Swann Wi-Fi camera FAQs - NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY
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Swann Wi-Fi camera FAQs

December 7, 2023
4 Min Read
Swann Wi-Fi camera FAQs
Swann Wi-Fi camera FAQs

Swann Wi-Fi camera FAQs, Wi-Fi home security systems wirelessly transmit video signals to an NVR recorder or directly to an app via the cloud, making for easier, faster, less intrusive installation. Powered Wi-Fi security cameras need to be situated within range of a nearby power socket. Swann has Wi-Fi security cameras that can often be mounted inside or outside, perfect for monitoring entrances, detached garages, outbuildings, and more. Can a wireless camera be added to a wired system?

The following Swann Security cameras can only be viewed and accessed via the Swann Security app from a mobile device.

• Alert Indoor
• Spotlight Outdoor
• FLOCAM2
• Pan & Tilt Security Camera
• Tracker Security Camera
• Smart Indoor Security Camera
• Smart Outdoor Security Camera
• Floodlight Security System
• Xtreem Security Camera
• Slimline Floodlight Security Camera
• SwannBuddy Video Doorbell
• SWIFI-CORECAM
• 2K Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera
• 2K Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera
• 4K Floodlight Security Camera

They cannot be added to Swann security system , such as DVRs, NVRs, and NVWs. These recorders are compatible with specific system camera models.

• Compatible DVR system wired PRO cameras utilize coaxial cable connections.
• Compatible NVR system wired NHD cameras require connection.
• NVW system wireless cameras must be a specific model compatible with the NVW system.

Table of Contents

Can a SWIFI camera work without Internet?

Internet is required as the SWIFI cameras communicate to the P2P server using the Internet to stream to the Swann Security app and upload recordings to the cloud.

Compatible Routers

Compatible router

WiFi Routers with 2.4 GHz frequency band

Wired/wireless routers with a LAN port (after pairing via WiFi)

SWIFI model

All SWIFI camera models

SWIFI-SPOTCAM

Any of the following routers are compatible provided they have a 2.4 GHz frequency:

• Wireless broadband routers/hubs
• WiFi mesh routers

For more information, see What router WiFi frequency band is my SWIFI camera compatible with: 2.4GHz VS 5GHz Frequency?

Compatible Wi-Fi extender or repeaters

It is possible for the SWIFI camera to pair to the router via WiFi extender if the extender is compatible and setup correctly to the router. Troubleshooting and configuration of your extender’s have to be performed by your router manufacturer support team, Internet Service Provider or your IT department. See this article: How to boost your WiFi signal and extend WiFi range.

wifi extender.jpg

Tip: Try to pair the camera to the router first to check whether its internal network adapter is working. If it works via router but not extender, then there’s a chance the extender is not compatible.

 

Swann Wi-Fi camera FAQs

Read More : Swann Security Troubleshooting All Devices

Not Compatible / Not Recommended

We do not recommend SWIFI cameras to be connected to the following devices because they cannot provide the necessary network configuration information to the camera to allow it to join the network automatically unless your network device is configured. Troubleshooting and configuration of your device’s settings have to be performed by your router manufacturer support team, Internet Service Provider or your IT department.

Network Devices:

Example: 

Mobile WiFi router: This has not been tested and can cause unstable network connectivity of your camera, causing missed recordings in the cloud or streaming issues since the signal from the Mobile router can be prone to fluctuation and interference from your mobile service provider.

Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s (E5576-320) - Best Value Mobile Router

Mobile phone hotspot/tethering: 

This is not supported by SWIFI cameras. Similarly to mobile WiFi routers, it may not work.

 .

Can I view my SWIFI camera on a TV / computer or record to a DVR / NVR?

The cameras above are hub-free. A hub is a base station or recording/storage device that connects via the Internet to the cameras. In contrast, a hub-free camera operates on Wi-Fi exclusively without requiring any additional hardware to store footage. 

A hub-free (standalone) Wi-Fi camera is only capable of:

• Recording to its own internal or local storage ( card in some models) temporarily for upload to the Swann Security cloud. Downloading recordings from the cloud to your mobile phone is possible via the Swann Security app.
• External storage to a hard drive is not possible. Therefore, these cameras are not compatible with DVRs nor NVRs for recording.
• Recording when triggered by PIR and motion for all SWIFI cameras except TRACKCM, and motion only for SWIFI-TRACKCM.
• 24/7 continuous recording is not possible due to internal storage-to- recording. See Why does my Wi-Fi Camera stop recording motion prematurely?
• Streaming its live view or recordings via the Swann Security app only on a compatible Android or iOS mobile device.
• Devices such as TVs, Chromebook, Windows computer, Windows phone, and Mac computers are not supported for these cameras.
• Third party apps or software on mobile device and computers are not supported. SWIFI cameras were not intended to work with other hardware and third-party computer software; therefore, Swann WiFi cameras are not compliant.
• Note: Attempts to configure the cameras for streaming and recording on third-party hardware and software via RTSP is at your discretion but is not supported by Swann Tech Support.  Swann fully supports all products for the entire warranty period, but cannot support third party software, as Swann has no control over its use or design. Unauthorized end user or third-party modifications to any component will void any warranty claim.

