Why does my camera disconnect in the Swann Security app?

Disconnected cameras may happen on multiple devices; but in this article, we will focus on battery-powered cameras - specifically stand-alone cameras.

To conserve battery power, the cameras go into standby mode. During this state, the cameras will show as Disconnected in the Swann Security app regardless of the Wi-Fi signal strength indicated in the app.

To preserve battery life, the cameras were designed to be in a sleep state until motion is triggered or you connect from the app. When the Swann Security app is opened for Live View, the camera wakes up to reconnect*:

TIP:

• If the camera seems infinitely waking up (doesn't load the cameras), force close the app then open it again.
• Alternatively, if you are within the location where the camera is, triggering the camera by moving in front of it can help wake up the camera.

For instance, the SWIFI-BUDDY from sleep mode may take 15-20 seconds to wake up and establish a live connection between your phone and the doorbell. Our development team is already working on reducing connection time and will continue to release updated apps and/or firmware to improve performance.

In one user test, the SWIFI-4KBUDDY connected from sleep mode in 2 seconds within 6 feet of the main router through a single barrier (metal door). In the evening, it took about 10 seconds through a second barrier (wooden door). The Wi-Fi channel used by the router is channel 5, which was rated as bad or congested as neighbouring router signals were on the same channel.

Observations and tests from our Tech Support team have observed that the following can affect the duration of Disconnected and Connecting statuses as follows:

• Battery Saver is enabled. If the camera fails to wake up, you can prevent the camera from going into Standby mode and to reconnect faster without the need to "wake up", this setting can be disabled under Device Settings > Battery in the app. However, this will cause the battery charge to drain faster.

  
• Wireless signal obstructions: Checking for Wireless Network obstructions. This also affects Wi-Fi signal strength which can cause it to increase or decrease by at least 2-10%.
• Location: Depending on your location, wireless signals from other routers and devices can impede wireless performance or connectivity. See Changing and selecting the best Wireless Channel as an example. This is limited to the settings of your router and your location.
• Network overload: This can happen depending on the model of your router where it temporarily disconnects a WiFi device, such as a camera (even wired ones). The camera is still functional. Tap on the icon in the Swann Security app to re-connect immediately for streaming. 
• Network issue: In the event there is an issue with the router or Internet service provider, the camera will continue to stay in Disconnected or Connecting status.
• WiFi SSID and password in the app is not updated: This requires the camera to be paired again. Tap on the pencil icon beside Wi-Fi SSID to pair again. See Swann Security Wi-Fi Camera: Changed routers or connect to a new Wireless Network (Wi-Fi)