Reconnect After a New Router or WiFi Change
Got a new router or changed your WiFi password? Here's how to get your camera back online.
Reconnect After a New Router or WiFi Change
Got a new router or changed your WiFi password? That's the most common reason a camera that was working perfectly suddenly goes offline. Here's how to fix it in a few minutes.
Why this happens
LightCam stores your WiFi network name and password internally. When those change — new router, new ISP, new password — the camera keeps trying the old info and can't get back on. It doesn't know anything changed. You just have to tell it.
Signs this is your issue:
- Camera went offline around the same time you got a new router or called your ISP
- You recently changed your WiFi password
- Your internet provider replaced your router
- Your mesh network updated or changed its network name
How to reconnect
Step 1: Open the app and tap your camera. Even if it shows offline or greyed out, tap it anyway.
Step 2: Go to Settings → [Camera Name] → Wi-Fi Settings. You'll see a "Reconnect" or "Change Network" option.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen steps to enter your new network name and password.
Step 4: Wait about 30 seconds. The camera will connect to your new network and come back online. None of your clips, settings, or account data are affected.
A few specific situations
Your WiFi name (SSID) also changed — common when you get a new router. Same process above — just enter the new network name and password when prompted.
You have a mesh network (Eero, Google WiFi, Orbi, etc.) — if your mesh consolidated to one network name, reconnect using that single name. LightCam needs a 2.4 GHz signal. If your new router is 5 GHz only, see Which Fixtures and Switches Work With LightCam for what to do.
The camera isn't showing up in the app at all — the reconnect flow still works. Tap where the camera used to be, then look for "Wi-Fi Settings" or "Reconnect."
If the reconnect flow doesn't work
Do a factory reset. Go to Settings → [Camera Name] → Factory Reset, or hold the button on the camera for 8 seconds until the light changes. Then set the camera up fresh using the normal setup flow.
Your clips and account history are saved in the cloud — a factory reset only clears the WiFi credentials stored on the camera itself.
Pro tip
If you know you're about to change your WiFi password, reconnect your cameras first before updating the password on your other devices. Saves you a round trip.
Still need help? Go to Account → Messages in the app.