These features make a hub-free Wi-Fi camera suitable for users who prefer a wireless setup, easier DIY installation, less hardware, and less footage to check in low-traffic areas of view. 

Accessing live view, recordings, and other settings are covered in the manuals below for your device: 

I tell whether my router’s WiFi signal is 2.4GHz or 5GHz for pairing a SWIFI camera?

This is one of the most common reasons why a connection will fail while trying to pair a SWIFI camera to your Swann Security account. If you try to pair a SWIFI camera to the incorrect frequency or SSID name, the error that appears on the app can be one of the following:

• Incorrect frequency detected (Android)
• Failed to establish initial connection (iOS)

Via Mobile Device Settings

One way to tell if the phone is connected to the correct frequency of the router is by checking the name of the SSID (the default name of your router’s WiFi hotspot): 

wifi_ssid_2.4_vs_5.jpg

Android: Go to your phone’s Settings app. Tap on Connections. Tap on Wi-Fi. Look below “Available networks”.

 .

iOS: Open the ‘Settings’ app. Tap on ‘Wi-Fi’. See “Networks”.

 

In the example above, the router has multiple SSIDs. An SSID that has “_2.4GHz,” “24G,” “2.4,” or “24” appended at the end is most likely a 2.4GHz signal. This is the network your phone needs to be connected to before you start pairing a SWIFI camera. 

To avoid connecting to a 5GHz SSID, see How to forget 5GHz connection for pairing a SWIFI camera.

Via Router GUI

If you see two or more Wi-Fi network names that belong to you without 24 or 5, then one may be a 5 GHz band. To identify which name uses 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, login to your router’s settings. 

• 
1.Log in to the router’s settings.
2.Go to Wireless settings.
3.Look for 2.4G and 5G to see the network names.

For assistance with accessing or navigating your router, contact the manufacturer of your router or your Internet Service Provider if you do not know. Swann Tech Support can only assist in pairing IF your router has a 2.4GHz signal and if you already know the correct WiFi credentials of your router.

How to change the time zone of my SWIFI camera in the Swann Security app?

The error “Device Timezone Out of Sync” appears if your camera’s time zone is different from your phone app’s time zone. 

ss

If your camera is in a different location (with different time zone) than your mobile device, you can ignore hit Cancel. 

 

If the date and time displayed on the camera’s Live View is incorrect, do the following: 

Steps

Example

1. Go to Devices.

 

2. Select your Device.

ss

3. Go to Time Zone.

ss

4. Tap on the pencil icon below Device Timezone.

ss

5. Tap on Sync with phone if you are in the same timezone as the camera’s location

If your camera is in a different location than your phone, scroll and manually select the UTC associated with your camera’s location (time zone).  Timezone is based on Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), and options range from UTC -12:00 to UTC +14:00

Here are the conversions for common regions if you are unable to find your city in the dropdown:

Time Zone

UTC

Pacific Standard Time

UTC -8:00

Mountain Standard Time

UTC -7:00

Central Standard Time

UTC -6:00

Eastern Standard Time

UTC -5:00

United Kingdom

UTC +0:00

Australian Western Standard Time

UTC +8:00

Australian Central Western Standard Time

UTC +8:45

Australian Central Standard Time

UTC +9:30

Australian Eastern Standard Time 

UTC +10:00

Australian Central Time 

UTC +10:30

.

ss

6. Tap on Save on the top right corner.

 

Repeat each step for each camera device paired to your Swann Security account.

How to create Guest account on a WHD-PTCAM using SwannView Link software?

Installing SwannView Link

1.Using a computer (Windows or Mac) connect to the same router or modem where your camera is connected.
2.Install SwannView Linksoftware.
a.For Windows, click here.
b.For Mac, click here.
3.Once installed, open SwannView Link.

Adding the camera

Since the computer is on the same router or modem already, when you open SwannView Link the camera will be auto-detected, but the password will not be entered yet. You will see the error message below. Just click on OK.

How to forget 5GHz connection for pairing a SWIFI camera

Some mobile devices have a tendency to switch between hotspots or SSID automatically. This can disrupt the pairing process when setting up your SWIFI camera to your mobile device. 

