Check Your WiFi Before Blaming the Camera

About 80% of the "my camera keeps disconnecting" complaints I see are WiFi problems, not camera problems. Before you start a return process, run a quick WiFi speed test from the spot where the camera is installed. Open your phone, stand next to the camera, and test. If you are getting less than 5 Mbps upload and 10 Mbps download at that location, that is your problem.

Most cameras need a stable 2 to 4 Mbps upload stream for 1080p video. 4K cameras need 8 to 15 Mbps. If your WiFi cannot deliver that at the camera location, you will get buffering, lag, and disconnections no matter what camera you buy.

The 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz Problem

Your router probably broadcasts two networks: a 2.4 GHz one and a 5 GHz one. Most security cameras only work on 2.4 GHz. This is actually a good thing for cameras because 2.4 GHz has much better range and wall penetration than 5 GHz.

The most common setup mistake: connecting the camera to the 5 GHz network during setup. Make sure you are connecting to the 2.4 GHz network. If your router uses a combined SSID, temporarily separate them during camera setup.

Fixing Dead Zones With a WiFi Extender

If the camera is mounted far from your router, a WiFi extender placed halfway between the router and camera often solves the problem completely. You do not need an expensive mesh system. A $20 to $40 WiFi extender works fine for one or two cameras.

Place the extender where it still gets strong signal from the main router (at least 3 bars). Then connect the camera to the extender network.

Bandwidth: How Many Cameras Can Your Internet Handle?

Each camera streams video to the cloud constantly during motion events. A single 1080p camera uses about 2 to 4 Mbps of upload bandwidth. Four cameras all recording at once can use 8 to 16 Mbps.

  • 1 to 2 cameras: 5 Mbps upload is enough.
  • 3 to 4 cameras: 15 Mbps upload recommended.
  • 5+ cameras: 25 Mbps+ upload, or switch some to local recording.
  • Check your upload speed at speedtest.net. Look at the upload number, not download.