Unifi Camera No Video: A Troubleshooting Guide
When your Unifi camera suddenly stops showing a video feed in the Protect controller, it can be alarming. A black screen, a "No Video" message, or an "Offline" status can be caused by a number of issues, ranging from simple power problems to more complex network configurations. This guide will help you systematically diagnose and solve the problem.
## Step 1: Verify Power over Ethernet (PoE)
All Unifi cameras are powered via PoE, so the first and most crucial step is to confirm the camera is actually on.
- Check the Camera's LED: Look at the camera itself. There should be an illuminated LED status light (the colour may vary by model and status, but it should be on). If there is no light, the camera is not receiving power.
- Inspect the Switch Port: Log in to your Unifi Network controller and look at the port the camera is connected to on your Unifi switch. It should show a PoE icon, indicating that it is drawing power. Check the power consumption; it should be more than zero watts.
- Test a Different Port/Switch: If you suspect a faulty port, move the camera's Ethernet cable to a different, known-working PoE port on the switch. If it powers on, the original port may be faulty.
- Use a PoE Injector: If you don't have a PoE switch, ensure the PoE injector is properly connected and its own power adapter is plugged in and working.
## Step 2: Check the Physical Network Connection
A damaged or improperly terminated Ethernet cable is another very common point of failure.
- Inspect the Cable: Physically inspect the entire length of the Ethernet cable for any visible damage, such as cuts, kinks, or frayed ends.
- Check Connectors: Ensure the RJ45 connectors on both ends of the cable are securely clicked into place in both the camera and the switch port. A loose connection can cause intermittent power or data loss.
- Swap with a Known-Good Cable: The most reliable test is to temporarily connect the camera using a short, brand-new patch cable. If the camera comes online, the original cable run is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Use a Cable Tester: For installed cables, a network cable tester can verify that all eight wires within the cable are correctly terminated and have continuity.
## Step 3: Troubleshoot Within the Unifi Protect Controller
If power and cabling are confirmed to be good, the issue likely lies within the software configuration.
- Restart the Camera: In the Unifi Protect interface, find the camera, go to its Settings tab, and use the Restart option. This soft reboot can often resolve temporary software hangs.
- Check IP Address: Ensure the camera has a valid IP address on your network. You can check this in the Unifi Protect or Network controller. If it has a strange IP or no IP, there may be a DHCP or network configuration issue.
- Re-Adopt the Camera: Sometimes, the secure connection between the camera and the controller can be lost. The solution is to re-adopt it.
- In Protect, go to the camera's settings and Unmanage the device.
- You may need to factory reset the camera by holding down the reset button on the device itself for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes.
- The camera should then reappear in the controller as a new device, ready to be adopted.
## Step 4: Advanced Network Checks
If you have a more complex network setup, such as multiple VLANs, you need to check your routing and firewall rules.
- Firewall Rules: If your cameras are on a separate "Camera" VLAN and your Protect controller (e.g., a Cloud Key or UNVR) is on your main "LAN" VLAN, you must have firewall rules that allow established and related traffic to pass between them. Ensure you are not blocking the specific ports that Unifi Protect uses for camera communication.
- Check for Loops: A network loop can bring down your entire network, including the cameras. Check your switch port activity for signs of broadcast storms.
By methodically checking power, cabling, and software configuration, you can effectively resolve the "No Video" issue and get your Unifi camera back online.