A camera that consistently stays offline can be frustrating, but it usually stems from power issues, network instability, or hardware configuration. Follow this guide to diagnose and resolve the issue.

1. Check the Camera Power Supply

An unstable power supply is the most common cause of a camera going offline. Typical symptoms include the device repeatedly restarting or failing to power on.

Cause 1: Aging power adapter or insufficient output power
This is especially common with PTZ cameras and other devices that require higher power. If the adapter’s actual output does not meet its rated specification (for example, labeled as 12V 2A but delivering less), or if the adapter has degraded over time, the output voltage may become unstable.

Solution:
Use a multimeter to measure the no-load output voltage of the power adapter and confirm it is within ±5% of the rated value (for example, a 12V device should read between 11.4V and 12.6V). If it does not meet this standard, replace it with an original or higher-rated power adapter.

Cause 2: Excessive cable length or oxidized connectors
Long power cables can cause voltage drop, while oxidation on power plugs or Ethernet connectors can increase contact resistance and affect stable power delivery.

Solution:
Inspect all connectors for black oxidation marks and clean them if present.

2. Diagnose Network Connectivity

Network issues are one of the most common causes of camera instability and may appear as the camera frequently going online and offline in the app.

Cause 1: Weak Wi-Fi signal or heavy interference
If the camera is installed too far from the router, the signal strength may be insufficient. In addition, devices such as microwave ovens and Bluetooth equipment can interfere with the 2.4 GHz band. Routers with a “Smart Connect” or “Dual-band merge” feature enabled may also prevent the camera from correctly connecting to the 2.4 GHz network.

Solution:
Use a mobile app to test the Wi-Fi signal strength at the camera’s installation location. If the signal is weak, consider upgrading the router or using a Wi-Fi extender. Log in to the router’s admin panel, create a dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID for the camera, and manually set the channel to 1, 6, or 11, which typically have less interference.

Cause 2: Poor Ethernet cable quality or excessive cable length
Using low-quality, non-standard Ethernet cables, improperly crimped connectors, or cables longer than 100 meters can cause severe signal attenuation and data transmission failures.

Solution:
Ensure that standard-compliant, pure copper Ethernet cables are used. For long-distance transmission exceeding 100 meters, use fiber-optic cabling instead, or add a switch with repeater functionality in between.

Cause 3: IP address conflicts or restrictive router settings
If two devices on the local network share the same IP address, or if the router has features such as “AP Isolation” or “Anti-unauthorized access” enabled, the camera may be blocked from communicating with your mobile app or the NVR.

Solution:
Log in to the router’s management interface and check the list of connected devices for IP conflicts. Try assigning a static IP address to the camera and binding it to its MAC address. You can also temporarily disable advanced features such as “AP Isolation” to test whether they are causing the issue.

3. Check Device Configuration and Hardware

If both the power supply and network connection are functioning normally, the next step is to check the device’s own status and settings.

Cause 1: Outdated firmware or incorrect configuration
The camera firmware may contain bugs, or the network configuration may be corrupted or incorrect.

Solution:
Check for and install the latest firmware updates in the CYVIO App. Try pressing and holding the reset button on the camera (usually for 3–8 seconds) to restore it to factory settings, then set up the network connection again.

Cause 2: Physical hardware damage
The device may have internal component damage caused by lightning strikes, moisture exposure, chip aging, or previous physical impact.

Solution:
Check whether the camera is installed in an environment with excessive humidity or high temperature. Observe whether the infrared LEDs turn on normally at night. If there is no response at all, there is a high likelihood that the main control chip has failed.