Geeni Camera Won't Connect? A Simple UK Troubleshooting Guide
A Geeni smart camera that won't connect to your Wi-Fi can be a real headache, preventing you from completing the setup or viewing your camera remotely. Fortunately, the cause is usually a simple network issue that you can solve in a few minutes. Follow these steps to get your camera connected.
## The Golden Rule: Understanding 2.4GHz vs 5GHz Wi-Fi
This is the number one reason for connection failure with Geeni and many other smart home devices.
- Geeni Cameras ONLY Use 2.4GHz: Your Geeni camera can only connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. It is not compatible with 5GHz networks.
- How Your Router Works: Most modern Wi-Fi routers in the UK are dual-band, meaning they broadcast both a 2.4GHz and a 5GHz signal. These might appear as two different network names (SSIDs), for example:
- "MyHomeWiFi-2.4GHz"
- "MyHomeWiFi-5GHz"
- Sometimes a router combines them under one name.
- The Fix: Before you even start the setup process in the Geeni app, go to your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you are connected to the 2.4GHz network. The camera and your phone must be on the same network for the setup to work.
## Essential Pre-Setup Checks
Getting these basics right before you start will save you a lot of time.
- Check Your Wi-Fi Password: It sounds obvious, but passwords are case-sensitive. Type it carefully. If in doubt, use the 'show password' (eye icon) option to ensure there are no typos.
- Bring the Camera Close to the Router: For the initial setup, place the Geeni camera right next to your Wi-Fi router. This ensures the strongest possible signal and eliminates weak Wi-Fi as a potential problem. You can move it to its final location after it's successfully connected.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your internet router from the power for 60 seconds and then plug it back in. This can clear temporary glitches in the router's software that might be preventing new devices from connecting.
## Walking Through the Connection Process
If you've confirmed you're on a 2.4GHz network and the basics are covered, follow these steps carefully in the Geeni app.
- Start the Reset Process: Before adding a new camera, it's best to ensure it's in pairing mode. Press and hold the small reset button on the camera for 5-10 seconds. You should hear a beep or see the indicator light begin to flash rapidly. This confirms it's ready to connect.
- Follow the App Instructions: Open the Geeni app and select "Add Device". Follow the on-screen prompts precisely.
- QR Code Method: The app will likely display a QR code on your phone's screen. You need to hold your phone screen about 15-20cm in front of the Geeni camera lens. The camera will scan this code to get the Wi-Fi credentials.
- Make sure your phone's screen brightness is turned up.
- Hold the phone steady until you hear a chime or beep from the camera. This sound confirms it has successfully read the code.
If the connection still fails after several attempts, try putting your phone into aeroplane mode and then re-enabling only Wi-Fi. This prevents any interference from your mobile data connection during the setup process. By tackling the 2.4GHz requirement head-on and following these simple steps, you'll be able to solve the vast majority of Geeni connection issues.