When you buy a security camera, the first thing that you must do is read its user manual. It is because most security cameras these days use different color solid or blinking LEDs to signal you different operational status or errors. For example. You may see security cameras with white lights flashing.
To get the best usage of your camera, understanding what this light means is very important. So, this article explains all the details you need to know about it.
What Does a Flashing White Light Mean on a Security Camera?
The security camera flashing white light can mean different things on cameras from different brands. Here is a list of the most common things that a flashing white light can mean on your security camera.
Network connection status
It can be used to tell you the status of the network connection. Since most cameras work over wireless technology these days, this light may mean that the device is connecting, has failed or connect, or has successfully connected to the network.
Normal operation or standby mode
Another common use case for this light is telling the operation of your camera. Some cameras signal the user that they are working properly by showing this white flashing light, while some use it to display standby mode.
Battery status indication
If your security camera is battery-powered, the flashing white light can tell you about its battery status. This light might be used to tell battery charging or battery low status.
Firmware update
Security cameras are often updated with the latest firmware to ensure all security features work fine. Your camera may have a flashing white light while a new firmware update is available or installed.
System error
Lastly, this light could be an indication of a malfunction in the camera system. If that's what white light is used for on your camera, then it is an indication that you need to take the right measures to get it working again.
White Light Issues of Security Camera Solutions
If your security camera keeps flashing white light, you must be looking for the solution to the problem causing it. Below are some problems that this light may indicate on your security camera, along with their white light solution.
Network connection failure
If the white light on your security camera represents network connection failure, then you need to reconnect it to the network. Ensure that your wired/wireless network works properly for this issue to disappear.
Low battery indication
If the white light is used to indicate a low battery, then you will need to recharge the battery on your camera. This issue usually happens with cameras getting solar panel charging when the battery runs out due to no sun in bad weather.
Firmware update
Your camera may require the latest firmware update to function properly, and this light could indicate an available update you may install. It may signal that your camera is being updated, so you must wait until the update is completed.
System error
This white light can indicate system malfunction or some relevant error, and the best solution to that is to restart the camera and connect it to your network again. If that does not work, then you must consult the manual or customer support for further information.
What Do Other Color Lights Mean on Security Cameras?
As mentioned earlier, there are no standards or codes for using specific LED color lights on security cameras. So, you may see the same color LED, but it may mean different things on security cameras. Some examples of other color lights on Reolink security cameras include:
- Solid red light: Camera is in working mode, and the Wi-Fi connection failed.
- Blinking red light: Camera is in standby mode and Wi-Fi connection failed.
- Solid blue light: Camera is in working mode and the Wi-Fi connection was successful.
- Blinking blue light: Camera is in standby mode and the Wi-Fi connection was successful.
Since there are different standards for each camera brand, the meaning of this light may be different with some brands or models.
Bonus: Reliable Security Camera Recommendation
Are you looking for the most reliable security cameras to install at your home or anywhere else? Reolink has the best solution to your surveillance needs. Here are our top 2 recommendations for everyone who needs a camera with crisp image quality and tons of smart features.
Smart 4K Wi-Fi 6 Security Camera – RLC-811WA
Reolink RLC-811WA is a smart 4K UHD WiFi6 security camera that comes with some amazing features. It provides dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi and has a 5X optical zoom feature. Automatic people, vehicle and animal detection enhance the security features of this camera. It also includes night vision that is black and white and color.
4K WiFi 6 Security Camera with Night Vision
4K 8MP Ultra HD, Dual-Band WiFi 6, Color Night Vision, 5X Zoom, Smart Detection, Two-Way Audio, Built-in Siren.
4K Battery/Solar-Powered Wi-Fi Camera – Argus 3 Ultra
Reolink Argus 3 Ultra is a high-resolution security camera with a solar power option, and a built-in rechargeable battery can power it. This device not only provides color night vision but also infrared mode. The camera has an internal PIR and uses smart algorithms to detect people, vehicles, or animals quickly, and it sends alerts immediately. It provides two-way audio for live communication.
4K 8MP Standalone Wire-Free Camera
4K 8MP; Smart Detection; 5/2.4GHz Dual-Band WiFi; Battery/Solar Powered; Color Night Vision; Alerts Without Subscription.
FAQs
1. Do real security cameras have blinking lights?
Yes, they do have blinking lights, and those lights are used to display different operational conditions. These may be used to tell the user that their camera is working fine, or they may show network connectivity status. In the case of a battery-powered security camera, a blinking light may be used to display the battery status. Remember that the usage of colors of light varies between brands and models.
2. Why does my security camera keep flashing?
In some security cameras, a flashing light is simply an indication of normal working. The color of the flashing light may be different, and various colors may signal various conditions or events. To know the best about this flashing behavior of your security camera, you must check its user manual.
Conclusion
One common thing about security cameras is that they use LEDs to give users a signal about any ongoing error or operating status. On the downside, there are no standards for using LED colors, so different brands have different meanings for solid and blinking LED colors. In this article, we explained what it usually means to see security cameras flashing white light. However, remember that it may vary within brands.