Understanding Pink or Purple Tint on Your Ring Camera
A pink or purple tint on your Ring camera's video is a clear indicator of a specific issue: either a malfunctioning IR cut filter, lens contamination, or a hardware fault. This guide provides UK-specific troubleshooting steps tailored to Ring devices, including model-specific resets, firmware updates, and hardware checks. By following these steps, you can resolve the tint issue efficiently without unnecessary delays or repeated resets.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, try these quick checks that address the most common causes:
Check for Lens Contamination
Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the camera's lens. Smudges, fingerprints, or debris can cause unusual color distortions. Ensure the lens is completely dry after cleaning.
Restart the Ring App
Sometimes, a simple restart of the Ring App can resolve temporary glitches. Close the app completely, wait 10 seconds, then reopen it. Refresh the live view and check if the tint persists.
Verify Power Supply
For battery-powered models like the Spotlight Cam Plus, ensure the battery is above 20% in the app. For wired models, check the transformer voltage at the junction box. The voltage should be between 16-24V AC. A faulty power supply can cause unexpected behavior, including color distortion.
Check App Login
Log out of the Ring App and log back in. This ensures there are no authentication issues or cached data causing the problem.
Power Cycle the Camera
Unplug the camera from power (or remove the battery for battery-powered models) for 30 seconds. Reconnect it and wait for the LED to stabilize before checking the video again.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Your Ring's Wi-Fi Band Settings
Poor Wi-Fi signal strength can lead to inconsistent video quality, including color distortion. In the Ring App, go to Device Health → Signal Strength. If the RSSI is below -60, move the camera closer to your router or switch to the 2.4GHz band in the app settings. Avoid 5GHz networks, as they have shorter range and are less reliable for cameras.
Update Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause unexpected issues. In the Ring App, navigate to Device Health → Firmware Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure the camera is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during the update. Firmware updates often include fixes for hardware-related issues like IR filter malfunctions.
Enable HDR for Daytime Issues
If the tint appears during the day, enable HDR in the Ring App's video settings. This feature improves washed-out footage by balancing highlights and shadows. HDR is particularly useful in bright sunlight or when the camera is mounted at an angle that causes glare.
Adjust Camera Position
Angled mounting can cause glare and washed-out video, leading to color distortions. For Video Doorbell 4 or Stick Up Cam models, use the Ring Wedge Kit or Corner Kit to adjust the camera's position. Ensure the camera is not pointing directly at reflective surfaces like windows or metal objects.
Factory Reset for Persistent Issues
If the tint persists after basic troubleshooting, a factory reset may be necessary. The steps vary by model:
For the Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
Locate the setup button on the top of the camera. Press and hold it for 20 seconds until the LED starts flashing. Release the button and wait for the camera to reset. After resetting, re-pair the camera in the Ring App and check if the issue is resolved.
For the Indoor Cam 2nd Gen
Find the setup button on the back of the camera. Press and hold it for 20 seconds until the LED flashes. Release the button and wait for the reset process to complete. Re-pair the camera in the Ring App and verify the video quality.
For the Spotlight Cam Plus
Press and hold the setup button on the top of the camera for 20 seconds. The front light will flash for several minutes during the reset. Once complete, re-pair the camera in the Ring App and check for improvements.
Advanced Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Logs and Manufacturer Support
If the issue persists after a factory reset, gather diagnostic logs from the Ring App. In the Event History Timeline, look for any errors related to the camera's video feed. If no logs are available, contact Ring support via their official website. Provide details about the model, firmware version, and steps you've already taken.
Hardware Fault Diagnosis
A stuck IR cut filter or sensor malfunction may require professional intervention. If the tint is consistent across all lighting conditions and no software fixes work, the camera may have a hardware fault. Contact Ring support for a diagnostic check or hardware replacement if the camera is under warranty.
Root Causes of the Tint Issue
The pink or purple tint is typically caused by a stuck IR cut filter, which fails to switch between day and night modes. This can happen due to age, exposure to extreme temperatures, or physical damage. Lens contamination or smudges can also cause color distortions, especially in bright conditions. For UK homeowners, double-glazed windows and foil insulation can interfere with the camera's operation, leading to washed-out or tinted footage.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
To prevent recurrence, clean the camera lens regularly with a microfiber cloth. Avoid mounting the camera near reflective surfaces or in areas with strong glare. Enable HDR in the Ring App's settings for daytime use and ensure the camera is connected to a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. For wired models, check the transformer voltage regularly to ensure it's within the 16-24V AC range.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet, eliminating issues like IR filter malfunctions and signal interference.
Replacement Decisions
If troubleshooting takes longer than 30 minutes and basic steps haven't resolved the issue, it may be a hardware fault. UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (5 years in Scotland). For battery-powered models, consider replacement if the battery life has dropped below 30% after 300-500 cycles. Wired models typically last 5-8 years, but sensor degradation or firmware EOL can necessitate replacement.