What to Do When Your Heimvision Camera Is Broken
Discovering your Heimvision security camera is broken or unresponsive can be alarming. Whether it's completely dead, won't connect, or has been physically damaged, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose the problem. In many cases, the issue may be something you can fix yourself.
This guide will help you systematically identify the cause of the failure and provide clear instructions on how to get your camera back online.
Initial Diagnosis: Is It Power, Connectivity, or Hardware?
When a camera appears "broken," the problem usually falls into one of three categories. Let's determine which one you're dealing with.
Symptoms of a Power Issue:
- The camera shows no signs of life—no lights, no sounds.
- The camera turns off intermittently.
- The power adapter feels unusually hot or cold.
Symptoms of a Connectivity Issue:
- The camera is powered on (indicator lights are active) but you can't see the video feed in the app.
- The indicator light is blinking, often red or blue, indicating it's trying to connect.
- The camera frequently goes offline and then comes back online.
Symptoms of a Hardware Failure:
- The camera is unresponsive even with a confirmed working power source.
- There is visible physical damage, such as a cracked lens or casing.
- The camera makes unusual noises like clicking or buzzing.
- A factory reset does not resolve the issue.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Broken Camera
Follow these steps in order to isolate and hopefully resolve the issue with your Heimvision camera.
1. Verify the Power Supply
The most common reason for a camera appearing dead is a lack of power. Don't skip these simple checks.
- Check the Connections: Ensure the power cable is firmly plugged into both the camera and the wall outlet. If you're using a USB adapter, make sure the USB cable is securely connected to the adapter.
- Test the Outlet: Plug another device, like a lamp or phone charger, into the same power outlet to confirm it's working correctly.
- Inspect the Cable: Examine the entire length of the power cable for any signs of damage, such as cuts, frays, or bent pins. A damaged cable can be a fire hazard and should be replaced immediately.
- Try a Different Power Adapter: If you have another compatible power adapter with the same voltage and amperage rating, try using it. The original adapter may have failed.
2. Perform a Hard Reset
If the camera has power but is unresponsive or not connecting, a reset can often clear up firmware glitches.
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is typically a small pinhole button on the back or bottom of the camera. You will need a paperclip or a SIM ejector tool to press it.
- Execute the Reset: With the camera plugged in, press and hold the reset button for at least 15-20 seconds. The camera should make a sound or the indicator light will flash to confirm the reset is complete.
- Re-add the Camera: After a reset, the camera is restored to its factory settings. You will need to go through the setup process in the Heimvision app again to add it back to your account.
3. Assess for Physical Damage
If the camera was dropped, knocked over, or exposed to the elements, you'll need to check for physical damage.
- Inspect the Casing: Look for any cracks or breaks in the camera body.
- Check the Lens: Ensure the lens is not cracked or scratched.
- Look for Water Damage: If the camera is not weather-rated and was exposed to rain or moisture, it may be permanently damaged. Look for condensation inside the lens.
4. When to Contact Support
If you have completed all the steps above and your camera is still not working, it is likely you are dealing with an internal hardware failure.
- Warranty: Check if your camera is still under warranty. Heimvision's warranty may cover a replacement for a failed device.
- Contact Customer Support: Reach out to Heimvision's official customer support. Provide them with the camera's model number, a description of the problem, and a list of the troubleshooting steps you have already taken. This will help them diagnose the issue more efficiently.
While it's stressful when a security camera breaks, following a logical troubleshooting process can often lead to a simple solution.