Guardzilla Microphone Not Working? Here's the Fix

Guardzilla Microphone Not Working? Let's Get You Heard

The two-way audio feature is one of the most important functions of a Guardzilla security camera, allowing you to listen in and communicate with anyone on the other end. When the microphone stops working, you lose a critical layer of security and interaction. Whether you're getting no sound at all, or the audio is muffled and distorted, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common Guardzilla microphone issues.

Follow these steps to diagnose the problem and restore clear communication to your camera system.

## Step 1: Check App Permissions and Settings

The most common cause of microphone issues isn't the camera itself, but the settings on your smartphone and within the Guardzilla app.

• Microphone Permissions: Your phone's operating system requires you to grant apps permission to access the microphone.
  • For iOS: Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone. Make sure the toggle next to the Guardzilla app is on.
  • For Android: Go to Settings → Apps → Guardzilla → Permissions. Ensure that Microphone is listed under the "Allowed" section.
• In-App Mute Button: When viewing your camera's live feed, look for a microphone or speaker icon. It's easy to accidentally tap this and mute the audio. Make sure the audio is not muted in the app.
• Check Your Phone's Volume: This may seem obvious, but ensure your phone's media volume is turned up.

## Step 2: Inspect the Camera's Hardware

If the app settings are correct, the next step is to check the physical camera unit.

• Clean the Microphone Opening: The microphone on a security camera is a tiny pinhole that can easily become blocked by dust, dirt, or debris. Locate the microphone opening on your Guardzilla camera and gently clean it with a can of compressed air or a soft, dry brush. Do not poke anything sharp into the hole, as this could permanently damage the microphone.
• Reboot the Camera: A simple power cycle can resolve many temporary hardware and software glitches. Unplug your Guardzilla camera from the power source, wait for 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to fully restart before testing the audio again.

## Step 3: Troubleshoot Your Network Connection

Audio streaming requires a stable and reasonably fast internet connection. A poor Wi-Fi signal can lead to distorted, choppy, or delayed audio.

• Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: In the Guardzilla app, check the signal strength for the camera in question. If it's weak, you may need to move your router closer to the camera, or vice versa.
• Reduce Network Congestion: If many other devices are using your Wi-Fi network for activities like streaming video or online gaming, it could be impacting your camera's performance. Try to reduce the load on your network and see if the audio quality improves.
• Reboot Your Router: Just like the camera, your router can benefit from a restart. Unplug it from power for a minute and then plug it back in.

## Step 4: Isolate the Problem

To determine if the issue is with the camera's microphone or your phone's speaker/microphone, perform a simple test.

• Use Another Device: Install the Guardzilla app on a different smartphone or tablet. If the audio works correctly on the new device, the problem lies with your original phone's settings or hardware.
• Test Two-Way Talk: If you can hear audio from the camera but people can't hear you, the issue is likely related to your phone's microphone. If you can't hear audio but people can hear you, the issue is with the camera's microphone.

If you have completed all these steps and the microphone is still not working, it's possible the camera has a hardware defect. In this case, you should contact Guardzilla customer support to inquire about warranty coverage and replacement options.