Support

CCTV Camera Has No Infrared or Night Vision

If a camera seems to have no infrared or no night vision, first make sure you are not expecting the wrong thing from the model. Some cameras use traditional IR, some use visible white light, and some full-colour cameras do not have normal infrared behaviour at all.

CCTV Networking Support

Summary

Use this guide when a camera seems to have no IR, no night mode, or no usable after-hours image.

Applies to

IR cameras
White-light and full-colour cameras
IP and coax CCTV systems

Difficulty and time

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated time: 10 to 25 minutes

What you will need

Camera model
Local night-time view
Access to the night-mode settings
Power-path details if relevant

What this guide covers

Model type versus night expectation
IR and supplement-light settings
Power and hardware checks
When the problem is really a scene-lighting issue

The key support question is not just "where is the IR?". It is "what kind of night camera is this supposed to be, and what does the site expect from it?" Once that is clear, the rest of the troubleshooting becomes much easier.

Before you start

Look up the exact camera model if you can.
Check the image locally after dark, not only in daytime.
Confirm whether the camera should use IR, white light or low-light colour mode.
Check whether the issue affects one camera or several cameras.

Step 1: Confirm whether the camera actually has traditional IR

Some full-colour cameras and some deterrence cameras do not behave like a classic IR turret. If the site bought a full-colour model, expecting a normal black-and-white IR image can send you down the wrong path immediately.

Check the model description or datasheet path if possible.
Confirm whether the camera is meant to use IR LEDs, visible white light, or ambient-light colour mode.
If the camera is full-colour only, the real question becomes scene lighting, not missing IR.

Step 2: Check the night-light and day-night settings

Once the model type is known, review the settings that control its night behaviour.

Check whether IR or supplement light is enabled.
Check the day-night mode and whether it is locked incorrectly to day mode or colour mode.
Review whether the camera has smart illumination or white-light options that are disabled.
Test one setting at a time and compare the image after each change.

Step 3: Check the power path and front hardware

Night lighting often increases the power draw. If the camera loses its night feature only after dark, the issue can still be electrical rather than menu-related.

Check the power supply or PoE path if the problem appears when the night light should turn on.
Inspect the front of the camera for dirt, moisture, webs and damage.
If the image is washed out rather than dark, think about reflection and contamination around the lens.

Step 4: Check the site lighting assumptions

If the model depends on ambient or white light, the site itself may be the limiting factor.

Check whether the area really has enough light for the chosen camera type.
Think about whether street light, porch light or yard light changed recently.
Be realistic about what a colour-focused camera can do in very dark locations without added light.

Common mistakes

Assuming every night camera has normal IR.
Ignoring the model type and only chasing settings.
Missing a power issue that only appears after dark.
Expecting a full-colour camera to work like an IR camera in complete darkness.

Related support guides

Still stuck?

Need help choosing or setting up a system? Contact SecurityWholesalers support with your order number, product model and a clear description of the issue.