Pink or Purple Tint on Your Honeywell Camera Footage
A pink or purple tint on Honeywell camera footage typically means the IR cut filter is stuck in night mode (allowing infrared light to hit the sensor during the day), or the filter has failed entirely. Lens damage and sensor issues are less common but also possible. Most cases can be resolved through targeted troubleshooting steps.
Quick Fixes for Pink/Purple Tint
Start with these targeted checks before going into more detailed diagnostics:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the device for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This can reset the IR cut filter mechanism and force a mode switch.
- Cover the lens briefly: Block all light from the lens for 10 seconds, then uncover. This can trigger the IR cut filter to switch modes if it is stuck.
- Check night vision mode setting: In the Resideo App → Device Settings → Night Vision Mode, confirm it is set to "Auto" rather than forced "On". Forcing night mode causes the tint in daylight.
- Inspect the LED status: A solid red LED usually indicates a hardware fault. Blinking green means the camera is functioning normally.
- Clean the lens: Wipe gently with a dry microfibre cloth — smudged lenses can exaggerate colour cast issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Your Wi-Fi Band Settings
If your camera is connected to a dual-band router, switch to the 2.4GHz band temporarily. Some Honeywell models have limited 5GHz compatibility, and interference can cause sensor anomalies.
- Open the Resideo App
- Tap the camera icon
- Navigate to Camera Settings → Wi-Fi Band
- Select 2.4GHz Only
- Wait 2 minutes for the change to take effect
If the tint disappears, your camera may have issues with 5GHz connectivity. For long-term use, consider using a dual-band router and configuring the camera to prefer 2.4GHz.
Assess Signal Strength (RSSI)
Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause sensor errors that manifest as colour distortion. Check your signal strength using the Resideo App:
- Open the app and select your camera
- Tap Device Health → Signal Strength
- Look for an RSSI value below -70dBm
If your signal is weak, move the camera closer to your router or install a Wi-Fi extender. For outdoor cameras, consider a hardwired connection using Cat5e cable (costing £3-£8 per metre installed).
Reset the IR Cut Filter
A stuck IR cut filter is a common cause of persistent pink/purple tint. Follow these steps for different models:
For Lyric C2 Cameras
- Locate the small reset hole on the rear panel
- Insert a paperclip and press firmly for 10 seconds
- Wait for a confirmation tone before releasing
For 30 Series IP Cameras
- Power off the camera
- Press and hold the reset button for 12 seconds
- Power on while holding the button
For 60 Series IP Cameras
- Disconnect power
- Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip
- Reconnect power while holding the button
If the tint persists after resetting, the IR filter may be damaged and require professional replacement.
Update Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause sensor malfunctions. To update your camera:
- Open the Resideo App
- Tap the camera icon
- Navigate to Device Settings → Firmware Update
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions
Ensure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during the update. A failed firmware update can sometimes cause colour distortion issues.
Factory Reset the Camera
If basic troubleshooting fails, perform a factory reset:
- For Lyric C2: Press and hold the reset hole for 10 seconds until you hear a chirp
- For 30 Series: Power off, press reset for 12 seconds while powered on
- For 60 Series: Disconnect power, press reset with a paperclip, then reconnect power
After resetting, re-pair the camera through the Resideo App. If the tint returns after re-pairing, it's likely a hardware issue.
Advanced Diagnostics
Use Diagnostic Tools
If the tint persists, use Honeywell's diagnostic tools to gather more information:
- Open the Resideo App
- Navigate to Device Diagnostics
- Run the IP Utility tool to check for network errors
- Use the Network Scanner to identify potential interference sources
Share these diagnostics with Honeywell support when requesting assistance.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If all troubleshooting steps fail, contact Honeywell's official support at https://www.honeywellhome.com/pages/support-security. Provide:
- Camera model number
- Firmware version
- Detailed description of the tint issue
- Screenshots of the Resideo App diagnostics
Include the date the issue started and any recent changes to your network or environment.
Understanding the Root Cause
A pink/purple tint typically indicates one of three issues:
- Stuck IR cut filter: Fails to switch between day/night modes, causing incorrect IR light processing
- Sensor damage: Physical damage or degradation of the image sensor
- Lens issues: Scratches, dirt, or internal condensation affecting colour balance
UK-specific challenges like solid brick walls and Low-E windows can exacerbate these issues by creating signal dead zones that affect sensor performance. Modern construction materials with metallic coatings can reduce Wi-Fi penetration by 20-30dB, increasing the risk of sensor errors.
Consider a Managed Alternative
If you find yourself resetting your Honeywell camera every few weeks, a fully managed system like scOS — which handles monitoring and response automatically — may be worth exploring. scOS supports cameras up to 4K resolution and uses dynamic quality adjustment to prioritise detail when it matters most. The Intelligence Hub processes feeds locally, so there is no compression from cloud uploads degrading your footage. Two weeks of continuous recording is included with no tiers or storage limits to worry about. If your current setup leaves you wondering whether you actually captured anything useful, scOS offers a managed alternative starting at £19/month where recording quality is consistent.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
To avoid future tint issues, follow these best practices:
- Clean the lens regularly with a microfibre cloth
- Ensure the camera is positioned in a location with strong Wi-Fi signal (RSSI above -70dBm)
- Schedule firmware updates through the Resideo App
- Avoid exposing the camera to extreme temperatures (0°C to 40°C recommended)
- Check for condensation inside the lens — this can cause permanent sensor damage
Regularly inspect your camera's power supply and network connection. For outdoor units, consider using a weatherproof housing to protect against moisture and debris.
Replacement Decisions
Most Honeywell cameras have a lifespan of 5-8 years for wired models and 3-5 years for battery-powered units. Signs that replacement is needed include:
- Persistent tint issues after all troubleshooting steps
- Physical damage to the camera housing
- Sensor degradation causing poor image quality
- Battery failure (300-500 charge cycles typical)
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your camera is under warranty, contact Honeywell support for replacement. For older devices, consider professional installation of a new system with improved hardware and support.