## Guardzilla Night Vision Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
A security camera's ability to see in the dark is one of its most critical features. When your Guardzilla's night vision fails, your security is compromised. Whether your view is pitch black, grainy, or has a strange colour tint, these problems can often be fixed with a few simple steps.
This guide will help you diagnose and solve the most common issues affecting Guardzilla's night vision performance.
## How Guardzilla Night Vision Works
Your Guardzilla camera uses infrared (IR) LEDs to illuminate the area in front of it. This light is invisible to the human eye but can be seen by the camera's sensor. A small light sensor on the camera detects when ambient light levels are low and automatically activates the IR LEDs and switches the camera to monochrome (black and white) mode for a clearer image.
Most problems are related to the LEDs, the sensor, or software settings.
## Steps to Fix Your Guardzilla's Night Vision
Let's get your camera seeing in the dark again. Follow these troubleshooting steps in order.
### 1. Clean the Camera Lens and Sensors
The simplest solution is often the most effective.
- Wipe it Down: Dust, fingerprints, and grime on the camera lens or the light sensor can obstruct the view and prevent the camera from switching to night mode. Use a soft, clean microfibre cloth to gently wipe the lens and the area around it. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Check for Obstructions: Ensure there are no stickers, decals, or other objects physically blocking the lens or the IR LEDs.
### 2. Check for Reflections and Positioning
Infrared light can be tricky. If your camera is poorly positioned, the IR light can bounce back and blind the sensor.
- Avoid Windows: Never place your camera to look through a pane of glass at night. The IR LEDs will reflect off the window, creating a massive glare and making it impossible to see outside.
- Pull it Back from Surfaces: If the camera is too close to a wall, a windowsill, or even a large piece of furniture, the IR light can create a "white-out" effect. Try moving the camera further away from any nearby surfaces.
- Check for External Light Sources: A bright porch light or streetlamp shining directly at the camera can sometimes trick the light sensor into thinking it's still daytime, preventing the night vision from activating.
### 3. Verify Settings in the Guardzilla App
Sometimes the solution lies within the camera's software settings.
- Enable Night Vision: Open the Guardzilla app and navigate to your camera's settings. Find the 'Night Vision' or 'Infrared' setting. Make sure it is set to 'Auto'. If it is set to 'Off' or 'Day Mode', it will not switch on automatically.
- Reboot the Camera from the App: If the settings are correct, try using the 'Reboot' or 'Restart' function within the app. This can often resolve temporary software glitches.
### 4. Power Cycle the Camera
A hard reboot is a classic troubleshooting step that can solve many electronic issues.
- Unplug and Wait: Unplug the Guardzilla camera from its power source.
- Wait for 60 Seconds: Leave the camera unplugged for at least one full minute. This allows the internal components to fully discharge and reset.
- Plug it Back In: Reconnect the power and wait for the camera to fully boot up. Test the night vision again once it's back online by covering the light sensor with your finger. You should hear a faint click and see the image turn to black and white.
### 5. Check for a Stuck IR Cut Filter
The IR cut filter is a mechanical component that can sometimes get stuck. A key symptom is a pink or purple hue to your video during the daytime.
- Tap the Camera: Gently but firmly tap the side of the camera casing. Sometimes this physical jolt is enough to dislodge a stuck filter.
- Power Cycle Again: If tapping doesn't work, a few power cycles (unplugging and replugging) can also help reset the filter's position.
If you've tried all the steps above and your Guardzilla's night vision is still not working, there may be a hardware fault with the IR LEDs or the sensor. In this case, you should reach out to Guardzilla customer support for further assistance.