Samsung Camera Not Showing Video? A Repair Guide

Guide to Fixing a Samsung Camera That's Not Showing Video

When you rely on a Samsung security camera to monitor your home, finding it unresponsive with no video feed can be a real concern. Whether the SmartThings app shows a black screen, the device is listed as 'Offline', or the stream simply won't load, the result is the same: you've lost your view.

This troubleshooting guide is here to help. We'll walk you through the most common causes for video loss on Samsung cameras and provide clear, easy-to-follow steps to restore your camera's connection and live feed.

Step 1: Basic Power and Hardware Checks

Let's begin with the simplest and most common solutions.

• Confirm Power Source: Check that the camera's power adapter is securely plugged into a wall socket you know is active. Test the socket with another device, like a lamp, to be certain. Ensure the power cable is firmly inserted into the back of the camera.
• Look for an Indicator Light: Most Samsung cameras have an LED status light. What colour is it? Is it solid, flashing, or off completely?
  • Solid Green/Blue (varies by model): Usually indicates a successful connection. If you see this but have no video, the issue is likely with the app or network stream.
  • Flashing Light: Often means it's trying to connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Solid Red/Orange: Can indicate a boot-up sequence or an error.
  • No Light: The camera is almost certainly not receiving power. Re-check the power source.

Resolving Connectivity and App Issues

If the camera has power but the video feed is still missing, it's time to investigate the network and the SmartThings app.

2. Reboot Your Home Network and Camera

A 'power cycle' is a powerful tool for fixing connectivity glitches. It forces devices to clear their temporary memory and establish fresh connections.

1. Unplug Your Camera: Disconnect the camera from its power source.
2. Unplug Your Wi-Fi Router: While the camera is off, unplug your main internet router.
3. Wait 60 Seconds: This pause is important. It ensures the devices fully discharge and reset.
4. Reconnect Power: Plug your router back in first and wait for all its lights to become stable (usually 2-3 minutes). Then, plug your Samsung camera back in and give it another few minutes to boot up and reconnect.
5. Check the Feed: Open the SmartThings app and see if the video has returned.

3. Investigate the SmartThings App

The issue might not be with the camera or your network, but with the app on your phone.

• Force Close the App: On your smartphone, completely close the SmartThings app. Don't just go to the home screen; bring up your list of running apps and swipe it away. Re-launch the app to see if this resolves the issue.
• Check for Updates: Visit your phone's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and check if there is an update available for the SmartThings app. An outdated app can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
• Clear App Cache (Android Users): If you use an Android device, you can try clearing the app's cache. Go to Settings > Apps > SmartThings > Storage and select Clear Cache. This removes temporary files without logging you out or deleting your devices.

4. Review Your Wi-Fi Environment

If the problem persists, especially if the camera keeps going offline, you may have a Wi-Fi signal issue.

• Check Signal Strength: The SmartThings app may provide information about the camera's connection quality. If not, a general rule is that the further the camera is from the router, and the more walls are in between, the weaker the signal will be.
• Minimise Interference: Devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and even neighbouring Wi-Fi networks can interfere. If your router allows it, try changing the Wi-Fi channel to a less congested one (e.g., 1, 6, or 11).

If after all these steps you still have no video, you may need to consider resetting the camera to its factory settings and setting it up again from scratch in the SmartThings app.