To ensure optimal performance, Your devices depend on a reliable Wi-Fi connection. This comprehensive guide offers you practical tips to check, troubleshoot, and enhance the Wi-Fi connectivity of your devices.

Assessing Wi-Fi Signal Strength

To evaluate the Wi-Fi signal strength for your device, follow these steps:

1. Power on the device.
2. Launch the SmartLife app.
3. Select the device you want to check in the device list.  
4. Tap the "…" icon in the top right corner.
5. Select “Check Device Network.”   

You’ll see three colors indicating signal quality: green (good), amber (fair), and red (poor).

Common Reasons for Weak Wi-Fi Signal

Physical Barriers:

Thick walls and floors (concrete, brick, metal).

Large furniture and items (aquariums, bookshelves, mirrors, and large windows).

Big metal objects (appliances).

Household Electronics:

Multiple devices connected simultaneously (TVs, gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, computers, smart appliances, baby monitors) can create signal interference.

Competing Wi-Fi Networks:

Densely populated areas or apartment buildings can lead to overlapping networks that disrupt your connection.

Tips for Boosting Wi-Fi Signal Strength

Optimize Router Location:

Position your router in a central, elevated area, away from furniture or cabinets. Ideally, it should be at least 15 cm from walls.

Place the router within 6 meters of your device when possible.

Adjust Router Antennas:

If your router features adjustable antennas, experiment with different angles to find the best signal.

Upgrade Your Router:

Consider investing in a new router if your current one is more than a few years old.

Minimize Interference:

Clear the route between your router and device of large metallic or glass obstructions.

Unplug unnecessary electronics or switch to a wired Ethernet connection for devices that don't need Wi-Fi.

Utilize a Wi-Fi Extender:

Consider purchasing an Chime Pro to expand your Wi-Fi range. Position it between your router and your device.

Change Wi-Fi Channels:

Most routers can automatically switch to a less congested channel. Check your router manual or consult your ISP for instructions.

Adjust Network Frequency:

Most devices operate on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal for extended range. Some can switch to a 5 GHz signal for higher speeds but shorter distances. Verify if your device supports 5 GHz and remains within range.

• BDBS55SX-5 2.4GHz/5GHz
• BDD55SX-3 2.4GHz

Testing Your Wi-Fi Connection

To test your internet speed:

1. Take your mobile device to the area where your device is situated.
2. Open a web browser and navigate to speedtest.net.   
3. Click “Go” to start the test. Aim for upload and download speeds of at least 2 Mbps.  

Troubleshooting and Advanced Solutions

Restart Your Router:

Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Check Power Supply:

For battery-operated devices, ensure the battery is charged. For wired devices, make sure they are receiving sufficient power.

Switch Wi-Fi Networks:

If applicable, alternate between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks based on compatibility and signal strength.

Mitigate Channel Interference:

Configure your router to switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel.

Implement a Mesh Network:

For larger homes, a mesh network can enhance coverage by using multiple interconnected units throughout your space.

By following these strategies, you can significantly enhance the Wi-Fi connectivity of your devices, ensuring they operate efficiently and deliver the security and convenience you desire.

Wi-Fi Frequencies and Channels

Wi-Fi routers transmit signals using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. 2.4 GHz connects over longer distances but at lower speeds, while the 5 GHz frequency provides faster speeds over shorter distances. Both frequencies are divided into digitally labeled channels. When you're surrounded by a large number of Wi-Fi signals, such as from a neighbor's house, it slows down the Wi-Fi channel, resulting in lower speeds for everyone.

Most routers allow you to manually change the channel so you can choose a less crowded frequency and potentially increase Wi-Fi speeds.

How to change your router's channel

This process is easiest on a PC or Mac, but can also be done on a tablet or mobile device.

1. Open a web browser: Use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

Enter your router's IP address: Type your router's IP address into the address bar of your browser. Most routers have the IP address (listed as the router login details) as well as the username and password required to log in. The most common router username is “Admin” and the password is “Admin”. The IP address usually starts with http:// followed by a sequence of four numbers separated by dots (e.g. http://123.456.1.1) . Your router will have its own unique address.

