Why does my Philips Hue Secure camera keep needing setting up again?

The short answer

Re-pairing is straightforward but means fetching the camera down outdoors. Repeated re-pairing nearly always means the gadget is losing its place on the network, not that it is faulty.

What's happening underneath

Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 client, usually a single antenna, sending a steady video upload rather than short bursts. Safe to put on a separate IoT network once it is set up, as long as you accept you may lose local live view from the app.

Source: Manufacturer documentation

Try these, in this order

• • Remember the lights use their own radio through the bridge — the camera does not. Judge the Wi-Fi separately.
• • Check the upload speed as well as the signal.
• • Set it up in its final position, not next to the router.
• • Check the signal where the gadget actually lives, not where you're standing.
• • Move the router off the floor and out of any cupboard before buying anything.
• • Put the gadget and your phone on the same Wi-Fi name.
• • Restart the gadget before the router — it is quicker and it fixes more.

Setting it up again properly

• • Stand next to your router while you set it up, then move the gadget to where it lives.
• • Put your phone on the 2.4 GHz network name for the setup, or use one name for both bands so the phone can follow.
• • If your router splits bands into two names, turn the 5 GHz one off for five minutes rather than fighting it.
• • Turn mobile data off on your phone during setup — some apps quietly use it and never find the gadget.

When it's worth spending money

An access point on the nearest indoor wall, before replacing the camera.