Pink or Purple Tint on Your Geeni Camera? Here's How to Fix It
If your Geeni camera is displaying a pink or purple tint in video footage, it's likely due to an issue with the IR cut filter, sensor malfunction, or firmware instability. This guide provides targeted fixes tailored to Geeni models like the Sentinel, Look, and Scope, including app-specific steps and model-specific reset procedures.
First Steps for Your Geeni Issue
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these immediate checks:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the power adapter for 10 seconds, then reconnect. For Geeni Look (hardwired), ensure the transformer voltage at the junction box is between 16-24V AC.
- Restart the Geeni App: Close the app completely and reopen it. If the tint persists, log out and back in with your account.
- Check the LED status: A solid red LED may indicate a power issue, while a blinking blue LED suggests a connectivity problem. For Geeni Scope, use the Device Health feature in the app to verify LED status.
- Verify power cable/battery: For battery-powered models, ensure the battery is fully charged (minimum 20% in the app). For wired models, inspect the power cable for damage.
- Check app login: Ensure you're logged in with the correct account. If you're using a guest account, sign out and re-login with your primary account.
Check Your Geeni Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
Geeni cameras like the Sentinel and Look rely exclusively on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n). Weak or unstable Wi-Fi can cause sensor instability, leading to tinted footage.
Ensure 2.4GHz Mode is Enabled
- Open the Geeni App and select your camera.
- Navigate to Device Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Band.
- Ensure 2.4GHz mode is selected. If your router supports dual-band, disable 5GHz entirely in your router settings.
Check Signal Strength (RSSI)
- In the app, go to Device Health → Signal Strength.
- If the RSSI is below -70dBm, move the camera closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- For Geeni Sentinel models, check for interference from other devices operating on the same channel.
Update Your Geeni Camera's Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause sensor or IR filter malfunctions. Follow these steps to update:
For All Geeni Models
- Open the Geeni App and select your camera.
- Go to Device Settings → Firmware Update.
- Tap Check for Updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- After the update, restart the camera and check if the tint is resolved.
For Geeni Scope Models
If the tint persists, perform a Factory Reset:
- Tilt the lens up to access the reset hole near the microSD slot.
- Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks.
- Re-pair the camera in the app by navigating to Add Device → Manual Setup.
Advanced Diagnostics: Check for Hardware Faults
If the tint remains after firmware updates and Wi-Fi checks, it may indicate a hardware issue with the IR cut filter or sensor.
Use the Geeni App's Diagnostic Tools
- Open the Geeni App and select your camera.
- Navigate to Device Settings → Advanced → Diagnostic Logs.
- Look for error codes related to IR filter failure or sensor malfunction. If present, contact Geeni support.
Manual IR Filter Reset (Geeni Sentinel and Look)
- For Geeni Sentinel models, press and hold the reset button on the side for several seconds until the camera beeps and the indicator light starts blinking.
- For Geeni Look models, press and hold the reset button on the back for 5 seconds until a voice prompt confirms the reset.
- After the reset, re-pair the camera in the app and check for the tint.
When to Contact Geeni Support
If all steps fail, contact Geeni support via support.mygeeni.com. Provide the following details:
- Model name (e.g. Geeni Sentinel, Geeni Look)
- Firmware version (if available)
- Diagnostic logs from the app
- Photos of the tinted footage
Geeni support will guide you through further diagnostics or arrange a replacement if the issue is hardware-related.
Root Causes of the Pink/Purple Tint
The tint typically stems from one of three issues:
- Stuck IR Cut Filter: The filter fails to switch between day and night modes, causing incorrect light filtering.
- Sensor Damage: Physical damage or exposure to extreme temperatures can degrade the sensor.
- Firmware Instability: Outdated or corrupted firmware may cause sensor or filter malfunctions.
UK-specific factors like brick-cavity-block construction or double-glazed windows with Low-E coating can reduce Wi-Fi signal strength, indirectly affecting sensor performance. Ensure your camera is placed in an area with minimal obstructions.
How to Prevent Future Geeni Issues
To avoid recurrence, follow these best practices:
- Regular firmware updates: Ensure your Geeni camera's firmware is always up to date.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep the camera away from direct sunlight or freezing conditions.
- Monitor signal strength: Use the Device Health → Signal Strength feature to ensure stable connectivity.
- Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet.
When to Replace Your Geeni Camera
If troubleshooting takes over 30 minutes without success, it's likely a hardware issue. Consider replacement if:
- The tint persists after a factory reset and firmware update
- The camera is over 5 years old (wired models) or 3 years old (battery-powered models)
- Diagnostic logs confirm hardware faults
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK users have up to 6 years (or 5 years in Scotland) to claim faulty goods. For professional installation or replacement, UK pricing ranges from £150-£300 per camera for single units, depending on complexity.