---
title: Troubleshooting Security Cameras
description: "In this KB article, we will go over some basic steps to troubleshoot your security cameras, prior to contacting the help desk. #### 1. **Check the Camera’s Physical Connection** - Look at the cable running to the camera. Check for…"
url: "https://crossleymedia.com/docs/troubleshooting-security-cameras/"
updated: "2025-09-18"
category: Access Control/Security
---

# Troubleshooting Security Cameras

In this KB article, we will go over some basic steps to troubleshoot your security cameras, prior to contacting the help desk.

#### 1. **Check the Camera’s Physical Connection**

- Look at the cable running to the camera. Check for any damage that may have occurred.
- Confirm that the cable is **securely connected**.
- If CMG installed the cabling, look for the **CMG label and color coding** — this will help you verify the correct cable.
  - You would have received a sheet outlining coloring coding and labeling at the time of installation.

#### 2. **Inspect for Activity LEDs**

- Check for **activity lights** (LED indicators).
  - The camera itself may contain lights (if visible). Usually the IR LEDs on the front will illuminate for a few seconds after powering the camera up.
  - Check the switch port or PoE injector
- Blinking green or amber LEDs generally indicate **power and data activity**.
- If **no lights are visible**, the camera may not be receiving power or connectivity.

#### 3. **Verify PoE Power Source**

- Ensure the switch or injector that powers the camera is **plugged in and turned on**.
- If it’s connected to a UPS (battery backup), check that the UPS is working and not in a fault state.
- Some switches have dedicated **PoE indicators** — check that the port powering the camera is showing **PoE active**.
  - For example, older Ubiquiti Unifi Switches have an amber LED on the left side of the port to indicate PoE Power. New Pro-Max switches only illuminate when there is activity. Check the console for more information.

#### 4. **Check the NVR or UniFi Protect Console**

- Log into the system (via app or web) and check if the camera is listed as **Disconnected** or **Offline**.
- If it's shown but offline, it could be a cabling or power issue.
- If the camera **doesn’t show up at all**, it may have lost connection completely and require re-adoption. This may require physically pressing the reset button on the camera for 10 seconds.

#### 5. **Inspect for Physical Damage**

- If the camera is outdoors, check for damage due to weather, vandalism, or pests.
- Damaged cabling or connectors may need to be repaired or replaced.

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### Still Not Working?

If you’ve verified the cabling, activity lights, and power, and the camera is still not showing online:

- **Reboot the PoE switch** or injector powering the camera
- **Reboot the NVR/UniFi Console**
- If you recently had power loss, some equipment may need a reboot to restore proper functionality

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### Need Help?

Crossley Media Group clients receive dedicated technical support. If you’re unable to restore functionality using the steps above, please contact us at: [crossleymedia.com/contact](https://crossleymedia.com/contact/)