What to Do When Your Lorex Camera Stops Working
It can be unsettling when you discover your Lorex security camera has suddenly stopped working. Whether it's showing as "Offline," displaying a black screen, or simply not recording, the issue prevents your system from keeping your property secure.
This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will walk you through the most common reasons why a Lorex camera might fail and provide you with clear, actionable steps to get it back up and running.
### First Step: Check the Basics
Before diving into more complex solutions, let's rule out the simplest problems.
- Check Your Internet: Is your home Wi-Fi working? Try browsing a website on your phone while connected to the same network. If your internet is down, the camera can't connect.
- Check the Lorex App: Is the Lorex app itself having issues? Check the App Store or Google Play for any updates. Sometimes a simple app update can resolve connectivity problems.
- Check for Power: This might seem obvious, but it's the most common culprit. Ensure the camera's power adapter is securely plugged into a working electrical socket.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Lorex Camera
If the basic checks don't solve the problem, follow these steps in order.
1. Power Cycle Everything
A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches in the camera, your router, and your recorder (if you have one).
- Unplug your Lorex camera from its power source.
- Unplug your internet router from power.
- Wait for 60 seconds. This allows the devices to fully discharge.
- Plug your router back in first and wait for it to fully restart (all the lights should be stable).
- Plug your Lorex camera back in and give it a few minutes to boot up and reconnect.
This process, known as a power cycle, resolves a surprisingly high number of issues.
2. Inspect the Physical Connections
If a reboot doesn't work, it's time to check the hardware.
- Power Cable: Inspect the power cable for any signs of damage, cuts, or kinks. If you have another compatible Lorex camera, try swapping the power adapters to see if the adapter itself has failed.
- Ethernet Cable (for wired cameras): If your camera is wired to an NVR or router, ensure the Ethernet cable is securely clicked into place at both ends. Try a different port on your recorder or router. Just like with the power cable, inspect it for damage.
3. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength (for wireless cameras)
If your camera is wireless, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause it to frequently disconnect or stop working altogether.
- Check Signal in the App: In your Lorex app, navigate to the camera's Device Settings. You should be able to find a section on Wi-Fi connection or device health that shows the signal strength.
- Improve the Signal: If the signal is weak, try moving your router closer to the camera. If that's not possible, consider installing a Wi-Fi mesh system or a Wi-Fi extender to improve coverage in that area.
4. Night Vision Issues
If the camera works during the day but shows a black screen at night, the problem is with the infrared (IR) night vision.
- Listen for a Click: When the light level drops, you should hear a faint "click" from the camera as the IR cut filter moves. If you don't hear this, it could indicate a mechanical failure.
- Check Power: Night vision requires more power than daytime operation. A failing power adapter or a very long extension cord could provide enough power for the day, but not enough for the IR LEDs at night. Try a different power source.
5. Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If none of the above steps have worked, the camera's internal software may be corrupted. A factory reset will wipe all its settings and return it to its out-of-the-box state.
- Find the Reset Button: The reset button is usually a small, recessed button that you'll need a paperclip to press. Its location varies by model, so consult your user manual.
- Press and Hold: While the camera is powered on, press and hold the reset button for 15-30 seconds until the camera's status light changes or you hear an audible confirmation.
- Set Up Again: After the reset, you will need to go through the entire setup process in the Lorex app again, as if it were a new camera.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can diagnose and fix the vast majority of problems that cause a Lorex camera to stop working.