Heimvision Night Vision Not Working? How to Fix It
A security camera that can't see in the dark is only doing half its job. Heimvision cameras are equipped with infrared (IR) night vision to provide clear video in low-light conditions. If yours has stopped working, this guide will help you troubleshoot the common causes and restore your nighttime surveillance.
## Understanding How Heimvision Night Vision Works
Heimvision cameras have a built-in ambient light sensor. When the light level drops below a certain point, this sensor triggers two things:
- The camera's software switches the video feed from colour to monochrome (black and white), as the sensor is more sensitive to light in this mode.
- A ring of infrared (IR) LEDs around the lens turns on. This IR light is invisible to the human eye but acts like a floodlight for the camera's sensor, illuminating the scene.
A failure in any part of this system can cause night vision to stop working.
## Step 1: Check the Camera's Settings in the HeimLife App
Before checking for hardware issues, always ensure the software is configured correctly.
- Navigate to Night Vision Settings: Open the HeimLife app, select your camera, and go to its main settings page. Look for an option labelled "Night Vision," "IR Light," or similar.
- Ensure it's on 'Auto': You will typically find three options:
- On: Forces night vision to be on constantly (video will be black and white).
- Off: Forces night vision to be off constantly (video will be dark at night).
- Auto: This is the correct setting for most users. It allows the camera's light sensor to decide when to switch night vision on and off automatically.
- Toggle the Setting: Try switching the mode from 'Auto' to 'On' to see if you can force the IR LEDs to activate. If they turn on, the issue may be with the light sensor. If they don't, the problem lies elsewhere. Remember to set it back to 'Auto' after testing.
## Step 2: Physical and Environmental Checks
The camera's physical condition and its surroundings play a huge role in night vision quality.
### Clean the Camera Lens and Housing
- Dust and Grime: The lens and the dark plastic ring covering the IR LEDs can accumulate dust, fingerprints, and grime. This can block the IR light or cause a blurry, hazy image.
- Solution: Use a soft, microfibre cloth to gently clean the camera's lens and the entire front face of the camera. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
### Check for Obstructions and Reflections
- IR Glare: A white, foggy, or washed-out night vision image is almost always caused by IR reflection. The infrared light from the LEDs is bouncing off a nearby object and flooding the lens.
- Common Culprits:
- Positioning the camera to look through a window. (IR light reflects off the glass).
- Placing it too close to a wall, soffit, or windowsill.
- A protective plastic film that was not removed from the lens during installation.
- Solution: Ensure the camera has a clear, unobstructed view. If you must place it near a surface, try angling it away slightly to prevent the IR light from bouncing directly back.
## Step 3: Power Supply and Hardware Troubleshooting
If settings and placement aren't the issue, it's time to check the hardware.
- Verify Power Supply: The IR LEDs require sufficient power to function. Ensure you are using the original power adapter and cable provided with your Heimvision camera. A third-party adapter might not provide enough amperage.
- Power Cycle the Camera: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary hardware glitches. Unplug the camera from its power source, wait for a full minute, and then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to boot up and test the night vision again.
- Check for the 'Click': When night vision activates, you should hear an audible 'click' sound from the camera. This is the IR cut filter moving away from the lens. If you hear the click but the image remains dark, it suggests the IR LEDs are not turning on. If you don't hear a click, the filter might be stuck.
- Factory Reset: As a final step, you can perform a factory reset on the camera via the app or a physical reset button. This will restore all settings to their defaults and can sometimes resolve firmware-related issues. You will need to set up the camera again from scratch.
By following these steps, you can diagnose and fix the vast majority of Heimvision night vision problems.