SL300 Series - 2K Wi-Fi Smart Lightbulb Camera - Troubleshooting Guide
If you're experiencing issues with your SL300 Series 2K Wi-Fi Smart Lightbulb Camera, follow these steps to resolve potential problems.
For additional support, check out the installation guide, the Lorex App settings guide or the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Resetting the Smart Lightbulb Camera
The reset button is hidden just below the camera lens. To find it, gently tilt the lens upwards, and the reset button/microSD card cover will reveal itself. It is designed to be out of sight when the camera is in its normal position, keeping it sleek and discreet.
To Reset the Smart Lightbulb Camera:
- Ensure the smart lightbulb camera is powered on.
- Gently tilt the camera lens upwards to reveal the reset/microSD card cover. Remove the cover.
- Press and hold the reset button until you hear an audio prompt.
- Quickly replace the reset/microSD card cover.
- Wait for the status indicator to flash green and the audio prompt to confirm the reset.
⚠ Note: A solid green light means the reset was unsuccessful. Repeat the steps if necessary.
Enable the Smart Lightbulb Camera's Hotspot
Hotspot mode allows your smart lightbulb camera to create a temporary Wi-Fi network so you can pair it to the app or reconnect it to the internet if needed.
To Enable Hotspot Mode:
- Ensure the smart lightbulb camera is powered on.
- Gently tilt the camera lens upwards to reveal the reset/microSD card cover. Remove the cover.
- Quickly press the reset button once (do not hold it).
- Wait for the audio prompt and the status indicator to flash green indicating that hotspot mode is enabled.
Once hotspot mode is active, the camera will broadcast a temporary Wi-Fi network. You can use the Lorex App to connect your phone to this network and reconfigure the camera’s internet settings.
Phone Not Connecting to Smart Lightbulb Camera's Hotspot
If you receive an error in the app about connecting to the hotspot, try the following solutions:
- Re-enable Hotspot Mode: Quickly press the reset button again to turn the hotspot mode back on.
- Manually Connect to the Hotspot:
- Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
- Look for the smart lightbulb camera’s hotspot name, which combines the Device model number and ID. For example, if the model number is SL300, the hotspot name might appear as "SL300-AHWTFTERLMNG99".
- Select the hotspot and connect to it.
- Return to the app and continue the setup process.
Smart Lightbulb Camera Not Powering On
If the camera isn't turning on:
- Perform a hard reset on your smart lightbulb camera.
- Verify it's securely screwed into a functional E26/E27 light socket.
- Test the socket with another device to ensure it's working.
- If the socket is controlled by a wall switch, confirm it's turned on.
- Check the Lorex app to see if Privacy Mode is enabled; disable it if necessary.
- Use the Lorex app to check for and install any available firmware updates.
Status Indicator Not Flashing Green
If the status indicator isn't flashing green:
- Reboot your Wi-Fi router to refresh the connection.
- Ensure the camera is within range of your Wi-Fi network.
- Confirm that your Wi-Fi network is operating on the 2.4 GHz band, as the camera doesn't support 5 GHz networks.
Status Indicator Stuck on Solid Red
If the status indicator remains solid red:
- Perform a hard reset on your smart lightbulb camera.
- Check for any physical barriers, wireless signal interference, or network congestion that might be affecting the camera's operation.
- Ensure the camera is receiving adequate power from the socket.
- Reconnect to your Wireless Network:
- Open the Lorex App.
- Tap the device settings button [] next to the smart lightbulb camera.
- Tap Wireless Network.
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect the camera to your network.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues
- Ensure the camera connects to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (not 5 GHz).
- Minimize Wi-Fi interference by avoiding cordless phones, microwaves, or thick walls near the camera.
- Place the camera and router closer together and switch to a less congested Wi-Fi channel if needed.
- Restart your router to refresh the connection.
Cannot Pair to the Lorex App
If you’re having trouble pairing your device with the Lorex App, there are a couple of common reasons and solutions to try:
1. Disable Active VPN
An active VPN on your mobile device may block the camera’s connection to the app. Temporarily disable the VPN during the pairing process.
⚠ Note: You can re-enable your VPN once pairing is complete.
For iPhone/iOS:
- Go to Settings > VPN.
- Toggle the VPN switch off.
- Retry the pairing process.
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > VPN.
- Turn off the active VPN or disconnect from it.
- Retry the pairing process.
2. Enable Local Network Access
The device may fail to pair if the Lorex App doesn’t have access to your Local Network.
On your mobile phone:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Lorex App.
- Ensure Local Network is enabled.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully pair your device with the Lorex App. If issues persist, consider resetting your device and trying again.
Too Many Notifications
For tips on reducing unnecessary alerts, refer to the article Lorex App - Too Many Notifications.
Image Quality Issues
- Mount the camera at an appropriate height to minimize glare and reflections from the ground.
- Avoid placing the camera near windows, mirrors, or direct sunlight.
- At night, angle the camera away from streetlights to prevent bright spots.
- Clean the lens with a soft cloth to remove dirt or dust.
- Ensure the protective vinyl cover has been removed from the lens.
Cannot Change Recording Duration
The camera records as long as motion is detected, and this setting cannot be adjusted. Enable Continuous Recording in the Lorex app for 24/7 footage or a scheduled recording.
⚠ Note: Continuous recording will fill the microSD card faster. Format it regularly to free up space.
- Open the Lorex App.
- Tap the device settings button [] next to the smart lightbulb camera.
- Tap Local Recording Settings.
- Tap to enable Continuous Recording.
"No Recordings" Error
You either do not have a microSD card inserted or your microSD card is full. Format the microSD card to delete old recordings and free up space.
⚠ Note: Formatting the storage will delete all existing footage. Be sure to save any important videos elsewhere before formatting.
- Open the Lorex App.
- Tap the device settings button [] next to the smart lightbulb camera.
- Tap Device Storage.
- Tap the full > arrow.
- Select Formatting Storage to erase all data and free up space for new recordings.
Managing the MicroSD Card
The microSD card slot is hidden just below the camera lens. To find it, gently tilt the lens upwards, and the reset button/microSD card cover will reveal itself. It is designed to be out of sight when the camera is in its normal position, keeping it sleek and discreet.
- Tilt the camera upwards to reveal the reset/microSD card cover. Remove the cover.
- For insertion: Slide the card (label side down) into the slot until it clicks into place.
- For removal: Gently press the card until it pops out, then remove it.
Audio Not Working
- Open the Lorex App.
- Tap the live view of your smart lightbulb camera.
- Tap the Talk button to speak through the camera from your mobile device, and tap again to listen.
Forgot Camera's Password
- If you’ve forgotten the camera password, perform a hard reset.
- To change the password, follow these steps:
- Open the Lorex App.
- Tap the device settings button [] next to the smart lightbulb camera.
- Tap Device Info.
- Tap Device Password.
- Enter your old password and create a new one.
⚠ Note: Your password must be 8-32 characters in length, and must contain a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Tap Save.
Forgot Lorex App Account Password
If you have forgotten the password you created for the Lorex app, tap Forgot my password on the login screen and follow the in-app instructions.
General Troubleshooting Support
Many issues can be resolved with the following troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure the Lorex app, device firmware, and device software are up to date.
- If using client software or a mobile app, ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements.
- Ensure the Internet connection and speed meet the minimum requirements for the device.
- Check the power connection(s).
- Reboot the camera and Wi-Fi router.
- Power cycle the camera by disconnecting it for 30 seconds before reconnecting.