Restore Netatmo SmartCam Pro 2 Connectivity After Router Upgrade

When you upgrade a home router, it is common for existing smart devices to lose their connection. The Netatmo SmartCam Pro 2 is no exception. Below is a comprehensive, step‑by‑step guide to restoring its connectivity after a router upgrade. The instructions cover everything from basic troubleshooting to advanced network configuration, ensuring that the camera resumes its role in protecting your home.

Understanding the Problem

When a router is replaced, several key network parameters can change:

• IP address ranges: New DHCP pools may assign different addresses.
• Wi‑Fi security settings: Passwords or protocols might be updated.
• SSID names: Networks may be renamed.
• Firewall or port‑forwarding rules: Existing rules may be reset.
• DNS servers: The router may now provide different DNS addresses.

Because the SmartCam Pro 2 relies on a stable Wi‑Fi connection and correct network settings, any of these changes can break its link to your network. The first step is to identify which change caused the problem.

1. Quick‑Check Checklist

Before diving into detailed procedures, run through a quick list of simple actions that often resolve connectivity issues.

• Verify that the camera’s LED indicator shows a solid green (connected) or blinking pattern that indicates it is searching for Wi‑Fi.
• Confirm that your new router’s Wi‑Fi is broadcasting and that other devices (phone, tablet) connect successfully.
• Restart the camera: power it off, wait 10 seconds, and power it back on.
• Restart the router: power it off, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on.

If the camera still fails to connect, move on to the detailed troubleshooting steps below.

2. Locate the Camera’s Current IP Address

The camera must be reachable on the network for many of the subsequent steps. Use the Netatmo app or a network scanner to discover its IP.

1. Open the Netatmo SmartCam app.
2. Tap the gear icon to open Device Settings.
3. Look for the IP Address field under the camera’s details.

If the IP address is missing or shows an error, the camera may be offline. In that case, you will need to reconnect it to Wi‑Fi directly (see the Reconnect via Wi‑Fi section below).

3. Check the DHCP Range on the New Router

The router must allocate an IP address within its DHCP pool that matches the subnet used by the camera. The default for Netatmo cameras is typically 192.168.1.x.

1. Log into the router’s web interface (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1 in a browser).
2. Navigate to the LAN or DHCP settings page.
3. Note the IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.199).
4. Ensure the camera’s IP (from step 2) falls within that range.

If it does not, you can either:

• Reassign a static IP to the camera that matches the subnet, or
• Expand the DHCP range to include the camera’s address.

4. Verify Wi‑Fi Network Settings

The camera must be connected to the same SSID and use the same security protocol as the new router.

4.1 SSID and Password

• Confirm that the SSID listed in the camera’s Wi‑Fi settings matches exactly with the router’s SSID.
• If the router’s Wi‑Fi password was changed during the upgrade, the camera will need to be updated with the new password.

4.2 Wi‑Fi Band

Netatmo SmartCam Pro 2 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, but the 2.4 GHz band offers better range for most home environments.

• In the router’s Wi‑Fi settings, ensure that the 2.4 GHz band is active and that its SSID is not hidden.
• If you prefer the 5 GHz band, make sure the camera’s firmware supports it and that the 5 GHz SSID is visible.

5. Update the Camera Firmware

An outdated firmware version may be incompatible with the new router’s firmware or Wi‑Fi standards.

1. Open the Netatmo SmartCam app.
2. Go to Device Settings → Firmware.
3. If an update is available, tap Update and follow the prompts.
4. Wait for the camera to reboot after the update finishes.

A fresh firmware install often resolves lingering connectivity issues.

6. Re‑Enter Wi‑Fi Credentials

If the camera’s Wi‑Fi settings have been reset or the password has changed, you must re‑enter the credentials.

6.1 Using the App

1. In the app, tap Add a Device → SmartCam.
2. The app will search for available cameras; when yours appears, tap it.
3. Select the correct SSID from the list.
4. Enter the updated Wi‑Fi password.
5. Follow the on‑screen prompts to complete the configuration.

6.2 Using the Physical Reset Button

If the camera cannot be found in the app:

1. Hold down the reset button (usually located behind the camera or on the power adapter) for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly.
2. The camera will enter setup mode and broadcast a temporary SSID.
3. Connect your phone or laptop to that temporary network, then use the app to set up the camera again as described above.

7. Inspect Router Firewall and Security Settings

Modern routers often enable aggressive firewall rules that can block unsolicited traffic from smart devices.

1. In the router’s web interface, locate the Firewall or Security section.
2. Ensure that WPS is disabled (this prevents unauthorized devices from connecting).
3. Add an exception for the camera’s MAC address (found in Device Settings → Network Information).
4. If your router has a DMZ option, consider temporarily assigning the camera’s IP to it to test connectivity.

8. Enable Port Forwarding (If Required)

The Netatmo SmartCam app and its companion services rely on specific ports for remote access. If you need to view the camera from outside your local network, you must forward those ports.

1. In the router’s Port Forwarding section, create new rules mapping the above ports to the camera’s IP address.
2. Save and apply the changes.
3. Test remote access from the app or a web browser.

9. Check DNS Configuration

Some routers provide automatic DNS settings that can conflict with Netatmo’s cloud services.

1. In the router’s web interface, locate the DNS settings.
2. Verify that the router is not forcing an alternate DNS that blocks Netatmo servers.
3. If necessary, set the DNS to public resolvers such as 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1.
4. Save the changes and reboot the router.

10. Re‑initialize the Camera (Last Resort)

If all other steps fail, a full factory reset followed by a fresh setup may resolve the issue.

1. Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber.
2. Wait for the camera to reboot and enter setup mode.
3. Open the Netatmo SmartCam app and add the camera anew as described in section 6.
4. During the setup, confirm that the Wi‑Fi network selected matches the new router’s SSID and password.

11. Verify Connectivity

Once the camera re‑joins the network, confirm that it works as expected.

• In the app, the camera’s status should display Connected with a green LED indicator.
• Perform a live view test to ensure the video stream is stable.
• Check the motion‑detection notification settings; send a test alert to confirm notifications reach your phone.
• If you enabled port forwarding, attempt to access the camera from a device outside your home network.

12. Ongoing Maintenance Tips

• Keep firmware updated: Enable automatic updates in the app so the camera receives the latest security patches.
• Secure Wi‑Fi: Use WPA3 or WPA2‑PSK with a strong password; avoid WPS.
• Monitor network changes: Whenever you change router settings, verify that the camera’s IP remains within the DHCP range.
• Backup settings: The Netatmo app allows you to export camera settings; keep a copy in case of future upgrades.

13. Troubleshooting Common Errors

14. Final Thoughts

Restoring a Netatmo SmartCam Pro 2 after a router upgrade involves methodical checks of IP addresses, Wi‑Fi settings, router configuration, and device firmware. By following the steps above, most users can resolve connectivity problems within a short time frame. If the issue persists, consider contacting Netatmo support for advanced diagnostics.

With these practices in place, your SmartCam Pro 2 will continue to monitor your home seamlessly, even as your network evolves.