Somfy Camera Microphone Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Somfy security cameras are designed not just to show you what's happening at home, but also to let you hear and be heard. The built-in microphone is crucial for everything from listening in on your pets to using the two-way talk feature to speak with a delivery person. When you suddenly lose audio, it can be a significant blow to your home security.
This guide is here to help you diagnose and fix the most common reasons why your Somfy camera's microphone might not be working. From simple app settings to potential hardware issues, we'll walk you through the steps to get your sound back.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for users of Somfy's range of security cameras, including the Somfy Indoor Camera and Somfy Outdoor Camera, who are using the Somfy Protect app and are experiencing a lack of audio or poor sound quality.
Symptoms of a Somfy Microphone Problem
You might be facing a microphone issue if you're experiencing any of the following:
- No Sound on Live View: When you watch the live stream from your camera, you see video but hear nothing.
- No Audio in Recordings: Video clips in your timeline have been saved without any accompanying sound.
- Two-Way Talk Fails: You can hear sound from the camera, but when you try to speak through your phone, the person near the camera cannot hear you.
- Muffled or Distorted Audio: The sound you do hear is garbled, very quiet, or unclear.
- Constant Static or Buzzing: The audio feed is dominated by a loud and persistent humming or static noise.
How to Fix Your Somfy Camera's Audio
Let's go through the troubleshooting process step by step, starting with the most likely solutions.
1. Check the Microphone Setting in the Somfy App
By far the most common cause of no audio is that the microphone has been accidentally disabled within the app.
- Open the Somfy Protect app on your smartphone.
- From the main dashboard, tap on the camera you are having issues with.
- Tap the settings icon (a small gear, usually in the top right corner).
- In the settings menu, look for the "Microphone" option.
- Ensure the toggle switch next to "Microphone" is in the ON position (it should be coloured, e.g., blue).
- If it was already on, try toggling it OFF and then ON again. This can sometimes reset a glitch.
2. Verify App Permissions on Your Phone
For the two-way talk feature to work, the Somfy Protect app needs permission to use your phone's microphone.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Somfy Protect > Permissions. Make sure that "Microphone" is listed under the 'Allowed' section.
- On iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings, scroll down and tap on Somfy Protect. Ensure the toggle for "Microphone" is switched on (green).
3. Reboot Your Somfy Camera
A classic for a reason – a simple reboot can clear temporary software bugs that might be affecting the audio processing.
- Unplug the power adapter for your Somfy camera from the wall outlet.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds to ensure all power has dissipated.
- Plug the power adapter back in.
- Wait a few minutes for the camera to fully restart and reconnect to the network, then test the audio again.
4. Investigate Physical and Environmental Factors
The problem might not be with the software, but with the camera's physical state or location.
- Check the Mic Hole: Locate the small pinhole on the camera's body – this is the microphone. Make sure it is not blocked by a piece of tape, dirt, or debris. Gently clean it with a soft, dry brush or a puff of compressed air. Do not poke anything sharp into the hole.
- Check for Interference: If you're hearing a loud buzzing sound, it could be electrical interference. Is the camera's power cable running very close to other power cables or large electronic devices? Try plugging the camera into a different power outlet in another room to see if the noise disappears.
5. Check for Updates and Re-install
- Firmware Update: In the camera's settings within the Somfy Protect app, check if there is a firmware update available. Manufacturers often release updates to fix known bugs.
- App Update: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and ensure your Somfy Protect app is fully updated.
- Re-install the Camera: If all else fails, you may need to remove the camera from your Somfy account and re-install it from scratch. In the app's camera settings, find the option to 'Delete' or 'Remove' the camera. Once removed, follow the on-screen instructions to add it back to your account as a new device.
If you have followed all of these steps and the microphone is still not functional, it may indicate a hardware fault with the camera itself. In this situation, it is best to contact Somfy customer support for further assistance.