Common Wyze Solar Camera Models and User Issues
Wyze is a well-known brand in the smart home market, offering a wide range of products, particularly solar cameras, which are popular for their energy-saving features. Common models include:
- Wyze Cam v4 (NEW)
- Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 (NEW)
- Wyze Video Doorbell v2 (NEW)
- Wyze Cam Pan v3
- Wyze Cam Security Builder
Users frequently report issues with these devices on forums and communities. A common problem is the "Wyze Solar Panel not charging" For instance, jdwarne mentioned in a forum that his Wyze Cam Outdoor v2 was not charging despite being connected to an official Wyze solar panel in a sunny location. Similar problems include:
- Inability to enable travel mode
- Setup issues
- Connectivity problems
- Base station failing to connect to Wi-Fi
- Fast battery drainage
These issues can significantly impact user experience, making it crucial to understand how to troubleshoot and resolve them, particularly the problem of the Wyze Solar Panel not charging.
How to Troubleshoot and Resolve Issues
To address the "Wyze Solar Panel not charging" issue and other problems, users can follow these steps:
1. Check Connections
Ensure all cables are securely connected. Loose connections can lead to charging issues. For instance, Danielle reported that her Wyze Solar Panel wasn't charging due to loose cables, which she fixed by securing the connections.
2. Confirm Device Status
Make sure the camera is turned on and has power. Check the battery status via the Wyze app. If the battery is low, charge it using a USB cable before reconnecting the solar panel. This approach helped jdwarne resolve his issue.
3. Optimize Solar Panel Position
The solar panel needs direct sunlight. Typically, a 30-degree angle is optimal. Adjust the angle as needed to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. Brenda improved her panel's performance by adjusting its angle and cleaning the surface.
4. Check Firmware and Software Updates
Ensure the Wyze app and camera firmware are up to date. Software updates often fix known hardware issues. Jdwarne mentioned that after updating the firmware, his camera has been problem-free for months.
5. Restart Devices
If the above methods don't work, try restarting the camera and base station. Disconnect the power, wait a few seconds, and reconnect. This method helped Danielle resolve her connectivity issues.
6. Check Signal Strength
Check the signal strength between the camera and base station in the Wyze app. If the signal is weak, move the camera closer to the base station. Brenda improved connectivity by relocating her camera closer to the base station.
Other Common Wyze Issues
Wyze users also report other common issues, such as:
- Wyze Cam Outdoor failing to connect to the base station
- Wyze Cam Solar Panel not charging
- "Device is offline (error code 90)" error messages
1. Restart Devices
Restarting the camera and base station can often resolve connectivity issues. Disconnect and reconnect the power to re-establish connections.
2. Check Signal Strength
Ensure strong signal strength between the camera and base station. Move the camera closer if the signal is weak.
3. Update Firmware
Keep the device firmware up to date to resolve many connectivity issues.
Wyze Cam Outdoor Siren Troubleshooting
Danielle Updated 2024/06/10
Problem
Your Wyze Cam Outdoor’s siren is not turning on or off.
Troubleshooting Steps
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Update the Wyze App:
- Navigate to the Account tab and tap About.
- Check the app version listed beneath the Wyze logo.
- Compare your app version with the most recent one on our Release Notes & Firmware page. Update if necessary.
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Update Firmware:
- Ensure that the firmware for both your Wyze Cam Outdoor and Wyze Base Station is up to date.
- Go to the Account tab and select Firmware Update.
- If an update is available for your devices, proceed with the update.
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Force Close the Wyze App:
- Close the Wyze app completely.
- Reopen the app and attempt to turn the siren on or off again.
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Power Cycle the Camera:
- Turn the power switch to the off position.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Turn the power switch back to the on position.
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Reset the Camera:
- Delete the camera from your account.
- Set it up again in the Wyze app as if it were new.
- To delete the camera, go to the camera’s settings and select Delete Device. Then follow the setup instructions.
I Can’t Enable Travel Mode. What Do I Do?
Ada Updated 2 years ago
Problem
You are unable to enable Travel Mode on your Wyze Cam Outdoor.
Troubleshooting Steps
-
Update the Wyze App:
- Ensure your Wyze app is up to date.
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Update Firmware:
- Confirm that both your Wyze Cam Outdoor and Wyze Base Station firmware are up to date.
- Check the Release Notes & Firmware page for the latest updates.
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Enable Travel Mode:
- Attempt to enable Travel Mode again.
- Ensure you are using the camera, not the base station, to enable Travel Mode. Once enabled, you should hear “Travel mode enabled.”
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Status Light Troubleshooting:
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Flashing Yellow but Unable to Connect:
- Turn off cellular data on your mobile device.
- Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled.
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Flashing Yellow with Incorrect Travel Mode Password:
- Exit Travel Mode by pressing the Setup button once.
- Change or reset the password in the camera’s settings.
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Not Flashing Yellow:
- Ensure the camera is fully charged.
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Additional Steps for Wyze Base Station:
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Flashing Yellow but Unable to Connect:
- Turn off cellular data on your mobile device.
- Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled.
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Flashing Yellow but Unable to Connect:
If you still cannot enable Travel Mode, please reach out to our support team for further assistance.
