How to Fix Pixelated and Blurry Video on Your Geeni Camera
A security camera is only as good as the video it produces. If your Geeni camera is delivering a pixelated, blurry, or low-quality image, it can be impossible to make out important details. This issue almost always stems from network problems, but there are a few other things to check. This guide will help you systematically troubleshoot the cause and restore a crystal-clear picture.
Don't settle for a fuzzy image. By following these steps, you can significantly improve your camera's video quality and ensure it's capturing the sharp, detailed footage you need.
The Main Causes of Poor Video Quality
Understanding why your video is pixelated is the first step. For Geeni and other Wi-Fi cameras, the reason is usually one of the following:
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: This is the number one cause. When the camera's connection to your router is weak, it automatically lowers the video quality to prevent the stream from disconnecting entirely. This process is called dynamic bitrate adjustment.
- Low Bandwidth: If many other devices on your network are using the internet at the same time (e.g., streaming 4K movies, online gaming, large downloads), there may not be enough upload bandwidth available for your camera to send a high-quality video stream.
- Incorrect Quality Settings: The Geeni app allows you to choose between Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD). It's possible your camera is currently set to SD.
- Dirty Lens: It sounds simple, but dust, fingerprints, or grime on the camera lens can make the entire image appear blurry or hazy.
- Outdated App or Firmware: Bugs in older software versions can sometimes cause performance issues, including poor video quality.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Clearer Picture
Let's work through the solutions, from the easiest to the most involved.
1. Clean the Camera Lens
Start with the simplest fix. Use a clean, soft microfibre cloth to gently wipe the camera lens. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch it. Check the live view afterwards to see if there's an immediate improvement.
2. Check and Set Video Quality to HD
Open the Geeni app and go to the live view for the camera you want to fix.
- Look for an icon on the video screen that says "SD" or "HD".
- Tap this icon and ensure you select HD (High Definition).
- Observe the stream for a few moments. If the connection is stable, the image should become noticeably sharper. If it struggles to load or buffers constantly in HD, the problem is your Wi-Fi.
3. Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Now, let's quantify your Wi-Fi problem.
- In the Geeni app, select your camera and tap the settings icon (usually three dots or a gear).
- Navigate to Device Information.
- Look for "Wi-Fi Signal" or a similar entry. It will show a percentage.
- Analysis:
- 80-100%: Excellent signal. Your issue is likely not Wi-Fi related.
- 50-79%: Good to fair signal. This could be the cause of intermittent pixelation.
- Below 50%: Poor signal. This is almost certainly the reason for your pixelated video.
4. Improve Your Wi-Fi Connection
If your signal is weak, you need to strengthen it.
- Move Your Router: If possible, move your router to a more central location in your home, closer to the camera.
- Move Your Camera: Try moving the camera to a spot where the signal is stronger. Even a few feet can make a big difference.
- Reduce Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by solid obstacles like brick walls, metal appliances, and large furniture. Minimise the number of obstacles between the router and the camera.
- Invest in a Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi extender (or repeater) is a relatively inexpensive device that can boost your Wi-Fi signal into areas with poor coverage. Place it halfway between your router and your Geeni camera.
By systematically improving the Wi-Fi connection and checking your settings, you can eliminate pixelation and enjoy the full HD video quality your Geeni camera is capable of.