1. If your router does not have a sticker, refer to the documentation that came with it or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
2. Press Enter: After entering the IP address (e.g., http://123.456.1.1). Your browser may display a warning screen at this point; simply click Continue.
3. Enter the router's user name and password: Enter the user name and password, being careful to be case sensitive. This information can usually be found on a sticker on the router. If you cannot find it, consult the documentation or contact the manufacturer.
4. Access Wireless Settings: The exact name and location of this option may vary by router brand. For many popular brands, you can find “Wireless Settings” under “Advanced Settings”. If you need help, consult your router's manual or ask a tech-savvy friend or family member for assistance. Depending on your Wi-Fi service, you may have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. If this is the case, you can change the channels for both bands by following the instructions below. If there is an Auto-connect option, be sure to turn it off so that you can manually set a different Wi-Fi channel. Auto Connect is usually located in the Wireless Settings.
5. Click Channels.
6. Change the Wi-Fi channel: Set the Wi-Fi channel to 1, 6, or 11, as these are usually the least congested channels. If your router is already using one of these channels, switch to the other channel.
7. Click Save or Apply: After saving the settings, the router may reboot. Let it restart and reconnect to your device.

If you cannot change the router channel manually

Some models of routers do not allow manual channel changes. If you are having trouble accessing the channel controls, contact the router manufacturer for assistance. Find the manufacturer's name, look up their customer service number, and ask for help changing the Wi-Fi channel to 1, 6, or 11. If the router is already set to one of these channels, ask them to switch the router's Wi-Fi channel to the other channel.

Important: The solutions provided in this article address advanced features of the Wi-Fi router. Before using the suggested solutions, make sure you are comfortable using these features.

Note: If your router is more than 4 or 5 years old, it may have exceeded its expected lifespan. In this case, consider replacing the router, as troubleshooting may not solve all problems.

Initial Steps

Before adjusting the router, make sure the following items are not the cause of the setup problem:

Check the Internet connection: Verify that the network you are trying to connect the device to has an active Internet connection.

1. If you are using a mobile device, disable the cellular data connection in the cellular settings.
2. Disconnect the modem and router for about 10 seconds. Reconnect the modem first and wait for it to come online, then reconnect the router and make sure it establishes an Internet connection.
3. Connect the mobile device to the Wi-Fi network specified for the device. For 2.4 GHz only devices, make sure to connect to the correct frequency.
4. Rename your Wi-Fi network (SSID) to easily distinguish between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

Verify Wi-Fi password: A common reason for connection failure is an incorrect Wi-Fi password.

1. On your mobile device, go to Wi-Fi settings. For Android, tap the connected network; for iOS, tap the “i” next to the network.
2. Select “Forget” or “Forget this network” to disconnect. Reconnect to the same network and enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.
3. If you forget your Wi-Fi password, ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or router manufacturer for help.

After reconnecting to the network, try the device setup process again. If you still encounter problems, follow the recommendations below.

Adjust the router settings to resolve the setup error

After confirming that all steps in the Smart Life app have been followed and that there are no problems with the Internet connection or Wi-Fi password, consider these adjustments one at a time. It is recommended that you try the settings after each change to ensure that only the necessary settings have been modified.

• Optimize router settings

Set the encryption type to WPA2. although the device supports both WEP and WPA2, it is recommended to use WPA2 for best security and compatibility. wEP is outdated and less secure.

• Check SSID compatibility

Make sure your SSID does not contain uncommon characters or spaces. If it does, simplify the name. The device will then automatically update the firmware once it is online.

• Enable guest networking

Use a simple alphanumeric SSID and password to create a guest network. Connect your device to this isolated network.

• Adjust the router channel

Wi-Fi networks operate on different channels. In the U.S., the 2.4 GHz band uses channels 1-11 (and in some areas, channels 1-13), and the 5 GHz band uses channels 36-165 To avoid congestion, switch your router's channel to 1, 6, or 11.

If your device can't find any Wi-Fi networks, consider restarting the setup process or using a different mobile device. If it finds networks but not yours, you may need to prompt the device to scan for new networks.

To reset the Floodlight Camera, press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds until you hear a "Ding" or "Dong Dong Dong" sound. After that, Wait 15-20 seconds for the camera to announce "Camera Start" or emit two notification sounds "ding ding ding, ding ding ding", followed by a "di, di" sound after 2 seconds, indicating it is ready to scan for available networks for setup.

Learn how to address the issue of devices frequently going offline by modifying your router settings.

Typically, repeated disconnections are related to poor Wi-Fi connectivity, which can be caused by signal fluctuations, channel congestion, or data loss. In rare instances, certain router settings may also contribute to this problem.

Warning

The solutions outlined in this article involve advanced features of your Wi-Fi router. Please ensure you are comfortable using these features before attempting any of the suggested solutions.

Things to Check

1. Check for Low Upload Speeds

To determine if the problem is related to insufficient upload speed, perform a speed test to see if your network can support devices. Devices with 2K video require a minimum upload and download speed of 1 Mbps, though 2 Mbps is recommended for optimal performance.

