Symptoms
- Nighttime footage is completely black
- Video is extremely grainy or washed out after dark
- Bright white glare covers part of the frame at night
- Night vision worked before but stopped recently
Likely causes
- CommonDirty or obstructed lensDust, spiderwebs, or water spots block or scatter infrared light and can make footage look black or foggy.
- CommonNearby light source confusing the day/night sensorA porch light or streetlight can trick the camera into staying in day mode when it's actually dark, or cause glare.
- PossibleInfrared LEDs not activating due to a settings or firmware issueNight mode may need to be manually enabled or reset if it's stuck in the wrong mode.
- PossibleCamera mounted behind glass or a screenInfrared light reflects off glass and screens, badly degrading night vision.
- Less commonFailing infrared LEDs or light sensorAfter years of outdoor use, the IR emitters or ambient light sensor can wear out.
What to do
- Clean the lens thoroughly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth, including any protective dome or cover.
- Check for spiderwebs near the lens, which are a very common and often-missed cause of blurry or blocked night footage.
- Move or dim any nearby lights that shine directly at the camera.
- Never mount the camera behind glass or a window screen if avoidable, since infrared reflects off both.
- Open the app and confirm night vision mode is set to automatic or on, not off.
- Restart the camera and check for a firmware update.
- If the issue persists after cleaning and repositioning, note that the infrared hardware may be failing.
Tools and parts
- Microfiber cloth
When to call a pro
If night vision stays broken after cleaning, repositioning, and a firmware check, the camera likely needs manufacturer repair or replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.