Scout Camera Suddenly Stopped Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Your Scout security camera is a vital part of your home protection, so it's alarming when it suddenly stops working. An offline or non-functional camera leaves a blind spot in your security, whether it's showing as 'Offline' in the app, the live view is black, or it's simply not recording any new activity.
The good news is that the cause is often something simple and easy to resolve. Before contacting support, follow these troubleshooting steps to diagnose the problem and get your camera back online.
Step 1: Investigate Power Issues
The most common reason for a camera to stop working is a loss of power.
### Check the Power Source
- Is it plugged in? Make sure the camera's power adapter is securely plugged into a wall outlet.
- Is the outlet working? Test the outlet by plugging in another device, like a phone charger or a lamp, to confirm it has power. Check if the outlet is connected to a light switch that may have been accidentally turned off.
- Inspect the Cable: Look over the power cable for any visible damage, such as cuts or frays. If you have a compatible replacement cable, try using it to rule out a faulty cable.
### Look for an Indicator Light
Most cameras have an LED status light. Check the light on your Scout camera. If it's completely off, it almost certainly indicates a power issue. If it's on but is a different colour than usual (e.g., red or amber), this often signals a connectivity problem rather than a power failure.
Step 2: Troubleshoot the Network Connection
If the camera is receiving power but still isn't working, the next most likely culprit is your internet connection.
### Check Your Home Network
- Is your Wi-Fi down? Check if other devices in your home, like your phone or computer, can connect to the internet. If not, the problem is with your internet service, not your camera.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from its power source. Wait for 60 seconds before plugging it back in. It will take a few minutes to fully restart. This simple action resolves a vast number of home network issues.
### Have Your Wi-Fi Credentials Changed?
If you have recently changed your Wi-Fi network's name (SSID) or password, your camera will be unable to connect. You will need to go through the setup process in the Scout app to reconnect the camera to the new network credentials.
### Check the Camera's Distance from the Router
A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause the camera to disconnect and go offline intermittently. If the camera is located far from the router, consider moving it closer or installing a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal in that area.
Step 3: The 'Turn It Off and On Again' Approach
If power and network seem fine, a simple reboot of the camera itself can clear any temporary software glitches.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug the Scout camera from its power source. Leave it unplugged for a full minute to ensure it completely powers down.
- Plug It Back In: Reconnect the power cable. Give the camera several minutes to boot up and attempt to reconnect to your network. Observe the LED light for status changes.
Step 4: The Final Resort - A Factory Reset
If your camera is still unresponsive after trying all the above steps, a factory reset is your last option before seeking professional help. A reset will wipe all your settings and return the camera to its original state.
- IMPORTANT: After a reset, you will need to delete the camera from your Scout app and add it again as if it were a brand new device.
- How to Reset: The process varies by model. Look for a small, recessed 'reset' button on the camera's body. You will typically need a paperclip or a similar tool to press and hold this button for 15-20 seconds (with the camera powered on) until the status light changes to indicate a reset.
- Re-run Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions in the Scout app to add the camera back to your system.
If even a factory reset doesn't bring your camera back to life, it may indicate a hardware failure, and you should contact Scout support for further assistance.