2. Check for Poor Signal Strength

A weak Wi-Fi signal can lead to unreliable connections with your device. To assess the Wi-Fi signal strength, follow these steps:

1. Open the Smart Life app.
2. Locate the device you wish to inspect in the list.
3. Power on the device.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
5. Select “Check Device Network.”

There are three colors indicating signal quality: green (good), amber (poor), and red (very poor).

Tips for Improving Your Wi-Fi Performance

1. Router Reboot

If your networking equipment hasn't been restarted for a while, unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.

2. Adjust Your Router Channel

Wireless networks communicate over various channels. In the United States, the 2.4 GHz band uses channels 1-11, while in some other countries it operates on channels 1-13. The 5 GHz band uses channels 36-165 for indoor devices. Interference or congestion can lead to setup failures for your devices.

If you receive a message indicating that the network cannot be found or is too far away while trying to connect to the 2.4 GHz frequency, consider switching your router’s channel to 1, 6, or 11, as these do not overlap with others. Ensure that your device is compatible with the 5 GHz network. You may also try connecting to a 2.4 GHz network first and then switching to a 5 GHz network.

Rename your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks to easily distinguish between them. Using a Wi-Fi analyzer app on Android devices or the router interface can help identify congested channels, especially when you experience setup issues, poor audio/video quality, or delays in notifications.

3. Adjust Your DHCP Lease Time

Most home routers have a lease time of 8-24 hours. Every time the lease renews, your devices might be assigned a different IP address, causing temporary disconnections. To prevent this, consider setting a longer lease time, assigning a reserved IP address to the device, or configuring a static IP.

4. Change the Encryption Type to WPA2

While devices support WPA, WEP, and WPA2 security protocols, it is highly recommended to use WPA2 for maximum security and compatibility. WEP is the oldest and least secure option and is not recommended for devices.

5. Check Your SSID

Examine the SSID (name) of your network. If it contains special characters or spaces before or after the name, consider renaming it to something simpler, as unusual characters may cause issues during setup.

Quick Tip: Write down your password and keep it in a safe place.

When changing the encryption type, be aware that all other wireless devices will need to reconnect to the network using the new SSID and password.

By following these steps, you should be able to reduce the occurrences of devices going offline and enhance the overall performance of your network.

If you are experiencing poor audio or video quality when using your device for a live view session, but find that the recorded video is clear, this may be due to one of the following reasons:

• A weak connection between the mobile device and the cloud.
• connection problems between the security camera and the router.

If both the live view in the SmartLife app and the recorded video show poor audio or video quality, it may be related to a Wi-Fi issue, such as signal degradation or data loss. In some cases, router-related issues may be the culprit. If your router is located behind furniture or in an enclosed space, consider moving it elsewhere for a stronger signal.
Initial steps to consider

1. Check for low upload speeds

To determine if low upload speeds are affecting video and audio quality, perform a speed test using a personal computer or mobile device while connected to the same Wi-Fi access point. This will help you assess whether the network can adequately support the device.

2. Check for poor signal strength

An insufficient Wi-Fi signal can result in an unreliable connection to your device. Please follow the steps below to check the Wi-Fi signal strength:

1. Open the SmartLife app.
2. Find the device you want to check in the device list.
3. Power on the device.
4. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
5. Select “Check device network”.
6. You will see three colors indicating signal quality: green (good), amber (poor), and red (very poor).

Changing the Router Channel

If the solutions above don't solve your problem, consider changing the channel of your Wi-Fi router. With more people working from home, the router channel may become congested with multiple users accessing the same channel at the same time.

By taking these steps, you should be able to improve the audio and video quality of your device.

To resolve issues such as audio distortion and video discoloration, reboot your security camera through the SmartLife app.

How to reboot your device in the SmartLife app

Note: Your device must be connected to Wi-Fi to reboot the SmartLife app.

1. Open the SmartLife app. 
2. Select the device you want to check in the device list.  
3. Click the “... “ icon.  
4. At the bottom there is “Device Restart”, click it to reboot the device.

Other ways to reboot your device

If your device is not connected to Wi-Fi:

Reconnect the device to Wi-Fi and then restart it in the app.

For wired devices, you can power off the consumer unit, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. When power is restored, the unit will restart automatically.

Possible reasons why your device is offline

• Your Internet connection may be down or your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be experiencing high traffic.
• You may have recently changed your Wi-Fi network, Wi-Fi password or ISP.
• You may have moved to a new location.
• Your wired device may not be receiving power, may be unplugged, or the power may be out.
• Your device may be too far from your Wi-Fi router.
• Your Wi-Fi extender may be unplugged.

