Bird Buddy setup and Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi requirements and setup

• No local storage - internet connection required.
• 802.11 b/g/n, WPA2. Nature Cam: 2.4 GHz only. Birdbuddy Home: 2.4 and 5 GHz. Birdbuddy Nook: 2.4 GHz (works on dual-band networks broadcasting both, not 5 GHz-only).
• Range test: wherever the phone has Wi-Fi, Birdbuddy should too; Weak/Medium in the app is fine if stable.
• Bluetooth only needed for pairing; Android needs location services on for Bluetooth.
• Pairing is done in the Birdbuddy app, not in phone Bluetooth settings.
• Wi-Fi connection can take up to 5 minutes; do not leave the screen.
• Birdbuddy Home: WPA3 not supported; if password rejected, copy/paste it and check WPA2.

Source: support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com

Camera cannot connect to Wi-Fi

1. Do not pair while the module is plugged in (charging mode can cause failure).
2. Check router/internet works in the phone browser; phone on the same network.
3. Use 2.4 GHz; WPA2; network must not be hidden; if no password, enter any characters instead of leaving blank.
4. Dual-band/mesh: WPA2 and, if needed, a separate 2.4 GHz SSID.
5. Guest or IoT network on 2.4 GHz with WPA2 solves many issues.
6. Test with a mobile hotspot (iPhone: 'Maximize Compatibility'); update firmware via hotspot, then reconnect to home network.
7. Known issue with routers using HomePass or similar privacy apps (separate article).
8. Still failing: chat with support, give ISP, router brand/model, firewalls, VPN.

Source: support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com

Wi-Fi strength test error (one bar repeatedly)

1. Turn module off (press 2 s until solid red) and on (press 1 s, solid green 3 s); tap 'Try again'.
2. Move setup closer to the access point.
3. If it keeps failing the access point is not strong enough - ask ISP about extending range; then remove from phone Bluetooth list, remove feeder from app, factory reset, pair again.

Source: support.mybirdbuddy.com

Birdbuddy offline

1. Swipe down on the settings screen a few times to refresh status.
2. Turn module off (button 2 s, solid red), wait at least 1 minute and reboot the router meanwhile, turn on (1 s, solid green 3 s).
3. Else re-pair: charge fully (2-4 h), remove 'BUDDY' from phone Bluetooth list, factory reset, wait for blue light (semi-dark room), app > Cameras > Add a Birdbuddy.
4. Birdbuddy Home: remove and reinsert camera (green LED + chirp); if none, charge battery insert 4 h and reinsert.
5. Still offline: chat with support.

Source: support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com

Factory reset

Changing Wi-Fi or account requires reset + re-pairing; photos and Collections are kept (stored in the cloud).

Birdbuddy Pro (Nature Cam)

1. Remove 'BUDDY' from the phone's Bluetooth list first (if listed).
2. Press and hold the button: solid red (after 2 s), then blinking red (after about 6 s, speeding up for 4 s), then solid red again for 2 s - release. Releasing during blinking aborts the reset; holding past the second solid red may make it fail.
3. Module turns on (brief green) and blinks blue = ready to pair.

Birdbuddy Home and Nook

1. No physical reset button; reset in app: Cameras > feeder Settings > Factory reset; phone near feeder with Bluetooth on.
2. Remove and reinsert the camera module when prompted; confirm 'Remove now'.

Source: support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com

Postcard issues ('taking postcards' but none arrive, missed birds)

1. Fill seed tray to the brim; improve lighting/orientation; give birds time to get used to the feeder (days or weeks).
2. Keep firmware updated; set correct location for ID.
3. Clean lens with a dry cloth (rain mud, obstruction).
4. Remove constantly moving objects in view (fluttering leaves) that disturb the sensitive sensor.
5. If live stream works, the camera works; if no photos for several days despite visitors, chat with support.

Source: support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com, support.mybirdbuddy.com

Photo quality problems

1. Blurry: raindrops splashed from the perch, dust, fingerprints; avoid towels washed with fabric softener.
2. Lens cleaning: brush off debris with soft lint-free cloth, wipe with clean microfiber/eyeglass cloth; no paper towels, napkins, sponges, window spray, alcohol or strong chemicals; check with 'Start livestream'.
3. Dark: avoid full shade and dark backgrounds; check live stream at different times of day.
4. Glare: avoid direct morning/evening sun into the lens and reflective surfaces like windows.
5. Pixelated: weak Wi-Fi (move closer) or low light.

Source: support.mybirdbuddy.com