Tend Secure Camera Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
When your Tend Secure camera stops working, it can be a worry. Whether it's showing as offline in the app, has a flashing red light, or simply won't power on, most problems can be fixed with a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process to get your camera back online.
## First Steps: Basic Checks for Your Tend Camera
Always start with the basics. These checks resolve the majority of common camera issues.
### 1. Verify the Power Supply
Your camera needs consistent power to function.
- Check the Cable: Ensure the USB power cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the USB power adapter.
- Check the Socket: Make sure the power adapter is plugged into a working wall socket. Test the socket with another device, like a lamp, to be sure.
- Look for the LED: The status light on the camera should be illuminated in some way. If there is no light at all, it's a power issue. Try a different USB cable or power adapter if possible.
### 2. Reboot Your Camera and Network
A simple restart can clear up temporary software glitches and connectivity problems.
- Power Cycle the Camera: Unplug your Tend camera from the power source. Leave it unplugged for a full 60 seconds.
- Reboot Your Router: While the camera is unplugged, reboot your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it from the power for a minute.
- Power Everything Back On: Plug your router back in and wait for it to fully restart and for your internet to be active. Then, plug your Tend camera back in. Give the camera a few minutes to boot up and attempt to reconnect.
## Deeper Troubleshooting: Connectivity and Resets
If the basic checks didn't solve the problem, it's time to look more closely at the connection.
### 3. Understand the LED Status Light
The LED on your Tend camera is a diagnostic tool.
- Solid Blue: Perfect. The camera is connected to Wi-Fi and is online.
- Flashing Blue: The camera is in pairing mode or is attempting to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Flashing Red: This is the most common problem indicator. It means the camera cannot connect to your Wi-Fi network.
### 4. How to Fix a Flashing Red Light
A flashing red light means a Wi-Fi connection failure. Here’s how to fix it:
- Check Your Wi-Fi Password: Have you recently changed your Wi-Fi password? If so, the camera will lose its connection. You will need to reset the camera and go through the setup process again with the new password.
- Improve Signal Strength: The camera may be too far from your router. Wi-Fi signals are weakened by distance and physical obstructions like walls and floors. Try moving your camera closer to your router. If it connects, you know the issue is signal strength.
- Check Network Band: Most Tend cameras support only the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. If you have a dual-band router, ensure that the 2.4GHz network is enabled and that you are connecting the camera to that specific network, not the 5GHz one.
### 5. Factory Reset the Camera
If nothing else has worked, a factory reset is the final option. This will erase all settings and return the camera to its original state.
- Locate the Reset Button: Find the small, recessed 'Reset' button. It's usually on the back or bottom of the camera.
- Press and Hold: With the camera plugged in and powered on, use a paperclip or a similar pointed object to press and hold the reset button for 15-20 seconds.
- Confirmation: The camera's LED will change its behaviour, often flashing rapidly, to confirm the reset.
- Re-add in App: Open the Tend Secure app, delete the camera from your device list, and then follow the on-screen instructions to add it again as a new device.
By following these steps, you can solve almost any issue causing your Tend Secure camera to be offline.