How to Fix a Guardzilla Camera That Keeps Disconnecting
A security camera that frequently disconnects from the network is unreliable. If your Guardzilla camera is constantly going offline and then coming back online, it's a sign of an unstable connection that needs to be addressed. This guide will help you diagnose the root cause of these disconnections and provide stable, long-term solutions.
Why Your Guardzilla Camera Goes Offline Intermittently
Unlike a complete connection failure, intermittent disconnections are almost always caused by an unstable environment, either in your Wi-Fi network or the camera's power supply.
The most common reasons include:
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: This is the number one cause. The camera is too far from the router to maintain a consistent connection.
- Wi-Fi Interference: Other electronic devices or neighbours' Wi-Fi networks are disrupting the signal.
- Router Issues: Your router may be overloaded or have settings that are not optimal for smart devices.
- Power Supply Problems: An unstable power source or a faulty power adapter is causing the camera to reboot.
- Outdated Firmware: The camera's software has a bug that affects its Wi-Fi stability.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Guardzilla Disconnections
Follow these steps to create a more stable environment for your camera and resolve the offline issues.
1. Analyse and Improve Wi-Fi Signal Strength
You must ensure the camera has a strong, consistent signal from your router.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Guardzilla app, there may be a device health or settings section that shows the Wi-Fi signal strength. If not, you can use a third-party Wi-Fi analyser app on your phone to measure the signal at the camera's location. For reliable video, you ideally want a signal stronger than -67 dBm (e.g., -60, -55).
- Move Devices Closer: If the signal is weak, the easiest test is to temporarily move the camera closer to the router. If the disconnections stop, you have confirmed that signal strength is the problem.
- Solutions for Weak Signal:
- Move your router to a more central location in your home.
- Purchase a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system to improve coverage in the area where the camera is located.
2. Reduce Wi-Fi Interference
Your Wi-Fi network competes with other signals. Reducing this competition can significantly improve stability.
- Change Wi-Fi Channel: Log in to your router's administration page. In the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi settings, you can usually change the channel. Most routers are set to "Auto". Try manually setting it to channel 1, 6, or 11, as these channels do not overlap and are generally the most stable.
- Check for Obstructions: Physical barriers like thick concrete walls, metal appliances, or even a large fish tank between the router and the camera can degrade the signal.
3. Check the Power Supply
An unstable power source will cause the camera to restart, which looks like a network disconnection.
- Ensure you are using the official Guardzilla power adapter and cable that came with the device.
- Plug the camera into a different power outlet that you know is working correctly.
- Avoid using long extension cords, which can sometimes cause a drop in voltage.
4. Update Camera Firmware and Router Firmware
Software updates often contain important stability fixes.
- Camera Firmware: Check for any firmware updates for your camera within the Guardzilla app and install them.
- Router Firmware: Log in to your router's settings and check if there is a firmware update available from the manufacturer. An updated router can handle network traffic more efficiently.
5. Check Router Settings
- DHCP Lease Time: A very technical but possible issue is a short DHCP lease time. In your router's LAN or network settings, look for the DHCP lease time. If it's set to something very short (e.g., one hour), it means the camera has to request a new IP address frequently, which could cause a brief disconnection. Setting it to 24 hours or more is usually better for smart devices.
By systematically improving your Wi-Fi environment and ensuring a stable power supply, you can eliminate the frustrating disconnections and make your Guardzilla camera a reliable part of your security setup.