Xiaomi Camera Night Vision Not Working?
A security camera that can't see in the dark is only doing half its job. If your Xiaomi camera's night vision has stopped working, you might be seeing a completely black screen at night, or perhaps the image is extremely dark, grainy, and unclear. This is a critical issue that compromises your security after sunset.
The problem usually stems from the camera's infrared (IR) system, which is responsible for illuminating the scene with light that's invisible to the human eye. The issue could be with the IR LEDs themselves, the sensor that activates them, or the camera's settings. This guide will help you troubleshoot the common causes and restore your camera's sight in the dark.
Common Causes for Night Vision Failure
When your camera's night vision fails, it's typically due to one of these reasons:
- Incorrect App Settings: The night vision feature might be accidentally turned off in the camera's settings.
- IR Sensor Issues: The ambient light sensor that detects darkness might be faulty or tricked by reflections.
- Power Supply Problems: The camera may not be receiving enough power to activate the energy-intensive IR LEDs.
- Physical Obstructions or Glare: The camera's placement could be causing its own IR light to reflect back into the lens.
- Firmware Glitch: A bug in the camera's software could be preventing night vision from activating correctly.
How to Fix Your Xiaomi Camera's Night Vision
Let's work through these solutions to get your night vision working again.
1. Check the Night Vision Settings in the App
First, make sure the feature hasn't been accidentally disabled.
- Open the Xiaomi Home app and select the camera you're having issues with.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner to open the Settings menu.
- Look for an option called Night Vision Settings or similar.
- Inside this menu, you'll likely see options for 'Auto', 'On', and 'Off'. Ensure this is set to 'Auto'. This allows the camera to automatically switch to night vision when it gets dark. If it's already on 'Auto', try switching it to 'On' to force the feature to activate for testing.
2. Verify the IR LEDs are Activating
You can easily check if the hardware is trying to work.
- Wait until it's dark, or take the camera into a dark room like a closet.
- Look at the front of the camera lens. You should be able to see a cluster of small LED bulbs.
- When night vision is active, these LEDs will emit a faint red glow.
- If you see the red glow but the image is still black or poor, the problem is likely with the camera's image sensor. If you do not see any red glow, the IR LEDs are not receiving power or are not being told to turn on.
3. Clean the Lens and Check for Reflections
A clear view is essential for good night vision.
- Wipe the Lens: The camera's lens cover can accumulate dust and grime that isn't visible during the day but can cause significant glare and blurriness when the IR lights are on. Clean it gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth.
- Check for Glare: Do not place the camera pointing directly through a window. The IR light will reflect off the glass, blinding the camera and resulting in a useless, washed-out image. Similarly, placing the camera too close to a wall or under a soffit can cause the IR light to bounce back and overwhelm the sensor. Try repositioning the camera to have a clear, unobstructed view.
4. Ensure Adequate Power
The IR system requires a stable power supply.
- Use the Original Power Adapter: Make sure you are using the power adapter and USB cable that came with your Xiaomi camera. A phone charger or third-party adapter may not provide enough power to run both the camera and the IR LEDs simultaneously.
- Secure the Cable: Check that the power cable is firmly connected at both ends.
5. Restart and Update
A simple reboot can often resolve software glitches.
- Restart the Camera: Use the reboot function in the camera's app settings, or simply unplug it from power for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
- Update Firmware: Check for a firmware update in the app's settings. Updates often include fixes for bugs that could be affecting features like night vision.
By following these steps, you can identify the root cause of your night vision problems and get your Xiaomi camera seeing clearly in the dark again.