We want your camera to work seamlessly and securely, so let’s walk through some best practices for setting it up!

We want your camera to work seamlessly and securely, so let&#x2019;s walk through some best practices for setting it up!&#xA0;<hr><h2 id="choosing-the-right-network">Choosing the Right Network</h2>&#x1F6AB; Avoid Guest Networks<ul><li>Guest networks often have isolation settings that block devices from communicating properly.</li></ul>&#x1F916; Avoid IoT-Specific NetworksSome routers offer a separate &#x201C;IoT&#x201D; network. While these are designed for smart devices, they can actually cause issues for Harbor products:&#xA0;<ul><li data-start="520" data-end="660">AP Isolation or P2P Blocking: These settings may be enabled by default, preventing your camera and monitor from communicating.&#xA0;</li><li data-start="520" data-end="660">2.4GHz-Only Limitation: IoT networks often only support 2.4GHz, which can result in lower video quality or slower link speeds compared to dual-band networks.</li></ul>For best results, connect your Harbor devices to a main password-protected Wi-Fi network with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz enabled.&#x1F512; Use a Secure Network<ul><li>Networks without passwords aren&#x2019;t supported yet. Set up a password-protected network for the best experience.</li></ul>&#x1F3E8; Don&apos;t try to connect to Hotel networks <ul><li>Use Direct Mode for scenarios when you&apos;re traveling in a hotel. In the future we may enable a feature to connect the system to hotel networks, but right now it is not supported.</li></ul><hr><h2 id="-wi-fi-signal-strength">&#x1F4F6; Wi-Fi Signal Strength</h2>&#x1F4F1;See&#xA0;Signal Strength in the App<ul><li>Both the monitor and mobile app show your camera&apos;s Wi-Fi strength! This is based on the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), which measures the strength of the connection the Camera has established with your network.</li></ul>&#x1F4AA; Improve Your Signal Strength <ol><li>Move Your Network Device Closer: Place your network device (extender, router) within 20&#x2013;30 feet of your camera if possible.</li><li>Reduce Obstacles: Thick walls, mirrors, and metal objects can weaken the signal.</li><li>Elevate Your Network Device: Network devices work better when placed higher up, like on a shelf or desk.</li></ol><hr><h2 id="upcoming-improvements">Upcoming Improvements</h2>&#x1F389; Coming in February 2025&#xA0;(target) <ul><li>Self-Diagnose Network Issues: You&#x2019;ll be able to pinpoint problems and even tell your camera to connect to specific bands or network access points directly from the app.</li></ul>&#x1F6E0;&#xFE0F; Need Help Until Then?<ul><li>We can configure your camera to work with specific bands or access points remotely! Just reach out to our support team. &#x1F4BB;</li></ul><hr><h2 id="network-behavior-of-camera-vs-monitor">Network Behavior of Camera vs. Monitor</h2>&#x1F4CC; Cameras Are Stationary<ul><li>Since cameras usually stay in one spot, it&#x2019;s okay to pin them to a specific router or network device. This helps ensure a stable connection.</li></ul>&#x1F6B6;&#x200D;&#x2642;&#xFE0F; Monitors Need to Roam<ul><li>Your monitor is designed to move around the house. It will automatically roam between access points for uninterrupted video and audio.</li></ul><img src="https://attachments.gorgias.help/5k0Dw70qWjVxvoQA/hc/ZPB9rx1lJ47WVa3O/2025010920-b922e810-7503-4c0a-b3a2-08da620f9a64-harbor-banner.jpg" style="width: 683px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><hr><h2 id="advanced">Advanced</h2>&#x2699;&#xFE0F; Check AP Isolation Settings<ul><li>If your router has AP isolation enabled, your camera and monitor might struggle to connect. Disable it if possible. This setting can be labled other things like Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) or Peer-to-peer blocking (P2P).</li></ul><hr>&#x1F517; Want to Learn More About Connection Modes? Check out our guide to <a href="https://harbor.co/blogs/blog/understanding-your-harbor-baby-monitor-connectivity-options">Understanding Your Harbor Baby Monitor Connectivity Options</a> for an overview of how each mode works!<hr>&#x1F4F8; Following these tips will help ensure your camera and monitor deliver reliable performance. If you run into any issues or have questions, we&#x2019;re here to help! &#x1F9D1;&#x200D;&#x1F4BB;&#x2728;

Best Practices for Setting Up Your Camera's Wi-Fi

The Harbor Camera currently supports two connectivity modes: Standard & Direct. We are actively working on an additional connectivity method we call Anchored. The Camera and Monitor are connected securely to your home WiFi. In Direct, your Monitor is