 

To avoid connecting to a 5GHz signal or the wrong hotspot during pairing, forget the 5GHz connection: 

Android

iPhone/iPad
1.Tap Settings.
2.Tap Connections.
3.Tap Wi-Fi.
4.Tap and hold the Wi-Fi to remove > Forget network.
1.Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2.Tap next to the Wi-Fi network that you want your device to forget.
3.Tap Forget This Network, then tap Forget to confirm.

Note: If you see a WiFi name that ends with _ext, it is most likely a WiFi extender.

How to hard reset Floodlight Security Camera (SWIFI-FLOCAM2 / SWWHD-FLOCAM)

Performing a factory or hard reset of the camera will:

1.Set the camera to pairing mode.
2.Format the internal memory/microSD card (i.e., erase all locally stored clips)
3.Wipe the current Wi-Fi pairing information but will NOT unpair the camera from your Swann Security account.
4.Return all of the to the original factory defaults.

How to factory reset via physical button

1.Locate the Reset button (see below figure) on the SWIFI-FLOCAM2 / SWWHD-FLOCAM. It is behind the camera module covered by a rubber flap.
factory_reset_SWIFI-FLOCAM2_SWWHD-FLOCAM.png
2.Press and hold the Reset button (for 20 seconds).
3.When the blue LED indicator on the camera turns off, release the Reset button.
4.The camera will start the factory reset process which can take up to 2 minutes.
5.Once factory reset is complete, it will be in Pairing mode (LED will be in slow blinking blue).

After you factory reset your device, you’ll have to pair it with your Wi-Fi network again.

How to hard reset SWIFI-2KOCAM / SWIFI-SPOTCAM / SWWHD-OUTCAM

Performing a factory or hard reset of the camera will:

1.Set the camera to pairing mode.
2.Format the internal memory/microSD card (i.e., erase all locally stored clips)
3.Wipe the current Wi-Fi pairing information but will NOT unpair the camera from your Swann Security account.
4.Return all of the camera settings to the original factory defaults.

How to factory reset via physical button

1.Locate the Reset button (see below figure) on the twin cable of the SWIFI-2KOCAM / SWIFI-SPOTCAM / SWWHD-OUTCAM.
factory_reset_SWIFI-2KOCAM_SWIFI-SPOTCAM_SWWHD-OUTCAM.png
2.Press and hold the Reset button (for 20 seconds).
3.When the blue LED indicator on the camera turns off, release the Reset button.
4.The camera will start the factory reset process which can take up to 2 minutes.
5.Once factory reset is complete, it will be in Pairing mode (LED will be in slow blinking blue).

After you factory reset your device, you’ll have to pair it with your Wi-Fi network again.

How to hard reset SWIFI-BUDDY

Performing a factory or hard reset of the camera will:

1.Set the camera to pairing mode.
2.Format the internal memory/microSD card (i.e., erase all locally stored clips)
3.Wipe the current Wi-Fi pairing information but will NOT unpair the camera from your Swann Security account.
4.Return all of the camera settings to the original factory defaults.

How to factory reset via physical button

1.Ensure the camera has been fully charged for at least 4 hours prior.
2.Locate the SET button and RST pinhole (see below figure) on the back of the camera.
factory_reset_SWIFI-BUDDY.png
3.Press and hold the SET and RST button (pin required).
4.After 2 seconds, release RST button.
5.Once blue LED turns off (or after 15 seconds), release SET button.
6.Once factory reset is complete, it will be in Pairing mode (LED will be in slow blinking blue) and you will hear it say “Ready for pairing”.

After you factory reset your device, you’ll have to pair it with your Wi-Fi network again.

How to hard reset SWIFI-CORECAM / SWIFI-COREPRO

Performing a factory or hard reset of the camera will:

1.Set the camera to pairing mode.
2.Format the internal memory/microSD card (i.e., erase all locally stored clips)
3.Wipe the current Wi-Fi pairing information but will NOT unpair the camera from your Swann Security account.
4.Return all of the camera settings to the original factory defaults.

How to factory reset via physical button

1.Ensure the camera has been fully charged for at least 4 hours prior.
2.Locate the Reset button (see below figure) on the camera.
factory_reset_SWIFI-CORE.png
3.Press and hold the Reset button (for about10 seconds).
4.Once the LED indicator on the camera turns off, release the Reset button.
5.The camera will start the factory reset process which can take up to 2 minutes.
6.Once factory reset is complete, it will be in Pairing mode (LED will be in slow blinking blue).

