Merkury Camera Night Vision Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
When darkness falls, your Merkury smart camera should automatically switch to night vision mode, providing a clear black and white image of your surroundings. If you're getting a black screen or an image that's too dark to see, this critical security feature is failing.
Fortunately, the problem is usually not with the hardware but is often caused by a simple setting or environmental issue. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the most common causes of Merkury night vision failure.
Common Symptoms of Night Vision Problems
- The camera's video feed is completely black or pitch dark at night.
- The image at night is very grainy and dim.
- The small red infrared (IR) lights around the lens do not turn on in the dark.
- The image is bright and washed out, with a strong glare or halo effect.
- The camera stays in full-colour mode even in a dark room.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Merkury Night Vision
Merkury cameras are typically controlled by the Geeni app. You will need to have the app open to check some of these settings.
1. Check the Night Vision Setting in the App
This is the most common cause of night vision failure. The feature may have been accidentally turned off.
- Open the Geeni App: Select the Merkury camera you are having issues with.
- Go to Settings: Tap the settings icon (often a gear or '...') in the top right corner.
- Find the IR Setting: Look for an option labelled 'IR Night Vision', 'Vision', or similar.
- Set it to 'Auto': You will likely see three options: 'On', 'Off', and 'Auto'. For it to work correctly, you must set it to 'Auto'. This setting uses the camera's light sensor to automatically turn the IR lights on when it gets dark and off when it's light. If it's set to 'Off', it will never activate.
2. Clean the Camera Lens
Dust, fingerprints, grease, or even a fine spiderweb on the camera's lens can block the infrared light or cause it to reflect, resulting in a blurry, hazy, or dark image.
- Use a Soft, Dry Cloth: A microfibre cloth (like one used for cleaning glasses) is ideal.
- Gently Wipe the Lens: Carefully clean the lens and the dark plastic area surrounding it where the IR LEDs are located. Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals.
3. Check for and Eliminate IR Glare
Infrared light is invisible to the human eye but very bright to your camera's sensor. If this light reflects off a nearby object, it can blind the camera.
- Inspect the Camera's Position: Is the camera positioned right under an eave, a soffit, or looking through a window? Is it too close to a light-coloured wall?
- Reposition the Camera: Try tilting the camera down or away from the reflective surface. Even a small adjustment of a few centimetres can make a huge difference and prevent the IR light from bouncing back into the lens. If you are trying to point the camera out of a window, the IR lights will always reflect off the glass. You must turn the IR lights 'Off' and rely on outside lighting in this specific situation.
4. Power Cycle the Camera
A classic "turn it off and on again" can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Unplug the Power: Disconnect the camera's power adapter from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 30 Seconds: This allows the internal components to fully discharge and reset.
- Plug It Back In: Reconnect the power and wait a few minutes for the camera to reboot and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Test It: Once it's dark, check to see if the night vision is now working.
5. Ensure Sufficient Power
The infrared LEDs require a certain amount of power to illuminate properly.
- Check the USB Cable: Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the power adapter.
- Use the Original Adapter: Always try to use the power adapter that came with your Merkury camera. Using a lower-amperage adapter from an old phone might not provide enough power for all the camera's functions.
By following these simple steps, you can solve the vast majority of night vision problems with your Merkury camera and ensure it's keeping watch, day and night.