The Harbor Camera currently supports two connectivity modes: Standard &amp; Direct. We are actively working on an additional connectivity method we call Anchored.<h2 id="standard">Standard</h2>The Camera and Monitor are connected securely to your home WiFi.<ul><li>Your data is private. We don&apos;t store or process any video or audio in our cloud unlike other products.</li><li>Remote connections from authorized viewers (that only you control &amp; authorize) are allowed. This is the only time your feed leaves your house - when an authorized viewer uses the Harbor app to view the feed from outside the house.</li><li>The range of your Monitor is at its greatest given it will go as far as your home WiFi extends.</li><li>Your Harbor system is capable of receiving critical updates</li><li>You can use the Harbor Remote Night Nanny services</li></ul><h2 id="direct">Direct</h2>In Direct, your Monitor is connected directly to the Camera. This is primarily used for travel scenarios where a standard WiFi network is not available. While in Standard mode, if your internet or WiFi cuts out (the WiFi network is completely unavailable) for an extended period of time, the system will revert to Direct mode.&#xA0;<ul><li>Can only support a single Camera connection.&#xA0;(see below on the plan to allow for more than one connection) </li><li>Range is limited (currently ~50ft).</li><li>Remote connections are not possible.</li><li>Local Mobile App connections are not possible.</li><li>System is not capable of receiving any updates.</li><li>You are not able to use the Harbor Remote Night Nanny services.</li></ul>Notes:<ul><li>We are working on increasing the range of Direct mode.</li><li>Later in 2025, we plan on allowing for more than one direct Camera connection</li><li id="isPasted">In the event of a power outage, your Camera will not work but you will receive notifications, including from your Monitor, unlike with app only systems. For safety, the Harbor Camera does not have a battery.</li></ul><h2 id="anchored">Anchored</h2>In Anchored, you are connected to your home WiFi still but remote connections to the Camera are disabled.&#xA0;<ul id="isPasted"><li>Just like with all other modes, your data is private.&#xA0;</li><li>Remote connections from even authorized viewers are disabled.</li><li>Mobile App is still capable of local connections (ie you must be on your home WiFi).</li><li id="isPasted">The range of your Monitor is at its greatest given it will go as far as your home WiFi extends.</li><li>System is capable of receiving updates.</li><li>You are not able to use the Harbor Remote Night Nanny services.</li></ul>

Connection Modes

OptimizationsFor Monitor roaming:Turn OFF WPA3Turn OFF Client steeringTurn ON UPnPNotesYou cannot specify which extender the Harbor Camera should communicate with

<h2 id="optimizations">Optimizations</h2><ul><li>For Monitor roaming:<ul><li>Turn OFF WPA3</li><li>Turn OFF Client steering</li><li>Turn ON UPnP</li></ul></li></ul><h2 id="notes">Notes</h2><ul><li>You cannot specify which extender the Harbor Camera should communicate with</li></ul>

Amazon eero

OptimizationsGeneralSet devices as "High Priority"For Camera:Using the "Connection Preference" option set the "Preferred Deco" to the once closest to the cameraFor Monitor roaming:Use WPA2 for faster roamingNotesYou can specify which extender the Har

<h2 id="optimizations">Optimizations</h2><ul><li>General<ul><li>Set devices as &quot;High Priority&quot;</li></ul></li><li>For Camera:<ul><li>Using the &quot;Connection Preference&quot; option set the &quot;Preferred Deco&quot; to the once closest to the camera</li></ul></li><li>For Monitor roaming:<ul><li>Use WPA2 for faster roaming</li></ul></li></ul><h2 id="notes">Notes</h2><ul><li>You can specify which extender the Harbor Camera should communicate with to prevent it from roaming</li></ul>

TP-link Deco

Onboarding Your Harbor

Additional Cameras/Monitors

Remote Night Nanny

Harbor

Optimizing Your Connections

Setup & Technical

Unboxing & Setting Up the Harbor System

Additional Cameras or Monitors

Setup

Overview

Digital Picture Frame

Quick Tips for the Harbor Monitor

Harbor Monitor

Live

Camera Settings

Moments

People

Care

Harbor iPhone Mobile App

Data Resetting the Harbor Camera

How to Achieve the Best Image Quality with Harbor

Troubleshooting

Do you offer refunds or exchanges?

Order Inquiries

How does Harbor pricing compare to Nanit?

How do I pay with my HSA/FSA?

Do I have to pay a separate subscription if using more than one camera/using the device for more than one child?

How do I buy this as a gift?

What is the return/exchange policy?

Pricing

General FAQs

Who are the RNNs?

How are your RNNs different from a Traditional Night Nanny (that takes care of overnight feeds/changes/etc)?