Base Station Setup Troubleshooting
Smith Updated 1 year ago
Problem
Your Wyze Base Station is connected to the network but fails to complete the setup process.
Troubleshooting Steps
Initial Steps:
-
Update the Wyze App:
- Ensure you have the latest version of the Wyze app. Download it here.
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Disable VPN:
- If using a VPN, disable it during the setup process.
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Verify Base Station:
- Ensure you're interacting with the correct Base Station if you have multiple units.
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Check Status Light:
- Verify the status light color; it should be solid blue when the Base Station is set up and functional.
- If the status light is solid blue, retry the setup process.
- If the status light never turns solid blue, try using a different Ethernet cable.
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Mesh Network Setup:
- If you have a mesh network, set up the Base Station on the primary router or modem. After setup, you can move it to one of the access points.
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Enable Local Permissions:
- Ensure local permissions are enabled for the Wyze app in your device’s settings.
- For iOS devices, enable Local Network permission: Go to Settings > Privacy > Local Network > Enable for Wyze app.
If the Base Station is still not discoverable:
-
Power and Internet Connection:
- Verify the Base Station has power and your network has an internet connection.
- Ensure your device is connected to a 2.4 GHz network.
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Same Network:
- Make sure your mobile device is on the same network the Base Station is trying to connect to.
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QR Code Setup:
- Try setting up with a QR code instead:
- Follow steps 1-6 on the Wyze Base Station Setup Guide.
- On Step 7, tap "Scan with QR code instead," then "Scan QR code."
- Locate the QR code on the bottom of the Base Station.
- Use your mobile device's camera to scan the code.
- Try setting up with a QR code instead:
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Manual Entry:
- If the QR code isn't scanning, manually enter the Base Station's MAC address by tapping "The QR code isn't scanning."
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Wi-Fi Selection:
- Tap "Go to Wi-Fi selection," then select the network that looks like "Wyze_bind_xxx" (no password required).
- Turn off mobile data (4G, 5G, or LTE) to optimize your connection to Wi-Fi.
My Wyze Cam Outdoor Battery is Draining Quickly
Divida Updated 1 year ago
Problem
Your Wyze Cam Outdoor v1/v2 is losing battery life faster than usual and requires frequent charging.
Troubleshooting Tips
-
Update Firmware:
- Ensure that both the Wyze Cam Outdoor v1/v2 and the Base Station have the latest firmware.
- Check for updates by going to the Account tab > Firmware Update.
- If updates are available for the camera and/or Base Station, proceed with the updates.
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Check Cam Plus Subscription:
- If you’ve added Cam Plus to your camera, consider moving it to a different device.
- Cam Plus features such as removing the cooldown between videos, extending Event Video length, and adding smart detection (person and vehicle) can drain the battery faster.
- If you have multiple cameras, move the Cam Plus subscription to another camera and test the changes.
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Reposition the Camera:
- Place the camera in an area with less traffic if Motion Detection is enabled.
- High-traffic areas can trigger more event recordings, which drain the battery faster.
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Review Event Videos:
- Check the number of Event Videos your camera is recording.
- An excessive amount of Event Videos can lead to quicker battery drain.
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Adjust Recording Settings:
- Review settings for Time Lapse videos and Scheduled Recordings.
- Persistent recordings can significantly impact battery life.
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Check Signal Strength:
- Ensure the Wyze Cam Outdoor v1/v2 has strong signal strength.
- Reposition the camera or Base Station to achieve a 3-bar signal for optimal performance.
- Check signal strength by going to the camera’s Livestream > Settings > Device Info.
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Check Charging Cables and Adapters:
- Use the Wyze-supplied charging cable and Base Station to charge your camera.
- Test your charger to ensure it meets the required 5v/2A specifications for proper charging.
- If possible, test with a known working adapter that meets these criteria to rule out issues with the cable or charger.
By following these steps, you can help identify and resolve the cause of your Wyze Cam Outdoor’s rapid battery drain. If problems persist, consider reaching out to Wyze support for further assistance.
Product Recommendations
Based on user feedback and practical usage, the following Wyze products are highly recommended:
- Wyze Cam v4: The latest model with higher resolution and better night vision, ideal for users requiring high-quality images.
- Wyze Video Doorbell v2: Enhanced video quality and doorbell functions make it a perfect choice for home security. User Mary praised its clear video and easy installation.
- Wyze Cam Pan v3 Solar Panel: Supports 360-degree monitoring, suitable for users needing wide coverage. User John found it extremely convenient for monitoring his yard. The Solar Panel for Wyze Cam Pan V3.
- Wyze Cam Solar Panel: The Solar Panel for Wyze Camera.
Conclusion
While Wyze solar cameras perform excellently in the market, users may encounter some issues during use, with "Wyze Solar Panel not charging" being a common problem. Following the correct troubleshooting steps and solutions can effectively resolve many problems. Keeping device firmware and applications updated is crucial for maintaining normal operation. The experiences of users like jdwarne and Brenda demonstrate that careful troubleshooting and timely firmware updates can significantly improve device performance and user satisfaction. This article aims to provide Wyze users with useful references to better enjoy the convenience brought by smart home devices.