Can't Add Your Geeni Camera to the App? A Troubleshooting Guide
Setting up a new Geeni camera should be a straightforward process, but it can be frustrating when the camera fails to connect or add to your app. This guide covers the most common reasons for setup failures and provides clear steps to resolve them, getting your camera online and working correctly.
### Pre-Setup Checklist: The Essentials
Before you even begin the pairing process, make sure you have the following sorted. These basics account for a majority of setup problems.
- Know Your Wi-Fi Password: Double-check you are entering your Wi-Fi password correctly. It is case-sensitive.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Network: Geeni cameras, like many smart devices, only connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Modern routers are often dual-band, broadcasting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Your phone must be connected to the 2.4GHz network during the setup process.
- Proximity to Router: During the initial setup, place the camera, your phone, and your Wi-Fi router close to each other (within a few metres) to ensure a strong signal. You can move the camera to its final location after the setup is complete.
- Bluetooth and Location Services: Ensure Bluetooth and Location Services are enabled on your smartphone, as the Geeni app uses these for a smoother setup process.
## Step 1: Reset the Geeni Camera
If the camera is not in pairing mode or if a previous attempt failed, the first step is always to perform a factory reset.
- Plug in the Camera: Ensure the camera is connected to a power source.
- Locate the Reset Button: This is typically a small, recessed button on the back or side of the camera. You will likely need a paperclip or the reset pin included in the box to press it.
- Press and Hold: Press and hold the reset button for approximately 5-10 seconds.
- Listen for the Chime: You should hear a chime or beep, and the indicator light on the front of the camera should start blinking rapidly. This confirms the camera is in pairing mode and ready to be added.
### Step 2: The QR Code Method (Most Common)
Most Geeni cameras use a QR code displayed on your phone to transfer Wi-Fi information to the camera.
- Start the Process in the App: In the Geeni app, tap the '+' icon to add a new device and select your camera model. Follow the on-screen instructions until you are presented with a QR code.
- Turn Up Your Phone's Brightness: A dim screen can be difficult for the camera to read. Turn your screen brightness to maximum.
- Position the Code: Hold your phone with the QR code displayed about 15-20cm (6-8 inches) away from the camera's lens.
- Hold Steady: Keep the phone still until you hear an audible confirmation from the camera (usually a "ding" or "chime"). This indicates the code has been scanned successfully.
- Confirmation in the App: Once the camera chimes, confirm this in the app, which will then complete the connection process.
If the QR code fails to scan:
- Make sure there isn't a strong glare on your phone's screen.
- Wipe the camera lens with a soft cloth to ensure it's clean.
- Try moving the phone slowly back and forth to help the camera focus.
## Step 3: What To Do If Connection Still Fails
If you've reset the camera and the QR code method isn't working, here are some advanced steps.
- Temporarily Disable 5GHz Wi-Fi: If your router uses the same name (SSID) for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, your phone might be stubbornly staying on the 5GHz network. Log in to your router's administration settings and temporarily disable the 5GHz band. Once the camera is added, you can re-enable it.
- Check for AP Isolation: Some routers have a security feature called "AP Isolation" or "Client Isolation" that prevents devices on the Wi-Fi network from communicating with each other. This must be disabled for the Geeni camera to connect.
- Reboot Your Router: A simple reboot of your router can clear up network glitches that may be preventing a new device from connecting.
By following these steps methodically, you should be able to overcome any issues and successfully add your Geeni camera to the app.