A Practical Guide to Fixing Wyze Cam Wi-Fi Issues
A Wyze Cam offers fantastic value for home monitoring, but its performance is entirely dependent on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If you're struggling with a camera that frequently goes offline, fails to connect during setup, or shows the dreaded "error code 90," you're in the right place. This guide will help UK users troubleshoot and resolve the most common Wyze Cam connectivity problems.
Let's get your camera back online and streaming reliably.
Understanding the Wyze Cam's Wi-Fi Requirements
Before we dive into troubleshooting, it's crucial to understand what the Wyze Cam needs to operate correctly.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Network: Wyze Cams are not compatible with 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. They must be connected to a 2.4GHz band.
- Strong, Stable Signal: Video streaming requires a consistent connection. Weak or fluctuating Wi-Fi is the number one cause of problems.
- Correct Network Password: A simple typo during setup can prevent a connection.
Step 1: Basic Checks and Power Cycling
Always start with the simplest solutions first.
Check the Status Light
The LED light on the back of your Wyze Cam tells you its current status:
- Solid Blue: Connected and working properly. This is the goal!
- Flashing Blue: Connecting to the network.
- Flashing Yellow/Blue: Connection in progress.
- Flashing Yellow: Ready to connect (setup mode).
- No Light: No power. Check the cable and power adapter.
Reboot Your Hardware
A "power cycle" can clear temporary glitches in your camera and router.
- Unplug the Wyze Cam from its power source.
- Unplug your home Wi-Fi router from the wall socket.
- Wait for a full 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in first. Wait 5-10 minutes for it to fully restart.
- Plug the Wyze Cam back in and give it a few minutes to reconnect.
Step 2: Optimise Your Wi-Fi Network
If the basic reboot didn't work, the issue is likely with your Wi-Fi environment.
Create a Dedicated 2.4GHz Network
As mentioned, this is the most critical step. Many modern routers from UK ISPs (Internet Service Providers) combine the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands under a single network name (SSID). This can cause major issues for Wyze Cams.
- The Solution: Log in to your router's settings panel. Find the wireless network settings and look for an option to "split" the bands or disable "band steering."
- Action: Give the two networks different names, for instance:
MyHomeWiFi_2.4GHzandMyHomeWiFi_5GHz. - Then, perform the setup process for your Wyze Cam again, ensuring you connect it specifically to the
MyHomeWiFi_2.4GHznetwork.
Improve Wi-Fi Signal Strength
A weak signal will cause disconnections and poor video quality.
- Placement is Key: Don't place your camera too far from your router. Avoid thick walls, metal objects, and other electronics being in the direct path between them.
- Check the Signal: In the Wyze app, go to your camera's settings > Device Info > Wi-Fi Signal Strength. You should aim for at least 2 out of 3 bars for reliable performance.
- Boost the Signal: If the signal is weak, the best solution is a Wi-Fi range extender or upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system to provide better coverage throughout your home.
Step 3: Address the "Error Code 90"
Error 90 is a timeout error, meaning the app can't pull a consistent stream of data from the camera. This is almost always a symptom of a poor Wi-Fi connection as described above. By improving the signal strength to the camera, you will resolve Error 90.
Step 4: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If you've tried all the steps above and the camera still won't connect, a factory reset will return it to its out-of-the-box state.
- With the camera plugged in, press and hold the setup button on the bottom/back for 10-15 seconds until you hear a sound or the status light changes.
- Release the button. The camera will reboot.
- Once the light is flashing yellow, it's ready to be set up again. Go through the "Add Device" process in the Wyze app.