How to Fix Swann Security Notification Lag
Receiving a security alert in a timely manner is critical. A notification that arrives minutes after an event has occurred can defeat the purpose of having a security system. If you're experiencing a noticeable lag or delay between when motion is detected by your Swann camera and when the push notification arrives on your phone, there are several factors you can investigate.
This guide will walk you through the most common causes of Swann notification lag and provide practical steps you can take to resolve the issue and ensure you receive alerts as quickly as possible.
### Understanding the Notification Journey
A notification has to travel from your Swann DVR/NVR, through your router, over the internet to Swann's servers, and then to your phone. A delay can happen at any point in this chain.
- Upload Speed: Your home network's upload speed is crucial. The Swann system needs to send the data packet that triggers the alert. If your upload speed is slow or your network is congested, the alert will be slow to leave your home.
- Phone's Connection: Your smartphone's connection (whether Wi-Fi or mobile data) determines how quickly it can receive the alert from the server.
## Key Troubleshooting Steps to Reduce Lag
Let's work through the solutions, starting with the most common and easiest to fix.
### 1. Reboot Your Network and Swann System
This is the first and most effective step for resolving many network-related issues.
- Power down your Swann DVR/NVR.
- Unplug your internet router from the power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds. This allows both devices to clear any temporary errors.
- Plug your router back in. Wait for it to fully restart and establish an internet connection (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Power your Swann system back on. Allow it to boot up and reconnect to the network.
Test the system to see if the notification speed has improved. This simple cycle often resolves temporary network congestion that causes delays.
### 2. Check and Optimise Your Network
A weak connection is a primary cause of lag.
- Wi-Fi Signal (for wireless cameras): If your cameras are connected via Wi-Fi, ensure they have a strong signal from your router. A weak signal results in slow data transmission. Consider moving the router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender.
- Ethernet Connection (for DVR/NVR): If your recorder is connected by an Ethernet cable, ensure the cable is in good condition and securely plugged in.
- Reduce Network Load: If you have many devices on your network using a lot of bandwidth (e.g., streaming 4K video, online gaming), it can slow down your Swann system's ability to send alerts. Test notifications during a time of low network activity to see if there's a difference.
### 3. Review Swann App and System Settings
- Notification Interval: Log into your Swann system and check the push notification settings. There may be an 'Interval' or 'Delay' setting designed to prevent multiple alerts for the same event. Set this to the lowest possible value if you need immediate notifications.
- App and Firmware Updates: Ensure you are running the latest version of the Swann Security app on your phone and that your DVR/NVR has the latest firmware installed. Updates often include performance improvements that can reduce latency.
### 4. Check Your Mobile Phone's Settings
The problem might be with your phone.
- Strong Connection: Make sure your phone has a strong, stable internet connection.
- Disable Power Saving Modes: Aggressive battery optimisation or power-saving modes can delay push notifications from apps. Check your phone's battery settings and ensure the Swann app is not being restricted.
By systematically addressing these potential bottlenecks, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the notification lag from your Swann security system.