If your camera is not switching to night mode, this is the article for you. Here is how you can fix it, and most importantly, why it is happening.
The chances are that a burglar will break in during the day are slim, but the tables turn during the night. Modern technology has managed to invent Infrared lights allowing us to look into the darkness and shed light on it.
Since the majority of crimes are performed at night, night vision cameras have become ever so popular. Even when pitch black, these cameras can see everything that we can’t.
Where is the problem?
Primarily, your issue should be found on the infrared lights, as they are the light that illuminates the area and captures footage that is detailed and clear.
Cameras trigger night mode themselves due to their light sensor, which in turn, lets the camera know when light is getting limited and triggers the sensors to change to infrared lighting.
Therefore, when your camera is not switching to night mode, it could be an issue with the trigger. It can also signify that the IR lights are breaking, limiting the camera’s capabilities in the dark.
The camera is not switching to night mode
There could be plenty of different reasons as to why a camera is not switching to night mode. In some cases, it could be just broken; however, it can go deeper than that.
Light is too bright!
The sensor will only activate night mode if it senses the presence of little to no light. Therefore, this is the most obvious way to fix the issue.
You want to make sure that the camera is not exposed to light or a light source such as a flashlight or lamp. If the area is bright enough, the sensors won’t be triggered, and the infrared light won’t turn on.
When it comes to outdoor lighting, it is not something you can control, so you might have to wait until the light is reduced naturally.
However, inside is more manageable, as you can change up the camera angle or move the light source that is overbearing the camera.
Not plugged in
The second most obvious thing to do is to check your power supply. When using night mode, the Infrared lights will need a specific amount of power.
If the power supply does not provide the necessary power, the lights will not turn on, and night mode won’t work on your camera. Though there is a chance, it could be your camera, but it never hurts to check.
By turning the camera off and on, you might be able to determine if the Infrared lights turn on. If you are using battery-powered cameras, it might be time to charge them, so the camera has enough power.
Wires
While you are taking a look at your power supply, ensure that the wires are not damaged. Cameras that are outdoors are exposed to weather and different animals, which can damage the wires.
Trace the wires and check for any damages or breaks, which can be why your camera is not switching to night mode.
Restart the camera
If your camera is not switching to night mode, it could be frozen. Meaning that anyone can walk by and not be seen as the camera will show the same image.
Therefore, to fix this, you can restart your camera by turning it off and on. You can also reboot the DVR or NVR. Once done, you can check the image at night to ensure the Infrared lights are turning on properly.
If that does not work and the lights don’t turn on, you might have to try again or check for some firmware or software update that may be keeping the lights from working.
Lights out
Lastly, your infrared lights can be damaged, which can occur due to water damage that burns out the lights. Therefore, if you are placing cameras outside, make sure they are weatherproof and made to be outdoors.
It can also mean that some of the lights will turn on while others won’t. Therefore, making the picture low quality and very dark. Meaning you might have to purchase a new Infrared light block to replace the old one.
Out with the old, in with the new
Though it might suck after checking all of the above and realizing your camera is broken, it gives you an opportunity to invest and try another camera in the market.
If nothing works, you can let it go; sometimes, cameras can be defective. Whether you buy a new one or get a replacement by contacting the brand, you will never feel safer than when you have night mode.
If you are interested in cameras with night modes, make sure to check out the Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security Camera, along with my review of it.
The bottom line
Overall, there is plenty of factors that can play a role in your camera’s night mode. Therefore, you should buy from a trustworthy and reliable brand.
From 1-10, how much do you need night mode in your cameras? Let us know down in the comments.