What to Do When Your Motorola Camera Stops Working
A security camera that has stopped working is a significant problem. Whether it's completely dead, offline in the app, or simply not recording, the result is the same: your property is no longer being monitored. If your Motorola camera has suddenly gone dark, don't worry. In many cases, the issue is simple to resolve.
This troubleshooting guide will walk you through the most common reasons why a Motorola camera might stop working. By following these steps, you can quickly diagnose the problem and get your camera back up and running.
Identifying the Problem: Common Symptoms
First, let's pinpoint the exact issue you are facing. Common symptoms include:
- No Power: The camera is completely unresponsive, and the status LED light is off.
- Camera Offline: In the companion app, the camera is shown as "Offline" or "Disconnected," and you cannot view the live feed.
- No Recordings: The camera appears to be online, but it is not recording any new motion-triggered events.
- Frequent Disconnections: The camera feed works for a few minutes and then drops out, reconnecting intermittently.
- Live View Fails: The camera shows as "Online," but when you try to watch the live stream, it fails to load.
Your Troubleshooting Checklist
Follow these steps in order. Begin with the simplest and most common solutions first.
1. Check the Power Source
This may seem obvious, but it's the most common culprit. A camera can't work without power.
- Check the Plug: Ensure the camera's power adapter is securely plugged into a working wall socket. To be certain the socket is working, try plugging in another device, like a lamp.
- Inspect the Cable: Check the entire length of the power cable for any visible damage, cuts, or kinks. A damaged cable can interrupt the power supply.
- Check the Connection to the Camera: Make sure the micro-USB or USB-C cable is firmly connected to the port on the camera itself. These connections can sometimes become loose.
- Use the Original Adapter: Always use the power adapter and cable that came with your Motorola camera. Using a different adapter, especially one from a smartphone, may not provide the correct voltage and can cause performance issues or damage.
2. Perform a Power Cycle (The Simple Reboot)
A power cycle is the process of turning a device off and then on again. This can clear temporary software glitches or memory errors without erasing your settings.
- Unplug the Camera: Disconnect the camera from its power source.
- Wait: Leave it unplugged for at least 60 seconds. This gives the internal components time to fully discharge.
- Plug It Back In: Reconnect the power cable.
- Observe: Watch the camera's status light. It should light up and go through its startup sequence. This may take a few minutes. Check the app to see if it has come back online.
3. Check Your Wi-Fi and Internet Connection
If the camera has power but is showing as offline, the problem is almost certainly with its connection to the internet.
- Check Your Router: Is your home internet working? Check if other devices, like your phone or computer, can connect to the Wi-Fi and access the internet.
- Reboot Your Router: Just like the camera, your router can benefit from a reboot. Unplug it from power for 60 seconds and then plug it back in. Wait 5-10 minutes for it to fully restart before checking if the camera reconnects.
- Check the Distance: Has anything changed? Did you move your router or the camera? If the camera is too far from the router, the signal may be too weak. Try moving the camera closer to the router temporarily to see if it reconnects.
4. Re-pair the Camera with the App
Sometimes, the secure connection between the camera and the app can be lost. You may need to remove the camera from your account and set it up again.
- Delete from App: In your Motorola camera app, find the device settings for the problematic camera and choose the option to "Delete" or "Remove" it.
- Follow Setup Process: Once removed, follow the app's instructions to add a new camera, just as you did when you first bought it.
5. Factory Reset the Camera
A factory reset is the last resort, as it will wipe all your settings and return the camera to its out-of-the-box state. You will have to set it up from scratch.
- Find the Reset Button: Locate the small, often recessed, reset button on your camera.
- Press and Hold: With the camera plugged in and powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button for 20-30 seconds.
- Wait for Confirmation: The camera should give an audible confirmation (like a beep or voice prompt) or the status light will change to indicate it has been reset.
- Re-add to App: After the reset, the camera will be in setup mode. Open the app and add it as a new device.
If your camera still doesn't work after a factory reset, it may indicate a hardware failure, and you should contact Motorola customer support for further assistance.