How to Fix Poor Video Quality on Your Netgear Camera
A security camera's primary job is to provide a clear picture of what's happening. If your Netgear camera's video feed is blurry, pixelated, or grainy, it can be difficult to make out important details. This can be frustrating, but the good news is that most video quality issues are caused by a few common factors that you can troubleshoot yourself.
This guide will help you identify the cause of the poor quality and provide you with the steps to improve the picture on your Netgear camera, whether it's an Arlo or another model.
### The Role of Wi-Fi in Video Quality
By far the most common culprit for poor video quality is your Wi-Fi connection. A security camera needs to upload a significant amount of data for a clear live stream.
- Check Signal Strength: Go into your Netgear or Arlo app and find the camera's settings. There should be a status indicator for the Wi-Fi signal strength. If the signal is weak (e.g., one or two bars), the camera will automatically reduce the video quality to maintain a stable connection.
- Reduce Network Congestion: If many other devices are using your Wi-Fi network at the same time (e.g., streaming 4K TV, online gaming, large downloads), it can reduce the available bandwidth for your camera. Try to reduce the load on your network and see if the video quality improves.
- Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal: To fix a weak signal, you can try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the camera. If that's not possible, consider investing in a Wi-Fi mesh system or a Wi-Fi extender to provide better coverage to the camera's location.
## Adjusting Camera Settings and Performing Maintenance
If your Wi-Fi seems strong and stable, the next place to look is the camera's own settings and physical condition.
### Check Video Quality Settings in the App
Your camera may be set to a lower quality to save battery life or bandwidth.
- Open the App: Log in to your Netgear or Arlo app.
- Select Your Camera: Go to the settings for the camera experiencing issues.
- Find Video Settings: Look for a menu labelled 'Video Settings' or 'Power Management'.
- Adjust Quality: You will likely see options like 'Best Video', 'Optimised', or 'Best Battery Life'. To get the clearest picture, select 'Best Video'. Note that this may result in shorter battery life for wire-free cameras.
### Physical Camera Maintenance
Don't overlook the simple physical factors that can drastically affect image quality.
- Clean the Lens: A dirty, smudged, or dusty lens is a primary cause of blurry and hazy images. Gently wipe the lens with a clean and dry microfibre cloth.
- Check for Protective Film: Ensure that the thin layer of protective plastic film has been removed from the lens. It's often clear and easy to miss after unboxing.
- Improve Lighting: While cameras have night vision, they perform best in well-lit conditions. If your daytime video is poor in a shaded or indoor area, try improving the ambient lighting.
- Night Vision Issues: For poor night vision, check that the infrared (IR) LEDs on the front of the camera are not obstructed. Also, ensure the camera isn't positioned too close to a surface (like a soffit or wall) that could reflect the IR light back, causing glare.
By systematically checking your Wi-Fi, adjusting the camera's settings, and performing basic maintenance, you can significantly improve your Netgear camera's video quality and ensure you have a clear view when you need it most.