How to Fix Blurry Night Vision on Your Verkada Camera
Verkada cameras are known for their excellent image quality, but even the best cameras can suffer from blurry, hazy, or foggy night vision. This issue almost always has a simple solution and is rarely a sign of a hardware fault. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the problem to restore a crystal-clear image in the dark.
The Primary Culprit: IR Bounce
The vast majority of night vision problems are caused by a phenomenon called Infrared (IR) Bounce or IR Reflection.
Verkada cameras see in the dark by using built-in infrared LEDs to illuminate the scene. This IR light is invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor. The problem occurs when this powerful light hits a surface close to the lens and reflects directly back into it. This reflection overwhelms the sensor, creating a blurry, foggy, or washed-out appearance.
The most common sources of IR bounce are:
- A Dirty Lens or Dome: Dust, fingerprints, smudges, and even spiderwebs on the camera's lens or protective dome are the number one cause. The IR light hits this grime and reflects straight back.
- Poor Camera Positioning: Mounting the camera too close to a ceiling, soffit, or wall can cause the IR light to bounce off these surfaces.
- Rain or Dust: Water droplets or heavy dust on the lens will reflect IR light intensely.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps to clear up your camera's night vision.
1. Clean the Camera Lens and Dome
This simple step resolves over 90% of blurry night vision issues.
- Get a Microfibre Cloth: Use a clean, soft microfibre cloth. Do not use paper towels, tissues, or abrasive cloths as they can leave behind lint or even scratch the lens.
- Wipe Gently: Thoroughly wipe down the camera's lens and the clear dome cover. Pay close attention to the area immediately surrounding the lens.
- Use a Cleaning Solution (If Needed): For stubborn fingerprints or grime, you can use a small amount of an approved camera lens cleaning solution or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Apply the cleaner to the cloth, not directly onto the camera.
- Remove Spiderwebs: Use a soft brush to clear away any spiderwebs or nests that may have formed around the camera.
2. Check for Obstructions and Reposition if Necessary
Look at the camera's view during the day to see if any surfaces are very close to its edge.
- Identify Nearby Surfaces: Check for eaves, soffits, window frames, or walls that are in the immediate vicinity of the camera.
- Adjust the Angle: Try tilting the camera slightly away from the nearby surface. Even a small adjustment can prevent the IR light from bouncing back.
- Relocate the Camera: In some cases, you may need to move the camera to a position with a more open field of view to completely eliminate IR bounce.
3. Inspect the Weatherproof Seal
If you notice condensation or fogging inside the dome, it means moisture has penetrated the camera's housing. This is a more serious issue.
- Power down the camera immediately.
- Bring the camera indoors to dry out completely.
- Inspect the rubber gaskets and seals to ensure they are properly seated and not damaged.
- Contact Verkada support, as this could indicate a compromised weatherproof seal.
By regularly cleaning your camera lens and ensuring proper placement, you can prevent IR bounce and maintain excellent night vision performance.