Imou Camera Showing a Black Screen? Here’s What to Do
Opening the Imou Life app to check on your property, only to be met with a black screen or an endless loading circle, can be alarming. A "no video" issue means your security is compromised. However, this problem is usually caused by a few common issues that are easy to fix. This troubleshooting guide will walk you through the steps to get your Imou camera's video feed back online.
## Step 1: Check the Camera's Power and Status Light
The first and most important step is to confirm the camera is actually on and connected.
- Verify Power Supply: Ensure the camera's power adapter is securely plugged into a working wall socket and that the cable is firmly connected to the camera itself. If you're using an extension cord, make sure it's switched on.
- Observe the LED Status Light: Every Imou camera has an LED light that tells you its status. While the exact meanings can vary by model, here's a general guide:
- Solid Green: The camera is connected to the network and operating normally. If you see this but have no video, the problem is likely with your app or phone.
- Flashing Green: The camera is trying to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
- Solid Red: The camera has power but is not connected to the network, or it is booting up.
- Flashing Red: There is a network connection error or a device malfunction.
- No Light: The camera is not receiving power.
If there is no light, you have a power issue. If the light is red or flashing green, you have a network issue.
## Step 2: Troubleshoot Your Network Connection
If the status light indicates a network problem, this is your next area of focus. A camera that can't connect to the internet can't send you video.
- Check Your Home Wi-Fi: Is the internet working in your house? Check if other devices, like your smartphone, can connect to the Wi-Fi and access the internet. If not, the problem is with your internet service or router, not the camera.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your internet router from the power outlet. Wait for about 60 seconds, then plug it back in. It will take a few minutes to restart and re-establish the internet connection. Once it's back online, check your camera's status light to see if it turns solid green.
- Check for Wi-Fi Password Changes: Did you recently change your Wi-Fi network's name (SSID) or password? If so, the camera will not be able to connect. You will need to reset the camera and set it up again with the new Wi-Fi credentials.
## Step 3: Troubleshoot the App and Your Phone
If the camera's light is solid green but you still can't see a video, the issue may lie with the Imou Life app or your mobile device.
- Force Close and Reopen the App: Sometimes the app itself can have a temporary glitch.
- On iOS: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and then swipe the Imou Life app's card up and away to close it.
- On Android: Open your recent apps list and swipe the Imou Life app away to close it.
- Re-launch the app and see if the video now appears.
- Restart Your Smartphone: A simple reboot of your phone can clear up many minor software and connectivity issues.
- Check for App Updates: Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and ensure you have the latest version of the Imou Life app installed.
## Step 4: The Final Steps
If you've tried all the above and still have no video, here are the last resorts.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug your Imou camera from power, wait for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This simple reboot can often resolve stubborn issues.
- Factory Reset the Camera: This should be your last step, as it will erase all settings and require you to set up the camera from scratch. Locate the reset button on your camera. With the camera powered on, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the status light changes. Then, open the Imou Life app and follow the instructions to add a new device.
By following these steps systematically, you can quickly diagnose the reason for the black screen and restore your Imou camera's video feed.