After you factory reset your device, you’ll have to pair it with your Wi-Fi network again.

How to hard reset SWIFI-PTCAM2 

How to hard reset SWIFI-XTRCAM

How to set SWIFI-MOTION / SWIFI-WDOOR / SWIFI-LEAK / SWIFI-ISIREN to pairing mode

Setting the sensor or siren to pairing mode will:

1.Allow you to update the Wi-Fi credentials within 3 minutes
2.NOT unpair the camera from your Swann Security account.

Note: If the sensor or siren is paired to your account and the Wi-Fi details did not change, it will connect back to the same network once pairing mode times out after 3 minutes.

 

Sensors

How to set to pairing mode

SWIFI-MOTION

Re-insert the batteries to activate pairing mode.

pairing swifi-sensor.png

SWIFI-WDOOR

Re-insert the batteries to activate pairing mode.

pairing swifi-wdoor.png

SWIFI-LEAK

Re-insert the batteries to activate pairing mode.

pairing swifi-leak.png

SWIFI-ISIREN

Touch and hold the Touch button for 6 seconds to set to pairing mode.

pairing swifi-isiren.png

Why does my WiFi camera stop recording motion after a minute?

Wireless standalone cameras can only record by PIR/motion. Where the camera is mounted can have an impact on how effective movement is picked up and recorded. 

Reasons:

1.Wireless cameras can record from 10 seconds up to 1 minute per recording. If the motion is continuous for more than a minute and continues across the camera (left to right, top to bottom), then it will stop recording at one minute and continue to record in another clip for the duration of the movement.
2.If the movement stops after a minute, the camera will stop recording. This means an intruder could still be standing on the same spot with subtle movements long enough to thwart the PIR/motion sensors. There is no fix other than that to utilize a security system camera instead to record continuously. 
3.Mounting any camera with thermal and motion sensors in the wrong location and angle can prevent recordings of certain movement. If the movement is isolated and small, the camera sensors may not be able to identify the changes between frames because the differences are subtle.

v9

 .

Fix: Reposition the camera or add another camera for a different angle of view.

 

 

 

The ideal position of the camera is 7-8 feet high, pointing downwards at an angle to cover the area where people will be walking across the camera’s path.
v9

Can I pair my SWIFI-BUDDY to another receiver/chime?

BUDDY.png

The SwannBuddy™ Doorbell Unit is only compatible with a SwannBuddy™ Chime Speaker Unit:

buddy chime.png 

Testing has identified that the doorbell can be paired with up to 3 SwannBuddy™ Chime Speaker units.

 

 

The SwannBuddy™ Doorbell Unit is NOT compatible with any other type of chime model whether from Swann nor a third party manufacturer.

Not compatible with:

swads-alarm receiver.png

Swann Alarm Kit receiver

swhom-dc820p.png

Any other Swann alarm receiver

How do I share my WHD-PTCAM?

Sharing the WHD-PTCAM

1.Open the AlwaysSafe app and under Devices, tap the gear icon to enter Device Settings.
.
2.Tap Share to see the QR code assigned for the camera.
.
3.This is what the QR code looks like on the app.
.
4.Set it aside and grab the other phone.

Scan to add a camera

1.Using the other phone, download AlwaysSafe app then run it once done.
2.Tap the plus icon to let the app scan the QR code.
.
3.Place the other phone behind to have this phone see the QR code and scan it.
.
4.Enter the username and password of the camera.
.

5.Tap on Login and after few seconds, it will now load the camera on the 2nd phone.

NOTE: If you logged in using a Guest account, you are limited to:

a.changing the password of the Guest account
b.Live View
c.Playback

How many files can I store in my SwannCloud account?

As of now, the SwannCloud can let you record 15 seconds per event and it will be stored approximately 5 days. In the future, there will be some other options to be chosen with regards to this but there are no approximate date of arrival yet.

How to check the battery level of my Wi-Fi camera?

This applies to SWIFI-CAM, SWIFI-CORECAM, SWIFI-COREPRO, SWIFI-XTRCAM, SWIFI-BUDDY, SWIFI-MOTION, SWIFI-LEAK, SWIFI-WDOOR, SWIFI-SIREN.

There are 2 ways:

1.When the LED is:
• Dim than normal (for sensors)
• Blinking purple (for SWIFI cameras)
swifi led purple.png
2.If the camera status is Connected or online and paired, open the Swann Security app.
1.Go to the Devices.
2.Tap on the device’s name.
3.Under Device Information, look for Battery or Battery Level.

swifi battery level disconnected.png

Note: If the Device Status is Disconnected, the battery level shown is the last that was synced to the Swann Security server and your phone before the camera disconnected. This means the current battery level cannot be seen until the camera is recharged and reconnected to the network. 

