Wyze has implemented an ingenious method to sync and pair up their Cams with the Wyze app - use the Wyze Cam to scan the QR code from the app. Surely, nothing can go wrong, right?
Or so I thought until I couldn't get my new Wyze Cam V3 to scan the QR code from my phone. At first, I was abashed at how I couldn't execute this seemingly simple task.
But then I came to know that the fault was with the device and I got the issue fixed.
If your Wyze Cam won't scan QR code, use a different device with a bigger screen to display the QR code. Ensure to maintain the recommended distance of 5 inches between the Cam and the QR code. If the issue persists, perform a factory reset to redo the pairing setup.
Here's a more detailed account of how to fix the 'Wyze cam not scanning QR code' issue.
How to Get Wyze to Scan QR Code: Quick Troubleshooting
Before we get on with the more advanced stuff, let's take care of the basics.
Wyze has implemented the opposite method of what we usually see on the modern monitoring Cams pairing setup.
Instead of scanning the QR code of the device onto the app, Wyze makes the Cam itself scan a QR code from the app.
And as simple as it sounds, it does come with a few caveats. Whether you have the Wyze Cam V2, the V3, or any other model, things can go down south fast if you aren't mindful of the basics.
Here are a few pointers to take care of and keep in mind if Wyze Cam won't scan the QR code:
★Ensure optimal proximity: While scanning the QR code from the app, you can't just position the Cam at a distance deemed suitable by you.
For the best possible scan, maintain a recommended distance of 5 inches between the devices.
★Try different angles: If the Wyze Cam is not scanning the QR code at a perpendicular angle (Cam and QR code facing each other in a straight line), try positioning the Cam or your host device at a different angle.
It may also be advisable to flip the Cam or the QR code upside down and then try to scan. Be mindful of lens glares and reflections.
★Remove the Lens protector: Wyze Cams come pre-applied with a lens protector sticker. Remove the Lens protector from the Cam before scanning the QR code.
★Clean the Cam Lens and the Device screen: Smudges and scratches on the Cam lens or the screen of the host device can hinder the scan.
And so, before scanning the QR code, clean the lens and the screen of your host device.
Use a microfiber cloth sprayed with a cleaning solution like isopropyl alcohol to get the best results.
★Check for cracks on the screen: One of the inhibiting factors for Wyze Cams to not scan the QR code on your device is a broken screen.
A cracked screen will compromise the integrity of the QR code and render it unusable.
★Keep in mind the expiry interval of the QR code: Wyze QR codes expires after 5 minutes of generating. Once the period lapses, the app will generate a new QR code.
Here's a video walkthrough to help you troubleshoot your wyze cam not scanning QR code:
And with that said, let's move on to a more comprehensive set of troubleshooting tips:
Power Cycle Wyze Cam
When things don't work with the Wyze Cam, one of the most rudimentary yet strikingly effective fixes is to reboot the Cam.
Issues like Wyze Cam going offline don't just dissipate with time. Only fixes like power cycling the Cam will help you.
You don't need to get confused with a fancy term like power cycle test; it's basically a system reboot with an added touch of doing it more efficiently.
Power cycling is a mode of system reboot that doubles as means of depleting any pent-up static charges from the system. Hence, making the device more efficient.
If you get tied up with QR code scanning issues, power cycling the Cam would help a great deal.
Here's how to do so:
1. Unplug the power supply from the Wyze Cam.
2. Leave it to rest for a few seconds, preferably a minute.
3. Plug back in the power supply and power ON the device.
Check for the issue now.
Adjust Screen Brightness on your Device
The brightness of your host device can also be a crucial element for the Wyze Cam to scan the QR code.
Too much or too little brightness can affect the scan badly.
Since Monitoring Cams are not as flexible with dynamic range and gain settings as most Cameras, the screen brightness will determine the visibility of the QR code displayed.
And so, it would be wise to try out various brightness levels if the Wyze Cam won't scan the QR code.
To change the brightness on your device, follow these steps:
1. Open the quick access menu on your smart device by swiping up/down from the screen.
2. Adjust the brightness tile by moving the slider.
Once you have changed the brightness, try scanning the QR code now.
If you still can't get the Wyze Cam to scan, change the brightness again and then try.
Opt for a Bigger Display
Inefficient screen real estate can also render the QR code void to the Wyze Cam.
And if you can't get the Wyze Cam to scan the QR code from your current device, better switch the app to another device or, better yet, share the QR code to a bigger screen.
Either way, the bigger the render of the QR code, the better.
The ideal device would be a tablet or a PC monitor.
You could always install the Wyze app on another device and log into your account to kickstart the setup procedure from scratch.
But a more efficient method would be to share a screenshot of the QR code from your current device with another.
Also, in doing so, you won't have to switch the control of your Wyze Cams from your current device.
Here are the steps involved in this procedure:
1. Open the QR code on the Wyze app and take a screenshot of the screen.
To take a screenshot on an iOS device, press the Side/Power button and the Volume Up button together.
On Android devices, press the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
2. Share the screenshot of the QR code to your preferred device via Email or file transfer. Be quick in this regard since the QR code is active only for 5 minutes.
3. Open the QR code on the bigger screen and scan the QR code using the Wyze Cam.
You may also want to zoom in a tad bit on the QR code before scanning.
If this doesn't work either, try factory resetting the Wyze Cam now:
Factory Reset Wyze Cam
As the last step in this troubleshooting guide, let's factory reset the Wyze Cam.
Performing a factory reset will revert all the system preferences, both factory ones and user-defined ones, to their default.
Also, the data saved on the Wyze Cam, too, gets removed.
Thus, giving you a clean slate to start over again.
Factory resetting has come to be known as one of the best fixes if your Wyze Cam V3 won't scan the QR code and numerous other issues such as Wyze Cam Outdoor not connecting.
And so, without further ado, here's how to factory reset your Wyze Cam:
1. Remove the SD card from the Wyze Cam if you have one installed.
2. Press and hold the Setup button on your Cam for about 10 seconds. You may have to press the button for about 20 seconds on Wyze Cam V1.
3. It will take about 30-45 seconds for the process to initiate.
On some devices, the reset process may take up to 5 minutes. Although seldom seen.
4. The LEDs will turn from solid Yellow to blinking Yellow once the process completes. On Wyze Cam V3, the LEDs turn RED.
Proceed to set up and pair the Wyze Cam to the app now.
Factory Resetting the Wyze Cam will restart the pairing procedure. Hence, giving you another go at QR code scanning.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, a comprehensive guide to fixing the QR code scanning issue on Wyze Cams.
Hardware issues on Wyze Cams can also hinder the QR code scan.
If none of these fixes seem to resolve the issue, chances are, your Wyze Cam is indeed defective. Contact Wyze Support for assistance in case of hardware issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I connect Wyze Cam without a QR code?
No, you cannot pair a Wyze Cam to the app without scanning the QR code. You'll have to scan the QR code displayed on the device using the Wyze Cam to complete the setup.
Can Wyze work without an SD card?
Yes, Wyze Cams will work without an SD card. Albeit, the clips will have a much shorter duration, and they get saved to the Cloud if you have a subscription.
Is there a reset button on the Wyze outdoor camera?
No, the Wyze Cam Outdoor does not come with a reset button. All other Wyze Cam features a Setup button that doubles as the Reset button.
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