Make sure the camera is plugged in and powered on.
- Find the reset button. This is usually a small, recessed button that you will need a paperclip or the included reset pin to press.
- Press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds.
- The camera will usually make a sound or the indicator light will begin to flash rapidly to confirm the reset.
- Open your Geeni app, delete the offline camera from your device list, and then tap the '+' icon to add the camera again, following the on-screen instructions.
By following these steps, you can resolve the vast majority of connection issues and ensure your Geeni camera stays online and ready when you need it.