Scout Security Microphone Issues? Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting Microphone and Audio Issues on Your Scout Security System

Whether you're trying to use the two-way talk feature to speak with a family member or need to review audio from a recorded event, a non-functioning microphone on your Scout security camera can be a major problem. Audio is a critical component of home security, providing context and crucial evidence. This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and resolve the most common causes of microphone issues with your Scout system.

Problems can range from incorrect software settings on your phone to network connectivity problems or, in rare cases, a hardware fault. By following these steps, you can systematically identify the source of the issue.

Step 1: Check App Permissions and Settings

The most common reason for a microphone not working is that the Scout app doesn't have the necessary permissions on your smartphone, or the audio is muted within the app itself.

### Enable Microphone Permissions

Your phone's operating system requires you to grant explicit permission for an app to access the microphone.

• For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

  1. Go to Settings on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on the Scout Alarm app.
  3. Ensure the toggle switch next to Microphone is turned on (green).

• For Android:

  1. Go to Settings on your device.
  2. Tap on Apps or Application Manager.
  3. Find and tap on the Scout Alarm app.
  4. Select Permissions and make sure Microphone is set to Allow.

### Unmute Audio in the Live View

When viewing a live stream from your camera in the Scout app, there are typically on-screen controls for audio.

1. Open the Scout app and navigate to your camera's live feed.
2. Look for a microphone or speaker icon on the screen.
3. Tap the icon to ensure it is not muted. Often, the icon will have a line through it if it is muted. You may need to tap it to enable listening or hold it down to activate two-way talk.

Step 2: Test Your Network Connection

Two-way audio and audio streaming are very sensitive to network quality. A poor or unstable connection can result in garbled, delayed, or completely absent audio.

• Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: In the Scout app or your phone's Wi-Fi settings, check the signal strength at the location of the camera. If the signal is weak (one or two bars), it can disrupt the audio stream. Consider moving your router closer to the device or installing a Wi-Fi extender.
• Run an Internet Speed Test: Use a speed test app on your phone while connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You need sufficient upload speed (typically at least 2 Mbps per camera) to send the audio and video stream to the Scout servers.
• Reboot Your Hardware: A simple power cycle can resolve many temporary network issues.
  • Unplug your Scout camera from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • Reboot your home's router and modem.

Step 3: Isolate the Problem

To determine if the issue is with the camera itself or your mobile device, perform these tests.

• Test with Another Device: If possible, install the Scout app on a different smartphone or tablet. Log in to your account and see if you can hear audio from the camera on that device. If it works on a different device, the problem is likely with the settings on your primary phone.
• Review Recorded Events: Check a recently recorded motion event. Does it contain audio?
  • If there is no audio in recordings, the issue is likely with the camera itself or its connection to the network.
  • If there is audio in recordings but you can't hear it on the live stream, the problem is more likely related to the connection between the server and your phone.

If you have completed all these steps and the microphone is still not functioning, and there is no audio on any recorded clips, there may be a hardware fault with the device. In this case, you should reach out to Scout's customer support for further assistance.