If your Ring Outdoor Cam (2nd Gen) is showing this problem, working through the checks below in order will resolve it in the large majority of cases.
What This Problem Means
The Ring Outdoor Cam (2nd Gen) uses colour night vision with Low-Light Sight for night-time monitoring. When it is not working, the image appears dark, blurry or washed out at night.
Common Symptoms
- Image appears completely dark at night
- Night vision image is blurry or washed out
- Night vision not activating automatically
- Image switches to black and white unexpectedly
Safe Checks You Can Try
1. Check night vision settings
Open the Ring app and go to Device Settings. Ensure Night Vision is set to Auto or On. In Auto mode the camera switches between day and night vision based on available light.
2. Check for light interference
A nearby bright light source pointing directly into the camera lens can prevent night vision from activating or cause an overexposed image. Reposition the camera or shield it from direct light.
3. Clean the lens
Dust, condensation, cobwebs or fingerprints on the lens are the most common cause of blurry night vision. Clean the lens gently with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Restart the camera
Press and hold the orange button on the back of the camera for 20 seconds until the light on the front flashes, then release. The camera will restart. Also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. A firmware glitch can occasionally prevent the night vision from switching correctly between day and night modes.
5. Check battery level
A low battery can reduce night vision performance. Check and recharge the battery before testing night vision again.
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When To Contact Support
If the issue persists after working through all the checks above, contact Ring support for further help. Your device may be eligible for a replacement if it is within its one-year warranty.
