Is Your Geeni Camera Struggling to See in the Dark?
When the sun goes down, you rely on your Geeni camera's night vision to keep a watchful eye on your property. It can be unsettling when this feature stops working, leaving you with a blank screen instead of a clear view. Whether the infrared (IR) lights aren't turning on or the image is completely black, most Geeni night vision problems can be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting.
This guide is designed to walk you through the most common causes and solutions to get your camera's night-time surveillance back online.
## Understanding How Geeni Night Vision Works
Your Geeni camera uses infrared (IR) LEDs to illuminate the scene in low-light conditions. This light is invisible to the human eye but can be seen by the camera's sensor, which is why night vision footage appears in black and white. A light sensor on the camera detects when ambient light levels are low and automatically activates the IR LEDs and switches the camera to night mode.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Geeni Night Vision Issues
Let's work through the potential fixes, from the simplest checks to more specific settings adjustments.
### 1. Check for Adequate Power
Your Geeni camera needs a stable and sufficient power supply for all its features to work correctly, including the power-intensive IR LEDs.
- Secure Connections: Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the power outlet.
- Use the Original Adapter: Always use the power adapter and cable that came with your Geeni camera. Using a third-party adapter with a lower amperage might not provide enough power for the night vision to activate.
- Test the Outlet: Plug another device into the same power outlet to confirm it's working correctly.
### 2. Verify Night Vision Settings in the Geeni App
Sometimes the solution is as simple as a setting that has been accidentally changed.
- Open the Geeni app on your smartphone.
- Select the camera you are having issues with from the device list.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner to access the camera's settings.
- Look for an option labelled "Night Vision" or similar (this may vary slightly by model).
- Ensure the setting is on "Auto". This allows the camera to switch automatically based on light conditions. If it's set to "Off", the IR lights will never activate.
### 3. Update Camera Firmware
Firmware is the software that runs on your camera. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. A bug in an older firmware version could be the cause of your night vision problem.
- In the camera's settings within the Geeni app, look for a "Firmware Information" or "Device Update" section.
- The app will tell you if a new firmware version is available. If so, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Ensure the camera remains powered on during the update process.
### 4. Clean the Camera Lens and Surrounding Area
A surprisingly common cause of poor night vision is a dirty lens or sensor.
- Dust and Smudges: Over time, the camera lens can accumulate dust, fingerprints, or grime. Gently wipe the lens with a clean, soft microfibre cloth.
- Check the Light Sensor: The ambient light sensor is usually a small dot near the lens. Make sure it is also clean and not obstructed, as this sensor is what tells the camera when to switch to night mode.
### 5. Reposition the Camera
The camera's location can significantly impact its night vision performance.
- Avoid Reflections: Do not place your Geeni camera pointing directly through a window or pane of glass. The IR LEDs will create a strong glare by reflecting off the glass, making the image whiteout and impossible to see.
- Check for Competing Light Sources: If the camera is installed near a porch light, streetlamp, or other light source, the sensor may not register that it is dark enough to switch to night mode. Try moving the camera to a darker location to see if the night vision engages.
### 6. Power Cycle (Restart) the Camera
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches or software bugs.
- Unplug the Geeni camera from its power source.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds. This allows the internal components to fully power down.
- Plug the camera back in and wait for it to restart and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Check the live feed in a dark room to see if the night vision now activates.
### 7. Factory Reset the Camera
If none of the above steps have worked, a factory reset should be your last resort. This will erase all your custom settings and restore the camera to its original state. You will need to set it up again from scratch in the Geeni app.
- Look for a small, recessed reset button on the camera's body.
- With the camera powered on, use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds until you hear a chime or see the indicator light flash.
- Release the button and allow the camera to restart.
- Follow the instructions in the Geeni app to re-add your camera.
If the night vision still fails to work after a factory reset, it may indicate a hardware fault. In this case, you should contact Geeni customer support for further assistance or to discuss warranty options.