Tend Camera No Video Feed? Here's How to Fix It
A security camera without a video feed is a significant concern. If your Tend camera is showing a black screen, is stuck on a loading circle, or displays an "offline" message in the app, don't worry. These problems are usually caused by connectivity or power issues that you can resolve yourself. This guide will take you through the necessary steps to get your Tend camera's video back online.
## Start with the Essentials: Power and Internet
The vast majority of "no video" issues stem from two fundamental sources: power to the camera and its connection to the internet.
### 1. Check the Power Supply
It might seem obvious, but it's the first thing to verify.
- Inspect the Cable: Ensure the micro USB power cable is securely plugged into both the Tend camera and the power adapter. Check that the adapter is firmly seated in a working wall socket.
- Look for the LED: Check the status LED light on the camera. A solid blue light typically indicates it's connected and working correctly. If the light is off, it's not receiving power. If it's blinking, it may be trying to connect.
- Test the Outlet: Plug another device into the same power outlet to confirm the outlet is working.
### 2. Reboot Your Camera and Router
A classic "turn it off and on again" is one of the most effective troubleshooting steps. It clears temporary memory glitches and allows devices to establish a fresh connection.
- Unplug your Tend camera from its power source.
- Unplug your internet router from its power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug your router back in first and wait for it to fully restart (usually 2-3 minutes, when all its lights are stable).
- Plug your Tend camera back in and give it a minute or two to boot up and reconnect.
- Check the app to see if the video feed has been restored.
Deeper Connectivity Troubleshooting
If the power cycle didn't work, the issue likely lies with the Wi-Fi connection between your router and the camera.
### 3. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Your camera needs a consistently strong Wi-Fi signal to stream video.
- Distance Matters: If the camera is too far from your router, the signal may be too weak. Try temporarily moving the camera closer to your router to see if the video feed appears. If it does, you may need a Wi-Fi extender for a permanent solution.
- Avoid Obstructions: Thick walls (especially concrete or brick), large metal appliances, and even fish tanks can block Wi-Fi signals. Ensure the path between your router and camera is as clear as possible.
### 4. Verify Your Network
Ensure the Wi-Fi network your camera is trying to connect to is the correct one and is functioning properly.
- Check Other Devices: Are other devices in your home (like your smartphone or a laptop) able to connect to the same Wi-Fi network and access the internet?
- 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Most Tend cameras, like many smart home devices, only connect to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. If you have a dual-band router, make sure your camera is connected to the 2.4 GHz network. If your router combines both bands under one name, it should connect automatically, but sometimes separating them can help.
App and Software Solutions
If connectivity seems fine, the problem could be with the app or the camera's own software.
### 5. Update the Tend App
An outdated app can cause compatibility problems.
- Go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on your smartphone.
- Search for the "Tend" app.
- If an "Update" button is available, tap it to install the latest version.
### 6. Re-add the Camera to the App
If all else fails, removing and re-adding the camera to your account can resolve persistent configuration issues. This will require you to go through the setup process again.
- Open the Tend app and go to the camera's settings.
- Find the option to "Delete" or "Remove" the camera.
- Once removed, follow the app's instructions to add a new camera, which usually involves scanning a QR code and re-entering your Wi-Fi password.
By methodically working through these steps, you can identify the root cause of the video issue and get your Tend camera streaming again. If the problem continues after trying all these solutions, it could point to a hardware failure, and reaching out to Tend support is the next best step.