Device is offline (error code 90). Please check your internet connection or power cycle the camera.
Sound familiar?
Lately, Wyze forums have been inundated with complaints about cameras unexpectedly losing their connection. The most frequent issue seems to be Error code 90, indicating a problem connecting with the streaming servers, along with several other glitches.
While it might sound alarming, particularly to those who rely on Wyze as part of their daily routine – such as working parents keeping an eye on their kids… or their feline friends – let’s take a deep breath.
The Clever Fix
If your Wyze Camera is offline, do a power cycle. Unplug the camera from its power source – either at the wall or the camera side. Wait for at least 5-10 seconds, then plug the camera back in to reinitialize it.
Why is my Wyze Camera offline?
There could be several reasons why your Wyze camera might go offline. It could be due to power disruptions, a shaky network connection, or even outdated firmware.
Drawing from my years of experience in diagnosing issues with devices like Wyze, the first advice I’d give when you encounter error code 90 (or any other offline issues) is to perform a power cycle.
If that doesn’t help, let’s try some simple device check-ups before diving into more complex solutions.
You never know – the problem could be as minor as a setting on your phone or a quirk with your camera cables, right?
Wyze Device Check-up
Check if you’re using the right cables
Wyze suggests using the original adapter and cables. If you’re using third-party power cords, make sure they aren’t overly long. Ideally, they should not exceed 16 feet.
Check if you enabled background refresh settings
If your Wyze camera is working but the app reports it as offline, it might be because the background refresh isn’t enabled. You can adjust this in your phone’s settings to keep the Wyze app running in the background, even when you’re not actively using it.
Check the Wyze camera’s signal strength
You can verify the app’s ability to detect the camera by reviewing its signal strength. If the camera is too far from the base station, the reception could be weak.
To fix this, open the Wyze app and head to Camera Settings. Look up Device Info and navigate to Signal Strength. Ideally, it should have at least three bars of signal for the best performance.
How to Fix Wyze camera offline
If your Wyze camera continues to stay offline even after these device check-ups, don’t worry. I’ve got a few more strategies* to aid you with your offline Wyze camera.
We aim to get it back on track as fast as possible (or at least before you need to call the tech support)!
*Note: These steps are not applicable to Wyze Cam Outdoor. If your app is offline and you’re using this model, a drained battery might be the culprit. Charging it for four (uninterrupted) hours until it’s full should resolve the issue.
1. Reboot your network connection
Sometimes a sluggish internet connection could be the reason why your Wyze camera appears offline or shows error codes other than error code 90.
For a smooth app operation and seamless data syncing, it’s essential to have adequate bandwidth. So, it’s a good idea to check the status of your network. You can tackle this issue in three ways:
Tip 1: Perform a speed test. Wyze cameras require a minimum upload speed of 1-2 Mbps for SD and 4-7 Mbps for HD. You can use third-party services for this purpose, like the Wyze-recommended: speedtest.net.
Tip 2: Turn off any firewall settings that may obstruct your camera’s internet connection. If you’re connected to an enterprise network, this could also be why your Wyze cam isn’t functioning. Enterprise networks, typically used by businesses, require a username, account name, and password to log in.
Tip 3: Wyze cameras are specifically designed to operate on a 2.4 GHz network. Modern routers usually offer two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. During the setup process, you’ll notice multiple networks that are yours, so be sure to choose the one listed as 2.4 GHz. Connections labeled with a “5” (like 5G, 5 GHz) won’t work with your Wyze camera.
Note: If the Wyze app continues to show as offline even after switching your network to 2.4 GHz, it might be worth double-checking your internet settings. See if you’re connected to a WEP protocol network. If you are, switch it to WPA/WPA2, depending on your router’s brand and model.
2. Clear the cache of your Wyze app
Another possible solution is to clear the cache of your Wyze app.
Your device’s storage capacity might be reaching its limit, so clearing some space would help. Here’s how to do it:
For Android devices:
- Go to Settings.
- Look for Apps on the settings search bar.
- Click on the App List and choose Wyze.
- Click on Storage and Cache and then Clear App Cache.
For iOS devices:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on General and then iPhone Storage.
- Wait a while as it loads. Choose the Wyze app.
- Click Offload App.
Note: After offloading the app, you will still see the Wyze app icon on your iPhone. Clicking on it will cause the app to restart. Give it a moment and check if it’s working now!
3. Reinstall your Wyze App
Did clearing the cache not do the trick?
Save yourself some time by simply uninstalling and reinstalling the Wyze app. It offers similar results with less complexity.
Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:
- On your home screen, long-press on the Wyze app.
- For iOS devices: click Remove App. (It’s usually in red, so it’s hard to miss.)
- For Android devices: you will either see an (i) button or App Info. Click on it and select Uninstall.
Once you’ve removed the app, head over to your device’s store (Google Play or App Store), search for Wyze, then download it anew to see if it resolves the problem.
4. Update the Wyze camera firmware
Obsolete firmware could also be at the heart of some offline and device issues you’re experiencing. Not just the app, the firmware of your Wyze camera might need a refresh too.
Fear not, it’s a breeze to do directly from the Wyze app. Here’s how:
- Open the Wyze app and navigate to Account.
- Click Firmware Upgrade.
- Select the camera that has available updates.
- Click Update.
Remember that firmware can only be updated when updates are available. But no worries, we have another clever fix to try – fingers crossed!
5. Factory reset your Wyze Cam
If you’ve tried all the above measures and nothing has worked, it might be time to factory reset your Wyze Cam.
This action will erase all of your camera’s settings and restore it to its original state.
Though this is the last-ditch solution because it requires the most effort, it might also bring about the best outcome.
To factory reset your Wyze Cam, please follow these steps:
- If you have inserted a microSD card into your camera, remove it.
- Press and hold the Setup button at the bottom of the camera for 10 seconds.
Note: For Wyze Cam v1, press and hold the button for 20 seconds.
- Wait for the unit to initiate. This process can take from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes.
- From solid yellow, the LED status light on the cam will turn blinking yellow.
Note: For Wyze Cam v3, instead of blinking yellow, the light will turn red.
Now, it’s time to set up your Wyze Cam on the app.
- Open the Wyze app on your phone and click on Settings.
- Go to Device Settings and delete your cam device.
- Click Add Device.
- Choose Wyze Cam or Wyze Cam Pan.
- Press and hold the Reset button on your Wyze cam until it says: “Ready to connect.”
- In the Wyze app, tick the box next to “I heard, Ready to connect” then click Next.
- Connect to the 2.4 GHz network and enter your password.
- Scan the QR code from the app to your Wyze Cam. Wait until it says, “QR code scanned. Please wait.”
Note: If the Wyze Cam struggles to scan the QR Code, make sure the camera is about 6-10 inches away from your phone screen. For iPhone users, Wyze also recommends disabling the Invert Colors setting.
- After a moment, the camera will confirm and say, “Setup completed.”
- In the app, check the box next to “I heard, QR code scanned.”
- Name the camera and click Finish once done.
- Check your app feed to see if it’s online.
Bottom line
Hearing a sigh of relief over there? I hope these solutions have helped tackle your Wyze Cam’s offline problems. I understand how crucial uninterrupted surveillance is, especially when it concerns your safety and security.
If none of the above solutions work, don’t despair. Give these additional troubleshooting steps a shot:
- Power cycle your phone.
- Update the software of your phone to the latest version.
- Reboot the base station by power cycling.
- Turn off your VPN.
If all else fails, you always have the option to reach out to Wyze support or join customer forums to gain more insights.
As always, I’m here to assist you!