Checking your Internet connection

We recommend visiting the following support sites to learn how to check your internet connection based on your specific mobile device or tablet:

• iPhone- Apple
• iPad- Apple
• Android- Google, Samsung and other manufacturers

Turning Airplane Mode On/Off

For instructions on turning Airplane Mode on or off for your mobile device or tablet, please visit the following support sites:

• iPhone- Apple
• iPad- Apple
• Android- Google, Samsung and other manufacturers

Removing a VPN network

For instructions on how to remove a VPN from your mobile device or tablet, we recommend checking the following support sites:

• iPhone/iPad- Apple
• Android- Google, Samsung and other manufacturers

If you encountered the message shown below in the SmartLife app, it indicates that you were attempting to join a live event when your phone or tablet was experiencing poor internet connectivity. A weak cellular or Wi-Fi connection can hinder the proper functioning of your SmartLife app.

Here are some common reasons for slow internet connectivity:

• Weak Wi-Fi Signa: Being too far from your router while using the SmartLife app can result in a weak Wi-Fi signal. Moving closer to your router may enhance your connectivity. 
• Network Congestion: A busy Wi-Fi network can also impact your connection. If others on your network are streaming videos or using the internet while you are trying to connect, it may create difficulties for your device to establish a stable connection. 
• Cellular Signal Strength: In remote areas, cellular signals may be weak. Connecting to Wi-Fi can provide a more reliable connection. 

To check your internet speed, visit speedtest.net. If your download speed is below 1 Mbps (one megabit per second), you may experience difficulties accessing live events on your device. 

To find the Wi-Fi password, check the side or bottom of the Wi-Fi router, there is usually a sticker showing the network name and password.

Make sure you enter the password into the SmartLife app exactly as it is case-sensitive and contains no spaces.

How to find your Wi-Fi password on a Mac or PC

If you have changed the default password for your router, try searching for the password on the device currently connected to the Wi-Fi network.

• Finding the Wi-Fi password on an Apple device
• Finding the Wi-Fi password on a Windows PC
• Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you still cannot find the password, we recommend that you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the router manufacturer. Sometimes, resetting the router to factory settings can also solve the problem.

Ensure your devices perform optimally with helpful tips for verifying, resetting, and reconnecting your Wi-Fi password.

Are you encountering an incorrect Wi-Fi password message in the Smart Life app? Here are some important reminders:

• Wi-Fi Password Sensitivity: Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive and sensitive to special characters (e.g., *@$#!). Please double-check the capitalization and placement of letters.   
• Router Label: If you haven't changed your Wi-Fi password since setting up your router, it might be located on a sticker on the underside of your router.  
• Verify with Other Devices: Connect other devices to your Wi-Fi network using the last known password to ensure it is still valid. 
• Network Confirmation: If you have multiple networks or a Wi-Fi extender, make sure you are connecting to the correct one.

Need Help Finding Your Wi-Fi Password?

Follow our guide on locating your Wi-Fi password.

Special Characters in Your Wi-Fi Password

Occasionally, special non-alphanumeric characters (e.g., *@$#!) can cause issues during the initial setup of your device. To resolve this:

1. Temporarily change your Wi-Fi password on your router.   
2. Create a temporary guest network to set up your device.   
3. Set up your device on a different Wi-Fi network.   

Once your device is successfully set up and connected to the internet, it will update its firmware. You can then restore your previous network password or remove the guest network if you created one.

Reconnecting Your Device to Wi-Fi

If you change your router password after setting up your device, you will need to reconnect it. Here’s how:

1. Open the Smart Life app.  
2. Tap the menu (+).  
3. Select "Devices."
4. Choose the device you wish to reconnect.  
5. Tap "Change Wi-Fi Network" in the Network section.   

If you encounter any of the following issues, please try the recommended solutions or reach out to your internet service provider for additional assistance:

Did Not Receive Password Reset Email

To resolve this:

• l Ensure you are entering the email address used to set up your Smart Life account. Look for emails with the subject line: “Set Up Your New Password Now.”
• Check your spam folder or any active filters in your email account.

“Invalid Token” Error Message

This may happen if you are using an expired password reset email. Tokens expire 10 minutes after the email is sent.

Try deleting all previous Smart Life password reset emails and start the process again to generate a new email and security token.

Login Page Keeps Reloading After Clicking “Create Password”

Clear your browser's cache and/or cookies. Use “Incognito Mode” in your preferred browser, or try logging in with a different browser or device.

Password Change via the Smart Life App

If you know your original password, the Smart Life app is the easiest way to change it.

Receiving an Error Message When Logging In

If you encounter issues, try uninstalling the app, restarting your phone, and then reinstalling the app. Log in using either Wi-Fi or cellular data only. As a temporary measure, consider changing your password to something simple, like SmartLife1234 or 12345678.