How to delete recordings of a SWIFI camera in the Swann Security app

There are two ways to delete recordings of a standalone Wi-Fi camera that is compatible with the Swann Security app.

Delete one or few recorded clips: 

1. Go to Playback.
2.Tap on the Storage (microSD card) icon on the top beside the logo.
ss app playback storage.png
3.Select your device. (pause and wait for the clips to load. If there are none, it means that the camera does not have a microSD card or internal storage)
4.Tap on the trash / bin icon beside the recording with timestamp you wish to remove.
ss app trash icon.png

 

Delete all recordings (Format the internal storage)

Note: Formatting deletes all recordings from local storage or microSD card. It will not delete the recordings from the cloud. Once deleted, they cannot be recovered.

• Via the app: 
1.Go to Devices > select your device.
2.Go to Settings > System Settings.
3.Tap Format.
ss app system settings format.png
4.Select Confirm.
ss app format prompt.png

How to hard reset 4K Floodlight Camera (SWIFI-4KOCAM)

How to hard reset SWIFI-2KICAM

How to hard reset SWIFI-ALERTCAM / SWWHD-INDCAM

How to hard reset SWIFI-CAM

How to hard reset SWIFI-FOURTIFY

How to hard reset SWIFI-TRACKCM

Performing a factory or hard reset of the camera will:

1.Set the camera to pairing mode.
2.Format the internal memory/microSD card (i.e., erase all locally stored clips)
3.Wipe the current Wi-Fi pairing information but will NOT unpair the camera from your Swann Security account.
4.Return all of the camera settings to the original factory defaults.

How to factory reset via physical button

1.Locate the Reset button (see below figure) on the SWIFI-TRACKCM. 
factory_reset_SWIFI-TRACKCAM.png
2.Press and hold the Reset button (for 20 seconds).
3.When the blue LED indicator on the camera turns off, release the Reset button.
4.The camera will start the factory reset process which can take up to 2 minutes.
5.Once factory reset is complete, it will be in Pairing mode (LED will be in slow blinking blue).

After you factory reset your device, you’ll have to pair it with your Wi-Fi network again.

How to playback recordings? ( via Swann Security App)

Things to have:

Things to do:
• For V8 working remote access
• For SS IP cameras with cloud storage, just login your SS account
• Go to Playback
• Filter
• Play

Playback tab

Open Swann Security, login your account, tap on Playback

https://support.swann.com/hc/article_attachments/21685500719513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: As of v2.7.45 in Android, you can get a preview (like a GIF) instead of a generic icon for a recorder’s clip if you enable Show playback preview under Stream Option. 

1.Change the date – either choose a date from the:
• Numbers above (available to both Android and iOS); or

• Calendar icon (Android only) to choose further dates i.In case the calendar icon isn’t showing, tap the MONTH at the top instead to pull up the calendar.

https://support.swann.com/hc/article_attachments/21686019848729

2. Use Filter – to narrow down list of recordings within the selected date
• Device Types
• For recorders, you can choose the recorder (to select all channels) or specific channels.
• For IP cameras, choose a camera.
• Unpaired devices – only for SS IP cameras that has cloud recording; let’s you play your cloud clips even if the camera is already unpaired.
• Stream Type (Android) – only for Recorders; choose between Main stream and Sub stream if your account has recorders.
• Show playback filter – when enabled, recorder clips will play an overview in low FPS instead of showing generic icons in Playback list.
• Time – set a time frame and the order of recordings for easy viewing (see 3rd screenshot)
• Go Back to see results. Tap the burger icon at the upper left.
https://support.swann.com/hc/article_attachments/21686605567641

Playback Interface

• Image at the left is playing a DVR/NVR clip. It has option to choose the quality of recording you want to watch.

• Image at the right is playing an clip from the cloud

https://support.swann.com/hc/article_attachments/21686722310169

How to test Wi-Fi password for pairing SWIFI cameras

This step is useful: 

• To avoid connecting to 5GHz during pairing
• To check if you are typing the correct SSID and password.

 How to forget the network in your mobile device: 

Android

iPhone/iPad
1.Tap Settings.
2.Tap Connections.
3.Tap Wi-Fi.
4.
5.Tap and hold the Wi-Fi name to remove > Forget network.
1.Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2.Tap next to the Wi-Fi network that you want your device to forget.
3.Tap Forget This Network, then tap Forget to confirm.

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M.Salih ASLAN

Hello, I live in Salih Turkey. I serve in dvr, nvr, security and surveillance industry. Write to me for any comments and suggestions ..

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