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Security Cameras

Camera night vision is washed out or stays in black and white

At night the image looks washed out, shows a bright ring, or the camera never switches to infrared.

Applies to
  • Indoor and outdoor security cameras
  • Battery cameras with IR LEDs
  • Doorbells with night vision
Last verified2026-10-14
Quick answerTroubleshooting · last verified 2026-10-14

At night the image looks washed out, shows a bright ring, or the camera never switches to infrared. Most common cause to check first: Camera mounted behind a window causing IR reflection

Applies toIndoor and outdoor security cameras, Battery cameras with IR LEDs, Doorbells with night vision
CategorySecurity Cameras
Escalate whenA washed-out night image through glass is a reflection problem: move the camera behind the glass or switch off the IR LEDs instead of replacing the camera.
Last verified2026-10-14
How to cite this pageIoT Atlas. "Camera night vision is washed out or stays in black and white". https://hi-spark.net/troubleshooting/camera-night-vision-problem.html Last verified 2026-10-14.

Likely causes

  • Camera mounted behind a window causing IR reflection
  • IR LEDs disabled in the app or on a schedule
  • Dust, cobwebs or water on the lens or IR ring
  • Nearby light source defeating the day/night threshold
  • Hardware fault in the IR cut filter after long use

Quick checks

  • Check the night vision setting in the app
  • Clean the lens and the ring of IR LEDs
  • Look for a bright spot or halo in the image
  • Test with the room in complete darkness

Step-by-step fix

1

Clean the lens and IR ring with a dry microfibre cloth

2

Set night vision to auto in the app

3

Remove the camera from behind glass if a halo appears

4

Adjust nearby lights so the camera is not fooled into day mode

5

If the image stays colour in darkness, the IR cut filter is likely faulty

Frequently asked questions

Why does this happen: Camera night vision is washed out or stays in black and white?

At night the image looks washed out, shows a bright ring, or the camera never switches to infrared.

What is the most likely cause?

Camera mounted behind a window causing IR reflection; IR LEDs disabled in the app or on a schedule; Dust, cobwebs or water on the lens or IR ring.

What should I check first?

Check the night vision setting in the app; Clean the lens and the ring of IR LEDs; Look for a bright spot or halo in the image; Test with the room in complete darkness.

How is it fixed?

Clean the lens and IR ring with a dry microfibre cloth; Set night vision to auto in the app; Remove the camera from behind glass if a halo appears; Adjust nearby lights so the camera is not fooled into day mode; If the image stays colour in darkness, the IR cut filter is likely faulty

When should the case be escalated?

A washed-out night image through glass is a reflection problem: move the camera behind the glass or switch off the IR LEDs instead of replacing the camera.