Tend Camera Keeps Going Offline? Here's How to Fix It
A security camera that constantly disconnects is a major reliability issue. If your Tend Secure camera appears as "Offline" in the app, preventing you from viewing the live feed or recordings, this guide will help you identify and solve the problem. Most issues are related to Wi-Fi or power, and can be fixed with a few simple steps.
## Step 1: Basic Power and Reboot Cycle
First, let's start with the simplest and most effective solution for many electronic glitches: a proper reboot.
- Unplug the Camera: Disconnect the micro USB cable from the back of your Tend camera.
- Reboot Your Router: While the camera is unplugged, also unplug your Wi-Fi router from the wall socket.
- Wait: Leave both devices unplugged for at least 60 seconds. This allows them to fully power down.
- Power Up in Order: Plug your router back in first. Wait a few minutes for it to fully restart and establish an internet connection. Once your other devices can get online, plug your Tend camera back in.
- Observe: Give the camera a few minutes to boot up and reconnect. The LED light should eventually turn solid blue. Check the app to see if it's back online.
## Step 2: Evaluate Your Wi-Fi Signal
An unstable or weak Wi-Fi signal is the number one cause of camera disconnections.
- Check the Distance: How far is the camera from your Wi-Fi router? Walls, floors, and even large appliances can significantly degrade the signal. If the camera is far from the router, try moving it closer temporarily to see if the connection stabilises.
- Network Requirements: Remember that Tend cameras, like many smart devices, connect only to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. They cannot see or connect to 5GHz networks. If your router uses the same name for both bands, your camera may struggle to maintain a stable connection. Consider giving your 2.4GHz network a unique name in your router's settings.
- Interference: The 2.4GHz band is often crowded. Other Wi-Fi networks from neighbours, cordless phones, and even microwave ovens can cause interference. You can try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router (e.g., from channel 6 to 1 or 11) to find a less congested frequency.
## Step 3: Inspect the Power Supply
The connection can also be affected by an inconsistent power source.
- Use the Original Equipment: Always use the power adapter and USB cable that were supplied with your Tend camera. Using a different adapter or a longer, lower-quality cable might not provide enough stable power, causing the camera to reboot or disconnect randomly.
- Check Connections: Ensure the USB cable is plugged securely into both the camera and the power adapter. A loose connection can cause intermittent power loss.
- Test the Outlet: Plug the camera into a different power outlet to confirm the original socket isn't faulty.
## Step 4: Re-run the Setup Process
If you have changed your Wi-Fi password or router, or if the connection settings have simply become corrupted, you will need to set up the camera again.
- Reset the Camera: Locate the small reset button on your camera. It's usually on the back or bottom. You'll need a paperclip or a similar tool to press and hold it for about 15-20 seconds until the camera chimes or the LED light begins to flash, indicating it has been reset to factory defaults.
- Remove from App: In the Tend Secure app, it's good practice to delete the offline camera from your device list.
- Add Camera Anew: Follow the in-app instructions to add a new camera. This will allow you to scan the QR code and re-enter your Wi-Fi credentials, creating a fresh, stable connection to your network.
By methodically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can solve the vast majority of issues causing your Tend camera to go offline.