How to Fix a Guardzilla Camera That Is Offline
It can be worrying when you open the Guardzilla app and see that your camera is offline. An offline camera means you can't view the live feed or receive motion alerts, leaving a gap in your home security. Fortunately, most offline issues can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
This guide will walk you through the common causes of a Guardzilla camera going offline and how to get it back up and running quickly.
## Common Symptoms of an Offline Camera
Before we dive into solutions, let's identify the problem. You're likely facing an offline issue if you see:
- The message "Camera Offline" in the Guardzilla app.
- No live video feed, just a spinning loading icon.
- The indicator light on the camera is off, or it's a solid red or flashing colour that indicates an error.
- You are not receiving any new motion detection notifications.
- The camera is making no sound (e.g., no 'click' when the IR filter engages).
## Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Guardzilla Camera Back Online
Start with step one and work your way through. Most issues are solved by the first couple of steps.
### 1. Check the Camera's Power Supply
The most common reason for a camera being offline is that it has no power.
- Check the Cable: Ensure the micro-USB cable is securely plugged into the back of the Guardzilla camera and that the other end is firmly connected to the USB power adapter.
- Check the Outlet: Make sure the power adapter is plugged into a working wall socket. To be sure the socket is working, try plugging in another device, like a lamp or phone charger.
- Check the Indicator Light: Is there any light on the front of the camera? If there is no light at all, it's almost certainly a power issue. Try using a different micro-USB cable and power adapter if you have one.
### 2. Reboot Your Camera and Network Router
If the camera has power but is still offline, the next step is to restart everything. This is known as a power cycle and it resolves the majority of connectivity issues.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your home Wi-Fi router from the power socket. Wait for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in. It will take a few minutes for your router to restart and for your home internet to come back online.
- Reboot Your Camera: Once your internet is working again, unplug your Guardzilla camera from its power source. Wait for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Give the camera a few minutes to boot up and attempt to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
After a few minutes, open the Guardzilla app and see if the camera is back online.
### 3. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
If a reboot didn't work, let's look more closely at the Wi-Fi signal.
- Router Position: Has your router been moved recently? The camera may now be too far away to get a stable signal. Wi-Fi signals can be blocked by thick walls, large metal objects (like refrigerators), or other electronic devices. Try moving the camera closer to the router temporarily to see if the connection is restored.
- Wi-Fi Band: Guardzilla cameras, like many smart home devices, can only connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. They cannot connect to 5GHz networks. If you have a dual-band router, ensure that the 2.4GHz band is enabled.
### 4. Re-configure the Camera
If you have recently changed your Wi-Fi password or your internet service provider, the camera will need to be set up again.
- Factory Reset: You will need to perform a factory reset on the camera. The method can vary by model, so consult your user manual, but it usually involves pressing a small, recessed reset button for 10-15 seconds until the camera chimes or the light flashes.
- Re-run Setup: After the reset, delete the camera from your Guardzilla app and then add it again as a new device, following the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
Following these steps should resolve the vast majority of "camera offline" issues for your Guardzilla device.